At the heart of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival lies more than sequins and spotlight—it’s a place where bold new voices are nurtured, where innovation is celebrated, and where the next generation of cabaret stars are born. This year, three standout events put the future of cabaret firmly centre stage, showcasing fresh talent, original works, and fearless storytelling.

Photo by: Frank Lynch.

Joanne Hartstone – The Smart Girl’s Guide to Breaking Up

Heartbreak has never sounded this harmonious. This year’s Frank Ford Commission winner, Joanne Hartstone, transforms personal pain into powerful performance in The Smart Girl’s Guide to Breaking Up. With her close friends Annie Slade and Jess Beck, this South Australian trio offers a heartfelt, harmony-rich self-help session for the broken-hearted. Think of it as part therapy, part girl group, and wholly uplifting. A brilliant example of local talent turning vulnerability into victory.

Photo by: Kieran Humphreys.

PRIMETIME by Millicent Sarre and Joseph Simons

What happens when you mix nostalgia, scandal, and showbiz satire? You get PRIMETIME, a dazzling in-development new Australian musical from Millicent Sarre (a Class of Cabaret alum) and Joseph Simons. Set around a fictional game show in 2005, this glitzy and cheeky story dives into the secrets behind the scenes of TV glamour. Presented as a special development showing, PRIMETIME continues the festival’s tradition of launching exciting new works—just like Shane Warne: The Musical, FANGIRLS, and The Fig Tree before it.

Photo by: Claudio Raschella.

Class of Cabaret

There’s no greater proof that the future is bright than the return of Class of Cabaret, now in its 16th year. Sixteen courageous high school students step onto the professional stage with original cabaret pieces that share their hopes, fears, and futures. With mentorship from industry pros Millicent Sarre and Mark Oates, this uplifting program is as much about growth as it is about performance. It’s raw, real, and absolutely inspiring.

These shows aren’t just performances – they’re powerful reminders that cabaret is constantly evolving, fuelled by fresh perspectives and fearless creativity. If you’re looking for something new, heartfelt, and unforgettable, this is where the future of cabaret begins.

More information from the 2025 Adelaide Cabaret Festival edition of WeekendPlus: