Come to the Cabaret: Melbourne Cabaret Festival opens tonight

Life is a cabaret old chum, so come to Melbourne’s cabaret!

The third annual Melbourne Cabaret Festival commences this evening with a Gala Opening at Chapel off Chapel.

Hosted by Sammy J and showcasing some of the incredible talent lined up for this year’s 10 day festival, the 90 minute showcase kicks of at 8pm and tickets are just $60.

A celebration of the cabaret art form, the 2012 Melbourne Cabaret festival is a not-for-profit event which is currently funded entirely through fundraising campaigns, its membership program, strategic sponsorships and ticket sales.

Even after achieving a 37% increase in audiences numbers in 2011, the festival was faced by a $15,000 budget shortfall this year. A crowdfunding campaign was launched on Pozible, and with support from Geoffrey Rush, Amanda Palmer, Paul Capsis, Sammy J & Randy and hundreds of others, over $18,000 was raised for this year’s festival.

With its roots in South Melbourne, the Festival is expanding this year to partner with venues across Melbourne including the Melbourne Recital Centre, Red Bennies, the Crimson Goat Cabaret Club at Ormond Hall and – in South Melbourne – The Butterfly Club and the new Bohemia Cabaret Club which is serving as a late night magnet for Festival audiences.

Over 100 performers will feature in 9 venues over the 10 day Festival and Melbourne’s is sure to be buzzing with excitement this week – who doesn’t love a festival?