Melbourne Cabaret Festival takes a new approach in 2022

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

We did it!

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this pandemic flexing festival!

To our major partner the Stonnington City Council who placed its faith in us. We returned the favour by delivering a valuable creative experience and by droves of audience members being of crucial assistance to the re-emergence of Prahran traders following the lockdown.

To the ron and margaret dobell foundation whose unwavering support is simply unparalleled in this industry.

To Quest St Kilda Road, you go beyond being a straightforward accommodation partner to immersing yourselves and your guests into the festival experience, and we appreciate you all the more for it.

To the team at Chapel Off Chapel, who not only rose to the challenge of totally overhauling the festival ticketing a week out to cope with covid’s twists and turns … but who did so with professionalism, humour and class.

To our ‘friends of the festival’ and dozens of new donors who answered the call for urgent financial assistance, you buffered us against the uncertainties we’ve faced. This victory is yours too.

To our in-house team of techs, front-of-house, design and publicity: we hope you’re taking a well-deserved rest after the gruelling week. Thank you for being our dependable rock.

To our cabaret performers and musicians: Our ears are still drumming from multiple standing ovations, sold-out shows and rave reviews. There were so many ‘wow’ factors audiences will cherish for years to come. A lasting memory for us is the pure joy each of you expressed at finally being back on stage.

Covid’s challenges are ongoing, but for a brief moment in time we were all able to deftly flex around those challenges and stage a momentous festival. Thank you one and all.