Arts

Cabaret Festival Review: Rumour Has It

Naomi Price IS Adele in the joyous “Rumour Has It”.

Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 23 June 2016

On Thursday night a decent crowd braved the harsh Adele-aide weather to see Naomi Price perform in Rumour Has It. Price maintained Adele’s persona throughout the show while adding her unique brand of humour to the mix.

Despite a somewhat tepid welcome on stage, Price sang Rumour Has It and Rolling in the Deep with gusto. Her conversation style was rude and irresistibly charming as she imitated the singer’s Tottenham accent. Price launched an introspective of Adele’s life through songs, intercut with snippets of her own humour and flare.

Her imitation of Adele’s voice and performance style was at times spot-on and other times purposefully overplayed. She honoured Hometown Glory and Send My Love to Your New Lover with heartfelt performances. Between these two reverent songs, Price admitted her love for the Spice Girls and presented a medley of their hits with Adele’s own Chasing Pavements – to raucous applause. She also launched on an 11-minute lead into Someone Like You, where she comically dedicated the song in turn to Celine Dion, The Voice contestants, and Amy Winehouse.

Price changed into a floor length black sequined gown for Skyfall, which was accompanied by a stellar performance from her live band and a dazzling light show. Her talented band and back-up singers helped bring Adele’s songs to life. Price took the time to honour each member during her final song, “Adele Mega-Mix 3000”.

Rumour Has It is no demure imitation of Adele, but rather a joyful and truly cabaret rendition of her music through Price’s guise. She must be commended for bringing the deadened audience to life throughout the show, changing lukewarm applause at the beginning to standing ovations.

Reviewed by Nicola Woolford
Rating (out of 5): 4.5

Venue: Dunstan Playhouse
Season: 23 Jun – 25 Jun 2016
Duration: 75 mins
Tickets: $45.90 – $59.90
Bookings: Book online through the Adelaide Cabaret Festival website or phone BASS on 131 246

 

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