Multi award-winning Fringe favourite Simone Craddock returns to Fringe World in Perth with three diverse new shows to make you feel good this Fringe. Pop? Musicals? Romance? Jazz? She’s got you covered!
Simone Craddock left a career on the West End stage to explode on to the Perth scene in 2020, winning the Music & Musicals Award for her critically acclaimed tribute, ‘Nina, Love Simone’.
Now the popular jazz & Blues singer is back with a joyful re-imagining of Kylie Minogue’s best-loved moments, a celebration of Stephen Sondheim, and a romantic, candlelit Valentines night serenade – all at Fringe World.
We find out more about Simone's offerings this Fringe season.
You’re joining forces with virtuoso guitarist, Aaron Deacon, for a 'Candlelit Valentine's Concert', but why aren’t you performing on the stage?
I want to give my audience something special so I’ll be performing in the centre of the room surrounded by candles. The audience can sit at candlelit tables on the stage and experience the artist's point of view or mingle at the bar and meet your Valentine!
You’re joining forces with some of Perth’s best vocalists for 'Celebrating Sondheim'. What can we expect?
Sondheim can bring you to tears or make you laugh out loud. I’m joined by Ali Bodycoat, Brendan Hanson and Eimear Foley for an elegant evening of dramatic theatre, high comedy and life-affirming music!
Where are you performing 'Simone Swings Kylie!'?
The Lotterywest De Parel Spiegeltent is over 100 years old and is made of old wood and stained glass, so it’s the perfect vintage setting for my retro spin on Kylie! It's in the Perth Cultural Centre hub so we’ll see you at the bar after the show!
Nina Simone and Kylie Minogue are very different artists, what drew you to this repertoire?
I admire strong women and I love good music, regardless of the genre. Nina and Kylie have more in common than you might think. Nina fought for civil rights. Kylie fought for same-sex marriage. Both are global icons and consummate artists that have stood the test of time. I have always loved Kylie and her music, I feel so happy when I listen to her and just want to dance!
So what can Kylie fans expect from a jazz band?
I reject labels and categories. I’m an actress but I love singing jazz and I love Kylie, so to me it just makes sense to bring my passions and creative outlets together! Come into my world for a fun but reverent journey through Kylie’s greatest hits with a vintage, swinging twist! My band are brilliant musicians and super versatile so I guarantee you’ll be surprised, delighted and leave wanting more, more, more!
Simone Craddock presents 'Celebrating Sondheim' at The Ellington Jazz Club (20,21,22 January and 3,4,5 February), 'Candlelit Valentine's Concert' at The Ellington Jazz Club (14 February) and 'Simone Swings Kylie!' at Lotterywest De Parel Spiegeltent at Perth Cultural Centre (15-19 February) for Perth Fringe World.
