Review - 30-Something: an unexpected gem
By Paul Kiely
30-Something
By Catherine Alcorn and Phil Scott
Directed by Ted Robinson
A Roadcase Production
Riverside National Theatre
Cnr Market and Church Streets
Parramatta
Season: 22-23 July 2022. Bookings: https://riversideparramatta.com.au
Duration: 90 minutes (no interval)
There is nothing like an end-of-decade New Year’s Eve party! And who could forget the cabaret at ‘Club Corona’ in Kings Cross in ’39?
If you did not make it, there is a chance to relive the good times by getting to see 30-Something, recently at Riverside Theatre and travelling to a venue near you.
In this fabulous 90-minute show, you can drown your sorrows as we wave goodbye to Razor gang torment, Depression woes and fear of Alien invasion, courtesy of Orson Welles. Instead, we will look to the future for hope; we just need to get through this impending irritation called World War 2.
30-Something is great fun and very entertaining. The mood is
glamourous-cabaret and some lucky patrons can have tables right near the performers. It will not be long before you are humming the familiar tunes or wiping tears because of the clever gags. Or you can sit back and enjoy the big-band sounds of bohemian yesteryear.
The content is not all 1930’s but the songs are presented in a laid-back theatre style. There are excellent versions of ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ and ‘Thanks for the memory’ as well as popular tunes from the likes of Phil Collins, Kylie Minogue, Coolio and Lady Gaga.
Sydneysiders will enjoy some of the parochial references. ‘Club Corona’ is being ‘broadcast’ on the Macquarie network, so sponsor announcements are peppered throughout the show. If guests can guess the Australiana pop-ads, they may win a ‘double pass to Katoomba.’
Written by and starring Catherine Alcorn and Phil Scott, 30-Something is an ingenious step-back in time tribute piece to the glory days of Kings Cross notoriety. With Scott on piano and Alcorn dominating the stage with sultry renditions, the duo gives a mesmerising performance. Talent comes naturally to this pair and they use it to full effect.
The dinner-suited band with drums, double-bass and trumpet add to the depth of nostalgia.
Audience enjoyment is further enhanced by the soft lighting and edgy directing from Ted Robinson.
30-Something is an unexpected gem in the current local theatre offerings. It is the perfect prescription for post-covid recovery.
Strongly recommended.
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