Presented by The K Faktor
Reviewed 26 July 2013
Musician, author, singer, song-writer and all round performer Bill Oddie needs little introduction. From his beginnings as part of a 1960s comedy revue team forming the genesis of Monty Python, he has had a varied career. , His most well-known role is part of The Goodies, a classic British comedy series airing from 1970 until 1982 which gained a huge cult following. Perhaps more popular in Australia than their native home-land thanks to constant ABC-TV re-runs, the trio of Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden and Oddie have visited our shores several times.
For one night only, Bill Oddie performed the Adelaide leg of his national tour, An Oldie but A Goodie’. Although without his co-stars, Oddie ably gave what fans wanted. Playing to a packed audience at the Adelaide Town Hall, the use of cue cards and various video clips showed the contribution he’d made and the show’s impact. It has often been said he was the more ‘difficult member’ of the group due to a somewhat aloof reputation. After some years of perhaps not embracing his past as fans would have expected, his tour finds him providing fond reminiscences.
Split into 2 sections – the first dealing with his start in the business and the second exploring The Goodies – the show ran smoothly. Although the lone performer on stage. Oddie successfully engaged with his audience, many of whom dressed as various Goodies-inspired characters. He talked about his favourite Goodies episodes (most of which were mine as well) and the various guests appearing on it. His musings on receiving an OBE, comparisons to David Attenborough and entertainment in general were also fascinating. It seems he is most proud of his more recent work as the UK’s pre-eminent ornithologist (bird watcher). Clips illustrating this particular aspect drove home the many passions he has. His refusal to stay in one particular area also showed the rebellious spirit of his early days still thrives.
Running at a generous two-and-a-half hours, including a short interval, the vaguely loose structure of the evening allowed for some spontaneity. This was effectively shown when he called up an audience member for an impromptu sing-a-long! Another tune was sung at the end with a rousing rendition of the famous Goodies ditty ‘The Funky Gibbon’. Although initially strange seeing him without his co-stars, his sharp wit and gift in telling a story made for a good experience. For a fan like myself, who also got to meet him afterwards, it was exciting seeing a comedic hero. That he delivered the goods was evidenced by the laughter and cheers of an audience pleased to see a favourite performer still in action.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Venue: Adelaide Town Hall, King William Street, Adelaide
Season: 26 July 2013
Duration: 2.5 hours
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