Gillian Cosgriff → Adelaide Cabaret Festival

 Equal parts quiz night and comedy cabaret, Gillian Cosgriff's interactive ‘There is Nothing Like A Game (show)!’ delivers an evening of delightfully unpredictable mayhem! This is a show for those who love silly trivia games, rivalries with neighbouring tables you just met, and musical seranations from the festival’s finest! 

No stranger to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Gillian Cosgriff is an instant draw-card for cabaret-goers after a sure-fire good time! Cosgriff is an actor, singer, comedian and composer, known for her work across Australian television and the musical theatre scene. Cosgriff has won countless awards for her own cabaret shows, cementing her as one of Australia's most versatile and entertaining performers. 

As the superstar host of ‘There is Nothing Like A Game!’ Cosgriff orchestrates a hoot of a late-night show! She is a master of quick-witted comedy, and keeps the show moving without any lulls in engagement. Time truly flies when you’re having fun! Cosgriff exudes such a passionate, excitable charm that instantly has the whole banquet room on board. Whether you are an audience member who loves to get up on stage, or one that likes to stay in your seat, you are guaranteed to be hooked and participating either way.  

The format is simple, there’s a special guest performance, then they stay for a game with the audience. I don’t want to spoil the details of Cosgriff's games and quizzes, but trust me, you will be hollering with laughter and calling out answers at the most wild versions of charades and song-related trivia you’ve ever seen. I will say, if you are a pro at the birthday party classic: donut-on-a-string game, then there may be a free glass of champagne calling your name...

Friday’s first batch of guests were Vidya Makan, Millicent Sarre and Tabitha Booth. Each had a solo moment to sing and perform, backed by the groovy live band. It is refreshing to see these performers in a more relaxed setting— watching them succumb to the silliness and have a fabulous time alongside the audience was just a delight. By creating experiences to bring audiences and performers together, these little moments are what takes a festival beyond just shows in a theatre.

With Cosgriff hosting, there is a wonderful sense of camaraderie felt by all. At this game night, It's okay to laugh, yell and be crazy! This weekend's guests are Dylan Adler, Michelle Brasier, and Bailee Carson to name drop a few. THE Reuben Kaye will be joining the chaos on SATURDAY NIGHT! I am certain that will be a guaranteed riot! 

This is the kind of show that late-night festival slots were made for. ‘There is Nothing Like a Game’ embraces everything that makes late-night entertainment so appealing: spontaneity, laughter and a shared sense of playful chaos! Make sure you stop by the banquet room after your show finishes for a delicious evening treat!


- By Sophie Tsoulos

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