Club Cremorne

Conceived by QPAC last year to reunite eager artists and enthusiastic audiences after the too-long closure of theatres, Club Cremorne is back by popular demand – the debut season in 2020 was a block of sold-out shows. This snazzy showcase of local, world-class talent is a welcome way to get back to the theatre and have some fun. With club-style table seating and a bar open throughout the performance, Club Cremorne provides excellent date-night or friends-out-together fun – a little bit cheeky and a whole lot entertaining. This is a unique theatrical experience that you won’t find anywhere else – a chance to catch some of our world-renowned and award-winning locally based talent before they all hit the road or head back overseas to the festival circuits that usually keep them away from Queensland. As well as regular performers, Club Cremorne’s stage will be graced by special guest artists across the season.

From the opening poem and gorgeous ‘Back to the Motherland’ song by rapper and singer Sachém, the mood is welcoming – and each of the performers to follow are showstoppers in their own right – with extraordinary skillsets. The show is presented by accomplished MC, and accolade-attracting Melbourne Comedy Festival stalwart, the very funny Damien Power – whose street smarts and worldly wisdom target human traits like a hornet buzzing a picnic. I’m delighted that Damien is from Toowoomba – his outside-the-city perspective adds a distinct comic edge. Also close to home, Ipswich-based and as-seen-on-TV comic, Mel Buttle, continues the suburban observational comedy with a refreshing stand-up set featuring her hilarious take on the state school system and modern parenting (as only an ex-teacher can articulate), and posh ‘doodle’ dog walkers (as only the owner of an RSPCA rescue Bull Arab would dare). You will definitely need to catch your breath before gasping in amazement at the superb acrobatic skills of internationally accomplished artists, Mayu Muto on the hanging rope, Phoebe Armstrong on the trapeze, and Chelsea McGuffin on the high wire. There’s no circus tent to block your view – this skilled work is presented up close and personal. And get ready for entrancing modern burlesque with a twist – presented by the stunning Jacqueline Furey, who manages her own mix of comedy, surrealism, striptease and sword-swallowing. You have been warned: don’t choke on your cocktails! Beat Boxing brilliance from Tom Thum provides an astounding closer. His vocal loops and expectation-defying set of sounds takes your ears on a journey of audio postcards from around the world – from sitar to synth, it’s world music from the safety of your theatre seat.

QPAC’s technical and stage management team deserves a mention as, despite having to rig high wires between acts, the show is a seamless presentation that doesn’t miss a beat. And the lighting and seating arrangement works with the in-house bar to create a cabaret club vibe. Programming Director, John Glenn, and the QPAC team have put together an exceptional group of performers who might normally be experienced through multiple shows over many months. Club Cremorne is a mini-taster, introducing you to incredible and diverse talents in one hour-long showcase – it’s the perfect way to get your entertainment calendar back on track, gather up your friends and join an exclusive club for a totally novel night out.  

Beth Keehn

Images: Damien Power, Mayu Muto and  Jacqueline Furey. Photographer: Darren Thomas