Nightingale

Bunbury Musical Comedy Group produced the World Premiere of Nightingale, a new musical inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy-tale, with original songs inspired by the sound of ABBA. It’s co-written by a geographically separated writing team - Tony Carey in Bunbury, Western Australia (who also directed) has provided book, music and lyrics, with some songs co-written by Bart Donkers in Breda, the Netherlands.

In the fairytale, an emperor is charmed by the beautiful voice of the nightingale, until he is gifted a mechanical bird, whose voice he prefers. In this version we meet aspiring pop singer Gale, whose exploitive boyfriend is using her voice to create a machine that can sing any song. Guided by a mentor, she adopts the moniker Nightingale, and becomes a secret pop sensation.

Zairyn Burke is sensational in the central role. This show is very much a star-vehicle, and Zai has the talent and personality to keep us invested, in what is a very lengthy show. A gorgeously sung, well-acted performance.

Jan Phillips is lovely in the biggest supporting role, Ally, who is a delightful fairy-godmother-like character.

With around 30 performers, it is impossible to mention everyone, but Lachlan Kelly gives us an interesting villain as bad-boyfriend Beau, with Gillyée Carey and Sarah Davidson teaming up nicely as exploitive employers. 

There were some magic moments in this production. There was a gorgeous belly-dancing scene, as Ally encourages Gale to have confidence in herself and her body. Performed, gorgeously costumed, by the Titch Haven Dancers, this was a highlight - with some excellent dancers who moved well and lit up the stage. Another very special moment was the use of actors to create a gorgeous horse and carriage illusion.

Some great costuming added colour and interest, although it would have been nice to see an element of backdrop or a hint of set. Interesting placement of the key-prop - the sink where Gale spends time in her job as a dish washer, as she was deliberately placed with her back to the audience - a choice that didn’t seem to serve the scene well.

This is a very promising production that played well, and with some editing and dramaturgy, could have a very successful future in other places.

Kimberley Shaw