JUDY GARLAND and Billie Holiday walk into a room.
No, this isn't the start of a bad joke. It's the premise of a hit one-woman play starring Australian singer and actor Bernadette Robinson.
Following a sold-out season in London, Robinson is returning to Australia with her hit show Songs for Nobodies.
In it, Robinson transforms into five of the world's most remarkable singers; Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Maria Callas.
This spellbinding play, written by Joanna Murray-Smith for Robinson, tells the story of imagined encounters between the five legendary songbirds and five ordinary women, exploring the alchemic effect these women's brush with their musical idols have on their lives.
Robinson switches characters and vocals with consummate ease, each song a homage and celebration. Accompanied by live musicians, her voice shifts rom smoky blues to thrilling soprano.
The play is directed by Simon Phillips (who also directed the musical Muriel's Wedding). "Ever since I sat stunned at a Bernadette Robinson concert not believing my ears, I wanted to create a show for her, something that put her miraculous ability to reincarnate the great singing voices of the past into a rich theatrical context," he said.
"So I knocked on the obvious door. Joanna Murray-Smith's brilliant talent for channeling not only characters but somehow the spirit of the performer."
First performed 10 years ago, Songs for Nobodies will tour to Geelong Performing Arts Centre from December 13, Arts Centre Melbourne from December 18 and Sydney Opera House from January 23.
TICKETS
Geelong Performing Arts Centre, December 13-15. Click HERE for bookings
Arts Centre Melbourne, December 18-29. Click HERE for tickets.
Sydney Opera House, January 23-February 2, 2020. Click HERE for tickets.
Geraldine Cardozo
Features Editor at The Senior.
Features Editor at The Senior.
