Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 16 June 2018
Living in the shadow of nuclear death isn’t exactly what you’d call “fun”. It wasn’t fun in the 80s, and it isn’t fun now. Maybe—who knows?—it’ll never be fun. But if anyone has a good shot at convincing you otherwise, it’s Geraldine Quinn. Sunglasses at Night is high-level entertainment, from the motley collection of 80s hits you thought you knew (I am still surprised that no one can remember the lyrics to Sunglasses at Night), to the extreme energy provided by Quinn. I came away from this show absolutely beaming.
Quinn’s assortment of songs are eclectic, ranging from Kate Bush to Ultravox, and everything in between. It should be noted that audience participation is strongly encouraged on all of them—and three lucky volunteers were hauled up on stage to give their best black-and-white moody poses. It was surprising and heartening to hear everybody join in on the songs—so often audience singalongs merit half-hearted efforts, but everybody joined in on a raucous chorus that really lifted the energy in the room.
Everybody was helped along by Quinn, whose fabulous voice gave the night a frizz and freneticism that can’t be replicated. She is also a drag queen’s dream, with her gurns, sultry stares and gigantic red wig.
Sunglasses at Night is an absolute gem of a show, and definitely beats the nuclear winter outside.
Reviewed by C J McLean
Twitter: @cjmclean_
Rating: 4.5/5
Venue: Artspace Gallery
Season: 15-17 June
Duration: 1hr
Tickets: $41.90
Bookings: www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au/events/sunglasses-at-night-geraldine-quinn/
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