Presented by David Venn Enterprises
Reviewed 10 April 2021
It is no secret that 2020 was a rotten year for theatre, but 2021 has fortunately seen us time warp back to the best era of all time – the Eighties. Where our hair was high, fashion was questionable, and the music was amazing as were the movies. Director Alister Smith and Producer David Venn bring The Wedding Singer – the Musical Comedy to the newly refurbished Her Majesty’s Theatre.
As we time warp into an era of neon lights and hideous bridesmaids dresses, we meet Wedding Singer Robbie Hart (Christian Charisiou) and his band, ‘Simply Wed’, Sammy (Hayden Hawkins) and George (Ed Deganos). Robbie is about to be married himself to Linda (Kirby Burgess) who turns him down on their Wedding Day. Constantly appearing at the wedding receptions that ‘Simply Wed’ play at are waitresses Holly (Nadia Komazec) and Julia (Teagan Wouters). On the morning of Robbie’s big day his Grandma, Rosie (Susan-Ann Walker) gives him a present and a little bit too much information about her past sexual escapades. Julia’s boyfriend, Glen (Stephen Mahy) rain checks his anniversary dinner with her in favour of a Knicks game with a mate.
What follows is the story of Julia and Robbie’s friendship and the feelings that they develop for one another realising that love is not meant to be as complicated or as selfish as Linda and Glen make it’ with Sammy, George and Holly being the friends to navigate them through this crazy little thing called love.
Kirby Burgess steals the show with her portrayal of Linda and although she only has two scenes, her talent shines through so much that you find yourself wishing Linda to appear more. The ensemble (Holly James, Katrina Bickerton, Annie Chiswell, Simon Fairweather, Luke Haberecht, Jerome Javier, Sebastian Johnston, Connor Motel, Brittney Page, Max Patterson, Asmara Soekotjo and Romy Buksan) also provide a memorable moment in the closing scenes when the who’s who of 80s rock royalty impersonators show up to help Robbie win Julia and expose Glen for the type of man he is.
The show is fun and a tribute to the music of the 80s. However, it feels like alcohol is also a lead character and that somewhat turns the fun into feeling like the 80s should be known as the era of binge drinking and hip thrusting.
Like a good pair of electric pink leg warmers, this show has all the makings of a great fashion trend.
Review by Tara Forbes-Godfrey
Rating out of 5: 3
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: Until 24 April 2021
Tickets: $79 -$139
Bookings: https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/events/the-wedding-singer/