Cabaret Capers
The Dazzling Revival of Burlesque in Peterborough with Cabaret Capers!
Often considered challenging areas to grow up in and navigate as queer individuals, rural communities like Peterborough in the Southern Flinders Ranges are now evolving thanks to the efforts of boundary pushers with passion and zest like Karneydoll. Her efforts in creating an accessible, safe space where locals can express themselves through the art of burlesque has inspired many to explore their individuality and celebrate each other’s unique journeys. As her protégé, Kandi Floss, puts it: “You can feel the pride coming back into Peterborough.”
Karney’s passion for burlesque ignited while working in London’s West End, where she gained invaluable experience at the world’s largest burlesque club in Glasgow and the historic Britannia Panopticon.“There’s just something about it that draws me in,” she shared. The art form’s rich history of using comedy and parody to challenge societal norms is what inspired her. “In the late 1800s, it was socially acceptable for women to wear suits on stage or cut their hair short. Burlesque allowed you to be anyone,” she added. For Karney, burlesque is more than entertainment—it’s boundary-pushing, socially political, and a way to start lasting conversations.
After settling in Peterborough, Karney quickly set about introducing burlesque to the community by offering accessible, inclusive classes. “There’s no point charging exorbitant fees for workshops,” she says. “I’m all about bartering and sharing skills.” Emphasising freedom and self-expression, Karney explains how burlesque’s comedic nature allows performers to be silly and let go of pretence: “You can be as silly or as serious as you’d like—it creates an all-encompassing vibe.” She adds, “It’s about lifting each other up, not outshining anyone. We create a community together.” Her diverse class, including students as old as 73, nurtures confidence and creativity. Kandi shares, “Without Karney’s generosity and guidance, I’d still be hiding from the world. Now I’m on stage in booty shorts!”
Feast Festival is proud to present Karney Productions’ Cabaret Capers, a rural showcase blending burlesque, sideshow, and drag, featuring both local and international talent. Drawing inspiration from the old-school vaudeville style, Cabaret Capers uses diverse art forms and immersive storytelling to create a dynamic experience. “Pushing boundaries is part of the theatre of burlesque,” says Karney. “It’s always been about breaking the rules.” Cabaret Capers combines the rebellious spirit of burlesque with the intimate vibe of cabaret, where audience participation brings the community together in celebration. “It’s funny, with comedy and prizes for the best and worst dressed,” Karney explains. One local highlight involves getting the toughest cowboy in the house to dress in drag, which always receives an enthusiastic response. Karney looks forward to seeing everyone become more comfortable and relaxed with each other. “It’s about being perfectly imperfect,” Kandi adds. “You can be perfectly imperfect, and you are beautiful.” Karney concurs and expresses pride in bringing this show to Feast, noting, “Feast is the perfect platform for telling your story in a safe way. It provides space to explore important topics and have conversations with yourself as a performer, then share that with your audience—a really healthy connection, I find.”
Karney beams with pride as she reflects on Kandi’s incredible journey. “Kandi has come such a long way in such a short time. From not wanting to be in front of a camera to standing on stage in front of 280 people.” Kandi knows firsthand how damaging it can be growing up queer with a lack of nurturing spaces that celebrate your differences and instead face constant dismissal and pressure to ‘change.’ Karney, too, understands this struggle all too well. “I didn’t get to have these conversations until I was 16 with a youth worker. I wish I’d had someone to talk to casually much earlier.” This shared experience drives both Kandi and Karney to advocate for spaces where people can express themselves freely. For Kandi, events like the Feast Festival and burlesque shows are vital. “These events show people a different side of life. You feel seen. It’s a way to break through those barriers, and it’s already showing a shift in attitudes,” she explains. Karney echoes Kandi’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of connecting with younger generations. As a volunteer at a local youth centre, she frequently engages with queer youth who, like her, didn’t have these kinds of spaces growing up. “I recently had a conversation with a 14-year-old, and it brought up so much from my own youth. I didn’t get to have those conversations back then. Now, I feel so privileged to be that person for someone else.”
Karney recounts supporting the beloved drag duo, the St Just Sisters at Burra’s Picnic in the Park in 2023. Disappointingly, despite the positive energy and supportive crowd, there was still pushback from some community members. “It was surprising, given how positive the event was.” Kandi adds that this resistance often stems from ignorance: “Some people just don’t understand because it’s not part of their day-to-day world. They might not know anyone queer, so they think it doesn’t affect them—but in reality, these issues affect everyone.” Yet, Karney and Kandi remain optimistic, witnessing real-time change around them. “Local performances and events like Cabaret Capers are an opportunity for everyone to get dressed up and have a good time,” Karney explains. “Bringing people from all ages and walks of life together—when you’re mingling, it helps break down barriers. And the music helps too. People hear a familiar song, and suddenly it’s all okay. They get into the rhythm.”
The recent outlawing of harmful practices like conversion therapy signals a societal shift, and Kandi believes platforms like Feast have contributed significantly. “For so many years, I said no to life. I said no to who I was because it felt safer. About a year ago, I decided to start saying yes—to myself, to my expression. Being in a room with people from all walks of life, there’s none of the division.” “You have a show like this, and it’s different, quirky, with all kinds of people! It’s invigorating the community,” Kandi adds. There’s growing excitement and acceptance, especially among younger people. “The diverse performances on stage help them feel like they have a voice,” she continues. “It’s powerful to see people—from 18 to 85—coming together, chatting in the crowd, and leaving with a sense of joy and connection.” These shared experiences, through art, performance, and conversation, are reclaiming queer identity and challenging perceptions. Karney especially looks forward to walking down the street in full costume with the performers, interacting and socialising. “It’s about showing people, hey, we’re not scary. You should talk to us!”
Karney was deeply moved when she discovered the rich history of performances that graced Peterborough long before hers. “I volunteer at the Printworks, which is part of the SA History Trust, and while going through old archives, I found these incredible posters from cabaret and variety shows that took place here in the 1920s and again in the 1930s, right through to the 1970s. Some were held at the old theatre, others at the town hall. I couldn’t believe it—there used to be shows just like ours in this town, and I thought, why not bring that back?” This discovery sparked excitement not just in Karney but also in the community. “The ladies at the Printworks were thrilled and immediately on board, so much so, that when we almost lost funding, an anonymous sponsor stepped in to make sure the show could go ahead!”
What makes this revival even more meaningful for Karney is the connection to Peterborough’s history. “The posters I found were all handmade at the Printworks, using old printing machines from the ’20s, ’30s, and ’50s. I’ve been using those same machines to recreate our program. It takes about three hours just to make 30 copies, as each letter has to be set by hand. But it’s worth it—it feels so important to keep that connection to the past alive. There’s something special about honouring the legacy of those who came before us while creating something new for the present.”
For anyone feeling unsure or uncertain about embracing their identity and creative expression, Karney offers this advice: “Don’t give up on that dream, that seed. Nurture it, believe in it, and when you’re ready, find people who will support and mentor you.” “That’s what this community needs—mentors who help others grow.” Reflecting on her own journey, she adds, “I’ve been doing this since 1999, and over time, you merge who you are with your stage persona. Once you embrace that, the stage becomes a place where you feel truly at home.”
Karney shares an exciting preview of Cabaret Capers: “Expect a mix of cabaret, burlesque, circus, and drag, all performed by artists under the rainbow banner. Our host is a seasoned performer from Sydney, one of the original Les Girls, female impersonator Vicki Vegas Extraordinaire. We’ve got Michael Jaxon Carson, a Michael Jackson impersonator endorsed by the King of Pop himself, and the state’s only sword swallower. Plus, there’s drag bingo during the day to warm things up!”
Cabaret Capers is more than just a performance—it’s a celebration of identity, community, and self-expression in the Southern Flinders Ranges. By reviving Peterborough’s rich burlesque history and championing gender diversity, Karney and her team are not only reshaping the town’s cultural landscape but also inspiring a new generation to embrace their true selves. With every show, they prove that art has the power to connect, uplift, and heal. Join them at Feast Festival for an unforgettable experience, and be sure to follow @midnorthburlesque for future performances that continue to both challenge and inspire.
Written by Feast’s Storyteller, Stiles Swanepoel (he/they)
14 November 2024
Talking to the Box Office...