2014 Adelaide Cabaret Festival Matches Last Year's Highest Ever Attendance Record

It may have been cold outside but the temperature was soaring at the Festival Centre during another sensational Adelaide Cabaret Festival. With over 480 cabaret artists performing in the festival and 35 sold out shows. Total ticketed attendances were 45,000 on par with our highest ever ticketed attendances in 2013.

The festival has seen a huge 30% increase in box office since Kate Ceberano became Artistic Director, an average of 10% each year. Demonstrating the festival's growing popularity both statewide and across the country, 10% of tickets purchased were purchased by people from interstate or overseas and 6% of our patrons who bought tickets were from regional SA.

Kate Ceberano says: "It has been such a joy collaborating with clever designers, administrators, musicians, artists and production crews in and around the Adelaide Festival Centre during my tenure as Artistic Director. I have watched and fraternised with people from all over the world while staying in the one precinct! This is my favourite festival in the world, the best job I've ever had, in the most beautiful city in Australia. Barry's gonna love it! Au revoir for now."

2014 Festival highlights have included:

· The popular Variety Gala which kicked off the festival in superb red carpet style, with a unique festival finish by the Raah Project, Kate Ceberano, Kylie Auldist and iOTA in an unforgettable performance

· Darlene Love took centre stage and raised the Festival Theatre roof with classic hits and raw energy

· Master story teller and singer Colin Hay had audiences mesmerised with his witty and heartfelt tales of life, love and music.

· Comedic actress Kathy Najimy had sides splitting with the debut of her hilarious one-woman show 'Lift Up Your Skirt'.

· Award-wining cabaret star Kim Smith hit all the right notes with his multi-lingual mastery in 'Nova Noir'

· The sophistication and perfection of French chanteuse Caroline Nin's 'Songs and Stories of the Paris Lido' left audiences wanting more.

· Adelaide songstress Carla Lippis had audiences in the palm of her hand, joking as Italo-Australian princess Brenta one minute, then commanding the stage with her powerful and moving country renditions.

· All-Australian rock and roll lineup in Vandemonian Lags also struck a chord with history buffs and music lovers alike.

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and Artistic Director Douglas Gautier says: "We thank Kate Ceberano for the wonderful work she has done over her three years as Artistic Director. This much loved festival continues to draw audiences to the Festival Centre and it's their support that sustains the Adelaide Cabaret Festival as the leading Cabaret Festival in the world. This year 8% of ticket buyers bought to four or more shows and 20 patrons bought to 15 or more shows with one patron buying to 26 shows! This shows the commitment to and passion for this festival.

Whilst we say goodbye to Kate Ceberano (for now), we look forward to the ideas, collaboration and creativity in store next year with the legendary Barry Humphries at the helm."

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