It’s a question Shelley Spencer often gets: Where on earth did she find her talented performers?
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Matthew Garwood – “The Tattooed Tenor –, comedian Kerri Gay, professional ballroom dancers Lily Cornish and Michael Wilson, and blues and roots/country singer-songwriter Luke Parry all feature in the extensive line-up.
“People always ask if they’re flown over because they’re so talented,” Ms Spencer said.
“People think they’re from somewhere else.”
But the Champagne Cabaret director takes pleasure in letting them know the cast are all from Tasmania.
“It’s a special cast,” Ms Spencer said.
When Ms Spencer started out in the arts industry as a performer, she found there weren’t as many opportunities.
She decided to start up Minx Dance Company to foster Tasmanian performers.
It also encouraged her to set up the cabaret show and showcase the talent of Tasmania, which has been running for about four years.
“It is basically a classy cabaret dinner show.”
This year’s show, ‘Champagne Cabaret’, will play at Country Club Tasmania this October, in its showroom.
She hoped the show would help to keep some Tasmanian talent in the state or encourage them to return.
However, it is not just a talented cast keeping the show alive.
A three-course meal is served as the performers take to the stage.
“It’s the only theatre-restaurant in Northern Tasmania … down here there is not much like it,” Ms Spencer said.
“You get to relax, have a meal, have a glass of champagne and enjoy the show.”
The audience can expect to hear an eclectic mix of modern music and theatre numbers
Tasmanian singing sensation Matthew Garwood has been in the national spotlight as a finalist on the hit television series “The Voice” and is also well recognised in the Tasmanian theatre scene.
This year named at the Tasmanian Theatre Awards as best male performer in a musical for his portrayal of Buddy Holly.
Not for the faint-hearted, Tasmanian comedian Kerri Gay would bring her fire-cracker humour into the mix, Ms Spencer said.
Professional dancers Lily Cornish and Michael Wilson will perform wickedly-fast, sensual routines to add some extra spice to the night.
“Be quick to buy tickets, because the calibre of who is in the show means it’s quick to sell-out,” Ms Spencer said.
“It sells out every year.”
- Minx Dance Company presents Champagne Cabaret on October 13 and 14 at Country Club Tasmania.
- Tickets for the dinner and show are only available on Friday, October 13, and can be purchased at TixTas.