New Artistic Director

Image by Andrew Richey Photograph, Dolly dressed by Fool Clothing

Melbourne icon Dolly Diamond was today announced as Artistic Director for the 2017 Melbourne Cabaret Festival.

Originally from the UK, the much-loved performer has called Australia home since 2009. Dolly has had great success hosting and performing in live cabaret and at special events, festivals and for various charities around Australia, Europe and the UK. She replaces outgoing Artistic Director Mike McLeish.

Dolly says: “What an honour to be asked to be the Artistic Director for the Melbourne Cabaret Festival in 2017, what a long overdue honour.

“I've been involved since its conception, as an artist and as a punter. I've loved watching it grow over its relatively short life. I think it's incredible how quickly it's found its artistic niche and is continuing to entertain the masses year after year.”

“I'm looking forward to unearthing a lot of new talent for 2017, as well as inviting back some of the cabaret darlings we all know, love and admire. Like me, Melbourne loves its cabaret and this festival showcases the very best. It's an exciting time ahead and I'll do all I can to leave you all thoroughly entertained. That's a promise!”

City of Stonnington is returning as major partner of the Festival, ensuring the main focus of activity will be Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran.

The Festival has also today opened submissions for its 2017 season, which will be held Tuesday 20 June to Sunday 2 July. Submissions close at the end of November, which is much earlier than usual to enable us to better plan for the festival. We’re particularly keen to present new works by Victorian artists. Submit your show via this form.

Closing message from Artistic Director Mike McLeish

Glance over your shoulder just one more time, dab at the corner of your eye with your monikered handkerchief and then walk dramatically towards the horizon, because the 2016 Melbourne Cabaret Festival can now live only in our collective memories. I should probably give you some stats, but I’m going to give that a miss. Stats creep me out. Suffice to say, a whole bunch of truly excellent people braved some of the coldest winter nights that Melbourne has unleashed in recent memory to see a whole bunch of truly excellent shows. I was floored by the stuff I got to see. Literally. Those of you who helped back to my feet night after night will attest to that. (Thanks for that, by the way.)

My feelings of gratitude are mammoth. They are huge, wooly feelings with massive curved tusks. I don’t have the space here to do the dutiful thing and list everyone who is worthy of thanks. There are too many of you, and the festival could not and would not exist, or function, without any of you. Thank you, all. May the universe rain good fortune and happiness down upon you.

And finally, to the audience - to every last wonderful human who attended the festival - we are yours. We belong to you. It’s obvious, I know, but I wanted to remind you. The arts in this country right now is kind of like Michael J. Fox towards the end of Back To The Future when he’s trying to play guitar and he holds his hand up in front of his face and it begins to fade away. But you, you glorious people, are the courage and love of the McFlys; the courage and love that brings Marty back to life and lets him play.

So please, do come again.

You are the reason the arts will always survive.

Let us play for you.

And go and watch Back To The Future.