You Ready for This?

I have to confess to becoming somewhat of a ‘Tutti groupie’, having seen two of their different shows this week, and ‘different’ is, in fact the word to use. The 4 Sisters of Invention, the stars of this show, spent a delightful hour explaining how their ‘difference’ is, in fact uniqueness. Aimee Crathern, Michelle Hall, Caroline Hardy and Annika Hooper have been singing together for 12 years, and it shows. There are no prima donnas. There are four sassy, outspoken and talented singers, who incidentally have different disabilities, and who sing with passion and joy, always aware of and supporting each other, enjoying their highlighted solo spots, but always singing as part of a supportive, very professional group.

Tutti showcases the work of disabled artists and this four-part harmony group, beautifully clad in sequinned finery and bling for this gig, explained that the group was often asked, ‘What have we got?’. The answer? ‘Two blondes and two brunettes!’ But of course, there’s more. They have also ‘got’ to their credit, two albums, two hit singles, a number of tours, a featured spot in the 2021 Cabaret Festival gala, an ABC program about them and a wonderful collection of original songs, some of which were featured in this show.

Underlining their uniqueness is this concert that featured almost exclusively purpose written original songs that chronicle the journey of people with disabilities and illustrate the challenge of ‘finding a place in a ’normal’ world. One of my favourites was a song describing “this is as real as it gets”. I was deeply moved when Annika, who is now blind, talked about being treated as ‘simple’ as a child when all that was needed to open up her world was Braille; following this with a heart-rending song called, ‘I’d like to write a song about colours’. Her voice is soaring, lilting and pure. There is nothing ‘simple’ about her talent.

Aimee, a regular and recognisable Tutti performer, is charismatic and outgoing. She ‘lives’ each song with gusto and fronts much of the narrative that links the concert’s story with the confidence of a seasoned performer. She described a childhood where she was the excluded ‘ugly duckling’. It is perfectly clear that she has now become the ‘beautiful swan’. Caroline belted out an upbeat version of ‘Unchain my Heart’ and showed her sense of mischief and fun by distributing chocolates to the audience and other performers, chuckling at the none too subtle innuendos created by the names of some of the chocolates. Michelle uses a wheelchair but this in no way defines her talent. For me, particularly her work in harmonising was a ‘standout’.

Every great singer has a great band and the ‘Sisters’ are well supported by two excellent keyboard players, two skilled guitar players and a talented drummer. Their MD is the legendary Tutti Choirs leader Carol Young, who conducts, guides and enthusiastically sings along with every song. I have said it before in reviews, Young is special and her passion for, and talent in supporting and nurturing people with disabilities makes her ‘one of a kind’. Special mention must be made of Cherie who really ‘rocks’ Auslan.

This was a once only Fringe show, but The Sisters of Invention are regular concert performers who deliver a fabulous show. If you can’t get out to see them just yet, their CD, created by and supporting

Tutti’s work, is available. Be aware that these girls are not just ‘normal’, they are exceptional and extraordinary.

Jude Hines