Carla Anita Mattiazzo knows how to take an audience on a roller coaster ride with her cabaret shows. Her shows are honest and from the heart. At this year’s Fringe, Carla has brought back That’s NOT Amore after a very successful run in 2024.

That’s NOT Amore involves Carla telling the story of her Italian-Australian family’s experiences. It is full of truths and hits home hard. Having grown up in a ethnic community myself, there is so much about Carla’s show that is incredibly relatable. Carla’s delivery is very conversational. She is warm and engaging, and she really knows how to land a joke. There is also a lot of weight in this show. The last section of the show is heavy hitting, but Carla navigates topics of abuse with sensitivity but in a way that really leaves a lasting effect on her audiences. 

The script that Carla has written is simply brilliant, as is her performance. The show moves at a great pace weaving songs in and out of the spoken moments of the show. Carla’s powerful and emotive voice is a beautiful cross between cabaret and light opera, which perfectly compliments this show.

Last year, That’s NOT Amore was accompanied by the sublime Ciara Ferguson on keys and backing vocals, but for the show’s final South Australian performance season at this year’s Fringe, Ciara is joined by Spiro Kolovos on double bass and Michael Hutchison on drums. The addition of a full band gives this show some extra depth and dramatic moments (especially in the underscore throughout the show). These three mighty fine musicians are world-class. They work brilliantly together and weave in and out of the multiple musical styles with ease. 

There is only one more chance (tonight – Saturday 22 March) to see That’s NOT Amore. If you are at a loose end and looking for a show to see, make it this one. Carla is a magnificent cabaret artist who has produced a moving, yet light-hearted cabaret show that packs many important messages we need to hear.