“Show Up!” is a variety-style of entertainment show, which reminded me of a nostalgic live taping which was then beamed into our living rooms via the television. The act would be filmed, with the camera now and again panning to the audience to see their reactions, and then back to the act. When that finished, an interview with the performer would happen. Then in the next episode, we would see different performers and acts, introduced by the host. “Show Up!” may have been intended to fill the live event space with their format similar to this, and had been billed as having “great performers, great stories, great surprises and a room filled with people willing to embrace the unexpected”. It is a monthly event, with different guests from across music, theatre, comedy, cabaret, circus and dance disciplines.
Created, produced, and hosted by versatile Australian entertainer Nick Hardcastle, this show offers a platform for both established and emerging artists to perform. One of its original features is the element of surprise, as the audience never knows in advance which act they will see. This format is especially appealing to those who enjoy spontaneity and discovering new talent, as well as fans who might be delighted to catch a performance by one of their favourite Australian artists or comedians. An interview with each performer after their acts adds another layer to the show.
I attended the first show at The Darling Quarter Theatre in Sydney on the 19 October. “Show Up!”featured performances from the “Dance Nikki Webster” dance studio, a burlesque act, a comedic musical act, solo songs and a strong and heartfelt 20th Anniversary tribute to one of Australia’s well known and loved musicals, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”. Plus of course, there were a couple of acts from iconic drag performers.
Being both a comedy and musical enthusiast, it came as no surprise that one act particularly appealed to me.The satirical boy band “Fuccbois” delivered a memorable and comedic performance that perfectly captured the essence of the archetypal “cool guys.” Dressed in oversized shirts, backward caps, and sporting penciled-in moustaches alongside shaded penciled -in stubble, these female artists presented a distinct and exaggerated image. Bursting onto the stage in coordinated track pants emblazoned with their logo, they sang pop songs in harmony while executing deliberately swaggering dance moves. Their confident, cocky demeanour was amplified by playful flirting and winks directed at the audience. Their infectious energy and original songs (most notable one named The Gaslight Shanty) made their performance thoroughly entertaining and hilarious.
Watching Tony Award nominee Tony Sheldon take the stage was a treat. Best known for his iconic role as Bernadette in “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” across Australia, Toronto, Broadway, and the West End, Sheldon delivered an impressive lip sync performance. Though he appeared without the signature drag costume and makeup of Bernadette, the vibrant presence and charisma of this character shone through. Following the performance, Sheldon engaged in an informal and insightful conversation with the host, offering the audience a rare glimpse behind the curtain.
Andrew Broadbent, a seasoned Australian performer with a rich history in musical theatre, captivated me with his rendition of “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” from the Broadway classic “My Fair Lady”. His flawless English accent and nuanced mannerisms vividly brought to life the character of Professor Henry Higgins, transporting me to England and perfectly conveying Higgins’ deep, sentimental longing for Eliza Doolittle after her departure.
Another standout act was from duo Rhea Robertson and James Vidigal performing a burlesque act. The sexy, sultry undertones of Robertson’s voice, combined with confident and strong exotic dancer Vidigal, melded together to create an incredible multimedia performance.
Before the intermission, Hardcastle invited audience members who felt confident to come forward and showcase their entertainment talents in a “Show Off” segment. If you would like to have ‘a minute in the sun’ go along and register! Well done to audience participants Susan, Alex, Joanne and Patrick – it takes confidence to perform onstage in front of strangers if it’s not your profession, and kudos to Hardcastle for giving them that opportunity.
The dancers from the “Dance Nikki Webster” studio looked to be students of school age. They had bright costumes and danced with high energy and even higher kicks. One dancer incorporated some backflips into their routine, to the audience’s delight. While they danced, a video of their routine played simultaneously in the background. However, the slight mismatch between the live performance and the video, created a somewhat jarring effect.
The show concluded with a tribute to “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”. A video of past performers from all over the world was played on screen, recounting their experiences during their run with the show over the years. Afterward, a few past cast and crew members, some of who were in the audience, were invited onto the stage to sing “We Belong” altogether. It was a touching finale and created an insight into the bonds that form inside the entertainment industry.
If you don’t mind not knowing who will be performing onstage, “Show Up!” at The Darling Quarter Theatre may be for you!
“Show Up!” was 2 hours, with a 20 minute interval.
Tickets: www.showuplive.com.au/tickets
Darling Quarter Theatre, Sydney
To book tickets to Show Up!, please visit https://showuplive.com.au/.