Claire's Petit Cabaret

BRENT THORPE
FRIDAY 2/MAY
Brent Thorpe is DADDY and he is making his debut at Claire’s Kitchen! After touring locally and internationally with his two shows DADDY and DON’T DROP THE SOAP! gathering spectacular reviews along the way, DADDY is premiering his first ever cabaret act. Ooh-Ahh. An exceptional storyteller and comedian, DADDY will transport you from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to San Francisco and beyond. And, DADDY will be showcasing a LOT of new material written especially for Claire’s. New characters! New songs! Always committed to ageing disgracefully and living by the motto ‘You are never too old to take a pill and dance on a podium in a jockstrap’ DADDY guarantees to inspire and entertain. This show is a MUST SEE! A celebration of life and taking a risk!
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GRANT NEWSOME
FRIDAY 9/MAY
Love, Lust and life
Grant takes us on a journey from his native Australia to Paris and Berlin, the cities in which he lived most of his 31 years in Europe.
Singing “Chansons Francaises” from Charles Aznavour, Gilbert Becaud and Jacques Brel, to beloved "Deutsche Kabarett, Pop and Schlager Lieder”, mixed with songs reminiscing his time in London and the continent.
He started his career in the Wrest Point Casino in Hobart, then afterwards on a Tokyo stage, which in turn would bring him to Europe to begin his international career, a great feat for “a boy from the bush”.
After working in a revue theatre in Barcelona he moved to Paris to perform in the “Lido”, and the “Moulin Rouge” (lead singer of the Revue “Formidable”), which were to be the foundation of his “Entertaining” style.
Grant then had a wonderful opportunity to perform in the most successful musical of all time, “Cats”, where he starred in Paris, Hamburg, and Zürich, playing all three lead male roles of Munkustrap, Rum Tum Tugger, and Gus.

BRIAN CASTELS-ONION
joined by Emma Castelli & Luke Gabb
SUNDAY 11/MAY
"LOSING THE PLOT IN OPERA"
Come along as Australia's most exciting opera conductor takes you on a journey through his amazing life in the crazy World of Opera.
Backstage stories and gossip abound as we glide through some important opera moments as well as the odd theatrical calamaty. This not your usual 'opera' concert ... and there won't be any "Nessun dorma" (unless you want to sing it yourself!) but with opera celebrities, Emma Castelli and Luke Gabbedy, we'll have a grand-old time
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Ian Warwick, Felicity Amos
with Nathaniel Kong on keys
FRIDAY 16/MAY
Paint the town red and join us for an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and mischief in this delightful cabaret! Soprano Felicity Amos, Baritone Ian Warwick, and pianist Nathaniel Kong will take you on a wild emotional rollercoaster ride through the titillating highs and miserable lows of modern dating.
With the best of Broadway show tunes, jazz standards, and the Hollywood movie musical, the night will be a musical exploration through the facets of love—relationships long and short (or the lack thereof), the casual dating scene, and navigating love and its many weird or wonderful iterations in today’s wicked world. With plenty of heartache, hilarity, and gorgeous music to tug at your heartstrings, this is a performance you won’t want to miss!

CHANTELLE ORMANDY
SATURDAY 17/MAY
Chantelle Ormandy is tickled pink to be back at Claire's Kitchen with a brand-new show that celebrates the power and beauty of iconic female voices in music. Joined by the talented Alice Hanna on piano, this performance pays tribute to the legendary artists who shaped the soundscape of modern music, including Roberta Flack, Joni Mitchell, Christine McVie, Eva Cassidy, Karen Carpenter, Barbra Streisand, Adele and more than a few surprises!
This show features a heartfelt collection of songs from these powerhouse women, including Carole King's “You’ve Got a Friend” and Janis Ian’s “At Seventeen,” each performed with sincerity, passion, and artistry. With Alice Hanna’s sublime piano playing and Chantelle’s captivating vocals, the performance captures the essence of these timeless classics while adding fresh depth and emotional resonance.
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JULIETTE BROWN & MAX SCHNEIDER
WEDNESDAY 21/MAY
Max is passionate about music, particularly musical theatre having performed with various local theatre Company's, doing musicals such as Strictly Ballroom the Musical, Pricilla queen of the desert and Pirates of Penzance. Max has also done school shows such as Rock of Ages, as Drew and in Grease, as Danny. He looks forward to playing Billy Flynn in The McDonald College’s production of Chicago next month.
Juliette thoroughly enjoys performing in musicals, and has performed in 14 different shows. Most recently, at Gosford Musical Society she has performed lead roles in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Popstars the 90s Musical, as well as at her school, The McDonald College, Matilda the Musical, and A Chorus Line. Other achievements include winning the McDonald College Vocal Competition in 2025
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JORDAN BERRY & LACHLAN CERAVOLO
THURSDAY 22/MAY
Great Expectations: A Potential Cabaret
Sit back and relax as we explore songs from characters who, much like the two performers you see before you, have lofty goals, emotional baggage and something to prove. From leading ladies to their quirky best friends, join us for a night of laughs and tears (hopefully yours) as we sing through some of the roles we hope to play in our careers.
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ASHLEE WOODGATE
FRIDAY 23/MAY
Diva Unleashed
She was trained to hit the high notes, to master the art of opera, to be the perfect prima donna. But tonight? She’s breaking all the rules.
From the very first note, she stuns with the power and precision of a true operatic star. But just when you think you know where this show is headed—boom! The corset comes off (metaphorically… mostly), and the music takes a turn. Pop anthems, jazz standards, and powerhouse ballads explode onto the stage as she proves that a voice built for opera can do anything.
Sultry, sassy, and full of surprises, this is a night of vocal fireworks, fearless reinvention, and a whole lot of fun. And just when you think she’s left opera behind for good—she’ll remind you why she’s still got the chops to bring the house down.
This isn’t just a concert. This is Diva Unleashed.

CATHERINE ALCORN
FRIDAY 30/MAY
Over the last 15 years, award-winning Australian artist Catherine Alcorn has been touring the world in her critically acclaimed show emulating the People’s Diva, Bette Midler, in The Divine Miss Bette.
Now, Alcorn returns with her brand new show “Midler and Me” sharing her stories of becoming Bette including her very first season in Wagga Wagga to multiple tours of the USA, being trained by the man who discovered Midler and, of course, her own personal connection to one of the most iconic entertainers of all time.

PENELOPE PETTIGREW & ANDREW CHARA
FRIDAY 6/JUNE
Pop Power Meets Piano Soul
When powerhouse pop diva PENELOPE joins forces with piano virtuoso and vocal chameleon ANDREW CHARA, expect a show that’s nothing short of electric. With over 30 years of combined experience lighting up stages across Australia and beyond, this dynamic duo brings together soulful keys, irresistible vocals, and a shared passion for live performance that turns every show into an unforgettable celebration.
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For one night only, PENELOPE and ANDREW will be honouring their two greatest musical inspirations—Barbra Streisand and Billy Joel—in a spectacular live tribute show that blends timeless classics with bold new energy. Expect powerhouse vocals, iconic ballads, sing-along anthems, and all the show-stopping charisma these two are known for

BRAD CARROLL
FRIDAY 13/JUNE
Brad is Back—A Broadway Playlist
After a sensational debut at Claire’s in 2023, Brad returns for an unforgettable night of music and storytelling. Experience his passion for Broadway as he takes you on a journey through a handpicked playlist of iconic shows, beloved artists, and personal moments from the heart of the Big Apple. Don’t miss this intimate and electrifying celebration of musical theatre!
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Brad has enjoyed teaching Music and Drama across the Catholic and Independent school systems, directing high quality school musicals such as The Lion King Jr, Beauty and the Beast Jr and TheWizard of Oz. Brad is thrilled to be able to step out from behind the curtain tonight to share some of his favourite stories through song.
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ALEX GONZALEZ & ETHAN BOURKE TUESDAY 17/JUNE
​ Ethan has performed in a variety of roles across theatre, film, and television. One of his most notable performances was portraying Henry Hinchliffe in the verbatim musical Beautiful Man, written by Alana Valentine. Most recently, he has taken the lead as producer of On Air Snack Bar, an exciting new podcast that offers an in-depth exploration of the Australian arts industry, featuring insightful conversations with key figures shaping the landscape.​
Alex’s theatre credits include Definitely Not A Hungry Game: A Parody Musical (Dramafreak Productions, Sydney Fringe Festival + Adelaide Fringe Festival), Ignite Before Christmas (Ignite Theatre Company), Carrie (Ignite Theatre Co.), Next to Normal (Whimsical Productions), Girl Shut Your Mouth (Theatre Travels), 1984: The Musical (Independent), Damn Yankees (Brent Street), The Drowsy Chaperone (MUSE) and Inner West Side: The Musical (UltraCult). In 2023, Alex began performing in regular improv comedy shows across Sydney and in 2024 became a victor of the Improv Comedy Cagefight Cup.

PAULA TERRY
FRIDAY 20/JUNE
Kings Cross to Kabukicho: A Wild Singer’s Tale
Kings Cross to Kabukicho – A Wild Singer’s Tale takes you on a wild, glamorous, and unexpected journey through the highs and lows of an Aussie singer’s life on the world stage. From smoky late-night gigs in Sydney’s infamous Kings Cross to the neon-drenched clubs of Tokyo’s Kabukicho, this show blends music and storytelling like no other. With songs from my Just Breakaway album (released through Toshiba EMI), iconic tracks from Konami’s Dance Dance Revolution, French classics from my childhood, and the sultry sounds of Tokyo’s underground scene, this is an unforgettable night of music, intrigue, and reinvention. Expect dazzling moments, jaw-dropping stories, and a celebration of a life that’s been anything but ordinary. Book now—because some stories have to be heard to be believed!
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ROB EASTERBROOK
THURSDAY 26/JUNE
THE SINGING TRAIN DRIVER
All aboard for a musical trip with Sydney’s only singing train driver. Rob will take you on a melodic journey via many different musical styles. While he will always treat you to a hearty dose of swing you might also stop at some unexpected stations along the way. Think Michael Bublé meets Michael Jackson via Van Morrison with a side of Peter Allen. Rob will drive you through a night of songs, stories and laughs, with perhaps a quick stop work meeting along the way so you can tuck in to the delicious food available. Rob has been singing and playing violin since the age of six, but now he is all grown up and has his licence to drive an audience wild with delight at one of his unique cabaret shows in this distinctive venue

KAREN JACOBSEN
FRIDAY 27/JUNE
Karen Jacobsen performs one night only at Claire’s Kitchen while on the go between her former New York City home and new paradise retreat in the Whitsundays.
Celebrating the release of not one but two new albums, imagine being serenaded by an award winning Singer Songwriter Pianist in the intimate gorgeousness of Claire’s le petit salon, dining on our exquisite French cuisine and being able to ask questions up close and personal (how DID your voice end up in over a billion smartphones as the original Aussie ’Siri’ worldwide?)
You will be entertained by hilarious stories and listen to timeless, melody-driven songs while being uplifted and inspired by Karen’s powerful vocals. She has enjoyed wide international media attention; Harry Connick Jnr called her “hypnotic” on his national U.S. talk show, she has been a clue in The New York Times crossword puzzle, and you can expect a classic Claire’s evening of sparkling entertainment by an artist who has shared the stage with Norah Jones, Christopher Cross, Cyndi Lauper, Jon English and Toni Childs.

ANGELICA Di CLEMENTE
FRIDAY 11/JULY
Loveless: A Cabaret is a heartfelt, hilarious and painfully relatable musical journey through the trials and tribulations of modern love. Through personal stories and a dynamic mix of musical theatre favourites, this show is a roller coaster ride of love’s misadventures. Loveless is a celebration of heartbreak, resilience and the freedom that comes from embracing singlehood.
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Poignant, playful and packed with charm, this show is for anyone who’s ever been unlucky in love - but lived to sing about it.

BASTILLE DAY DINNER
SUNDAY 13/JULY
5 courses degustation dinner and show $160
Arrival 6pm sharp
Join us for our tongue in cheek interpretation of your favourite Les Mis moments in an immersive 3 hours dinner and show, featuring la creme de la creme of performers:
Rob McDouggall as Javert
Daniel Belle as Jean Valjean
Catherine Alcorn as Fantine
and our very own Claire as Cosette.
Enjoy a very French 5 course degustation dinner, prizes for best dressed guests and more