The Fabulous Singlettes
Memo Music Hall, St. Kilda
Reviewed on February 13, 2018
How time flies!
Equal parts a faithful tribute act and delicious high camp combined, it seems impossible that The Fabulous Singlettes are already celebrating thirty glorious years. One of Australia’s best – loved living treasures, they are the ultimate girl group.
In their latest offering, which is very much a snapshot education in top forty music, the trio close – harmonise more than twenty iconic songs. Perhaps in recognition of their own special anniversary, the show highlights three very specific decades (1960 – 1990) of rock and pop memories.
Naomi Eyers, Melissa Langton and Diane Dixon share a playful, relaxed and legitimate on – stage chemistry, that can only be developed and refined through many years of touring together. Their distinct comic appeal, fused with a shared love for singing and performing, truly shines in this intimate night club setting.
Watching the ladies strut their stuff, I was reminded of a story Bobby Fox told of his three – year experience touring with the mega – musical, ‘Jersey Boys’. The guideline from that production’s management, was to play every performance like it was opening night.
Such a mindset could also be applied to watching The Fabulous Singlettes in action. Meaning, with their show clocking in at two electrifying hours, there was never once a dull moment.
Eyers, Langton and Dixon cover artists such as ABBA, Connie Francis, Cyndi Lauper, Jackie DeShannon, Madonna, Martha And The Vandellas, The Chiffons, The Pointer Sisters, The Ronettes, The Shangri-Las The Supremes, and The Velvelettes.
This list goes on.
Every number was an instant winner, with The Fabulous Singlettes reproducing such classic tunes as:
- It’s In His Kiss;
- Heatwave;
- One Fine Day;
- Be My Baby;
- Needle In A Haystack;
- When You Walk In The Room;
- Time Is On My Side;
- Where The Boys Are;
- Leader Of The Pack;
- Keep Me Hanging On;
- River Deep – Mountain High;
- I Only Want To Be With You;
- Dancing Queen;
- Lady Marmalade;
- Hot Stuff;
- I Will Survive;
- Vogue;
- Like A Virgin;
- Girls Just Want To Have Fun; and
- I’m So Excited.
Further still, Eyers, Langton and Dixon detail each song with era – specific bursts of movement and sharp choreography. They also wore a range of delightfully kitsch wigs and costumes, adding both hilarious and historic value to the evening as well.
Special mention must be made to their four member backing band. Consisting of acoustic and electric guitars, drums and electronic keyboard, these talented musicians recreated each piece with passion, precision and flair.
Lighting, sound, and stage management were all first rate.
The venue’s catwalk stage layout allowed the performers to interact up close and personal. At various points during the show, the trio stepped down from the platform to mingle with audience members, too.
As well as being accomplished singers, the Fabulous Singletts are also expert comics, with two hysterical moments standing out. These being:
- when one unsuspecting woman volunteered her handbag for inspection; and
- a game show segment where Eyers was set up with three eager male contestants.
Playing a five – performance season until Saturday at the Memo Music Hall in St. Kilda, you’ll need to be quick to join in the celebration. Don’t miss out!
Image Source: Sydney Morning Herald