Reviewed by: On Your Markus
Jens Radda’s Skank Sinatra: The Name On Everybody’s Lips drops at the 2026 Adelaide Fringe like a freakin’ glitter bomb fired across a spiegeltent – loud, shimmery and impossible to ignore. Playing at The Lark at Gluttony, this deliciously outrageous cabaret unleashes the alter-ego Skank Sinatra in a 60-minute whirlwind of Broadway bravado, razor-sharp wit and unapologetic drag glamour.
Radda commands the stage with the confidence of a slick and seasoned cabaret star, transforming musical theatre classics into camp, cheeky and wildly entertaining showpieces. The concept is gloriously simple but brilliantly executed: take the biggest songs from the Broadway songbook and give them a sequinned, high-heeled twist. The result is a high-energy mix of defined powerhouse vocals, irreverent comedy and theatrical flair that celebrates musical theatre while gleefully poking fun at it.
Backed by a live pianist (Adelaide’s own, and very accomplished artist, Josh Belperio) and a fabulous parade of costume reveals, Radda’s Skank Sinatra struts through the set like a diva who knows exactly how to work a Fringe crowd. Songs from beloved musicals such as Cabaret, Evita, Little Shop of Horrors and Hamilton are flipped, twisted and delivered with a wink, turning familiar show tunes into bold cabaret moments bursting with personality.
But what truly sells the show is Radda’s voice. Rich, commanding and effortlessly theatrical, the vocals soar across the tent with a confidence that makes every parody feel like a legitimate show-stopping number. Between songs, the performer’s sharp comedic timing keeps the audience constantly laughing, flirting and fully along for the ride. It’s drag cabaret with bite – glamorous but mischievous, polished yet gloriously unfiltered.
Having already collected Adelaide Fringe cabaret awards in previous years, Radda clearly knows how to craft a Fringe crowd-pleaser, and Skank Sinatra: The Name On Everybody’s Lips feels like the next evolution of that winning formula.
In this crazy arts festival overflowing with plenty of spectacle, this show stands out by leaning fully into what cabaret does best: big voice, big personality and even bigger attitude. It’s bold, brassy and brilliantly cheeky – the kind of Fringe night out that leaves audiences grinning long after the final note.
Wrap-up: Skank Sinatra doesn’t just sing the hits – she struts straight through them in heels, sequins and pure Fringe attitude. A brilliant, high standard show. Credit.
And while, you’re at it, make sure you check out Jens in Madame Martha’s Parisian Cabaret with Iva Rosebud and Meg Hickey AND Mass Hysteria also with Iva Rosebud (Both show in Gluttony too).