Review: Cabaret Show ‘Voyage of Love’ | Sydney Showboats

Cabaret Show ‘Voyage of Love’ | Sydney Showboats A Celebratory Showcase of Movement, Cultural Depth, and Contemporary Expression Aboard an Icon of Australian Performance By Chris Duncan | DanceLife Australia There are few performance venues more quintessentially Australian—or more internationally recognisable—than Sydney Harbour, and few stages more iconic than the Sydney Showboat, a beloved fixture of the harbour’s glittering nightlife. Sydney Showboat is the one and only theatre-style function venue on the harbour and the city’s longest running Cabaret show, being established in 1987.

It was aboard this storied vessel, as the city skyline sparkled in the distance, that a recent dance showcase brought together a stunning fusion of cultural storytelling, contemporary choreography, and emotional authenticity.

The Sydney Showboat, with its rich legacy as a destination for premium live entertainment, offered the perfect canvas for a night of transformative dance. This unique venue, renowned for hosting some of Australia’s most vibrant cabaret and musical experiences, elevated the performance to an event of distinction—one that felt both grounded in local excellence and undeniably global in appeal.

A Journey of Artistic Precision and Emotional Resonance

From the opening number to the final bow, the showcase captivated its audience with a dynamic range of performances that were as technically impressive as they were emotionally resonant. With the gentle sway of the boat beneath their feet and the harbour lights reflecting through the windows, the dancers delivered a series of works that flowed seamlessly in tone, energy, and intention.

Each segment offered a new lens through which to view the artistry and versatility of the performers. The showcase’s curation revealed not only a commitment to aesthetic excellence but also a deep respect for diverse cultural influences and contemporary innovation.

Sweet Disposition : A Duet of Delicacy and Depth

One of the most unforgettable moments of the evening came with Sweet Disposition , a lyrical duet performed with breathtaking sensitivity by Jessey Fullwood and Joshua Dormer. Set against the ever-changing hues of Sydney Harbour at dusk, their performance seemed to float above time itself.

Fullwood and Dormer’s connection on stage was magnetic. Their movement, filled with fluidity and technical control, created an emotional arc that resonated profoundly with the audience. Jessey Fullwood, in particular, brought an exquisite blend of strength and grace—demonstrating refined musicality, spatial intelligence, and emotional maturity. Her presence was both commanding and quietly powerful, embodying a dancer who not only understands the choreography but inhabits it.

What made this piece truly impactful was not just its polish, but the vulnerability with which it was performed. The duet felt like an intimate conversation, elegantly framed by the harbour skyline—Australia’s most iconic natural stage.

Cultural Expression Through Dance

The show entitled ‘Voyage of Love’ takes you on a trip around the world with dance inspired by the cultures of Las Vegas, New York, Mumbai, Barcelona, Rio, Paris and Sydney. The French Cancan was a much loved loud and energetic number that had the audience engaged, clapping and cheering.

Ensemble Brilliance and Curated Excellence

While Sweet Disposition and the Indian piece offered standout moments, the strength of the entire showcase lay in its ensemble cohesion. From contemporary group pieces to showgirl, high-energy commercial numbers and French Cancan the dancers displayed consistent commitment, skill, and connection. Each performer contributed meaningfully to the overall narrative, and the choreography cleverly highlighted both individual talent and collective strength. The transitions between styles—lyrical, contemporary, cultural—were executed with finesse, creating a program that felt fluid, balanced, and emotionally layered.

Credit must be given to the artistic direction behind the evening, which clearly aimed to uplift all performers while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. The show offered a true celebration of dance as an evolving, inclusive, and expressive art form.

Production Design and Harbour Atmosphere

The unique acoustics and visual framing of the Sydney Showboat added a richness to the evening that cannot be replicated in traditional theatre settings. The lighting design subtly shifted to complement each piece, while the soundscape remained crisp and immersive.

Performing aboard this floating theatre—surrounded by the illuminated sails of the Sydney Opera House and the towering arc of the Harbour Bridge—brought an undeniable gravitas to the evening. For international audiences, there could be no clearer signal of Australia’s cultural prestige than this glittering fusion of artistry and location.

A Showcase Worthy of Global Recognition

This dance showcase was not just an evening of entertainment—it was a celebration of identity, resilience, and creative excellence, made even more poignant by its setting on Sydney’s most legendary stage. Every element of the production, from choreography to costuming, from ensemble energy to solo brilliance, reflected a commitment to high artistic standards.

The dancers are world class. Many of the cast have performed in shows around the world including on Cruise Ships, Musicals, Cabarets in Paris, Germany and more.

In bringing contemporary and cultural dance to such an iconic Australian venue, this showcase did more than honour the traditions of the past—it lit a path forward for the next generation of performers, with Sydney Harbour glittering behind them as a beacon to the world.