Rhonda Burchmore: Red Hot and Saucy

Rhonda Burchmore’s Red Hot and Saucy show marks the debut of Sydney’s latest cabaret venture, Civic Cabaret. Billing itself as a ‘sophisticated cabaret’ venue and a natural successor to the Tilbury Hotel, the Civic has big ambitions. Happily for cabaret aficionados, it looks like the venue is up to the challenge.

Civic Cabaret
Civic Cabaret, Civic Hotel, Sydney

Wednesday, 21 October, 2009

Rhonda Burchmore’s Red Hot and Saucy show marks the debut of Sydney’s latest cabaret venture, Civic Cabaret. Billing itself as a ‘sophisticated cabaret’ venue and a natural successor to the Tilbury Hotel, the Civic has big ambitions. Happily for cabaret aficionados, it looks like the venue is up to the challenge.

I’ll be upfront and admit that I’ve never seen Burchmore live before. Seeing her up close and personal in the intimate space of the Civic Cabaret is quite an experience. Burchmore’s towering presence and powerful voice, her knack for naughtiness and enthusiasm for audience participation all make for an entertaining evening. Standards such as You Must have Been a Beautiful Baby, Help Me Rhonda and Material Girl are interwoven with lesser known numbers to produce a toe-tapping set. Her rendition of If I Can’t Sell It I’ll Sit on It is particularly memorable.

Burchmore’s backing trio are superb musicians, keeping up with Burchmore as she weaves through the audience, segueing from anecdote to song and back again. Burchmore herself is completely at ease with the audience. Her patter ranges form stories about her suburban origins to tales of hobnobbing overseas, all heavily spiced with raucous laughter and double-entendres. She is particularly fond of engaging with audience members on a very close, intimate level, so shy patrons would be advised to ask for a table up the back.

The venue itself is fabulous, intimate without feeling too crowded. Its art deco features give the room a classy, vintage vibe. The ‘fine dining’ aspect of the evening doesn’t disappoint. The two courses included in the ticket price are mouth-watering, with an emphasis on Greek-inspired dishes. Chef Peter Conistos’ take on staples such as moussaka is superb.

Once Burchmore wraps up next week she’ll be followed by Grace Knight and Tom Burlinson. If Civic Cabaret manages to keep the standard up with the food, service and talent, things look positive for Cabaret devotees. Going by the audience’s enthusiasm, this is a much-welcome addition to the Sydney entertainment scene.

Bookings: (02) 132 849

Showing on October 22, 28-29 2009