Bootersloot / bütterslüt / (noun)
Guitar-slinging cabaret rockstar Cousin Tara delivers an hour of eclectic comedy in her fourth solo show, Bootersloot – promising big laughs, memorable original music and the curious pitter-patter of tiny peets. Produced by Nesceda Blake and Tara Dowler, Bootersloot will debut at Grouse Melbourne from April 1 to 6 for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Cousin Tara returns to MICF with her highly engaging performance style, offering audiences
surreal storytelling delivered with her characteristic wit, musical flair and just a pinch of smut.
The titular Bootersloot is an enigmatic feline with a rapacious appetite. Cousin Tara is a comic with executive dysfunction. What can the two of them offer us? Comedic chaos balanced with sincerity and warmth in this latest offering, leaving audiences uplifted and tapping their feet as they go. Sometimes we bite off more than we can chew. What would the Bootersloot do?
Cousin Tara (a.k.a. Tara Dowler) is a musical comic born and raised in Melbourne, known for her punchy songwriting and powerhouse vocals. Since 2019, she has established herself as a favourite of Melbourne cabaret and has taken her lovable brand of charismatic cabaret-comedy to the stages of Adelaide and Edinburgh Fringe. Her debut Taranoia earned her critical acclaim at MICF 2019 and ‘Spirit of the Fringe’ at Fringe at the Edge of the World. Wukkas, her most recent comedy hour, was nominated for ‘Best Cabaret’ at Fringe at the Edge of the World and also saw a digital release in June 2020 with support from the City of Melbourne.
Dowler’s work as a songwriter and performer has earned her multiple accolades, including a Lyrebird Award and an Empire Records Award for songwriting excellence. Her charismatic
performance style has even been praised in the Federal Parliament. Dowler has performed alongside Sammy J, Two Little Dickheads, Mama Alto, PO PO MO CO, Victoria Falconer and Liz Skitch. Tara’s other credits include Dirty Words (Melbourne Fringe 2017), The Spoon Monkeys (Melbourne Fringe 2018), Cousin Tara’s Intervention Variety Hour (Melbourne Fringe 2019), and Private Parts (Melbourne Fringe 2022).
‘Brilliant original songs sung with great poise and range… perceptive, personal, and just wukking funderful.’ – Tasmanian Times
‘Nihilism has never been more toe-tapping.’ – Australian Arts Review
‘The crazy, cool cousin we all wish we had… captivating.’ – Theatre Travels
COUSIN TARA: BOOTERSLOOT
Date and Time: Tue 1 – Sun 6 Apr, 6:45pm
(50 mins)
Venue: Grouse Melbourne
171 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Tickets: $25-28, tickets at the Comedy Festival website
