Tash York’s Chaos Cabaret coming to Adelaide
Adelaide Fringe has long been famous for pushing boundaries, launching rising talent, and inviting audiences into a world where anything can happen. This year, one show is ready to ramp up the frenzy to a whole new level: enter Tash York and her brand-new spectacular, CHAOS CABARET. Making its exciting debut at Adelaide Fringe 2025 in Gluttony, this improvised variety game show promises to upend everything you thought a Fringe performance could be. With multiple award-winning productions and a reputation for being delightfully unpredictable, Tash York brings her signature wit, charm, and powerhouse vocals to a stage brimming with drag, cabaret, circus, and burlesque artistry. If you’re a fan of music, mayhem, and having a direct say in what happens on stage, you’re in for a real treat.
Photo: Mark Gambino
What is CHAOS CABARET?
CHAOS CABARET is not your usual Fringe show. Instead of a neatly rehearsed run with a predictable format, it’s a thrilling, no-holds-barred competition that sees three different Fringe stars battle it out across three improvised rounds every single night. Think of it as a high-stakes variety showdown, hosted by the irrepressible Tash York, who you might recognise from her standout appearances in AFTER HOURS CABARET CLUB, HAPPY HOUR, and the much-loved Shrek-inspired burlesque parody, SWAMPLESQUE. The catch? None of the performers have a script to follow or a clue about what comes next.
Each night, surprises range from audience cues thrown at the performers at random, to challenges like a ‘Lip-Sync with a twist,’ in which the usual pop-star illusions could be shattered by comedic obstacles—perhaps circus props, bizarre costume changes, or even a surprise cameo by another Fringe favourite. Above all, audiences get to influence the night’s chaos, cheering on their favourite act and, crucially, helping to decide the night’s ultimate CHAOS CABARET champion.
A Powerhouse Named Tash York
At the core of CHAOS CABARET is Tash York, a force of nature with a stage presence that can only be described as unforgettable. Hailed as the “Queen of Australian Comedy Cabaret” by Glam Adelaide, she has racked up awards and accolades worldwide, performing at festivals such as Edinburgh Fringe, Perth Fringe World, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Known for her powerhouse vocals, sharp improvisational skills, and a talent for balancing edge-of-your-seat hilarity with genuine heart, Tash York has become a mainstay on the cabaret circuit.
Her background is as varied and irreverent as her shows—she’s part singer, part comedian, part improviser, and possibly part wizard of chaos. It’s easy to see why she’s also a highly sought-after emcee, having worked with Briefs, Sydney World Pride, and the Sydney Mardi Gras, among others. If you’ve ever been in the audience for one of her hit productions—like LOVE THAT FOR YOU! or ADULTING—you know that she’s got a knack for making you laugh, gasp, and question your life choices, all within the same five minutes. Now, with CHAOS CABARET, she’s taken that signature blend of comedic brilliance and musical prowess to create something entirely new: a show that’s shaped as much by the audience as it is by the cast.
Why “Chaos”?
The clue is in the name. CHAOS CABARET thrives on unpredictability and spontaneity. Think of it as a high-wire act without a safety net, where the performers can’t bank on well-practised choreography or a meticulously planned script. Instead, they must rely on their quick wits, flair for improvisation, and the goodwill (or playful mischief) of the crowd. Every sequence is unscripted, every challenge unplanned, and that’s exactly what makes it so thrilling. Given the broad array of talents on display—from drag and cabaret to circus and burlesque—each night can veer in wildly different directions.
This approach taps into the heart of Fringe culture: pushing conventional boundaries, celebrating creativity, and taking artistic risks. Some of the best Fringe moments come from those unforeseen slip-ups, impromptu ad-libs, or accidental bits of genius that would never arise in a rigidly rehearsed show. CHAOS CABARET doesn’t just accept those moments—it makes them the focal point. And while the thrill is real for the performers, it’s the audience that truly reaps the rewards, witnessing unpolished comedic gems and musical mash-ups that they’ll never see repeated again.
A Rotating Roster of Fringe Favourites
Though Tash York is the unshakeable anchor (and ringmaster of mischief), each performance of CHAOS CABARET welcomes a rotating cast of guest stars. Expect to see memorable acts such as Memphis Mae, Trigger Happy, Kitty Obsidian, Millicent Sarre, and plenty more. Each guest brings a unique background—maybe a penchant for contortion, a talent for fire twirling, or a comedic style that can only be described as dangerously hilarious. The result is a variety spectacle that keeps evolving night after night, ensuring that no two shows are alike.
This ever-changing lineup also means you could find yourself sitting next to super fans who’ve returned multiple times, keen to see how different performers fare in the improvised gauntlet. Fringe-goers love that sense of spontaneity—like they’re gambling on the intangible thrill of watching a performer scramble to craft a brand-new act on the fly. And with each new competitor comes new possibilities: the comedic banter shifts, the alliances and rivalries take unexpected turns, and the outcome is anyone’s guess. One night, a comedic drag duo might steal the show with a side-splitting improv routine. The next evening, a powerhouse vocalist might triumph, leaving the crowd in stunned silence. It’s an entertainment lottery, and everyone’s a winner.
The Role of the Audience
One of the most refreshing elements of CHAOS CABARET is how it actively involves the audience in shaping the outcome. Here, you won’t simply observe the spectacle from a distance. Tash York encourages—and sometimes gleefully demands—audience participation in every step of the process. You could be called upon to toss out random prompts like “You’re a penguin stuck on the Titanic” or “You have to sing like Elvis with hiccups,” which performers must then integrate into their routines. You might find yourself shouting out suggestions for theme songs, or possibly deciding who enters the final ‘Lip-Sync with a twist.’
This blend of performer skill and audience creativity ensures the show never feels stale. It’s also a testament to the calibre of the artists involved: not everyone can seamlessly transition from a sultry burlesque number to a comedic take on My Heart Will Go On—while wearing clown shoes—without skipping a beat. If you’re the type who enjoys being part of the action but prefers the safety of your own seat, fear not. Audience members are never forced into the spotlight (unless they’re eager for it). But if you do feel brave enough to toss out suggestions, you might just alter the trajectory of the night—giving you ultimate bragging rights when you’re recounting the show to friends over a late-night pizza.
Cabaret Culture, Adelaide Style
Adelaide Fringe has become one of the largest arts festivals in the world, famous for its eclectic vibe and welcoming spirit. The festival city thrives on the ethos that “the wilder, the better,” drawing performers from every corner of the globe. CHAOS CABARET slots perfectly into this culture, offering a space where drag royalty, circus acrobats, and comedic virtuosos can collide to create something brand new. Gluttony, as a popular Fringe hub, attracts hordes of theatre devotees and curious newcomers alike, providing the ideal environment for a show that embraces unpredictability.
Adelaide audiences are known for their enthusiastic support of innovative acts, and they’re quick to reward performers who entertain in unexpected ways. From comedic improvisers to boundary-pushing burlesque dancers, the city has played host to a staggering range of talent. CHAOS CABARET builds on this tradition of creative risk-taking, layering it with the comedic flair of Tash York’s signature hosting style. The result is a vibrant piece of live theatre that honours the festival’s legacy of being delightfully daring.
Though CHAOS CABARET is making its official debut in 2025, Tash York herself has been lauded in countless reviews for her earlier work. Publications have called her “the woman you’ll want to have a wine with,” underscoring her approachable stage persona. Fringe fans, meanwhile, have christened her their “favourite drunk aunty,” alluding to the raucous fun she brings to every performance.
In terms of variety game shows, Adelaide audiences have a history of flocking to anything that blends multiple art forms with a competitive edge. Fringe data indicates that shows featuring participatory elements often sell out faster, owing to their energetic vibe and the sense that, at any moment, the crowd could transform the evening’s narrative. Early previews of CHAOS CABARET have already generated word-of-mouth buzz, with insiders hinting at outlandish challenges and the possibility that each show could escalate into a glorious, comedic free-for-all. Judging by Tash York’s track record for producing sold-out seasons—like her runs with HAPPY HOUR or the uproarious after-hours delight of AFTER HOURS CABARET CLUB—this new project is poised to become a must-see highlight of Adelaide Fringe 2025.
In a festival that thrives on originality and theatrical flair, CHAOS CABARET arrives as a breath of fresh air—albeit a breath laced with confetti, glitter, and the electric charge of competition. It reflects the spirit of Fringe as a creative playground where every performer has the chance to leap off the script and land somewhere exciting, comedic, or downright surreal. Under the ever-resourceful guidance of Tash York, it’s an invitation to set aside predictability and lean into spontaneity, co-creating a show that’s as alive, flawed, and fabulous as the people watching it.
If you’re heading to Adelaide Fringe 2025 looking for something you won’t find in a typical playhouse—something that invites you to revel in the chaos alongside the performers—CHAOS CABARET should shoot to the top of your list. Expect to leave the venue brimming with adrenaline, possibly humming a misremembered show tune, and replaying the night’s outrageous highlights in your head. It’s the ultimate reflection of everything Adelaide Fringe stands for: creativity unbound, shared hilarity, and the communal joy of experiencing theatre that can only exist in that moment.
Catch the show at Gluttony, find a good seat, and hold on tight—there’s no telling what will happen next. But one thing is for certain: with Tash York at the helm, chaos has never been so utterly captivating.
Where: Bank SA Theatre, Gluttony, Adelaide Fringe 2025
When: 8.50pm | 11 – 23rd March 2025 (No Monday)
Tickets: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/Tash-Yorks-Chaos-Cabaret-af2025
