Cabaret Festival

Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review: Tim Campbell: High School Disco

Tim Campbell - High School Disco

Tim Campbell performs a plethora of classic disco/dance hits in a party-like atmosphere that has the audience up dancing.

Tim Campbell - High School DiscoPresented by: Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed: 13 June 2014

Actor/Singer Tim Campbell and I have much in common. No, we didn’t both star in Home and Away, nor did we front various TV game shows. Our connection derives from the era in which we grew up.

The 1970s/80s was a time when musicians experimented with technology and used the TV medium to further their notoriety. Some groups enjoyed huge success whilst others faded. All of them were usually seen on the famed local music show Countdown. Hosted in his unique style by Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum, it had a potpourri of hits and misses. Campbell’s show explores these songs shaping his – and my – youth, with their catchy hooks finding new flavour in Campbell’s vocal prowess.

From its first moments, High School Disco revelled in its party-like atmosphere. The Festival Theatre Stage was transformed into an intimate party playground where the audience sat at tables to witness Campbell re-live his youth. Aided by personal photos and footage shown on two giant TV screens on either side of the stage, it was a time-warp everyone wanted to enter.

Campbell performed a plethora of classic disco/dance hits such as Play that Funky Music, Shake Your Groove Thing, Footloose, Wild, Wild, West and dozens of others. He did so in a style maintaining the essence of those tracks whilst bringing his own edge. He succeeded in re-instating their power and explaining what they meant to him.

As a self-confessed retro party-goer, Campbell seemed determined to ensure everyone had a great time. That, they certainly did, with most standing up to dance. Along the way he invited a few audience members on-stage for his version of The Singing Bee. Based on a long-defunct TV show he once hosted, three ladies were asked to sing the chorus of songs such as George Michael’s Faith and Thelma Houston’s Don’t Leave Me This Way. Their attempts added another layer of fun with the audience gleefully urging them on.

Campbell also travelled amongst the audience while singing Can You Feel It from The Jacksons and Lady Marmalade. His efforts were more than aided by his great 5-piece band, including singer Susie Ahern who did a stirring version of Chaka Khan’s I’m Every Woman.

One of the show’s many surprises was an appearance from singer Anthony Callea who performed a dazzling duet version of the Lionel Richie classic All Night Long. The effortless chemistry from Callea and Campbell mirrored the show’s smooth musical flow.

The production during this and other numbers was sublime with disco lights fading in and out with perfect form, transforming the stage into a sort of sparkling jukebox. Campbell revealed himself to be a self-depreciating, likeable, and always quick with a joke. His dance moves matched his stylish renderings of tunes harking back to his many stage roles.

Whilst primarily a promotional vehicle for his High School Disco album, Campbell ensured his audience received a great night out. Thankfully, he avoided becoming a garish karaoke-fest and gave a wonderful tribute to his youth and the songs shaping it.

Those wanting some sunshine in their lives should look no further than Campbell’s colourfully entertaining show.

Reviewed by: Patrick Moore

Venue: Festival Theatre Stage
Season: 12 – 13 June 2014
Duration: 1 hr 10 mins
Tickets: $39.90 – $49.90
Bookings: Book online through the Adelaide Cabaret Festival website or phone BASS on 131 246

 

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