Wagga Civic Theatre Re-Ignite Cabaret Festival sees audience join performers on stage

In a mix of music, theatrics and comedy, Wagga Civic Theatre's stage has been morphed into a venue in its own right, fully decked out with candle-lit tables, a performance nook and atmospheric lighting to deliver the next installment of the Re-Ignite Festival.

Local performers Meredith Adams, Peter J Casey and Jamie Way will debut their show You're Welcome tonight. Way said the people of Wagga were in for a treat.

"Don't come in with too many preconceptions, be ready to have fun, have a laugh, sing along - but not too much - and just have a really great time," he said.

"Normally when we perform on this stage, it's out to an auditorium full of people, so this new intimate setting is really exciting."

Way said there was a hunger for live shows in lockdown, bringing a new sense of excitement to the stage.

"We get the feeling when soaking in that buzz before a show that people are really starving for things to do," he said.

"People are really missing that local connection with live shows, and while there will always be a place for live streaming, it's really refreshing to be able to actually go and see real people in real life - for performers as well as audience members."

You're Welcome will run from September 24 - October 3 with three shows this weekend and two the following. Civic Theatre manager Carissa Campbell said the idea for a cabaret show had always been on their bucket list.

"It's something that the Wagga community has been asking for, but some have not actually experienced before, so being able to deliver cabaret shows at this time and showcase local performers is wonderful," she said.

Ms Campbell added that tickets were selling out fast with only a few left up for grabs. They can be purchased via the Civic Theatre website in tables of two or four and include savoury or sweet food platters and a selection of wine.