A new immersive cabaret experience is set to sprinkle some sparkle over December, aiming to combat the unique loneliness many feel during the festive season.
The Naughty List will run for one night only on Friday, December 19, at Two80 Cabaret on Cleveland Street in Surry Hills.
The sit-down event includes a two-course meal and a cabaret showcase led by Rhys Lightening, Eli Crawford, Karna Ford, Jackel Doll and more.
Jackel Doll told Gay Sydney Daily that, as a migrant herself, she understands how Christmas can be a lonely time for people who don't have family around them.
"I only have community as my chosen family here for support and I am always sad around Christmas time as I am away from those I love, so this year I decided to do something about it," she said.
For many in the community, the festive period can magnify stress and isolation, especially with the pressure to craft the perfect holiday season, said Jackel.
"We want to flip the script on what a holiday gathering should look like. If you're tired of fielding invasive questions from distant relatives, or you are away from family this time of year, you belong at our table," she said.
Jackel said the event is made by queer people, for queer people.
"It has all the colours of the rainbow: gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, pansexual and those who fly beyond the binary," she said.
"It isn't a strict Christmas theme – so don't expect Christmas hit after hit, we are mixing it up with your favourite pop hits and divas."
She encouraged guests to stay on after the show, when the venue undergoes a festive transformation.
"The Naughty List transforms into a club environment after, with the cast available for private shows."
Tickets are on sale now, with general admission priced at $74.37 including booking fees. A ticket that includes dinner and bubbles costs $119, or $101.15 with the community discount code “QUEERCHRISTMAS”.
This article has been syndicated with permission from Gay Sydney Daily, run by journalist Eliot Hastie.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: [email protected]
