Presented by Theatre Bugs
Reviewed Sunday 27 February 2011
http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
http://www.gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au
http://www.petercombe.com
http://www.theatrebugs.com.au
Venue: Bosco Theatre, The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Rundle Park, Adelaide
Season: 5, 6, 12 & March at 12.15pm
All Tickets: $17.00
Duration: 60 mins
Bookings: FringeTix 1300 FRINGE (374 643) or http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
Peter Combe has been the King of the Kids in Australian children’s music for over 20 years, with 3 ARIAS, 7 Gold and 2 Platinum albums to his name. Theatre Bugs is a performing arts school for kids aged 6 months to 18 years.
Set within a cafe, Peter Combe joins forces with 10 Theatre Bugs children to perform his classic hit songs about food, including Toffee Apple, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Wash Your Face in Orange Juice.
Combe plays his guitar, supported by Phil on keyboard, while the kids provide backing vocals, dance routines and little skits in the café. There’s even a mini Junior Masterchef segment using young volunteers from the audience. The choral work and dancing is well executed but it’s a shame the Theatre Bugs children haven’t yet learned to project their voices when speaking, as much of their dialogue is lost.
The colourful costumes, bright toothy grins, and Combe’s magnificent songs have kids dancing in the aisles and big burly dads clapping and singing along. The fun is infectious for all ages, led by Combe’s own spirited performance.
You don’t have to have grown up with Peter Combe to love what he does. The lyrics are simple enough to sing along to on a first listening, so find a young child and give yourself the excuse you need.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis, Performing Arts Critic, Glam Adelaide.