In this funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking one-person cabaret show, Tomáš Kantor brings to life the story of a sugar baby who survives a traumatic encounter with a client that, in the moment, makes them question their self-worth, but ultimately acts a catalyst for fighting for their right to be who they are in public spaces.
So, what if Julia Roberts was a gender-fluid twink in Pretty Woman?
There have been many adaptations of the Pygmalion myth in film; the most notable being Pretty Woman and My Fair Lady. In Sugar, this notion of refinement through superficial transformation becomes a battle for authentic gender expression and being true to yourself.
You can’t make a show about sex work without mentioning one of the most iconic cinematic characters of all time. The experience of Julia Roberts’ Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman is almost idealised by Kantor's Sugar, and the show references the movie heavily. There’s a moment where the titular character is shunned by a shop assistant at a high-end clothing store, and even in the costuming, Kantor wears a white body suit, blue pants and a blond wig, a subtle reference to one of Roberts’ most recognisable ensembles in the movie. In some ways, this familiar narrative arc lures the audience in, only to upend their expectations with a much more hurtful, less romantic outcome.
What is Sugar about and who’s involved?
When Sugar decides to engage in the world of 'transactional relationships', they bite off more than they can chew. It initially seems exciting: the notion of a wealthy 59-year-old Gemini from Perth called Richard, who works in mining tech, and can whisk you off to the presidential suite at the Park Hyatt. But as their liaison continues, Richard’s blatant transphobia and embarrassment at being seen with Sugar in public causes Sugar to shrink away and question their flamboyant sartorial choices. Ultimately, the show is an exploration of classism, societal expectations and the price of preserving your dignity.
Written by Ro Bright (who is also CEO of trans and gender diverse film festival, Tilde), Sugar stars Tomáš Kantor, a charismatic actor and singer who encapsulates the gregarious, funny and vibrant, yet ultimately vulnerable portrayal of Sugar. Kitan Petkovski directs, and he was also the 2025 Green Room Award recipient for Outstanding Direction for his production of The Inheritance by Matthew López.
The set design by Bethany J Fellows is bright and simple, featuring a makeshift pink backdrop with a cutout heart and blow-up letters spelling out “SUGAR” affixed to the top of the scaffolding. Spencer Herd’s lighting direction meets the pop sensibility of the show, drenching the stage in a pink-orange hue and deploying disco lights during key musical moments. Richard is represented as a blow-up doll, occasionally strapped to Kantor; a clever, humorous and kinky prop inclusion.
Sugar has the lo-fi kitschy cuteness of a fringe show, which earned it a Cabaret Artiste and Production Design nomination at the 2024 Green Room Awards.
How about those song and dance numbers?
The standout aspect of this show is Kantor’s performance prowess accompanied by Rachel Lewindon’s musical direction and arrangements.
Kantor has toured as part of Fangirls, West Side Story and Meow Meow’s Pandemonium, so their musical theatre skills are on full display. Their versatility is impressive, as they play the cello, keyboard, ukulele and piano while performing hits such as Kylie Minogue’s 'On A Night Like This', 'Thriftshop' by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and Chapell Roan’s 'HOT TO GO!'. The opening number, Lady Gaga’s 'Abracadabra', is cleverly interwoven as Kantor sets up the story and character, edging the audience slowly towards the climactic chorus.
At times the music detracted from the narrative structure and flow of the show, but it definitely added to the interactivity and ambience.
Who will love Sugar?
Anyone who loves cabaret, queer stories and covers of popular pop songs. It invites the audience to participate by demonstrating their appreciation audibly, gesturing approval and disdain while cheering and singing along. As the show is about being your true self, this generosity is also extended to the audience. If you’re someone who feels they have to suppress their enthusiasm during a musical, let Sugar create a space for your inner theatre kid to shine.
Sugar is on now at Arts Centre Melbourne as part of Midsumma Festival until January 25, 2026. For more information and to book tickets, head to the website.
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