The Kermond 3 Gen Variety Show for Adelaide

Wayne Kermond is convinced that laughter, song and dance create very special moments in theatre and these are the very moments he hopes the three generations of the Kermond clan will generate for 2014 Adelaide Cabaret Festival audiences on June 18 and 19 when The Kermond 3 Gen Variety Show hits town.

‘I believe that when there is no fourth wall and the performers and audience connect, it's magic,’ says Wayne. ‘The performers in our show span a combined stage experience of one hundred and twenty seven years. The audience is in for a treat of talent, knowledge and experience from vaudeville to now.’

The multi-generational romp’s Australian season is The Kermond 3 Gen Variety Show’s World Premiere and delivers a fresh new insight into the hitherto vanishing world of variety as song, dance, slapstick and comedy collide.

‘The significant thing about this show is having three generations of the same family on stage together,’ says Wayne Kermond. ‘That's very unique in itself. But for me personally it is a privilege to be on stage performing with my father Warren and also my son Zan. It's very special. It really is Australian showbiz history, so I think we are all very aware of really enjoying every moment.’

The Kermonds are excited about the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. ‘There is always a really good buzz about who's on and the programming is fantastic,’ says Wayne Kermond. ‘Adelaide does get it right and on a personal level Adelaide is where I performed in my first musical, Barnum. I think Adelaide audiences are educated towards the arts and very nurturing to performers. I have always had great experiences in Adelaide.’

When asked what drives him to keep his performance fresh Wayne Kermond is very frank and open. ‘Wow, sometimes I wonder if there is anything else that I could do,’ he says, ‘and really, this is all I know. It has its ups and downs like everything, and you have to learn how to "ride the creative wave". At this point in my career I feel that I can still keep developing, taking on challengers, and even with over 30 years of experience under my belt, there is still more to learn. And the moments on stage when it all comes together are magic. It's what drives me.  It's like a drug.... I'm hooked!’

With enthusiasm like that audiences of eight years upward shouldn’t miss the chance to experience The Kermond 3 Gen Variety Show. It’s good old -fashioned vaudeville at its best as the three generations of the Kermond family share their passion for their own singular brand of entertainment. As far as they’re concerned there’s no business like show business.

Lesley Reed

The Kermond 3 Gen Variety Show

Dates:18-19 June, 1pm and 6.30 pm.         

Venue: Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

1 hour 10 mins.

Bookings: BASS 131 246 or online at www.bass.net.au

Tickets: A Res Adult $49.90. A Res Concession $44.90

For further information visit http://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au