The curtain is closing on a Port Kembla stalwart after more than a decade. The Vault Cabaret is “going out with a bang”, with it’s last event on Wentworth Street in November.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The venue will remain but the variety night organised by Anne-Louise Rentell since 2004 will be no more.
“It’s kind of a good sad because it’s so loved,” Rentell said. “When things end it paves the way for something new and creates a new kind of energy.”
In 2003 when Rentell decided a former ANZ Banks turned nightclub was the perfect venue she was met with a lot of criticism.
“This thing that people were really reserved about coming to Port Kembla, because it was deemed dangerous and unpleasant, made it more interesting to put something on there at night and bring some love and positive energy to the street,” she said.
In the beginning it was a venture between Rentell and The Vault’s owners, Lou and Jan Belancic, until around 2006 when Merrigong Theatre also came on board and added it to it’s yearly program.
“It didn’t seem like it was going to be a complete failure to me, I thought something could come out of it,” Lou Belancic said. “But I wouldn’t have thought 13 years of great entertainment [would ensue].”
He said the region didn’t have too many outlets for artists to hone their craft and The Vault Cabaret provided that opportunity.
“They all take it really seriously and are pro at whatever level they’re at,” Belancic said.
On reflection of the cabaret shows adding to the revitalisation of Port Kembla, Rentell said it helped promote the town as a place to go.
“We were part of a push which a lot of people have contributed to.
“It began at a time when other things were starting to happen. So it was good for that reemergence,” she said.
Merrigong artistic director Simon Hinton said the theatre company was “enormously proud” of what had been achieved over the years and their association with the Wentworth Street club would continue.
“We are currently looking at what new platforms we can create to showcase the type of artists that have thrived at The Vault Cabaret,” he said. “So watch this space.”
The Vault Cabaret has three shows left – July 16, September 3 and the finale on November 19.
All tickets are at the door. First in, best dressed.