Come for the excellent vocal stylings of the graduates of Class of Cabaret… stay for the cat choreography
Presented by: Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed: 18 June 2026
The Class of Cabaret was first created under the artistic direction of David Campbell in 2010 and has been a fixture of Cabaret Festivals ever since. With such an extensive cohort of graduates, it is unsurprising that many of these young performers have gone on to a diverse range of experiences and careers in the Arts, whether sticking around here in Adelaide or travelling far and wide.
Homecoming showcases five graduates of the program who have all continued to hone their talents in a diverse array of ways. MC for the evening, Alex De Porteous (class of 2015) opened the show in full glam, and diva dynamic. De Porteous has a confidence and rapport that connected with the crowd and a powerhouse singing voice, keeping the show moving along with a warm welcome to each of the acts. Supporting each performer was a live band, led by Heather Elliot on keys.
First up was Scarlett Anthony, who is currently touring with the company of Heathers as swing after spending six years at sea with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a featured vocalist. Anthony’s professional success following her time with Class of Cabaret and other Adelaide projects forms the basis of her set, performing a number from Bring it On (where her performing began) and culminating in a number from Heathers. Her music-theatre vocal quality provided the receipts for Anthony’s success and set the standard for this show.
Joey Haenen is a more recent returning graduate (class of 2022) but has packed success into the past few years. He has graduated from the Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre course, added multiple State Opera and State Theatre Company credits and Adelaide Fringe new works. Haenen is a baby-faced storyteller from country South Australia. He plays guitar, writes his own music and has aspirations to bring his love for music and storytelling to his own family in the future. Haenen’s set had plenty of heart, particularly in connection to aspirations of being a dad. Despite some clunky banter, his vocal ability is a highlight and it will be a treat to see Haenen’s rendition of “Giants in the Sky” when he takes on Jack in State Opera’s Into the Woods later this year.
Mixing it up and bringing a bit of levity, Jemma “Jemmicle” Allen demonstrates the value of comedy and a bit of self-deprecation in Cabaret. Allen is a talented vocalist like the others, but chooses this moment to showcase their dance talents and pitch a one-person-show of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. Complete with spandex body-suit, knitted mittens and a four-minute rendition of the Jellicle ball dance-break, the entire set left the audience breathless from giggling (and possibly in sympathy to Allen’s performative exhaustion). The skill and talent of this dynamic performer lives in the irony of the seemingly hack rendition of the 80s classic musical. It screams to artistic director Reuben Kaye to give this performer their own show next year… cat-themed or not.
Rounding out the group of talented performers on night one was Jego Loreto. His Soul and RnB stylings offer the complete package – dark sunglasses, low cut shirt, and smooth vocals. While Loreto himself admits that his focus is no longer performing, he still has a strong persona and vocal quality that makes for easy listening.
While Homecoming showcases a variety of graduates from the program, it is clear that the Class of Cabaret is a launch pad not only for visibility, but the quality mentoring and skills development that sets each performer up with every opportunity to grow. Bravo to all involved.
Reviewed by Hayley Horton
Photo credit: Claudio Raschella
Venue: The Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: ended
Duration: 1 hour
