Clare Bowditch’s Random Creative Adventure @ Banquest Room, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide 7/6/2025

Clare Bowditch’s Random Creative Adventure isn’t just a cabaret show; it’s a warm hug with a side of mischief.

From the first moment music-maker and story-baker Clare Bowditch graced the stage, she had the audience in the palm of her open-hearted hands. Kicking off her hotel slippers and strutting around barefoot, she was engaging to the point of turning strangers into a shared story.

After a small group exercise that wasn’t as corporate training day as it sounds, Bowditch launched into One Little River. Showcasing her velvet-wrapped volcano vocals, we immediately knew we were in for “one hour of power”. Not to what extent, until something emerged from the crowd.

Singer, actress, and comedienne Aurora Kurth sauntered through the cabaret-style tables towards the stage, flirting with anyone who came across her path. I couldn’t tell you what she was singing because I was transfixed by her allure.

It turns out Kurth and Bowditch are high school friends.

This friendship, steeped in decades of love and artistry, was on full display. It was a palpable, lived-in, glorious friendship that filled the room like a warm breeze through an open window. Added to the music (which was lush), the laughs (there were many), and the surprise guest appearance (more on that soon), it created a relaxed yet sparkling atmosphere that you half-expected someone to start manifesting under the mirror ball.

Master storyteller Bowditch wove tales of her life with literal champagne comedy and songs, including Amazing Life and the unreleased Supernova. Kurth, equal parts cabaret royalty and comedic ringmaster, matched her note for note and giggle for giggle. Their duets were as magnificent as you would imagine.
It all felt effortless, guided by two women who have seen enough of life to know the value of play.

Just when it seemed the show had peaked, a delightful surprise: Charlee Watt was pulled on stage for the final number. A full-throttle rendition of River Deep, Mountain High that brought the house down.
Clare Bowditch’s Random Creative Adventure was more than a performance. It was a permission slip to sing and laugh. A glittery reminder that creativity belongs to everyone.

Cabaret Festival Review By Anita Kertes

Photo Credit: Claudio Raschella