Under the Influence: Class of Cabaret Grads

Combining the friendly, funky feel of a jam session with an awareness of stagecraft and a hopeful eye cast toward a possible professional future, Under the Influence is a most worthwhile venture, aimed at showcasing Adelaide’s youthful cabaret talent in a setting where each can test their skills and refine their craft.

The nature of this presentation necessarily entails that the five performers (Lauren Greco, Beth Hubmayer, Kate Lewis, Ella Lawry and Jego Loreto), though sometimes vocalising all together in tandem, occasionally even contributing instrumentally to each other’s songs, are generally operating on individual wavelengths, with the end result that this is more of a variety show than a single coherent entity. One common denominator is Logan Watt, the versatile pianist providing what is predominantly the solo instrumental accompaniment.

There are many sweet and delicious moments here, along with some slight awkwardness (mainly in the storytelling that is such a strongly traditional aspect of cabaret) and questionable artistic decisions (such as rewriting a well-known and emotionally complex lyric into a straightforwardly sentimental personal family tribute). There is also bravery and creativity, along with some relatively routine choice of material and delivery, as well as undeniably superb comic energy and flair.

Ultimately, there is enough talent, variety, and promise here to make this a solidly enjoyable (and encouraging) afternoon for cabaret connoisseurs.

Anthony Vawser