Bad Hand is a cabaret debut for theatre and screen star Natalie Abbott (Muriel’s Wedding the Musical, Aftertaste ABC) centred on navigating life’s unpredictability, grief and getting out of bed anyways. After the kind of loss that flips the script entirely, Abbott returns with her most personal show yet.
It’s funny, raw and a little bit existential; a mix of confession, comedy and cards you definitely did not ask to be dealt. This is a big-hearted serenade that moves seamlessly through country, pop, classical and modern musical theatre.
Read on for more insight into Natalie Abbott’s cabaret about playing to win:
How would you describe your show to someone who knows very little about it.
It’s an empowering musical comedy cabaret about love, loss and life. It touches on grief and also finding connection through that journey.
What makes it stand out and why should people see it?
It’s a personal story and I think people will like it if they want a little laugh or a little cry, and if they want to hear some great music!
How long was the process from idea to writing to stage? Any challenges along the way?
It took about 6 months of writing drafts and going back to the drawing board. There were a few challenges, but it was more shaping the show and how it evolved over time that was a fun challenge.
Please tell me about what attracts you to the Sydney festival and why you love performing there.
I’ve loved coming to watch shows at the Sydney festival for years. I think there is such an incredible buzz and energy during festival season and the vibe is that everyone is so incredibly supportive and ready to catch some theatre!
How would you describe your relationship with the audience and what do you love the most about live performance?
I like to hope I create a positive relationship with the audience. I hope they feel like they get to know a side to me that people don’t usually see if I’m playing a character. I know that they’re legends because they’re here supporting the arts so, I love them for that. I think my favourite thing about performing live is hearing their reactions to things. I love it when they laugh or get shocked because I get that in real time.
Who would you say has been your biggest inspirations?
I’m so incredibly inspired by so many performers, but Christie Whelan-Browne is always the first name who comes to my mind. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her and have seen her work in musicals and on screen and I’ve seen a few of her cabarets. I adore Christie as a performer and as a person and I love how funny and vulnerable she is in her performance.
What are three things that would surprise people to learn about you?
Maybe if you have only seen me on stage playing or screen playing a character, a lot about me would shock you! To everyone who knows me well I’m a pretty open book. But generally speaking, I think maybe that I don’t like camping? I don’t know… seems like a whole lot of effort to be slightly uncomfortable the whole time, I think.
Finally, what would you like audiences to take away from the show?
I think we’re told this a lot, that “life is unpredictable” “make the most of the one life we have” “yolo” etc. It’s no secret but often, when we’re in the grind, living life day-to-day, that’s when the unimaginable happens. In the day-to-day. I think if people leave with that reminder and the feeling of being empowered to take a risk because of that, I’ll be a pretty happy girl.
With a soundtrack featuring everything from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Tina Arena, Abbott dives into love, luck and all the unexpected wildcards life throws at you, making the most of dark humour and raw honesty that can turn on a dime from heartache to hilarity. Bad Hand is an invitation to take a seat at the table, to laugh, cry and take a punt on life and love – because if life’s a gamble, you might as well play to win.
January 15 – 17
