Michael Paynter – The Great Australian Songbook Tour

Attending Michael Paynter: The Great Australian Songbook Live at the Aurora Spiegeltent as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival was a genuinely memorable night of music, storytelling, and heartfelt performance. Fresh from an acclaimed season in musical theatre which included a celebrated portrayal of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Paynter stepped into a more intimate setting with this stripped-back tour that celebrates Australian artists whose songs that have influenced his musical identity.

From the moment he opened with I Am Australian; Paynter’s voice was the undeniable centrepiece. It is powerful, expressive, and deeply melodic. What made this show stand out was how he reimagined a diverse range of Aussie classics in a way that felt both familiar and newly intimate. Even rock anthems like Wolfmother’s Joker and the Thief were rendered in such a way that it took on an entirely fresh character, underscored by the warm acoustic textures of the guitar. The Spiegeltent’s atmospheric ambience with its wood-soaked warmth and close audience proximity elevated these reinterpretations, turning well-worn songs into a walk down memory lane for many audience members.

Throughout the evening, Paynter paid gracious homage to the artists who influenced his own musical journey, interweaving stories from his time in the industry which has included touring with iconic Australian acts such as Icehouse, to his songwriting and production work with many other notable musicians. His humility and gratitude were genuine, and it was clear that this evening was as much about ‘giving back’ as it was about entertainment.

A highlight came midway when 2011 Australian X Factor winner Reece Mastin joined Paynter on stage. Their chemistry was effortless and fun, Mastin’s gritty, rock-infused vocals added a textured edge that complemented Paynter’s tone. Together, they injected a raw rock energy into the set that had the audience fully engaged.

Paynter also shared exciting news about his upcoming role playing John Farnham in the musical Whispering Jack, closing with a heartfelt rendition of Burn for You. It felt like a fitting acknowledgement to an Australian icon and a perfect capstone to an entertaining evening.

In all, Great Australian Songbook in the Aurora Spiegeltent at The Garden of Unearthly Delights was an impressive showcase of a versatile musician. Whether you came for nostalgia or discovery, it was an enriching night of great Aussie music performed with remarkable skill and sincerity.

Peta Bojanic

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