Comedy Festival 2018: Geraldine Quinn pulls off top-shelf cabaret in Queen Bitch ★★★½

TOP-shelf cabaret from Geraldine Quinn, the Melbourne master of song.

Geraldine Quinn in Queen Bitch.

COME for the misery. Stay for the tunes!

A horror year for Quinn — a crushing catalogue of personal disaster — is converted into a funfair ride of laughs and thrills.

It’s a beautifully detailed and deeply local musical journey, with tributes to Melbourne’s crappest market, “Scoresby’s favourite landmark” and the idiosyncrasies of McKinnon. The Noble Park native mines a rich seam of local lore as she drags her audience around the southeastern suburbs, getting right into the grooves of the areas.

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With enthusiasm and verve, Quinn demands attention. Her confidence steam-rolls any hesitations you might have about cabaret: a form tarred by too many singers who think they can do a gag, or comedians who like to sing.

Quinn does both, with command and ease.

Geraldine Quinn in Queen Bitch.

The dramatic setting — on the stage of the Malthouse Theatre, draped by a red velvet curtain — is matched by a tight two-piece support act, adding their melody to the singer’s lead.

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This sharp and controlled show, directed by fellow comic Geraldine Hickey, is a lot of fun.

And when it can cost you more than $100 to see a stage musical — it’s a steal.

Dog owners and Xanadu lovers can add a star. (Seriously, the phrase “Olivia” at the ticket desk will get you in two-for-one).

Geraldine Quinn, Queen Bitch

Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt St, Southbank, until April 22.

comedyfestival.com