What would you do if you knew the world was going to end in a few minutes? Scout Durwood is going to go out swinging – sorry, singing. The description of Apocalypse Cabaret is a little different from the show itself, with the “lonely karaoke jockey” actually being a character who hates the concept of karaoke and is instead performing a one-woman cabaret – until they are joined by a talking Australian paper bag who gives them no other choice but to turn the karaoke machine on.
Audience members are then introduced to Durwood’s world, one in which they struggle to find the love and acceptance they want as a middle child in a family where Santa didn’t always leave presents under the tree. Durwood has an obsession with Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet that leads her on a path of rituals and desire, including getting married to her stuffed animal and eventually being sent to a mental hospital. It’s quite a dark show with a lot of material packed in, so much that there are moments when Durwood forgets the lyrics or stumbles on lines. However, Durwood is an incredibly talented actor and singer and performs a vast array of songs that will have the audience singing along as the world burns.
Apocalypse Cabaret: Songs for the End of the World, Underbelly, Bristo Square, until 24 Aug (not 12, 19), 9.20pm