The Melbourne Cabaret Festival will not proceed in its usual two-week June format this year due to the possible impacts of Covid.

After careful analysis of our budget, the real risk of key performers catching Covid and having to cancel shows would potentially wipe us out financially. In the recent Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 17% of shows were forced to cancel performances.

Chair of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival, Ron Dobell, explained “Like comedy, cabaret shows are reliant on key performers who can’t be replaced – unlike, for example, a classical concert or music theatre show where ‘swing’ roles step up to fill the vacancy.”

Despite our lobbying, the Victorian State Government’s Covid Event Insurance product only provides cover if the event has to be cancelled or held at reduced capacity due to government restrictions being imposed. Mr Dobell said “The scheme is not fit-for-purpose as it does not address the reason why so many shows are currently cancelling.”

“There’s no doubt Covid has hit us hard. After being forced to cancel in 2020 and severely curtailing our program in 2021 due to government restrictions, we were hoping for better support in 2022,” he said.

However, rather than cancel the festival altogether this we year we are planning a series of individual and smaller scale events throughout the latter half of the year, where the financial risks of potential Covid exposure can be minimised. “We’re in discussions with various partners and venues across Victoria and would welcome expressions of interest from others,” he said. Performers can submit here.

Donations to the not-for-profit Melbourne Cabaret Festival are tax-deducible. Donate today via melbournecabaret.com/donate-now