Smashed: The Nightcap (Wharf Theatre) ★★★★★

Sydney Festival 2024. Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1 Theatre (The Thirsty Mile). 6-27 Jan, 2024.

My Sydney Festival kicked off with an almighty bang thanks to Victoria Falconer and her chaotic cabaret, Smashed: The Nightcap. Sydney Theatre Co’s wonderfully restored Wharf Theatre is being delightfully debased by this blend of drag, burlesque, circus and cabaret. Grab a drink (there’s a bar in the theatre) and jump on this bawdy ride. 

Victoria Falconer is in her element as the MC and sets the tone early. This is a night for fun, for flirting, for screaming and shouting (and yes, dancing) for tonight, she is “Daddy”, which Falconer insists is now a gender-neutral term. I’d object by saying that Victoria is definitely “Mother” of this house and is serving high c*nt energy that fills the room. If that sentence is too much for you, this may not be the show for you.

Things ramp up into literal high gear as the towering drag performer Tynga Williams flips and death drops across the stage. Burlesque star Karlee Misi teases and pleases. Aerialist Bridget Rose draws gasps of awe as she flies above the cabaret seating (up close you can really see her upper body strength at work). And Malia Walsh brings utter chaos in the form of fire, hoola-hoops, marshmallows and more. 

They were complimented by two star performances (note: the line-up changes throughout the festival so check online). As announced, drag legend Courtney Act appears, serving a story that is as bold for its storytelling as its massive tonal shift (in lesser hands it could have tanked the evening, but with Courtney it helps the night soar). And we were treated to a guest appearance by US performer Rizo, who stole the show. Wandering through the crowd, playing with the audience as she went, before hitting the stage with her dynamic vocals. I can’t wait for her solo shows at the end of the Festival.

Ideally, I’d tell you to book the cabaret seats and immerse yourself in the action, but even the front stalls weren’t 100% safe from the roving band of maniacs (if you definitely, definitely do not want interaction you’ll be fine toward the back of the room but the performers are polite in their invitations and rest assured, they do not take offence if you say no). If you can, plan for your night to kick on after the “show” ends, as Falconer and crew lead the audience out of the theatre and into the bar for more music and mayhem. This is a show best enjoyed with a few relaxing drinks in you (all within moderation obviously and don’t even think of driving home).

Personally I’ve been having a very “low-energy” start to 2024 as the Sydney heat and humidity drained me of motivation, but Smashed: The Nightcap has recharged my batteries and filled me with excitement at what else Sydney Festival has in store. Can we bring it all back for Mardi Gras as well?