Looking for a queer pop-cultural sugar rush? If you are, look no further. If not, this light, bright psychosexual cabaret with a slightly bittersweet heart is well worth experiencing for the nascent star power of Tomáš Kantor.

A 70-minute showcase of their talent and charisma, Sugar premiered at the 2024 Melbourne Fringe, then played the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and more in 2025, and now returns to Kantor’s hometown for Midsumma Festival.

Tomáš Kantor in Sugar. Photo © Mark Gambino

Directed by Kitan Petkovski (whose other collaborations with Kantor include 2024’s The Inheritance) and written by Ro Bright, this autobiographical one-hander reveals the life of a novice sugar baby.

Kantor recalls being short of funds, in search of cabaret material, and inspired by 1990 film Pretty Woman (about sex worker Julia Roberts and sugar daddy Richard Gere, in case you missed it). They become Sugar and hook up with a wealthy man called Richard (or is he?) who is looking for discreet good times.

It’s a joyride of a tale: sex, luxury and a veritable Pretty Woman moment, as well as emotional...