Uked! by Jane Cafarella, is a sing-along, play-along, bring your ukulele along, new musical at Bondi Pavilion Theatre. Like all charming romantic comedies, Uked! ensures you have a rollicking fun time.
The audience is introduced to Karla (Josephine Birch) who got dumped on her 50th birthday, by violin-playing Brian. We meet Karla in her lounge room. It’s a lovely set design by Tom Fahy, complete with a daggy sofa, large screen and life-size You-Tube display. Determined not to wallow, Karla embraces the quest to master the ukulele. This quest sees her accessing numerous You Tube channels that teach how to play the ukulele. Birch is one of those performers with instant likeability. She plays Karla with such warmth and an endearing goofiness. Here’s a woman who is single and has to look after her ailing Mum, whilst trying to find love. It’s a story many single people can relate to, as loneliness is increasing in our society.
Ian Stenlake (Stingers, Sea Patrol, 39 Steps), plays a multitude of ukulele teachers and a potential love interest. Characters such as Tiny Tom (yes, a Tiny Tim send-up), Spruiken Uken Luke, Baba Bill and Pierre Vert. Stenlake has a fabulous voice and brings these online tutors to life with distinctive accents and personalities. Stenlake oozes charm. It’s obvious he’s having a ball. I know actors don’t like being compared to other actors, but Stenlake can certainly match Hugh Jackman in talent and charisma.
As Karla learns songs, the audience can indeed play-along and sing-along, as the large screen displays lyrics and the chords. Gorgeous songs such ‘Happy Together’, ‘Mr. Sandman’, ‘Love Is In The Air’ and ‘Cabaret’, all feature along with many other toe-tapping tunes. Musicians, Kristin Harris and Jamie Sturgess bring a bounciness to the music. When all four performers pluck their ukuleles, it’s sheer magic.
This musical is relevant. It brings our reliance on the internet into complete focus. Many of us search for love via the Web, which of course, can be a tricky space to navigate. Karla learns the hard way that not all people are authentic. Yet, in typical Karla style, she moves on and discovers true love may be closer than she thinks.
Jane Cafarella’s ‘Uked’, is full of laugh-out-loud one liners. Karla announces that she went on a g and t diet and lost 2 days! There’s NUTS (Newstead Ukulele Troupe) and GRUBS (Guilford Regional Ukulele Band). It’s playful!
Ever since I saw Billy Connolly plucking his ukulele on stage, decades ago, I have been in love with this quirky instrument. The fact that Uked! is an interactive show adds to the enjoyment. If you don’t have a ukulele, you can buy one or hire one at the box office. David Spicer, the producer of the show, will make sure you have a ukulele in-hand.
Ali Bendall has directed this production with a sense of collaboration. All the performers have a wonderful ease with each other. Uked! draws parallels with ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, ‘Once’ and ‘Mamma Mia’. Overcoming heartbreak to reach a happy ending, is worthy of celebration.
The Bondi Pavillon Theatre’s semi-circle seating plan ensures everyone has a fabulous seat. Uked! is show you could see again and again, it’s that charming.
To book tickets to Uked!, please visit https://www.bonditheatrecompany.com.au/shows/uked-the-first-play-along-ukulele-musical.
