Photo – Kurt SneddonBree Langridge is an exceedingly charming performer. Her sense of fun is evident from the very start and, as she enters through the audience, resplendent in a dazzling red sequinned dress, she has an immediate rapport with the audience.
Little Diana is based on a mix of experiences of Motown performers. It appears to be loosely based on the Diana Ross story (this character grows up in Detroit, sings in a church choir, gets picked up by the Motown producers and is rocketed to international fame). Most of the songs Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Upside Down, Love Child are from Diana Ross’s repertoire, mixed with a little bit of James Brown and Tina Turner. The storyline of the Motown experiences is fairly slim, but interesting
Langridge performs with an truly outstanding R&B band who also supply back-up vocals, with Daryl Beaton on piano, Kevin Mendoza percussion, Martin Carl Serra on bass and Kuki Tipoki on lead guitar and vocals, who provides one of the highlights of the show. His rendition of It is a Man’s World brought the house down and it was absolutely well deserved. Tipoki inhabits a natural musicality. He is completely joyful. Nothing in his performance is forced or overly choreographed and he connects with lyrics so they are truly meaningful.
Langridge is at her best when she is belting out a song at show stopping full roar. She inhabits the whole stage, strutting and dancing like a rock star, sometimes to deafening effect. Her big, full volume, over-the-top style appears at odds with the light and shade of Diana Ross’s more measured performance style and, more nuanced interpretation. But she really came into her own when she sang Tina Turner’s What’s Love Got To Do With It? which more suited her full throttle style. Even her interpretation stepped up when she sang the Turner number.
It is so easy to get the sound balance wrong at a small venue like The Hayes and it comes down to the experience of each performer to adjust their sound. Kuki Tipoki held his microphone as far away as he could when he went for the big notes and, in doing so, consistently delivered a beautiful sound.
It is nevertheless a very entertaining show, and, judging by the volume of applause and whistles at the end, the audience clearly loved it.
Bree Langridge’s Little Diana and the Big Fuzz is part of The Hayes Theatre wonderful Cabaret Festival. For the next couple of weeks The Hayes will present 17 acts, mostly performing for two nights only. Two different shows are programmed per night. Some of them are highly regarded and experienced cabaret performers and others, whilst having a strong background in music theatre or dance, are trying their hand at cabaret for the first time – a perfect opportunity to incubate new works. Last night the foyer was buzzing in full festival mode with one show finishing and new audience set arriving for the next. In addition to the performances, a number of panel discussions and workshops about the creation of cabaret are programmed.
Bree Langridge in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents
Little Diana and the Big Fuzz
by Bree Langridge & Darren Yap
Directed by Darren Yap
Venue: Hayes Theatre Co | 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point NSW
Dates: 9 – 10 June 2015
Tickets: $40 – $35
Bookings:hayestheatre.com.au | (02) 8065 7337
