A unifying and unique musical experience with a prodigious musician and global superstar
Presented by: Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed: 7 June 2025
Jacob Collier is a worldwide musical phenomenon with five studio albums, seven Grammy Awards and massive following on YouTube. He is best known for his unique arrangements of songs and the live experience of his concerts that involve conducting audiences as a harmonic choir.
As the headliner for this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Collier’s two-concert season sold out early, and the majority of the audience were very familiar and excited for his unique form of entertainment. To the uninitiated, Collier is clearly a prodigious musician, whether on the piano, guitar or synth keyboard, he is visibly connected to the instrument and the language of music. His whimsical and delightful demeanour evokes a sprite-like character, with bare feet, happy pants and lythe movements (both seated and bouncing around the stage). This persona is further emphasised in his conversation with the audience and the magical esteem he holds for the work being explored.
The set list ranges from Newley’s classic Pure Imagination through to Queen’s Somebody to Love, ticking off many of the American songbook, injecting a contemporary flavour in the fresh arrangements. Collier’s vocal range is huge, including an angelic falsetto and, despite a polished and professional exterior, most of the performance felt like we were invited to witness a jam-session; an intimate relationship between the artist and their work. He even workshopped a song on the spot after an audience shout-out that is usually performed with a full band (which was not a part of this performance).
Audience participation is a large part of Cabaret, but often dreaded by many audience members (including this reviewer). But the participation in this concert is inclusive, joyful and almost cult-like in all the best ways. There is a feeling of unification when nearly 1,500 people raise their voices in harmony, hanging from every movement of their conductor, Collier. It doesn’t matter what you sound like individually, it’s about the connection of the choir and the relationship with Collier’s performance. A truly memorable experience and a treat for any music-lover.
There’s a reason Jacob Collier is such a superstar and brava to Virginia Gay and her Adelaide Cabaret Festival programming team for seeing the connections that unite audiences to provide such a fantastic experience.
Reviewed by Hayley Horton
Photo credit: Naomi Jellicoe
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: 7 and 8 June
Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: Sold out
Bookings: Sold out
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