[THEATRE REVIEW] AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH @ The Arts Centre Review (2025)
Kate Bush – what did I know about the English singer, songwriter, record producer and dancer before I attended An Evening Without Kate Bush?
Very little, apart from appreciating her high-pitched tone, having listened repeatedly to her hits, such as Wuthering Heights, Babooshka and Running Up That Hill.
And, of course, I had noted her range of facial expressions, limber dance moves and evocative costume choices.
An Evening Without Kate Bush is an award-winning, cult cabaret, during which I picked up a few more tidbits and had heaps of fun. Oh, my word I did.
I can’t think of any performer I have seen with such a finely tuned voice that is as warm, inviting, caring, sharing and funny as Sarah-Louise Young. The combination is intoxicating.
This is a tribute show that pays heed to all, the uninitiated right up to the super fans.
Acolytes are called Fish People, a reference to the record label Bush has run since 2011.
Young’s shtick, her turn of phrase, her glorification of the mythology surrounding Bush is something to behold.
Frequent changes of costuming, wigs and props are among the many highlights.
Her entry to the house – shrouded in mystery – is memorable in and of itself.
In fact, Young turns out to be a bundle of raw energy who twists and turns on a dime and is as dextrous as they come. Her stagecraft is outstanding.
She morphs from one representation of Kate to another, as she breaks out the catalogue of Bush songs – in this case, 14.
She is adept at foreign languages too. Agog, I was left wondering whether there was anything Young couldn’t do to entertain and engage.
And, in my mind, it is the latter that sees her standout from other artistes.
After her distinct intro, she immediately engages with the audience, as she does throughout her 70-minute offering. I speak of those seated, along with latecomers.
The first words that come to mind describing her style are “simply delightful”. Her improvisations skills are astounding.
She makes everyone in Fairfax Studio feel special, especially those with whom she instantly forms a bond. Here, I refer to a handful of people later selected to join her on stage.
Young is a master at interactivity. Before we know it, at her instigation, all our arms are in the air and we are swaying to yet another Bush song.
And the moment the final strains of Wuthering Heights ring out, she is ascending the stairs to prepare for the meet and greet in the foyer that follows the show.
Mighty well done, Sarah-Louise Young. You are a true pro, a breath of fresh air, all the while adept at spreading the word on the enigma that is Kate Bush.
Created by Young and Russell Lucas, An Evening Without Kate Bush is playing at Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne until 8th February, 2025.
The stop in Melbourne is part of a tour through Australia, New Zealand and the UK. More tour dates can be found here: https://www.withoutkatebush.com/tour-1
Review by Alex First Photography by Claudio Raschella Photography