Delphi Goes Bassooning – A Tiny Musical

Self-professed gawky 14-year old Janet Swain was gifted a bassoon by her mother after she was the winning bidder at a railway auction. Although Swain longed to play the cello, she soon mastered the woodwind instrument and double reed, much to the delight of her mother, also a musician.

After many years playing her instrument, she had enough of the taunts and less than cool vibes thrown her way, packing it up in its shabby case and hiding it in her mother’s shed. Some 32 years later after rummaging around for items from her late Grandmother, she happened upon that same shabby box, except when she opened it this time it was like greeting a long lost friend. Swain’s love affair with the bassoon would flourish and she would find herself in orchestras and bands (just behind the flutes), for years to come.

This is Swain’s first solo show and one can only hope it will not be her last. With 9 self-penned songs woven through the performance, she gives us a glimpse into the influence her Grandmother, Mother and music had on her life. We are introduced to 4 characters, each with their love of music and the bond they share through the ages. She accompanied her thoughtful lyrics with piano and the bass tones of the bassoon. Swain’s voice was sweet-sounding with a warm melodic tone. Filled with emotion, it was obvious this show poured out of a heart full of memories.

Ruby’s is a small performing space at Holden Street Theatres and was perfect for this intimate, personal story.

Kerry Cooper