"What’s most important is finding performers who want to showcase their talent through new or existing material, and be a part of an event that lifts each other up."

Brisbaret is a new cabaret / variety show hosted by Sophie Banister and Thien Pham, musical comedians and producers based in Brisbane. Brisbaret was Sophie’s idea after performing in some comedy and variety nights during her time in New York. She wanted to add another regular platform for local artists (and herself) to test out new material in Brisbane. Before creating Brisbaret, they have performed in a variety of shows including full length shows at Melbourne Fringe, FAST and Queensland Cabaret Festival.

Sophie and Thien dished with NEHIB about the creation of Brisbaret, what they look for in performers for their show and why you should check out their monthly variety night.

Tell us about Brisbaret in 100 words or less - how would you describe it to a stranger.

Brisbaret is a monthly variety show that means variety. We host the night each month and curate five brislebrities (or amazing local performers) to do their thing. From musicians, to dancers, to drag queens, to a whole lot of comedy, there will always be a smorgasbord of talent on display. Add to that songs and games that reflect what life is like in this beautiful city, Brisbaret is a fun night out to experience emerging talent from around town.

What are you looking for in a performer for Brisbaret? How do you find performers for a show? 

We are looking for a wide range of acts that are around 10 minutes long: musicians, stand up comedians, sketch and improv comedians, dancers, drag, circus, clowns, bubble wizards... we could go on. What’s most important is finding performers who want to showcase their talent through new or existing material, and be a part of an event that lifts each other up.

Performers either reach out to us via our Instagram or FB page - we then ask for a little footage of them performing to help us work out how they could fit into a lineup. We also reach out to people in our own circles or through social media to continue curating a mix of different art forms for each show. 

Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE Brisbaret? 

Brisbaret is for people that want to discover the incredible performers around their own city who they might not see otherwise. If you enjoy laughing at the state of the world and experiencing a vast array of live performances, but perhaps don’t have the longest attention span and want to do something fun on a weeknight that you can still get to bed before 11, Brisbaret is for you!

What's next for Brisbaret and for yourselves individually?

Brisbaret are continuing our monthly shows as well as talking with some festivals about potential gigs for the future. When we are not running Brisbaret, wecan be found performing in fringe and comedy festivals, or working with professional and community choirs and theatre companies. Sophie is also working on some other projects in both the musical theatre and choral scenes and Thien is going to get his drivers license. 

Brisbaret is held on the second Tuesday of the Monday at Fritzenberger, Petrie Terrace. Apply to performance via their socials or email them at brisbaret@gmail.com

Ads J sampled Brisbaret’s line-up in April 2021. Read his review here.