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An all local cast of musicians, singers and dancers graced the stage of The Peacock theatre in the Salamanca Arts Centre to present Cabaret Showcase as part of Hobart’s Festival of Voices.

The program was hosted by Allison Farrow who had a warm rapport with the audience and is clearly passionate about supporting and promoting local arts and artists.

The Moonlight Aviators kicked off proceedings and were a welcome return to the stage twice more throughout the night. Their pieces were a combination of gorgeous vocals by Blythe Tait, quirky costumes and sweet choreography. Their final number “Mein Heir” from Cabaret requires a slightly more provocative adjective than sweet… Something along the lines of “flirtatious” or “sultry”. This little group had a nice diversity about its repertoire.

Chris Hamley did a Billy Joel mash-up, accompanied by Craig Wood on piano and vocal accompaniment. It was a put together with some consideration of a through line and the harmonies produced by the two men were lovely.

Rose Kokkoris had the audience in stitches especially with the way that she dealt with the well-meaning hecklers. After telling them to settle down a couple of times, she allowed them to get up and dance to her final number and as the applause continued at the end of her set, it was hugs all round for her ardent admirers. Kokkoris was friendly and informal and did a really angsty set full of Alanis Morisset and Gloria Gaynor.  

Comedian Annie Harvey was on the bill but replaced at the last minute by Tracey Cosgrove and we were not short-changed. Cosgrove kept the audience giggling the whole way through her self-deprecating set.

Despite taking a few notes in the darkened theatre, I missed the names of the two other artists who performed, but they were both ladies who presented pensive and meaningful sets with lovely vocals.

The Festival of Voices continues until 17 July 2016.


2016 Festival of Voices
Cabaret Showcase

Venue: Peacock Theatre | Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart
Date: 3 July 2016
Tickets: $30 – $20
Bookings: festivalofvoices.com