Debuting in her first Sydney Festival show, acclaimed screen and theatre actor/singer Natalie Abbott performs with her heart on her sleeve with her new show.
BAD HAND is is a theatrical cabaret story of grief, love, wisdom and a touch of dark humour. Emphasising we can’t always choose the hand we are dealt in life. Supported by the outstanding four strong band: music director/pianist Ben Kiehne, guitarist Rhys Fuller, Drummer Alysa Portelli and bass player Dom Cabus.
At the edge of the stage the audience are seated in dim lit cabaret style seating as we hear a story begin to unfold through song and guitar. Smiling through almost every word, Natalie instantly engages the audience singing in pitch perfect vocals meant for the stage. Guiding us through the story, smiles bounce back and forth between the audience as you can’t help laugh along in absolute relatability. With songs from Tina Arena, stories of life purpose, to comedic skit scenes from the movie Bridesmaids.
Leading us cleverly into the sentimental and heartfelt undertone of tonights show, Natalie plays the audio conversation between her and her grandmother about life. Fine tuning us for Natalies story of love, loss and grief. Tears fall and tissues are clutched as we listen to the punchline of tonights’ show with mesmerising vocals as part of an ode to her late partner.
Receiving a standing ovation on her Saturday night performance, the grateful and excited audience chimes into a sing-a-long encore musical number, We are all going to die some day, tying Natalie’s story together in one last dash of dark humour.
The night revealed her live entertainment skills in theatrical story telling, performance, vocal range and musical talent. The opportunity to witness Natalie express her talents with a personal story in the performance, BAD HAND is a moment in her career not to be missed.
The Australian star has more recently acted in the acclaimed feature film, The Deb, along side international actor Rebel Wilson and performed in national theatre performances such as Muriels Wedding the Musical (as Muriel) and The Lovers.
Natalie Abbott’s BAD HAND played the Wharf 1 theatre at the Sydney Theatre Company as part of The Sydney Festival on the 15th & 17th of January 2026.
