Aria nominated and international festival cabaret performer, Ali McGregor, finished her ‘Alchemy’ tour here in Port Douglas at The Clink Theatre last Sunday evening, Nov 1st.

McGregor, who lists her skills, in order of ability, as “singing, mothering and putting her finger in pies” is one of Australia's most versatile performers.

‘Alchemy’, meaning ‘a seemingly magical process’, has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as well as all the major Australian festivals. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, McGregor said, “…has formed me, broken and rebuilt me every single year for ten years. It’s been my graduate degree in living life to the full.”

Far North Queensland’s humidity factor was turned up high. A small crowd, or, as McGregor called us, the ‘cream of Port Douglas’ were fortunate to get a very intimate show from the truly individual performer.

Supported by a pianist, double bass player and drummer, McGregor sparkled from her diamante heels up. 1987, a favourite year for the cabaret performer, was re-visited in her operatic take on classics by Salt-n-Pepa and Madonna. Mashing up popular songs with blues and jazz and a huge sprinkle of sass, class and wit, McGregor had the smallest of audiences on their feet by the end of the show.

From a tongue in cheek version of Aqua’s ‘Barbie World’ to Prodigy’s ‘Firestarter’ in the first half to classical Cole Porter in the second. McGregor’s range, skill and diversity of voice had us in stitches from one song to silent adoration the next. An exceptional singer with undisputed stage presence, McGregor’s entertainment career was worth running away with the circus for.

Opera Australia was the foot plate for the principal soprano’s journey, going on to star in hit cabaret shows La Clique, La Soiree and Club Swizzle.

Thankfully there is more to come as McGregor will take up her new role and dream job as the Artistic Director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Married to Adam Hills, with two daughters, Ali McGregor, who received a master class from legendary Dame Cleo Lane during her Bachelor of music, still has so much more to give.