Premium Content:

Desperately Young at Heart gets the shamrock seal of approval

Robert Hoffman

Desperately Young at Heart | Downstairs at the Maj | Jan 27 & 28 | ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

- Advertisement -

Being from Ireland, and having gone to a Christian Brother’s School, I never thought I’d see an Irish nun in a shimmering red sequin dress doing cabaret. But I did. Last night. At the fabulously funny Desperately Young at Heart.

Robert Hofmann, a baritone singer turned Queen of Cabaret, delivered a performance that was superbly witty, well rehearsed and professionally delivered, with the assistance of one ‘Amanda Hug’, and Tommaso Pollio on piano- whose piano playing could have been a show in itself.

During the performance, Hoffman inhabits multiple personas- each with their own amusing idiosyncrasies. The songs showcase the performer’s mastery of innuendo, as he never explicitly says anything saucy, but lets the audience arrive at the punch line by inference, which they did with tumultuous laughter.

After engaging the crowd in an amusing ‘kum bay ya’ acoustic session, Shaw Penny made her first appearance as ‘Amanda Hug’, and was immediately hailed by the audience for her comic performance and vocal talent.

I have to admit I can get queasy when I watch a performer attempt an Irish accent, however I have to give Hofmann’s take on the Irish accent a big Shamrock sealed mark of approval, and at times the show reminded me of a more divalicious version of the popular sitcom Father Ted.

The music and the laughs even continued while the cast were changing costumes- wonderfully designed by Cherie Hewson, and thus avoided the ‘stop-start’ feel I sometimes get at other theatre productions.

After the show, the cast were delighted to mingle with the crowd and Hofmann stood at the exit doors, looking like a glorious shimmering red sequined mermaid, and personally shook hands with every member of the audience as they were leaving.

Its only week one of Fringe, but I have a feeling this may be one of my favourites, and if you head down to His Majesty’s Theatre this weekend, I suspect it will be one of yours too.

Conor Duggan

Desperately Young at Heart will be Downstairs at the Maj (His Majesty’s Theatre) until Saturday January 28th. Tickets and more info available from fringeworld.com.au

Latest

Destin Conrad drops surprise alternative jazz album

The new record comes just four months after the artist's debut album was released.

Bibliophile | Michael Brissenden’s ‘Dust’ is both social commentary and a compelling mystery

'Dust' is described as a dark, gripping thriller that explores the complexities of identity and a search for truth.

Riley Dennis speaks about her experience of being vilified by Binary

A court has found Binary and leader Kirralie Smith guilty of vilification.

Health boss defends his belief that being gay is a mental illness

After concern was raised over views he outlined in a LinkedIn post, the businessman has released an apology video.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Destin Conrad drops surprise alternative jazz album

The new record comes just four months after the artist's debut album was released.

Bibliophile | Michael Brissenden’s ‘Dust’ is both social commentary and a compelling mystery

'Dust' is described as a dark, gripping thriller that explores the complexities of identity and a search for truth.

Riley Dennis speaks about her experience of being vilified by Binary

A court has found Binary and leader Kirralie Smith guilty of vilification.

Health boss defends his belief that being gay is a mental illness

After concern was raised over views he outlined in a LinkedIn post, the businessman has released an apology video.

On This Gay Day | In 2012 Charlie Jane Anders won the Hugo award

The author has published some memorable works of speculative fiction.

Destin Conrad drops surprise alternative jazz album

The new record comes just four months after the artist's debut album was released.

Bibliophile | Michael Brissenden’s ‘Dust’ is both social commentary and a compelling mystery

'Dust' is described as a dark, gripping thriller that explores the complexities of identity and a search for truth.

Riley Dennis speaks about her experience of being vilified by Binary

A court has found Binary and leader Kirralie Smith guilty of vilification.