In a dazzling display of artistic brilliance, the 2023 CabFringe Awards have once again illuminated the vibrant landscape of cabaret.
The prestigious Frank Ford Award, a tribute to the late great Frank Ford AM, has been bestowed upon Grace Colsey, marking a significant milestone in her career. This accolade, funded by Sam Harvey, recognises a South Australian artist’s exceptional contribution to the Cabaret Fringe Festival. Colsey, with her groundbreaking show “Smiling through the Human,” captivated the judges and audience alike, earning her a well-deserved $5,000 prize to further develop and tour her work.
The award ceremony, hosted at Nineteen Ten, celebrated not only Colsey’s achievement but also the remarkable talent pool of performers who graced the festival. The criteria for the Frank Ford Award encompassed a range of elements including musicality, storytelling, overall performance quality, technical skill, bravery, and the potential for further development or touring. Colsey’s show, a poignant exploration of life as a neurodiverse individual, shone through with its original songs and compelling narrative.
The CabFringe Awards, initiated in 2023, have been a testament to Frank Ford’s vision of cultivating unique cultural expressions. The Encore Award, another highlight of the event, was presented to Viola Verve for “A Vintage Showgirl.” This award, accompanied by a $1,000 prize, supports continued collaboration with CabFringe, keeping the act alive through professional development and mentoring, and includes free registration for the 2024 festival.
Jodie Atkinson, another standout performer, clinched the Debut Award with her show “Have you Met my Grief?” This award, aimed at encouraging risk-taking and the production of new works, comes with a $500 cash prize and free registration for the next CabFringe season. Atkinson’s show, which debuted to sold-out audiences, is a testament to the festival’s commitment to fostering innovation and accessibility in cabaret.
The Boylon Brothers Award, named after CabFringe founders Paul, Adam, and Darren Boylon, was awarded to Allegria for their unique community cabaret, “Come n Flash your Acapella.” This award celebrates acts that embody the avant-garde spirit of the festival, rewarding innovation and engagement with a $1,000 prize and an invitation to return with free registration for the next season.
As the CabFringe community looks forward to the 2024 festival, the board has expressed immense pride in the achievements of all performers. The judges faced a challenging task in selecting the winners, a testament to the high caliber of talent on display. The festival continues to be a beacon of artistic expression, inviting audiences and artists alike to partake in the ever-evolving world of cabaret.
For those eager to be part of the next festival, the CabFringe team encourages following their social media channels or reaching out via email for collaboration opportunities.
