Skyfall: The Music of James Bond

Skyfall is the sort of entertainment audiences have been longing for. And, in the week that we lost the composer of the original James Bond theme, Monty Norman, the show was a fitting tribute to the enjoyment that the film franchise’s songs have given audiences over the decades. Now, when you think of the classic James Bond theme tunes, you think of iconic voices: Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Lulu, Simon Le Bon, Sam Smith, Adele, and others. But seriously, in Brisbane this weekend we have heard some locally trained talented performers who really give that lot a run for their money. Skyfall, presents the early and latest Bond theme songs as a lively cabaret concert, starring Luke Kennedy and Naomi Price who take on classics like ‘Diamonds are Forever’, ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, ‘Thunderball’, and perform better-than-the-original renditions of newer songs like ‘ A View to a Kill’ and  ‘Spectre: Writing’s on the Wall’ to a rocking version of ‘Live and Let Die’ and a final duet on ‘Skyfall’. Wow, this couple of superstars can really sing! I don’t know why anyone would queue to see the likes of Robbie Williams or Adele when we have far superior talent on our doorstep here in Brisbane. To add to this pair’s rich vocal range, the team added special guests – soprano Rebecca Cassidy (pictured below) and tenor Mat Verevis – and the cheekily sequined Beverly Kills.

Rebecca is from Townsville and trained in Brisbane and works for Opera Queensland. Her gorgeous voice adds a new dimension of pathos to Bond songs like ‘You Only Live Twice’ and ‘The World is Not Enough’. Mat trained at WAAPA in Perth and has worked with the likes of State Opera SA and Victorian Opera. He has a rock sensibility that adds a depth to ‘For Your Eyes Only’ and ‘No Time to Die’. For obvious reasons, one song that doesn’t make the playlist is ‘From Russia with Love’ – although with the touch of camp glamour she adds to Naomi’s rendition of ‘Golden Eye’ and ‘The Look of Love’, Beverly Kills is one performer who could probably get away with it! And dancers Bridie Anstee (pictured below) and Shani Sweetnam, choreographed by Kate Wormald, add the chic of the film’s classic opening credit sequences to the show.

The whole evening would not work without a rocking band – and this one was gold-standard. Leading with an outstanding energetic performance was Mik Easterman on drums, OJ Newcomb on bass, Damian Sim on keys, Stephen Ward on guitar. The superb horn section were: Clint Allen, Martha Baartz, Matt Christensen, Dave Murtough, Joseph Roberts, Angela Santamaria, Josh Sinclair and Malcolm Wood. Equally important, especially in the stark Concert Hall, are the lighting design by Jason Glenwright, which really brings the audience into the show, and sound design by Jamie Taylor – they keep the whole show ‘double-o-fied’.

Naomi and Luke are world-class performers, which means their comedy shtick between numbers is not really essential – although it did help with Naomi’s powers of persuasion to encourage everyone to get up and dance to the entire ensemble’s performance of a surprise medley mix as an encore. I have never seen everyone in the Concert Hall up on their feet dancing – but the Skyfall team managed it! I hope the show runs as long as the Bond franchise itself. Their next production, featuring the songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Your Song, is playing at QPAC in September.

Find out more: http://www.thelittleredcompany.com

Beth Keehn

Photographer: Steph Do Rozario