The cast of variety cabaret show Velvet. Image supplied.
There can be no better advertising than word-of-mouth and if the audience from the opening night of Velvet do their job; the cast will be performing to sold-out crowds all September. A mix of cabaret, acrobatics and a tribute show to disco – Velvet is fabulous fun – which is exactly what the mostly female crowd were saying to each other as they left the venue.
The loose storyline revolves around wide-eyed boy (Brendan Maclean) who goes on a musical journey, discovering the joys of disco and all the glitz and glamour it entails with a BDSM-inspired scene thrown in for good measure.
While all the performers ​were charismatic and showed how much they enjoyed being part of the performance – it was clear the audience were here to see Marcia Hines. The ‘godmother’ of disco in Australia – Hines may have been the least ‘high-octane’ of the performers, but she most definitely knew how to work the crowd.
From a knowing glance here to a direct point-and-smile there and just damn well looking regal in a sequinned gold gown. Hines lived disco when it first came around and was having a great time with this mini revival that boasts a killer soundtrack.
However, on this night, the sound mixing was not quite right, and it was hard to hear the vocals clearly during many of songs not only of Hines but the supporting singers as well. This unfortunately detracted from the overall show, this is something that is bound to be corrected as their run continues.
The other lead performer in Velvet is rising star on the Australian music scene Brendan Maclean. It’s hard to describe his performance as it was almost a case of him being too accomplished for his own good. You never really bought him as shy and unsure, as even in his early scenes every sinew in his body seemed to want to scream ‘I am a performer’!
Even so, his journey ‘from drab to fab’ was rewarding in the end – but you would not have minded if the story was more a peek into this world with Maclean front and centre of this scene; as opposed to this journey-based narrative. As an aside, his stripped-back version of classic Bee Gees tune Stayin’ Alive was arguably the best performance of the night.
Everyone in the ensemble knew their roles – from trapeze, hula hooping, dancing and singing – and performed them well and with a smile.
While there may not be much that is new story-wise – the variety show-style delivery worked a treat – so if you’re looking for a good time, you won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Velvet
Presented by: Brisbane Festival and Organised Pandemonium
Director: Craig Ilott
Cast: Marcia Hines, Brendan Maclean, Joe Accaria, Chaska Halliday, Rechelle Mansour, Stephen Williams, Craig Reid, Perle Noire, Emma Goh, Mirko Kockenberger
Choreographer: Lucas Newland
Lighting Designer: Matt Marshall
Set and Costume Design: James Browne
Producer: Virginia Ham
Brisbane Powerhouse
16-26 September
