Armed with a mic, two keyboards, a handful of props and a mischievous grin, Arthur Hull takes us on a whirlwind tour of musical theatre’s most magnificent misfires – and makes us wonder how they ever flopped in the first place.
Hull’s rich vocals and magnetic stage presence make it clear why he’s Australia’s National Busking Champion. He was also one of Adam Lambert’s Top 3 picks on The Voice — and it’s easy to hear why. He brings sincerity to the silliest of lyrics, and finds genuine beauty in the boldest of disasters.
From the horror that was Carrie: The Musical — the infamous 1988 Broadway bomb that closed within days – to the aching beauty of My Funny Valentine from Rodgers and Hart’s Babes in Arms (1937), Hull dives headfirst into the archives with fearless flair.
With some well-placed audience interaction, Lord Lloyd Webber makes an appearance (how could he not?) as Love Never Dies – the ill-fated sequel to The Phantom of the Opera – gets a cheeky nod, alongside a certain cinematic catastrophe known as CATS.
There’s the sheer absurdity of King Kong (2013), where the titular character doesn’t get to sing; the royal chaos of Diana: The Musical; and a medley that somehow ties it all together. And finally, the high-flying, injury-ridden, budget-exploding carnage of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark – resurrected with loving sarcasm and surprising musicality.
Hull’s storytelling is second to none. With charismatic wit and impeccable music theatre knowledge, he threads each number with hilarious history and heartfelt homage. Far from mocking these musicals – he honours them, finding that one, maybe two, brilliant songs and letting them shine.
A must-see for musical lovers, music theatre nerds, and anyone who’s ever believed in a long shot, FLOP is highly entertaining and gloriously unexpected!
Arthur Hull: FLOP
Member’s Lounge – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Performance: Thursday 10 April 2025 – 9.15pm
Season continues to 20 April 2025
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Arthur Hull – photo by Jasper Wood Visuals
Review: Rohan Shearn