REVIEW: SUGAR

Tomáš Kantor is dripping (literally) with talent and charisma in the queerest kickoff Midsumma could dream of. SUGAR follows one sugar-baby’s journey of being swept up in their very own Pretty Woman fantasy, told through perfectly timed monologues and unnervingly applicable mainstream pop songs. 

The Show Room at the Arts Centre Melbourne has become a haven for theatre that celebrates being authentic and bold, and SUGAR provided exactly this. It was impossible not to be warmed by Kantor’s infectious joy, and their unabashed embrace of our audience. It was truly delightful to see an Arts Centre audience getting raucous at orgasm noises set to Kylie Minogue. 

Photo credit: Mark Gambino

SUGAR met every queer theatre convention from outfit changes to inflatable sex dolls, then expanded and exploited Kantor’s own outrageous strengths as a multi-instrumentalist, dancer and natural storyteller. Ro Bright has written a heartfelt ode to the experience of trans and non-binary folks, then thrown every possible gag, bell and whistle at it. We were having such a good time the sincerity of its message knocked the wind out of us. Blown away, pun intended. 

It was a joy heralding Midsumma with our favourite pop divas, skilfully reimagined by Rachel Lewindon to highlight Kantor’s vocal acrobatics. Bethany J Fellows’ visual design and Spencer Herd’s lighting were vibrant and precise. Kitan Petkovski’s direction balanced each moment of music, dance and stillness. Together this team has produced a cabaret in which every beat of comedy is measured, and every social comment is heard. 

SUGAR knows exactly what it is, and where it stands. The beauty of witnessing Tomáš Kantor’s range as a performer is at the heart of why this cabaret shines, but the message interwoven is what moved me. Be too much, hump that cello, if it feels good, it’s good. 

SUGAR runs until January 25th, see it if you can. 

5 out of 5 Stars