‘When I Grow Up’ cabaret at The Butterfly Club

When I Grow Up‘  is the solo cabaret debut from local talent Anne Gasko, an easy and upbeat blend of stand-up, storytelling, and song. Anne brings the audience along on a journey from her childhood to the realities of a nearly-30-something adult life.

These are themes  are varied and familiar: making friends, body image, learning about romance from Disney movies, piles of laundry that won’t go away, late shifts in hospitality, drinking, figuring out how to manage your super, social awkwardness. My plus one later remarked that the stories brought up forgotten memories of her own feelings growing up and dreaming of Disney princes, and we had a pleasant chat afterwards about our own experiences (though I can relate more to the difficulties of managing your super, get in touch Anne if you need any tips there).

While the stories and anecdotes were delivered with confidence and honesty, the musical pieces and with piano accompaniment is where Anne really shines.  Incredible voice, range and texture. My favourite was the transition from her Disney songs to a beautiful moving cover of ‘I want to hold your hand’. It left me thinking ‘wow, I’d definitely would add this to my iPhone playlist’.  In fact, I did find her recoding of it on YouTube – check it out, you’ll see what I mean by incredible voice. Props to the pianist, too!

The show runs just under an hour, so hang around for a beverage at The Butterfly Club – which is simply a very cool place. It’s in a CBD laneway, up a few flights of stairs, friendly and unassuming bar staff, awesome soundtrack to match the collection of kitsch, and quiet couches in corners to make you feel exactly like you are chilling at your eccentric aunt’s home.  My plus one, being new to Melbourne and its laneways, thought the place was ‘AMAZING’, verbatim. Great option for some live music and a quiet drink in the CBD.

– Christian
Christian G.  is an international man of mystery;  lover of books, cat and the performing arts; moonlighting as a finance professional by day.

When I Grow Up‘ has a limited run every evening  at The Butterfly Club ending this Sunday, 29 November. The venue is not accessible.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited guests of ‘When I Grow Up’.