As part of its commitment to supporting early career artists, the 2025 Adelaide Cabaret Festival programmed two independent works: Tabitha Booth by Frankie McNair and 1925 by the Burton Brothers.
With support from Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation’s Vanguard initiative, the artists received a performance fee, flights and accommodation, and full production and marketing support. This level of assistance enabled both acts to reach new audiences in a professional festival environment, without the usual financial and logistical barriers that can prevent independent artists from participating.
Vanguard donors were also invited to attend each performance and participate in exclusive post-show Q&A sessions with the artists, creating meaningful connections between emerging talent and the philanthropic community supporting their work.
Being able to meaningfully contribute to Adelaide Cabaret Festival through Vanguard was incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we supported two emerging acts and being able to hear directly from them gave me a real sense of connection, not just to the Festival, but to the artists themselves. It made me reflect on how powerful the contributions of the Vanguard group are in supporting artists to share and grow their talents.
Image: Tabitha Booth at Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2025. Photo by Claudio Raschella.
Tabitha Booth, performed by Frankie McNair, is a character comedy featuring a troubled lounge singer navigating personal chaos and public performance. Frankie is a comedian, actor and screenwriter based in Naarm/Melbourne, and the recipient of the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival “Best Newcomer” award.
Being a part of Adelaide Cabaret Festival was a dream come true. Having the opportunity to connect with, and introduce myself and my work to such a large audience was such an incredible privilege. And the support of the venue and staff elevated the show to such an amazing level. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spread silly joy to a new community.
Image: The Burton Brothers at Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2025. Photo by Claudio Raschella.
1925, by the Burton Brothers, is a sketch comedy show set in the year 1925. Drawing on historical references, trans-Atlantic accents, and the aesthetics of the Jazz Age, the show uses the period as a backdrop for satire and character-driven comedy.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival was easily one of our best festival experiences that we've had as performers. The staff were incredible, the audiences were excitable and up for our nonsense and the services provided by the festival were second to none! We truly felt very spoiled doing this festival and can't wait to hopefully do it again.
Amid growing financial challenges and increased competition for public arts funding, targeted philanthropic support, such as that provided through the Vanguard initiative, is essential to ensuring early career artists have access to high-quality presentation opportunities.
The opportunity also delivered valuable capacity building through exposure to new audiences, professional presentation experience, and connections with Adelaide Festival Centre staff and networks.
By supporting artists at an early but critical stage in their development, this initiative contributed meaningfully to the sustainability of Australia’s live performance sector. Without this support, participation in events such as Adelaide Cabaret Festival would not have been possible for these artists.
Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation is proud to support Adelaide Cabaret Festival in its commitment to emerging talent, not only helping early career artists take the next step in their creative journeys, but also offering emerging philanthropists a chance to see the tangible impact of their giving. It’s a powerful reminder that the future of Australia’s arts sector is shaped not only by the artists we champion, but also by the generosity of those who choose to stand behind them.
To learn more about Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation Vanguard and to how to become a donor please contact the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation team.