Xanadu

Xanadu was a gloriously camp, extremely fun, very well presented 80s musical that wowed audiences at Koorliny Arts Centre.

Never taking itself seriously, it was fabulously over-the-top and sweetly silly, yet maintained very high production values.

Drue Goodwin was a lovely Sonny, emanating sincerity in this unlikely story. He sung beautifully, made a lovely leading man and paired convincingly with his Goddess love match.

Kimberley Harris made the role of Kira/Clio her own and delivered an excellent performance. Her exaggerated (and appropriately awful) Australian accent was a delight and she was comfortable in this central role.

Wonderful support came from the Greek Muse sisters. Evil sisters Melpomene and Calliope were over-played with manic glee by Rachel Monamy and Elethea Sartorelli in well-pitched performances. Male 'sisters' Thalia and Terpiscore were campily, broadly played by Allen Blachford and Jamie Harrold,while Hilary Readings and Brooke Pimlot (Euterpe and Erato) were also gorgeous.

Director Ryan Taafe rounded out the cast, looking handsome and mature, and sounding superb as Danny.

The cast are supplemented with quality, and indeed highlighted, pit singing, from Paul Taylor-Byrne, Sylvia Mellor and Vikki Walker. Singing throughout was of impressive quality.

Musical director Kate McIntosh led a top-notch four piece band, that delivered a full sound that was well balanced.

Technically this show was very strong, with Alex Coutts-Smith's lighting appropriately showy and impressive, Stephen Carr's set design epic but practical and stage management (Jon Lambert) smooth and slick.

A highlight, as it should be for Xanadu, was the roller skating, beautifully executed by most of the cast, under the tutelage of Ian Cross. The final number was a delight.

A lovely trip down memory lane with this show that perfectly describes itself as "children's theatre for forty year old gay people", Xanadu was a wonderful way to while away some time.

Kimberley Shaw