Perth Reviews

I would bet that all of the (regrettably small) audience had enjoyed the work of Mark Jones and Melissa Langton before, probably at their previous engagements Downstairs at the Maj. And why would they not return for another serve of bubbly, fun and charming cabaret?

Extraordinary musicianship and vocal talent combined to create a terrific show, but beyond that they exuded real pleasure in working together as a superb musical team.

The jokey one-liners are left to Jones and he delivered them with relish and flair; his deadpan delivery a delight. However nothing can compare to his musical talent in arrangements for this reminiscence of 70’s playlist of hits. Complicated and clever they were wonderful and delivered marvellous reinventions and renderings of the most simplistic tunes.

Another delight was the brilliant use of recreated lyrics to accompany familiar songs with a new set of, at times, risqué lines. Working their way through a trolley load of 70’s hits, they included a raucous Great Balls Of Fire.

Moving away from the musical offerings Langton and Jones embarked upon a musical quiz which, to my delight, included a member of our table. Having been reluctantly commandeered by Langton and placed onstage he was in a role he clearly found uncomfortable.

Jones undertook the role of quizmaster with panache. Offering ridiculously silly multiple choice answers, he teased the contestant with queries from K-Tel 70’s record compilations. Then he awarded the winner prizes, these were Covid-isolation home-made craft efforts, created by himself and Langton.

A riotous version of Fat Bottomed Girls closed the show in style.

Langton and Jones supported by Meg Vicensoni on bass and double bass and Jake Isardi on percussion. If they were as young as they looked, they performed remarkably well.