Image Credit: Adelaide Festival Centre
Carlotta AM, a beloved figure in Australian cabaret, was honoured as the 2025 Icon Award recipient at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
The announcement was made during The 2025 Variety Gala held at Her Majesty’s Theatre to an enthusiastic full house.
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival Icon Award recognises individuals who have made substantial contributions to the cabaret landscape in Australia.
Carlotta’s association with the Adelaide Cabaret Festival dates back to its inception in 2001. She began her distinguished career in 1963, quickly becoming a star through her involvement with Les Girls in Sydney’s Kings Cross. Her performances gained national recognition, and she became a cultural icon, inspiring the beloved Australian film “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”
During the gala, Carlotta expressed her feelings about the award.
“I was shocked when I found out I was the Adelaide Cabaret Festival Icon Award recipient for 2025 because I’ve been around since the pyramids, darling. I danced at Cleopatra’s funeral! I’m very honoured, it’s just wonderful. This festival has been around a long time, and I hope it goes for many more years,” she said.
Virginia Gay, Artistic Director of Adelaide Cabaret Festival, praised Carlotta’s enduring impact on the arts scene.
“There are icons and then … there are icons. She hosted Les Girls and held Kings Cross in the palm of her manicured hand. She was the inspiration for the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. She is 82 and just as fabulous as ever. Please, put your hands together for our 2025 icon … Carlotta,” said Gay.
Carlotta is scheduled to perform at this year’s festival in a special show titled ‘The Party’s Over’ on Sunday 8 June at 4 pm. The performance will feature songs by Peter Allen, Kander & Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, and Barry Manilow. She will be accompanied by a three-piece band led by Helpmann Award winner Michael Griffiths.
The Cabaret Icon Award was first presented in 2013, with Reg Livermore AO being the inaugural recipient. Since, outstanding talents such as Rhonda Burchmore OAM, Frank Ford AM, Robyn Archer AO, and Reuben Kaye have been recognised, reflecting the festival’s commitment to celebrating excellence in cabaret.
Produced by the Adelaide Festival Centre, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival has become a key event in the international cabaret calendar, showcasing an array of acclaimed artists from around the world, such as Ms Lisa Fischer, Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Dita Von Teese, Eddie Perfect, and Tim Minchin.
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2025 will continue until 21 June, with tickets and a full schedule available on the festival’s website.
WHAT: Carlotta AM 2025 Icon Award
For more info on the festival rollout, click here.
For tickets, click here.
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