By Ash Flanders, Presented by Melbourne Cabaret Festival, 2016 and Arts Centre Melbourne, 2017.

Imagine you pulled yourself out of a sea of mediocrity, becoming the Herald Sun’s "It Boy of theatre". Congratulations! You did it! Only the island you’re on has no resources. Like, actually nothing. How do you win now, genius? Audition for a reality show? Befriend a coconut? Does it take more than a selfie at Cate Blanchett’s house to be a winner? (because I totally did that – and YES, she’s in the shot.)

Taking aim at himself and those much more traditionally ‘talented’, Ash Flanders invites you to question what makes a winner in this bloodsport called LIFE. Come, if only to feel infinitely superior.

Playing to Win is the third cabaret work created by Ash Flanders, Dave Barclay and Stephen Nicolazzo. The studio piece had its premiere season as part of the 2016 Melbourne Cabaret Festival at The Loft Space, Chapel Off Chapel.

Playing to Win returned to Melbourne in 2017 as part of Midsumma Festival for the Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio.

Performer: Ash Flanders

Director: Stephen Nicolazzo

Musical Director: Dave Barclay

★★★★ "Tears of laughter are easy with his outrageous high-camp hilarity, but they blend with those from a dark silence when he steps too close to unspoken fears and reveals the honesty, and hope, that hides behind the attitude and the jokes." The Age