The trials and tribulations of modern dating are perfect fodder for any comedy festival. Having wowed audiences in Perth and Adelaide, Tory Kendrick presents her show, Somebody to Love, at The Motley Bauhaus, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The Perth-based performer knows how to make an entry. Dressed in a flashy red sequined two-piece, Kendrick bursts onto the stage with a rousing rendition of the Queen classic, Somebody to Love – and what a voice.
With an effervescent personality, the audience is instantly charmed by her witty observations, likening modern dating to ‘going through the five stages of grief over and over and over again.’
Accompanied by award-winning pianist Greg Lavell (Cabaret Unscripted), each stage of grief provides an opportunity to showcase her very impressive vocal range.
Her broad-ranging repertoire includes Taught By Experts (A Boy From Oz), There! Right There! (Legally Blonde) and Small Strange Creature from the Australian musical, The Summer of Our Lives.
They sit comfortably alongside a number of showstoppers including Big Spender (Sweet Charity), No Good Deed (Wicked) and I Never Met a Wolf Who Didn’t Love to Howl (Smash).
The loosely structured nature of Somebody to Love allows Kendrick much scope to interactive with Lavell and her enthusiastic audience – offering some amusing dating anecdotes, complimented by those provided by the audience anonymously before and during the show.
Rounding out the hour with the Gloria Gaynor anthem, I will Survive, Tory Kendrick has delivered a top notch show that is engaging and fun.
Tory Kendrick: Somebody to Love
The Motley Bauhaus (Theatrette), 118 Elgin Street, Carlton
Performance: Wednesday 10 April 2024
Season: 6 – 10 April 2024
Information: www.comedyfestival.com.au
Image: Tory Kendrick (supplied)
Review: Rohan Shearn