It's the time of year to let your hair down, put on your dancing shoes and forget your worries and your cares. The best place in town to do that is always the disco.
For years now, Sydney Symphony Orchestra has teamed up with a star-studded vocal cast to present the biggest disco party of the year, and that shiny disco ball is out again tonight (22 January) to shake, twist and boogie the Hordern Pavilion all night long.
Tonight's show, titled Disco Never Dies, features Paulini, Emma Donovan, Jess Hitchcock and Jesse Dutlow, while Carlo Antonioli takes charge of conducting and the hilarious Kween Kong steers the show here, there and everywhere.
The first act features a myriad of hits with 'Dancing Queen' and 'Hot Stuff' getting the crowd moving from the very first notes of the Orchestra. It doesn't take long for smiles to light up every face.
The ensemble are all dressed to the nines, Paulini stunning in a red sequin dress, the lights reflecting off like stars in the night sky.
"We're here to celebrate disco and how it never dies!" Kween Kong declares and you certainly feel like you could live this night forever.
The Orchestra hit a serious note as Hitchcock delivers 'Crying At the Discoteque' perfectly, it's sad and dancey at the same time, and a nice show of musical range.
Paulini follows with a powerful rendition of 'I'm Every Woman', singing it note perfect, before the ensemble takes a short break. It's a perfect time to refresh and grab another drink before returning to the dance floor.
The ensemble return with dramatic cymbal hits for 'Daddy Cool', as the lights explode in a kaleidoscopic vision. The atmosphere is electric as every toe taps along to the beat.
The backing vocalists get their moment to shine before 'Rasputin' is fun and filthy in the best way. Kong jokes about an annoying dress train, before inciting a dance-along that has the crowd moving as one.
'Lady Marmalade' showcases more vocal gymnastics before Donovan asks: "Is it time for Grace Jones?" It's always time for Grace Jones as 'Do Or Die' plays.
Jesse Dutlow returns for 'All Night Long', which is a sing-along for the ages, then it's straight into 'Boogie Wonderland'. The hits keep coming and the show doesn't miss a beat, this party feels real fine.
Kong brings some crowd members onstage for a dance-off and there is considerable talent here tonight. Donovan takes another classic, bringing authentic soul to the rendition. It's a nice moment.
'Raining Men' brings the party right back up, before 'Celebration' brings the feels. You feel like you've been part of something special that will linger in the memory as the years pass.
'Your Disco Needs You' closes the show and you're reminded that you really should get out to experience more music that makes you sweaty and turns strangers into friends.
Another wonderful evening of talented superstars comes to an end and with all the memories safe within your heart; it's true that disco never dies!
