Adelaide Fringe

Fringe Review: Comfort Food Cabaret

A funny and personal journey of live music, storytelling and cooking where the audience sample Weber-cooked food to cabaret songs and stories.

It’s a fun feast of story, song and scrumptious bites in a stellar new venue
4.5

Presented by Michelle Pearson
Reviewed 4 March 2021

It seems a simple question: why is Michelle Pearson not an Adelaide icon already? Perhaps she is, in some circles, but those who don’t know this powerhouse of talent should feel ashamed.

Multi-award-winning Pearson has been around for years, quietly building her reputation and career despite motherhood, COVID and her addiction to food. Adelaide barely realises how blessed it is to have such a talent stay local. She’s a storyteller and cabaret performer who has combined her vocal talents with her love of cooking to become affectionately known as “Australia’s singing cook”. That may just be self-promotion, but it is also true.

Pearson’s musical food cabarets have entertained the world stage since 2017, featuring around Australia and Europe. This time, she connects with the absolutely stellar Weber Grill Academy for a laid back night of food and frivolity based around Weber barbeques

Backed by a superb three-piece band, the evening combines well-known songs – adapted to the theme of the night – with scrumptious food cooked in a Weber. Pearson peppers her songs with barbeque tips and grilling demos, all the while opening up with stories of motherhood, BBQ faux pas, fast food, and kitchen utensils.

There are many laughs to be had between the three tasting courses of an eggplant entrée, marinated charcoal chicken main, and apple crumble dessert, all cooked in a Weber. Volunteers from the audience help with the cooking demos, while two sublime cooks in the kitchen whip up the actual meals. If the entertainment, wine and food isn’t enough, the Weber Grill Academy also offers insatiably stunning sunset views of the CBD landscape. This is a venue with far more potential than its initial remit. Take note.

Pearson will present a full sit-down meal adaptation of Comfort Food Cabaret at the Weber Grill Academy in early May 2021 for Tasting Australia, but don’t let that stop you sampling this sample of both the venue and her delectable show. It’s a fun feast of story, song and scrumptious bites.

Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet

Venue:  The Weber Grill Academy, 142 Fullarton Rd, Rose Park
Season:  Thursdays – Sundays, until 14 March 2021
Duration:  75 minutes
Tickets:  $50 – $55
Bookings:  https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/comfort-food-cabaret-af2021

Rating out of 5: 4.5

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