Presented by Tutti Arts/Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 23 June 2021
To paraphrase one of the Sisters of Invention’s songs ‘This isn’t Disneyland’, but is was immense fun. For those of you who do not know, Sisters of Invention are an all-female pop group who have wonderful music ability which makes them want to prove that disability is often in the eye of the beholder. These ladies started playing together a few years ago and have written and produced their own songs in collaboration with Michael Ross, Kathie Renner and Mario Spate. Their first album was released in 2015 with the support of Tutti Arts. This show displays their spirit, heart and their talent. Directed by Michael Griffiths the show allows each group member to take the spotlight and give a little insight to their lives. Michelle Hall, Aimee Crathern, Caroline Hardy and Annika Hooper make up this unusual group. Two of the group members have cerebral palsy, one has Williams syndrome, and one is blind, but they don’t want sympathy, they want acceptance. They don’t want to be normal (as they point out, what is normal?), they are extraordinary.
The songs had everyone rocking in their seats and if you weren’t tapping your toes, they were stirring your emotions with songs like Colours. The final line, ‘maybe its you who can’t see’, reached us all. Aimee’s song Ugly Duckling, focussing on the name calling of her youth, made us all rethink ‘normal’. The presentation was excellent with some nice light effects, thanks to Marty the Festival Centre’s tech, and all backed by a great band led by Musical Director Carol Young, piano, with Kathie Renner, guitar keys and vocals, Nick Sinclair, bass and Steve Todd on drums.
‘This Isn’t Disneyland, I’m not a novelty, this is as real as it gets’, really struck a chord with everyone and established the pop vibe. All the playlist like Chaos and Serenity and Desperate Cocoon, resonated and the mega mix at the end blending You’re The Voice with Katy Perry’s Roar was superb. The standing ovation they received was well deserved. Here’s hoping we hear more of them soon!
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Rating out of 5: 5
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse
Season: 23-24 June
Duration: 70mins
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