Five Must-See Shows at the Queensland Cabaret Festival 2016

If you’ve ever wanted to see Mr Burns sing, here’s your chance. Okay, so Harry Shearer probably won’t actually belt out ‘See My Vest‘ or ‘We Do (The Stonecutter’s Song)‘, however getting to witness the man who gives provides Springfield’s most ruthless millionaire with his voice live and in the flesh is still worth the price of admission.

The multitalented Shearer, who also starred in This is Spinal Tap, isn’t the only attraction here. He’s sharing the stage with his real-life partner Judith Owen, and tackling topics of fame, celebrity, politics, religion and relationships through song. In the words of a certain power plant owner: excellent.

If you were a child of the ’80s, you either wanted to be Molly Ringwald or be with her. If you were a child of the ’90s or ’00s, as long as you saw The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink or Sixteen Candles, you probably wanted to as well.

Sure, those dreams aren’t likely to become a reality — but you can spend an evening with the actress and singer instead. Bringing her nostalgic cabaret show to Brisbane, she’ll croon sultry tunes and charm entire rooms, and bust out a rendition of Simple Minds’ Don’t You (Forget About Me), too. Yes, her performance has proven so popular that there’s a waiting list for tickets, but this is one club you definitely want to be a member of.

The Oscars love her, moviegoers adore her — and no doubt, you do too. Alexandra Keddie certainly does. In fact, she’s so fond of the woman widely considered the best actress of her generation that she’s written a whole show about her obsession.

Of course, the object of Keddie’s affection is none other than Meryl Streep, and she’s clearly been harbouring her devotion for some time. Set from the perspective of a 17-year-old girl with dreams of following in Streep’s footsteps, I See Me & Meryl Streep not only steps through the thespian’s celebrated, multifaceted career, but into the shoes of her biggest fan. To the delight of Mamma Mia! aficionados everywhere, ABBA features heavily.

In the ’50s and ’60s, Sun Records’ name proved rather appropriate. Everything shone brightly at the little label from Memphis, Tennessee, which boasted some of music’s biggest names on its roster. Think Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison — and yes, that’s just the beginning.

Indeed, Sun’s founder Sam Phillips had a knack for spotting talent and the stories to prove it, with both informing Sun Rising – The Songs That Made Memphis. In fact, there are so many tales and tunes at the heart of this rock ‘n’ roll cabaret that you’re not just seeing a show — you’re getting a musical history lesson.

Every festival has a standout show, whether it’s a surprise hit or just something so quirky and comedic that no one can stop talking about it. At the 2015 Queensland Cabaret Festival, Warmwaters took that honour. Now, it’s back for another round.

Well, now they’re back, to be more accurate. If you’re not already acquainted with “the southern hemisphere’s most inspirational nu-folk duo”, aka Lena and Luke Warmwater, then here’s your chance to remedy the situation. That they’re the alter-egos of actor/comedian Bridget Boyle and playwright/songwriter David Megarrity might give you an idea of the cheeky folk fun that you’re in for.