Your new Artistic Director

Star of ‘Keating the Musical’ and seasoned cabaret performer, Mike McLeish is the new Artistic Director of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival.

Mike says: “I couldn't be more excited to be stepping in to the role of Artistic Director for the Melbourne Cabaret Festival. I am genuinely thrilled and immensely proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of what has quickly become a welcome fixture on our fair city's overflowing festival calendar.”

“The amount that David Read and Neville Sice have contributed to cabaret in this city (and this country!) is inestimable. The chance to work with them to take this festival to new and greater heights gives me the best kind of goosebumps.”

“Plus, as has always been the case, the calibre and sheer depth of talent on offer in Melbourne is astounding, and to be in a position that allows me to help unleash that talent onto audiences fills me with a feverish delight.”

Outgoing AD David Read, who founded the festival with Neville Sice six years ago, has overseen a quadrupling of the festival’s size. He will stay on as a director of the not-for-profit Melbourne Cabaret Limited.

David says: “It’s been an absolute privilege working with performers, producers and the festival team to deliver a festival which consistently punches above its weight. While I'll continue to help the festival develop, I'm also looking forward to the growing opportunities in my publicity business Hot Ticket PR.”