Sydney review- Cabaret De Paris: The quality of talent on show is breathtaking!

By Paul Kiely             

Cabaret De Paris

A M2 Production

State Theatre

49 Market Street, Sydney

Saturday 18 October 2025

Bookings and dates: https://cabaretdeparis.com.au

Duration: 120 minutes approx with interval.

Rhonda Birchmore

One of the best things about the cabaret-genre of entertainment is its ability to completely absorb the attention of the audience. For two hours the mind does not wander; outside thoughts do not intrude.

Instead, the viewer cannot help but be captured by the colour, sounds and spectacle that is displayed in front of them.

Cabaret De Paris gave all this and more!

Performed in Sydney’s grand State Theatre, an intimate atmosphere could be enjoyed from every seat. With the State’s beautiful foyer, statuettes and 1920’s design features, Cabaret De Paris had the perfect venue for what was about to unfold.

Rhonda Birchmore opened the show with ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.’ This set the scene in no uncertain terms. There was glitter, mirror ball, feathers galore and beautiful girls in exciting costumes. And legs…there were long, gorgeous legs everywhere! What followed was a dazzling variety of dances, songs, mystical feats and music. It was a smorgasbord of human talent.

Ms Birchmore’s entertainment ability shone throughout the show. She seemed ever-present, always appearing classy and glamorous. With her ‘down to earth’ Aussie personality, her interactions with the audience were empathetic. She gave many humorous anecdotes about her career and love of everything ‘French.’ Ms Birchmore has a strong and powerful voice which accentuated her repertoire of songs, especially ‘I am what I am.’

Her boast that “I’m 6’1” and well worth the climb” was received with rousing applause.

Amidst all the singing and dancing (choreographed by Todd Patrick) were two mesmerising acts.

Illusionist Michael Boyd held us spellbound with his amazing visual, logic-defying performance. We somehow witnessed his assistant transfer through his abdomen and a body swap-over involving a closed box. His theatrics made the impossible look like child’s play. A great performer.

Equally impressive was the contortionist, Veronica Waite. Her performance could make a chiropractor faint.

Involving a dance routine with twists and stretch routines, she tested the skeletal and muscular boundaries of her body to its limits. Amazing to watch. Retired folks, do not try at home unsupervised!

Of course, we all came to see Cabaret De Paris for the showgirls. They did not disappoint! These Australian girls are the real McCoy. They have conquered the Mount Everest of cabaret and burlesque venues: the Moulin Rouge and Lido de Paris.

Their energy and vitality provided a visual feast. Accompanied by two male dancers, their performances were fast and invigorating, culminating in the renowned Can-Can.

The showgirls’ energy was impressive. They combined dance and acrobatics with some eroticism. All in all, the show was non-stop vibrancy.

Cabaret De Paris is a great experience.