Piper’s Playhouse Brings Parisian Cabaret Glamour To Crown Melbourne This Summer

Prepare to fall headfirst into a world of velvet and Champagne because Melbourne’s nightlife is about to get sultry. Opening 22 January, Piper’s Playhouse will unveil its first limited-season immersive cabaret experience at Crown Melbourne, blending Parisian theatre, live music and modern mischief into one unforgettable after-dark spectacle.

Perched high with an elevated riverside view, Piper’s Playhouse transforms a bespoke-built space into a dazzling Parisian cabaret club drenched in red light and bubbles (courtesy of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, naturally). Running Thursday to Sunday from 22 January to 28 March, the experience invites guests to step behind the velvet curtain and into a world of glamour and intrigue (like Montmartre meets Melbourne, but without the pricey plane ticket).

Designed by Crown Entertainment in collaboration with award-winning production house Velvick Inc. (the team behind Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett), the show unfurls as an immersive playground of live performance, where no two nights are quite the same. You can bank on live jazz from the Jake Amy Trio, seductive aerials, mirrored hallways, cheeky peep shows and a little tableside magic—all weaving together to create a kaleidoscope of cabaret and curiosity.

Fronting the production is drag icon Jimi the Kween, whose high-voltage pop glamour has lit up stages around the world (we’re talking Kylie Minogue, Diplo and Paris Hilton-level company here). They’re joined by Diesel Darling, reigning Miss Burlesque Australia 2020–21, known for her gritty mix of elegance, danger, and a penchant for high-flying champagne glamour.

Together, they anchor a lineup of world-class dancers, aerialists and provocateurs—including Sebastian Rideaux (Mr. Marmalade), Valerie Hexof YUMMY, Becky Bubble, Zelia Rose Kitoko and more.

When the curtain finally closes, the night is far from over. Piper’s Playhouse seamlessly transforms into a free-entry late-night piano bar and salon, encapsulating Paris at dawn and Vegas in velvet, inviting guests to linger long after the show ends.

“Piper’s Playhouse is all about bringing cabaret back to its roots— daring irresistibly alive,” says artistic director Tom Velvick. “This is a show built on spectacle and soul, where extraordinary artists take risks and the audience is invited to lean in, let go, and celebrate the night.”

Crown Melbourne CEO Ed Domingo adds that the show is the latest example of Crown’s intent to stay at the forefront of Melbourne’s entertainment scene: “The limited season show and free late night piano bar and salon will bring a new level of joy and pleasure to our guests both local and interstate as well as our international visitors.” 

Tickets are strictly limited, starting from $54, with VIP Champagne experiences also available (including a complimentary glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne).

Piper's Playhouse opens from 22 January to 28 March, 2026 at Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank for the ticketed cabaret from 6:30pm–9pm, then stay on as the piano bar and salon kick on from 9pm until late with free entry.

Main Image Credit: Piper's Playhouse | Supplied