Review: Apocalypse Cabaret – Songs for the End of the World, Fringe 2025

The premise for Scout Durwood’s Apocalypse Cabaret is simple and enticing: a lonely karaoke jockey finds herself the sole survivor at the end of the world and decides to go out singing. It’s a concept that could be a global catastrophe or, as you watch, something far more personal and internal. The show itself, described as “Katy Perry meets Sartre,” leans into this ambiguity, creating a performance that is as compelling as it is conflicted.

A Monologue of Melodies

Our survivor, played with gusto by the LA-based Durwood, rocks up on stage drunk, angry, and belligerent. Swigging from a bottle hidden in a brown paper bag, she is a firecracker of resentment and sorrow, ready to host one last karaoke night for an audience of ghosts. This is a show built around a monologue, telling the story of the tough life she has endured.

This storytelling is the show’s central pillar. However, it’s also the source of some frustration. The format often follows a classic karaoke trope: a powerful verse is sung before the music cuts for a quip or a poignant restatement of her troubles. This happens again and again. While arguably necessary to drive the narrative forward, it constantly teases you with what could be.

The interruptions are deliberate and part of the character’s messy, shattered psyche. There’s also a neat piece of stagecraft involving that humble brown paper bag, which is a clever surprise. But when the singing is this good, you can’t help but feel a little short-changed each time a song is cut short.

Teasingly Terrific Tunes

Let’s be clear: the singing is fantastic. Durwood possesses a powerful, versatile voice that could easily carry a full-blown concert. The show is at its best when she is allowed to let loose, even for a moment. “A show blessed with such a powerful voice that its biggest flaw is not letting us hear more of it.”

Some of the most exciting moments come when classic songs are masterfully modified to become more apocalyptic. These “apocaly-fied” versions are brilliant, but they often appear only as snippets in a montage, leaving you desperate for the full track. It’s a testament to the quality of the concept that you crave more.

The venue, the Dairy Room at Underbelly Bristo Square, is fantastic for this intimate, raw performance. It allows Durwood to connect directly with the audience, who are encouraged to join in. It’s a solid performance in a great space.

Overall

Apocalypse Cabaret is a compelling and conflicted hour of theatre. It’s a show with a fantastic central performance and a truly brilliant voice that leaves you wanting more. The storytelling structure might prove frustrating for those who come purely for the music, but if you’re looking for a genre-bending, emotional, and interactive show for a Friday night at the Fringe, this is one to check out. Especially if you’re prepared to sing along.