Melbourne now has a successful festival dedicated to cabaret. More than 3,200 audience members attended performances over the six days – a solid start to what will become an annual event. A huge thank you for the many ways that many, many people contributed to an amazing festival.

One of the most satisfying elements of the festival for us was seeing the interaction of people from all walks of life, all soaking up the ‘vibe’ (as people continually referred to it). This audience diversity was achieved by diversity of programming, something we are keen to retain next year.

The vibe was set from the Opening Night Gala hosted by Alan Brough, with each audience member having their own ‘favourite’ from the night. The vibe then spilled over the next four night of cabaret entertainment, boosted by top quality food and bar experiences, music to smile by, four cosy, unique venues and a team of staff and volunteers whom dressed to impress and delivered extraordinary service.

The week was rounded off with a sold-out, moving and spectacular performance by Eddie Perfect, the Brodsky Quartet and students of the Australian National Academy of Music. This performance will be broadcast by ABC TV later in the year.

We hit just on 60% sales, with 14 of 41 shows sold out and many close to it – importantly we broke-even financially, which means we’ll be back next year.

Although not as widely publicised as the entertainment, thanks to the Ron & Margaret Dobell Foundation there was a professional development stream to the Festival which encompassed master classes and a panel discussion. We aim to strengthen this each year as the Festival develops.

We’d love to hear your feedback about the Festival – the good and the bits we can improve, and even who you’d like to see in next year’s line-up. Send your suggestions and comments to info@melbournecabaret.com. Also take a moment to sign up to our enewsletter – this will continue between Festivals with special offers from cabaret shows across Melbourne and updates on the Festival.

We’ll leave you with some unsolicited comments audiences made via facebook, twitter and emails direct to us.

Thank you,

David Read                         Neville Sice
Artistic Director                   Executive Producer

“Amazing night at the festival. Thank you for the awesome time, the foresight to know it could work, and the ability to see it through. You're doing Melbourne proud, well done.”

“Well done; you pulled off something AH-MAZING. really amazing”

“What a bloody fantastic night!!! I am LOVING Melb cabaret festival”

“Great job guys - it was magnificent!”

“The best night of my life”

“Went to Steve Ross last night at the Melbourne Cabaret Festival – what charm! pure class! – and boy can he tickle those ivories! – thanks Steve and thanks to the MCF for bringing a little bit of Manhattan sophistication to Melbourne :)”

“Melbourne Cabaret Festival-thank you for the magic. and to top it off tonight with the Brodsky quartet, Ian Graindage's exquisite arrangements and Eddie's musical brilliance, made all the more special bc of that rare humility that shines through his work-I am on a cloud.”

“Melbourne Cabaret Festival turning out really great. The South Melb Town Hall is a cracking venue with an excellent vibe and lovely rooms, and the shows are excellent and mostly sold out. Huzzah.”

 “The Melbourne Cabaret Festival set-up is literally awe-inspiring. Blown away.”

“The first ever Melbourne Cabaret Festival has had an incredible season with multiple sold-out shows.”

“just stepped into The Melbourne Cabaret festival.. Holy crap.. This is awesome.”