Cabaret shows trace back their origin to 18th century France. What started as a meeting place (cabaret venues) for bohemians and artists, slowly established itself as an art form. This Parisian art then spread across the world like a forest fire and finally reached our ‘Harbour City’. And there’s something about cabaret that feels timeless. The feathers, the glamour, the sly humour that winks at you from the stage—it’s theatre, music and seduction joining hands.
Paris may have its Moulin Rouge, but Sydney also has its own flavour of cabaret, tucked into theatres, hidden rooms and even floating across the harbour. The emerald backdrop of the city makes it a perfect place for cabaret shows to unfold. So, if you’re looking for an evening of sequins, songs, dance, comedy and a little mischief—all rolled into one, here are the three best cabaret shows in Sydney that runs all year round:
Voyage of Love Cabaret on Sydney Showboats
When Sydney Showboat launched the ‘Voyage of Love’ cabaret in 1987, it redefined the entertainment scene in Sydney— and after nearly four decades on the water it proudly holds the title of ‘Sydney’s longest-running cabaret show’. The 1 hour cabaret show features 9 dance sequences from around the world—including the Spanish Flamenco, Brazilian Samba, French Can Can, Broadway musicals, Bollywood disco among others.
Once you’re seated on this Sydney dinner cruise with cabaret show, you’re treated to a three-course dinner as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge slide by. Then the lights dim and the stage erupts with colourful costumes, songs and dance sequences. The performance takes you on a journey across cultures and eras, with choreography that blends traditional cabaret glamour with a modern and international twist. It’s a carefully curated on-water dinner and show experience —something you can’t find on land.
Talk and Tease Comedy Cabaret at The Bamboozle Room
If Showboat is elegance on the water, Talk and Tease is cheeky intimacy in a tucked-away club. Staged inside The Bamboozle Room in Potts Point, this show mixes classic burlesque with quick-fire comedy. One moment you’re laughing at a witty joke, the next you’re immersed in the sequins and feathers. It’s a mix of burlesque, cabaret, solo acts and comedy.
The venue itself has that intimate vibe—with dim lighting, close tables and a sense that you’re in on a secret. Unlike bigger stage shows, Talk and Tease thrives on audience interaction. Performers blur the line between cabaret and comedy club, keeping the night unpredictable in the best way. It’s rowdy, playful and perfect if you prefer your cabaret with a wink, grin and gin.
La Belle Rose Cabaret at The Magician’s Cabaret
For a pure Parisian fantasy, there’s La Belle Rose at The Magician’s Cabaret in Pyrmont. This 3-hour show runs every Saturday night, and stepping inside feels like walking into another era. Candlelight, velvet curtains and a touch of theatrical magic set the mood long before the first note of music begins.
La Belle Rose is a love letter to classic cabaret: sultry singers, glamorous dancers and a moving narrative woven through songs— transporting you to the good old past. The venue itself doubles as a dining experience, with French-inspired food and wine that make the night feel immersive. It’s as close as you’ll come to a Moulin Rouge experience without leaving Sydney.
Honourable Mention: Sydney Opera House
Of course, no guide to any live performance in Sydney is complete without mentioning the Opera House. While it doesn’t host a permanent cabaret production, its stages often come alive with special seasonal cabaret shows. From headline acts like La Clique to performances by international stars, the Opera House offers a rotating program that keeps cabaret diverse and surprising. It’s worth keeping an eye on the calendar—you never know when a glittering, provocative show will pop up under those famous sails.
So, Sydney’s cabaret scene may not be as vast as Paris or Thailand, but what it lacks in scale it makes up for in variety. Whether you want glamour on the harbour or laughter in a neon club, the city offers a stage for every mood. These shows prove that cabaret here is very dear to Sydneysiders, and it’s ready to pull you into the spotlight for a night you won’t forget.
