Above : ‘Smashed’ cast- Courtney Act, Malia Walsh, Victoria Falconer, Karlee Misi, Tynga Williams and Bridget Rose. Featured image : Victoria Falconer. Photo credit: Jacquie Manning.

There is a new speakeasy opened up in the glitzy part of town. Down by the docks. If you get the low-down about  which door to go in this Sydney Festival,  you are in for a real treat. The Wharf Theatre One is home for this Sydney Festival classic cabaret bar until January 27. This bar and two stage space brings us a sizeable tranche de circus, a stunning line-up of brilliant broads, comedy, titillation, audience sharing the spotlight and  a perfect way to relax into 2024. Get yourself along to watch burning hot talent, physicality and entertainment with a great big heart.

Emcee and curator of this latest night time instalment in the ‘Smashed’ franchise is maestra Victoria Falconer. The collection of countless curiosities, audience tete a tete bits, rousing intros and commentary on the life we need to escape from are in firm, talented hands here.

Connection with the audience in any cabaret is key. Victoria Falconer lured us into this den of bawdy excellence with an instant warm rapport. Audience members seated at the front of the theatre around elegant cabaret tables instead of the rear raked seating received special, quick witted contact.

Above: Malia Walsh and selected audience member. Photo credit: Jacquie Manning.

The assembled troupe provided a great variety of acts and characters in their initial introduced spots. Seeing them appear several times afterwards in group or further solo spots was a welcome reinforcement of the talent assembled. Falconer was great musical support on several instruments as well as giving glitzy intros and winding up the crowd.

The show did go a fair distance over the advertised time in the Sydney Festival information. There were no complaints from the assembled crowd which was full of energy and response, truly having a great time. Perhaps some vox pop or audience participation segments could be streamlined to reach back to the seventy minute duration. But spontaneity and celebration of the talent and crowd energy should not be curtailed if it can be let flow naturally along.

Tynga Williams towered over the stage and any pedestal to give elegant and strong lip synced routines plus beautiful aerial work. Bridget Rose also wowed the warmed-up crowd with a suspended hoop routine. By the time Malia Walsh started her comedy sequences using hula hoop and audience participation the crowd was ready and receptive of her anything goes energy. Later fire-twirling and fire-eating moments from this consummate carny sensation were a thrill.

Above: Courtney Act. Photo credit: Jacquie Manning.

Divas and icons Lady Rizo, Courtney Act and Karlee Misi rounded out the high standard of entertainment for this must-see show at this much-needed venue. Rizo entered from the house, worked the crowd and brought her signature strong voice, flexible humour and great, conquering  stage presence to this festival venue and our shores.

Burlesque superstar Karlee Misi brought her expertise to tease in this venue’s appropriate vibe. Her costume shed had the audience reaction up in the stratosphere.

Courtney Act’s spot show was a personal reveal incorporating a stunning vocal soundtrack with Victoria Falconer, with a cleverly tweaked version of Cold Chisel’s ‘Cheap Wine’.  This honest, intelligent tale of love, lust and life moments lost reinforced why the integrity, voice and social comment from this polished, confronting storyteller is always welcome and necessary.

The Smashed club at Sydney’s Wharf Theatre One is enjoying a successful  transformation and location. The ‘Moonshine Bar’ across the way  is perfect for pre or post-show drinks. Check this spot out at Pier 2/3 complete with the Hi-Vis installation snaking its way brightly around the pier’s internal pylons.

Smashed: The Nightcap will be giving out a vibe we all crave this Festival month. It provides a perfect option with which to end any January and busy Sydney Festival event day. Don’t miss this chance to be entertained and inspired.