Review: Brisbaret

Brisbaret took a short pause after celebrating a second birthday toward the end of 2022. But I am delighted to confirm that Brisbaret is back. I can see why Brisbaret is a popular feature in the Brisbane arts scene, as a firmly local platform for a wide variety of music, comedy, drag, and cabaret artists. Variety is a tried and tested format—at its finest when hosted by talented MC’s, who program an eclectic collection of invited artists and keep the evening on track.

Sophie Banister and Thien Pham, Brisbaret co-creators and MC’s, have a success on their hands. The March 2023 Queensland Cabaret Festival Brisbaret show featured five excellent guest acts—and the talented MC musical comedy duo was on fire. Sadly this was a one-night-only show in the Cabfest ‘23 program (although the opening video is still available online). But it’s great to see that the fearless musical comedy duo and creators of Brisbaret will soon be back, as Brisbaret features in the May 2023 Brisbane Comedy Festival program.

I really enjoyed the Brisbaret Cabfest 23 program, which starred The View From Madeleines Couch. Led by Anje West and Kym Ambrose, this ensemble is renowned for its evocative bossa nova sounds. I was delighted that their short set included the touching Meu Anjo—and a definite bonus was that they remained on stage for the rest of the evening, acting as the Brisbaret house band.

Banister and Pham then returned to the stage, with the four-kid ‘family deal’ challenges—possibly my favourite piece by the MC’s (although the Emotions number came a close second). And the comedy continued with two short sets from Taylor Edwards. I preferred Edwards’ UBD-inspired riff, but the Jacaranda number was light-hearted and caused much additional amusement when Bannister and Pham later cleared the fallen ‘flowers.’

Two of the remaining acts featured in this particular Brisbaret program were established Brisbane drag performers. Wilhelmina was a last-minute addition to the program. Describing themselves as a “g-banger with a personality,” Wilhelmina has a powerful stage presence: great lipsynch, plenty of sass, and some of the highest kicks I have seen in a long time. Gogo Bumhole was described in the Brisbaret promotion as a ‘drag gremlin plucked out of the dreams of all grotty little children everywhere, and slammed onto every queer stage.’ I’d describe Gogo as having great stage presence, with the impressive ability to transform the audience into the backing dancers/co-performers of a fabulous rendition of I Like the Way You Move. I think it’s going to be a long time before I forget that one.

For me the highlight of the whole evening was the performance by Menaka Thomas. Menaka’s fusion of traditional Indian vocals with contemporary and other world influences, was a compelling blend of East and West—made all the more special with the harmonies and musical talents of Meg Burstow (keys) and Tsoof Baras (handpan). I will definitely keep an eye out for future performances by this trio.

With any variety shows there can be items that don’t quite work, or perhaps would have benefited from being shorter. I loved the idea of the ‘No-Myer Myer Centre’ quiz, but felt that this just needed to be a little quicker. However, the benefit of any variety show is that MC’s can make changes ‘on the hoof,’ and the next act is soon onstage. And the benefit of having Banister and Pham act as MC’s is that audiences have the opportunity to see entertaining interludes that include the glorious ‘Emotions’ song (a very funny run through of how actors ‘emote’).

Brisbaret may have been a one night stand in the 2023 Queensland Cabaret Festival, but there is a cornucopia of delights still available, as the Cabfest 23 program runs until 16 April. And while you are thinking about what to see next, I have two further recommendations….

I recommend buying tickets for Brisbaret at the 2023 Brisbane Comedy Festival. Brisbaret is a winning format—featuring Banister and Pham’s beautifully observed musical comedy, interspersed with entertaining local acts; and
One of the very best places to see The View from Madeleines Couch has to be at Australian Modern…the good news is that tickets for their 2023 Anywhere Festival are now on sale.

Who says nothing ever happens in Brisbane?!

Catherine Lawrence

**Picture (L to R):** Thien Pham and Sophie Banister and Thien Pham (*Credit: Creative Futures Photography*)

Audience information: The Queensland Cabaret Brisbaret was a one-night only event (30 March 2023). However, the next Brisbaret is at the Brisbane Comedy Festival (5 May). 15+, loud music, sexual references, partial nudity. 90 minutes (no interval).

The reviewer attended the 30 March 2023 performance (7pm).

This review first appeared at Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane.

Geoff Lawrence