A smashing of sparkle, mixed with an overflowing cup of talent, sprinkled with a dash of sassy spiciness and finished with a gorgeous dollop of joy – this show was the perfect recipe.
When you combine two delicious divas (Wurst and Ashley), with Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra – and a guest appearance by Kate Miller-Heidke, the result was always going to be spectacular.
Ashley opened the show, resplendent in a sequin pantsuit with kimono sleeves, telling stories, making quips and chasing down his rogue stiletto heel (it would simply not stay on his foot!). His presence filled the space, his quick wit incited giggles and his voice boomed strong and deep.
Wurst shimmied onto the stage mid act, wearing a slip of a dress, floating about the stage like a luminous glowing butterfly. He paused to sing and the room stopped. The voice which won him Eurovision back in 2014 was still as indescribably pure, and his performance was like sipping on stardust.
But the indisputable star of the night was Miller-Heidke, who floated out in an iridescent red gown, golden tiara and a halo of white blonde hair. She performed the closing number from her opera ‘The Rabbits’ and then her Eurovision entry ‘Zero Gravity’ – and then received a standing ovation from parts of the crowd. There is something about her voice which transports people to another place, takes them back to moments where life felt golden.
Image © Darren Thomas
It was a night filled with multiple outfits per person, glorious key changes, soaring, shimmering vocals and good-natured hilarity. The second act included a selection of songs from 'Bond' films and Wurst ended the show with a performance of ‘Rise Like A Phoenix’.
The orchestra brought an element of grandiosity to match the glamour of the performers, with the lighting of the Concert Hall adding to a feeling of old world Broadway. It cannot be stated enough how much a live orchestra adds to a show like this – and all the musicians should be applauded for their talents.
After the first standing ovation and pretending to end the show, the trio came out to perform ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ together, with reverberating harmonies and sweet smiles.
Less in your face, more in your heart – watching this show was a reminder of the magic of music and how it can connect the world.
★★★★☆
