Latest arts news: Macbeth sings, but no Kate Bush at cabaret

Latest arts news: Macbeth turns to Game of Thrones for the opera stage, and Kate Bush isn’t coming to the Cabaret – but still has a show for fans.

Sound and fury will signify the return of leading Argentine-Australian baritone Jose Carbo to the State Opera stage when he dons the title character’s crown in Verdi’s version of Macbeth.

The 1847 musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s dark and sinister tragedy will be performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre from September 7 to 16, and be the first time that internationally acclaimed Carbo has performed with the SA company since 2007.

José Carbó in the title role in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic Macbeth at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Picture: Andrew Beveridge

“This is a truly harrowing story that brings epic themes to the fore, which are still relevant even today,” said Carbo.

“There are elements and complexities of Macbeth that will resonate in some way with everyone and I’m looking forward to bringing him to life in Adelaide.”

Adelaide-born soprano Kate Ladner, who has been based in France, will also return as the bloodthirsty Lady Macbeth, a role for which she won acclaim at the Buxton International Festival in England.

State Opera artistic director Stuart Maunder said this production of Macbeth, which was originally scheduled for 2020 before the Covid pandemic hit, features a grand set with costumes inspired by Game of Thrones.

“No other composer can match the power, terror and emotional pull of Verdi,” Maunder said.

“Big, bold and full of blood and thunder, our adaptation has stunning sets and lighting, with an all-star cast from across the globe.”

Known as “The Scottish Play”, it is considered bad luck to mention the work’s actual title inside the theatre – unless it is part of a performance.

Book at stateopera.com.au

NO KATE BUSH AT CABARET FESTIVAL – BUT THAT’S THE WHOLE POINT

British pop superstar Kate Bush will NOT be appearing at this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

That’s the whole point of fellow English artist Sarah-Louise Young’s show, An Evening Without Kate Bush.

English performer Sarah-Louise Young stars in An Evening Without Kate Bush. Picture: Steve Ullathorne, supplied

“It’s a celebration of Kate Bush’s music and mythology and a love letter to her amazing fans,” said Young.

“It’s definitely not your usual tribute act so, although you’ll hear lots of familiar songs, you won’t get an impersonation of Kate. It’s made with love, humour and jeopardy!”

The real, reclusive Bush has only performed one series of concerts since her debut tour in 1979, returning for a 22-night London residency in 2014.

Bush’s 1985 single Running Up That Hill returned to the top of charts around the world last year after it was featured in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.

Young said her show combines music, dancing, clowning and lots of costume changes, with laughter and tears.

“We call it a ‘chaotic cabaret cult’ … it’s playful, anarchic, touching, hot and sweaty and full of joy. Imagine if Kate Bush made a tribute show about her fans.”

She previously performed at the Cabaret Festival in 2010 with Cabaret Wh*re, premiered her Julie Andrews show Julie Madly Deeply here in 2013, and returned in 2017 as half of the duo Roulston & Young.

Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2023 joint artistic directors Kate Ceberano, Julia Holt, Eddie Perfect, Julia Zemiro and Ali McGregor. Picture: Claudio Raschella, supplied

This year’s Cabaret Festival program, which runs from June 9 to 24, was put together by nine of its previous artistic directors, many of who – including Kate Ceberano, David Campbell, Eddie Perfect, Ali McGregor and Julia Zemiro – will perform their new shows.

US performers Rizo and Mark Nadler also return, while Broadway Barbara will make her Australian debut.

Full program and tickets available Monday at adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au