The Karaoke Club

The World Premiere of The Karaoke Club is presented by APK Productions for Fringe World at the Rosemount Hotel. A vibrant and engaging piece of work, it is being very well received and is well written, acted and presented.

Advertised to play at two venues, the second has fallen through at the last minute. Hopefully a further run can be secured, as this is a solid little production that deserves a bigger audience.

Shy and reserved singer-songwriter Beck is advised by her singing teacher to build her confidence by singing karaoke in a smaller venue. She stumbles across the karaoke club, a karaoke session with only four regular patrons. Bonds are formed, but this odd assortment of karaoke fans learn that their beloved venue is facing financial ruin. Mostly a jukebox musical, The Karaoke Club also features an original song.

Taao Buchanan anchors the show nicely as the lovely Beck - nicely sung with a well layered performance. Olivia Morris is strong as antagonistic and dark DJ Grey. Patrick Volpe is convincing as bar owner Merle. The karaoke patrons are beautifully characterised with Sam Maloney, great fun as footballer Finn, Paige Fallu giving an excellent portrayal of the motherly Robin (even if too young to be a convincing mother of three) and Tayah Crothers and Eve Miller showing great teamwork as very sweet besties Dove and Wren. Singing is strong under the musical direction of Lachlan Obst, with sound well managed by Roger Harris.

The show also features an ensemble who mostly appear as “dream back-up singers and dancers” as the karaoke performers sing - as well as a number of small roles. There is some great, well-executed choreography from Rudi Palmela.

Very well received by its Covid Capacity audience, I hope that this show will get further opportunities outside its very limited Rosemount run. A very promising new musical.

Kimberley Shaw

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