Devised and
performed by Phil Scot and Catherine Alcorn
Hayes
Theatre, Sydney, 2nd – 13th October 2019.
Performance
3rd October reviewed by Bill Stephens
 |
| Catherine Alcorn - Phil Scott in "30 Something" |
For their
first collaboration together, 30
Something, Catherine Alcorn and Phil Scott have come up with the idea of
recreating a New Year’s Eve Party in Kings Cross. A clever choice given that
this show provides Alcorn with her first opportunity to perform at The Hayes,
which of course is situated in The Cross, and the pre-occupation of the 30’s
was The Great Depression, Politics and Booze, not too far removed from current
pre-occupations. A fact not lost on Scott, who’s a master of razor-sharp
political references, or Alcorn, who matches him with her acid tongue
come-backs.
The tiny
Hayes Theatre, with the addition of a few cabaret tables ringing the stage
area, doubles perfectly as a 1930’s speak-easy, with pencil-moustachioed Scott,
seated at the baby grand, looking very dapper in tuxedo and bow-tie, doing
double duty, is both compere and band leader, surrounded by the excellent combo
of Dave Ellis (double Bass), Andy Davies (drums) and James Sarno (trumpet).
Needless to say the musical arrangements are first rate.
Looking very
Vogue-ish in black sequined culottes, white satin blouse and gold cloche hat
over her long black tresses, Catherine Alcorn channelled both Mae West and
Bette Midler to create a fast-talking, sultry chanteuse. Whether duetting with
Scott with their update of “Lulu’s Back in Town” (re-written as “Cath and Phil
Are Back In Town”), or the romantic “Thanks for the Memory”, or happily belting
out “Some of These Days” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz” she commands the stage.
She delights
in the double entendre of Irving Berlin’s “After You Get What You Want” and
Fats Waller’s “Your Feets Too Big”. She heats up the party with “Boogie Woogie
Bugle Boy” , encourages the audience to join her for a cheeky version of Cab
Calloway’s , “Minnie the Moocher”, and even surprises with Lady Ga Ga’s “Born
This Way” but it’s her superb rendition
of the Johnny Mercer torch-song
“Drinking Again” that really makes you sit up and take notice.
This
good-natured show provides an excellent showcase for the exceptional talents of
Phil Scott and Catherine Alcorn. It is highly recommended to anyone seeking an
entertaining evening of quality cabaret.
This review also appears in AUSTRALIAN ARTS REVIEW. www.artsreview.com.au