Highly engaging, and the audience is captivated
Presented by: Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed: 11 June 2026
In the Banquet Room of the Adelaide Festival Centre on Thursday night, The Adelaide Cabaret Festival treated musical theatre lovers to a preview of what some of our best local up and comers are bringing to the scene. Billed as a “work in progress”, Artefact (or, Repatriation: The Musical) entertained and delighted an expectant crowd with its depth, humour, talent, and originality.
The brainchild of talented writer and performer, Lincoln Elliot, his labour of love tells a story in three parts, across three timelines, told concurrently. Potentially confusing for anyone whose attention wanders, but luckily the content is highly engaging, and the audience is captivated.
Without revealing too much, the story is largely based on the idea of stealing back historical cultural artefacts that the British have decided they should own over the centuries. There’s a strong ethical message, delivered with humour, but also intensity and strong assertiveness at times.
After some visible nerves upon opening, the cast settled in quickly, and each soon had the opportunity to shine. Joe Kalou’s rap number was particularly well received, beaten only perhaps by Adam Spain-Mostina’s lampooning of Queen Victoria.
This production has a way to go, but seeing it at the current stage was a real treat. Its undeniable potential, brilliant writing, embraceable themes, and big numbers all combined to leave the audience feeling like they’ve witnessed something that will be a formidable force in years to come.
Unfortunately you’ve missed your recent opportunity to see Artefact (or, Repatriation: The Musical). One would assume that Elliot is taking his baby back to the writing room for some polishing, and we’d hope that we get to see its next incarnation, bigger and better, sometime soon.
Reviewed by Doug Phillips
Photo credit: Rebecca Elliot
Venue: Banquet Room, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: Ended
Duration: 90mins
