As an award-winning soprano with Opera Australia, Ali McGregor played the perfect ingénue.

As the diva in La Clique she managed to bridge the gap between sideshow carnival and the operatic stage. As the host of her cult Late-Night Variety show she has brought class to comedy and fringe festivals around the world.

On Thursday, July 7, at Byron Bay Community Centre, NORPA will present McGregor’s latest offering in the form of Jazz Cigarette, her sell-out show from Melbourne, Adelaide and Edinburgh, and debut CD by the same name.

Backed by three of Australia’s finest jazz musicians, MrGregor will sing songs ranging from Gershwin’s The Man I Love and Hoagy Carmichael’s Georgia on my Mind to unique interpretations of The Eurythmic’s Sweet Dreams.

After five years as a principal soprano with Opera Australia, McGregor has leapt into the world of cabaret and variety with her Opera Burlesque and Variety Night becoming cult hits at Melbourne Comedy, Adelaide Fringe and Edinburgh Fringe festivals.

Her Opera Burlesque opened up the realms of cross-genre cabaret and The Variety Night cemented her reputation as a consummate host and performer leading her to host her own show Curiosity killed the Cabaret for BBC Radio 4 during this year’s Edinburgh Festival.

The show starts at 8pm.Ticket prices range from $25 for groups of four or more to $30 for adults. Info: 66220300.