Review by Natasha Wyborn
The Newcastle Civic Theatre welcomed a full house last night as the Apia Good Times tour hit town. For the fourth year in a row the gig was a sell-out continuing to astound by drawing fans of all ages to the show.
Opening the evening was John Paul Young. Paying a tribute to the song writing team Vanda and Young ‘Down Among The Dead Men’ hit the spot. With hits like ‘I hate the music’, Yesterday’s hero’ and ‘Pasadena’ you would be hard pressed not to sing and clap along.
Kate Ceberano took the stage and immediately took over the keyboards. The haunting version of her hit ‘Brave’ was well received around the house. Going from zero to a hundred miles an hour the quartet’s youngest member launched into ‘Pash’. Returning to her keyboard and acknowledging her daughter, Ceberano sung a version of the Roberta Flack classic ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’. Finishing her set with ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstar left you hungry for more.
A 20 minute break Daryl Braithwaite appeared on stage. Before the lights went on he greeted the audience with a ‘hello’ before launching into his 80’s solo hit ‘Rise’. A brief conversation with the crowd and the original TV Week King of Pop trophy from 1975 appeared. Holding it proudly Braithwaite took the audience on a brief trip back to a day when he graced the cover of the glossy magazine complete with crown and red robe. The award was then given to the audience to feel, share, touch this was a special moment. The hits including ‘As The Days Go By’, ‘One Summer’ and ‘The Horses’ where Ceberano reappeared to provide the backing vocals.
Former Noiseworks powerhouse Jon Stevens took the stage last, unshaven, raw and ready. Stevens 30 minute set took the audience back to the 80’s with ‘No Lies’ and ‘Touch’ Stevens got the crowd rocking. The hit ‘Hot Chilli Woman’ seemed to stir the inner spice in everyone.
A brief moment off stage and all 4 members returned together for the first time. ‘Howzat’ started the audience movement from sitting to stand. ‘Love Is In The Air’ ramped it up to a full on dance. A bow, goodnight and thank you were hardly going to quench this audience’s thirst. Returning for one last song ‘Good Times’ echoed around the theatre.
A great night, a sell-out, very satisfied punters and requests to already attend next year’s event, these are but a few of the comments that spilled into the hallways of the theatre on the way out. Can’t wait for next year.
Event: Apia Good Times 2016
Featuring: John Paul Young, Jon Stevens, Kate Ceberano, Daryl Braithwaite
Venue: Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Date: June 9, 2016
Visit www.apiagoodtimes.com.au
#ApiaGoodTimes
Photo gallery of the night here…
Photographer: David Jackson