SUGAR – Bold, Hilarious and Cheeky Cabaret at Arts Centre Melbourne

18+ Event
Theatre
Jan 15
3 min read
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SUGAR opened last night at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the Midsumma Festival 2026 program, and it’s easy to see why this award-winning cabaret has been generating so much buzz. Hilarious, cheeky and unexpectedly heartfelt, SUGAR is packed with surprises from start to finish.

Set in the intimate Show Room at Arts Centre Melbourne, the production keeps things deliberately minimal. A suitcase, a Pretty Woman wig and hat, and a heart-shaped window form the visual backbone of the set. Around this, a collection of instruments, including cello, baby grand piano, keyboard, and a cheeky blow-up “Richard” (the sugar daddy), adds layers of humour and theatrical flair.

Written by Ro Bright, SUGAR follows Sugar, played by the magnetic Tomáš Kantor, as they step into the seductive and precarious world of being a sugar baby. The story explores Sugar’s transactional relationship with Richard, a wealthy businessman from Western Australia, and the emotional complexities that sit beneath the glossy surface of money, power and desire.

Kantor delivers an energetic and deeply engaging performance, blending sharp comedy with moments of raw vulnerability. Alongside their strong vocal ability, Kantor impressively plays multiple instruments throughout the show, keeping the pace fast and dynamic. As the story unfolds, SUGAR explores themes of gender fluidity, identity, and the emotional highs and lows of navigating modern relationships.

Music lovers will enjoy the show’s clever use of pop culture references and musical snippets. Expect nods to Pretty Woman, pop anthems from Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Chappell Roan, and even The Phantom of the Opera. Songs aren’t performed in full; instead, lines and verses are integrated into Sugar’s monologue, a smart and effective storytelling choice.

Audience interaction is another highlight, playful, surprising, and genuinely funny, adding to the intimate cabaret atmosphere without ever feeling forced.

It’s no surprise SUGAR has already earned major recognition, including: Best Cabaret Nomination – Melbourne Fringe 2024, Best Cabaret Artiste & Production Design Nominations – Green Room Awards 2024 and 4 x Judges’ Picks Awards – 2024

SUGAR is a standout cabaret performance and a brilliant showcase of Tomáš Kantor’s talent. Sharp, self-aware and emotionally honest, it’s one of the must-see shows of Midsumma Festival Melbourne 2026.

Now playing at Arts Centre Melbourne until 25 January 2026.

I loved it.

Production Credits:
Writer: Ro Bright (they/them)
Performer: Tomáš Kantor (he/they)
Director: Kitan Petkovski (he/him)
Visual Design: Bethany J Fellows (by name)
Lighting Designer: Spencer Herd (he/him)
Musical Director & Arranger: Rachel Lewindon (she/her)

Age Recommendation: 18+
This show contains adult content, strong coarse language, sudden and sustained loud noises, haze, and some Infrequent/low-pressure audience interaction. It includes discussions of lived non-binary experiences, sex work and queer sex, and depictions of drug and alcohol use, transphobia and internalised

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SUGAR – Bold, Hilarious and Cheeky Cabaret at Arts Centre Melbourne

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