A theatrical stage scene bathed in red and blue lighting with a bold neon sign reading ‘SMASHED THE NIGHTCAP’ overhead. On the left, a performer in a flowing pink gown with a thigh-high slit strikes a dramatic pose, extending a long white ribbon or streamer toward another performer on the right. The performer on the right, dressed in a sparkly black outfit with voluminous purple hair, holds the other end of the ribbon. Between them, musicians—including a guitarist and other band members—are seated, partially in shadow, accompanied by stage props like an accordion on the floor and a small table with items.
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Smashed: The Nightcap (Sydney Festival) | Review

If you’re looking for a wild and naughty, late night adventure, Smashed: The Nightcap will certainly satisfy. The show is a femme-fronted mixture of cabaret, circus and drag. Featuring a live four-piece band and a troupe of powerful songstresses, circus acts and burlesque performers.

1–2 minutes
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

If you’re looking for a wild and naughty, late night adventure, Smashed: The Nightcap will certainly satisfy.

The Sydney Festival show is a femme-fronted mixture of cabaret, circus and drag. Featuring a live four-piece band and a troupe of powerful songstresses, circus acts and burlesque performers.

Hostess and award-winning cabaret queen Victoria Falconer is in her element as she canoodles with the audience close up, simultaneously teasing, taunting and titillating.

Smashed is crafted with a mix of regular nightly performers, as well as special guests. On the night we attended global drag legend, Courtney Act and NYC-based performance artist/singer Rizo (né Amelia Zirin-Brown) were headlining. Act instantly connected with the audience as she shared her sad tale of lost love and sang a heartfelt rendition of Cold Chisel’s “Cheap Wine”. Described as a vessel for the spirits of Edith Piaf and Freddie Mercury, Rizo the GRAMMY® Award-winning glamour-puss chanteuse runs her own show, expertly blending erotic lyrics with her own story, much to the delight of the audience.

A performer stands center stage under vivid magenta lighting, framed by deep red curtains. They wear a revealing, playful maid costume—featuring a black-and-white lacy skirt, thigh-high fishnet stockings, and yellow rubber gloves. Their blonde hair is styled in loose waves, and they confidently gesture while singing into a microphone. Scattered on the round stage platform are clothing items, and behind them sits a live band, partially visible in shadow.
Courtney Act
Photo Credit: Jacquie Manning

Smashed is adults only cabaret with a mix of cheeky acts.

Polynesian burlesque princess Karlee Misi is sizzling in her soft version of Kylie Minogue’s “Loco-Motion” before switching to a “Nasty Girl” raunchy strip tease.

A lively stage performance featuring six performers in glamorous and flamboyant costumes, captured mid-show against a deep red curtain. From left to right: one performer in a short black-and-gold outfit and shiny thigh-high metallic boots; a second in a fuzzy silver coat over a dark leotard; a central figure in a brightly colored, geometric-patterned jumpsuit with purple hair styled in curls, vividly raising both arms; a fourth performer in a white fringe ensemble; a fifth in a long golden robe with green feathered trim and a green bodysuit, laughing or singing; and another performer at far right in a shimmering outfit. A live band, including a saxophonist and drummer, is partially visible behind them.
Photo Credit: Jacquie Manning

Equally dynamic is aerialist and acrobat Bridget Rose flying in a red body stocking that leaves little to the imagination and ensures every single taunt muscle on her body is visible, along with other pert attributes.

There are two ticket options for Smashed: The Nightcap. Guests can choose from tiered theatre style seating or tables on the floor, amongst the action. Tables are the premium seating option and suitable if you want to be closer to the bar, but warning it may also mean you become part of the show! 

4.5 stars.

Recommended for ages 18+. Any child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Playing until 27 January 2024. For more information visit Sydney Festival

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