Sunday Arts Magazine

3 Jun 2017

Interview:Dolly Diamond as Artistic Director of Melb Cabaret Fest

Arts, Arts Festival, Cabaret, Music, Performing Arts

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Interview:Dolly Diamond as Artistic Director of Melb Cabaret Fest

David and Brendan chat to JOY’s own Dolly Diamond who is also Artistic Director of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival 2017 which is on from 20 June to 2 July at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran.

Dolly made up her mind to go with ‘a very Australian flavour’ as she’s seen so much talent out there in the years she’s been working in this genre. She hasn’t been keen on the organising part but is brazening through with help from ‘David [Sice] and Neville [Read]’–the Executive Producers. Dolly talks about the producers and also cabaret itself–as a genre. She feels that there is more engagement and connection with an audience in a cabaret and, as it’s all in one venue this time, people can have a drink later and chat about it and maybe go to another show the same night. Also, the prices are very affordable.

A trend in this year’s festival is that there are many ‘tribute’ shows including: You’re My World-The Story of Cilla Black, Blue-The Songs of Joni Mitchell, Queen of Broadway-The Ethel Merman Story and Cyrens -The Swingin’ Songbook of Cy Coleman. Dolly talks about the very talented singers behind these shows. Dolly, of course is hosting the Opening Gala, on 20 June, which gives the audience a taste of everything AND has her own show The Lady is a Tramp.