Choose Your Own Variety Online with Ali McGregor

Arts Centre Melbourne is helping audiences plan for Friday nights in lockdown by presenting Melbourne cabaret queen Ali McGregor in the adventurous Choose Your Own Variety with Ali McGregor.

Ali will host online performances on Friday 21 and 28 August at 7:30pm in her infamous variety style – but this time with a twist. Much like the Choose Your Own Adventure books of the ’80s, audiences will have the power to choose which act to watch next and access some hidden content. A top hat icon will appear at various points in the interactive experience, and when clicked on audiences will be able to view encore performances, extra songs, stories and random musings.

Over the two episodes Ali will be joined by a top-notch line-up of comedians, cabaret stars and burlesque artists including Sammy J, Cal Wilson, Zoë Coombs Marr, Thando, Gillian Cosgriff, Dane Simpson, Die Roten Punkte, Lily Paskas, Michelle Braiser and Holly Durant.

In the first episode,  Thando reminds audiences why she is Australia's foremost soul singer-songwriter; Cal Wilson introduces her comedic character 'Adele' coming live from the crawl space in her cousin’s attic; Lily Paskas presents a Girl Guides lesson in magic; comedian and killer vocalist Michelle Braiser treats the audience to songs about the summer of youth and also reveals how to bathe in a bucket; and while Germany's favourite punk popstar Otto (of Die Roten Punkte) is missing his band-mate Astrid in lockdown, Astrid has just gone missing... 

Then for the second episode, watch Zoë Coombs Marr’s unique take on a TEDx talk; hear Gillian Cosgriff sing an ode to her silent crush; experience Dane Simpson give a tour of his 'House of Pun' in Wagga Wagga; see performance artist Holly Durant share a captivating, ethereal and meditative piece called 'Chandelier' from her garage; and last but not least, enjoy musical comedian Sammy J performing original songs, including a special duet with Ali.  

Together, they all find a new way to bring the live cabaret experience to audiences from their own homes. With each episode available to stream on demand for two weeks, audiences will love what Ali has in store for them.

Creative Team

Host, Singer & Creative Producer: Ali McGregor                                  
Musical Director & Keyboards: Sam Keevers                          
Bass: Tamara Murphy              
Drums: Hugh Harvey    
Executive Producer: Wendy Richards               
Cinematographer: Simon Green

Arts Centre Melbourne announced it had postponed welcoming visitors back to its venues in accordance with the most recent Victorian Government guidelines on COVID-19. The ghost lights will stay on a little longer as Arts Centre Melbourne focuses on finding new ways to engage with audiences, including the digital online hub – Together With You. For more information including; bookings for free and ticketed events, Arts Centre Melbourne’s health and safety policies, as well as additional digital content and experiences visit artscentremelbourne.com.au

Arts Centre Melbourne, in association with Ali McGregor and Working Management, presents
Choose Your Own Variety with Ali McGregor
Streaming on 21 & 28 August | 7:30pm
Duration: as long as you choose!
For more information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au