Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 20 June 2014
They said they were jet-lagged after their flight from the UK but showed no evidence of being in any way less than superb.
In their smartly cut suits, impeccably presented The King’s Singers mesmerised their audience. Assuring us that having undone their coat button meant they were relaxing convinced no one.
With not an instrument in sight (unless you want to count the discreetly used pitchpipe) they gave us a cappella versions of many of the classics from what is known as the Great American Songbook. They brought us the composers and songs we love, but some had been given a buff and polish, even a new coat of paint!
The arrangements, some by Alexander Lestrange, were stunning; their voices blended so beautifully as they tossed the lead lyrics around amongst the group. The volume and dynamics seemed to fit each song perfectly and there was never a moment’s hesitation.
The King’s Singers has existed since 1965, when choral students at King’s College in Cambridge formed it, although I understand that the first name they used was a lot less catchy. They have had almost 50 years to perfect the sound and they have a remarkably low level of turnover in members.
Each singer is appreciated in his own right: David Hurley and Timothy Wayne-Wright, the countertenors; Paul Phoenix, the tenor; the two Christophers, Bruerton and Gabbitas, who are the baritones; and the magnificent bass, Jonathan Howard. Never do they compete for the spotlight, nor is there a missed cue. This performance was musically flawless.
They began with Forget Your Troubles (Be Happy) and then lead us through the songs of Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, Arlen and Koehler, Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern; each one a gem. They sprinkled in a little humour, moved a little when appropriate, but mostly they just sang and that’s what the audience wanted. Highlights for me were, Cry Me a River, Let’s Misbehave and The Lady is a Tramp, but they were all great.
Their final number, At Last (my love has come along) by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren left the audience breathless and wanting more.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @Franeds
Venue: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, King William St, Adelaide
Season: season ended
Duration: 70 mins
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival runs 6 – 21 June 2014
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