Parlour Noir — Jude Bowler

Inspired by their shared love of the gritty glamour, shady chic and femmes fatale of noir cinema, genre-benders Jude Bowler (aka Marlene Dietrich) and Christa Hughes (Machine Gun Fellatio, Circus Oz) present a musical mash-up cabaret steeped in cool cynicism, profound passion, fishnet stockings and terrific toons of the era and today (in an “everything new is old again” twisted kind of way) … songs made famous by Marlene Dietrich, Liza Minnelli, Grace Jones, Lou Reed, Edith Piaf, Judy Garland, Iggy Pop, The White Stripes, and a pinch of Prince.

Conceived by Jude Bowler, written/performed/arranged by Jude Bowler and Christa Hughes “Parlour Noir” is a 75min+ cabaret, approx 15 songs in two Acts, suiting spaces from 50-150, with cabaret/theatre seating.

The show is performed entirely to backing tracks, interspersed with live guitar/uke. However, could easily be enhanced with a piano/keyboard accompanist, and/or other live musicians. It has also been performed in a 65min/one act format, in a theatre setting, such is the versatility of the production to adapt to different spaces/audiences.

*Not suitable for audiences <16yrs old.

“Parlour Noir premiered for ‘Voices in the House’ [2022], a performance series that I present and promote at the Prince of Wales Opera House Gulgong. Jude Bowler, Christa Hughes and Bill Hopper were a dream team to present. Working in a theatre with no technical support and no equipment, they produced an amazing, professional show that knocked the socks off an audience from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. People are still talking about it! I am so grateful they agreed to be part of the series.”
Judith James, Producer

Show reel (2.22min): (2.22min) https://vimeo.com/878513229

Tech Specs etc + Whole show footage avail on request.

vox pops

“This was a brilliant show! Totally blown away by Jude and Christa!! Amazingly talented performers… so much fun. It’s a long time since I’ve seen artists giving so much on stage! I felt I was in Europe! Very moving!! A must see!”

Meryl Tankard AO
“Jude Bowler channels Marlene Dietrich with impeccable disdain, the perfect counterpoint to Christa Hughes’ raucous, boozy, room-filling voice. This oddest of couples combine to create an edgy, entertaining cabaret cocktail.”

Craig Donarski, Director, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
“Highly recommend this show. It’s high energy, fantastical fun from beginning to end! Absolutely loved it.”

Jerry Scelzi
“Fabulous show! I was ready for more … such brilliant performances from two exceptionally talented women! From the Berlin cabarets right to the streets of Gulgong!”

Rebecca Carroll Nielson
“Absolutely loved it! I’d go again tomorrow night if I could!”

Raymond Q
“They were absolutely sensational!”

Lucy W

Upcoming Shows

“This was a brilliant show! Totally blown away by Jude and Christa!! Amazingly talented performers… so much fun. It’s a long time since I’ve seen artists giving so much on stage! I felt I was in Europe! Very moving!! A must see!”

“Jude Bowler channels Marlene Dietrich with impeccable disdain, the perfect counterpoint to Christa Hughes’ raucous, boozy, room-filling voice. This oddest of couples combine to create an edgy, entertaining cabaret cocktail.”

“Highly recommend this show. It’s high energy, fantastical fun from beginning to end! Absolutely loved it.”

“Fabulous show! I was ready for more … such brilliant performances from two exceptionally talented women! From the Berlin cabarets right to the streets of Gulgong!”

“Absolutely loved it! I’d go again tomorrow night if I could!”

“They were absolutely sensational!”

Stage Fright - Ein Kabaret

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