Uki shows off home-grown talent

MAY 26: Jamie Bell takes the stage at Cabaret 360.

THE bizarre took centre stage in a night of weird and wonderful perform- ances at Cabaret 360 in Uki on Friday night.

The crowd of 200-plus were in awe and stitches throughout the night as more than 25 local acts put on a show in the Uki Hall.

Ukitopia Arts Collective president Natascha Wernick said highlights included Ivy Hekimian's burlesque comedy piano, the acrobatic offerings of Michele Thomas and Sue Hird and a performance piece by Tupenny Opera.

“It was all brilliant,” Ms Wernick said. “We've already started thinking about next year and how we can fit more people into the space. It's all about providing a showcase for performing artists in the region while trying to build an economy around them.

The event, directed by Hamilton Barnett, sold out three days before show time. “I had the phone numbers of 60 people who wanted me to ring them if those with tickets didn't show up,” Ms Wernick said. Other stand-out acts included Hari Krishna comedian Loki de Jager and Murwillumbah's own Mary Remedios, aka The Granny Rapper.