In true Farnham fashion, Melbourne cabaret performer Stephen Valeri is at it again, taking his self-proclaimed ‘ultimate John Farnham Celebration’ show Age of Stephen to the stage for a second outing at Chapel Off Chapel as part of the 2019 Melbourne Cabaret Festival from 20 June.
At a ripe 69 years of age, Farnham continues to hold the enthusiasm and admiration from his legions of fans in a tight grasp, having enjoyed national sold out tours as part of the the A Day On The Green and Red Hot Summer concert series in late 2018 and early 2019, not to mention the recent announcement of One Electric Day – which he will once again headline later this year.
At 29, emerging Melbourne cabaret and comedy artist Stephen Valeri hasn’t quite reached the dizzying heights of Farnham’s success… just yet! But he’s channelling his inner Whispering Jack for a return season of Age of Stephen, which celebrates Farnham’s career and the greatest hits of his extensive back catalogue for this year’s 10th Anniversary Melbourne Cabaret Festival.
Valeri assures audiences that Age of Stephen isn’t your typical ‘tribute’ show: “It’s more of an all-in, loving celebration of all things Farnsey,” he said.
Whilst the show intertwines quirky facts from Farnham’s life and career, it centres around Valeri’s own anecdotes and crams 17 Farnham hits into an hour of fun, camp and lively cabaret, backed by a live three-piece band, including Melbourne musicians Caleb Garfinkel, Kellie-Anne Kimber and Andrew Rousch.
The show debuted at last year’s Melbourne Fringe and has since played to critical and audience acclaim at both Perth & Adelaide’s Fringe festivals, yet this upcoming return season at iconic Melbourne music venue Chapel off Chapel holds particular significance for Valeri: “John’s The Acoustic Chapel Sessions album from 2011 is a personal favourite, so we’re excited to play this show on the Chapel stage – and to share another thing in common with the great man himself!”
Age of Stephen
Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Season: 20 – 23 June 2019
Information and Bookings: www.melbournecabaret.com
Image: Stephen Valeri (supplied)