Tubular Bells For Two At The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – Adelaide Fringe Review

The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Factory, Thu Feb 19 Mike Oldfield’s haunting, mesmerising musical masterpiece, Tubular Bells is best remembered by many as the accompanying soundtrack for the 1973 movie The Exorcist. Daniel Holdsworth and Aidan Roberts’ Tubular Bells For Two at is an amazing musical journey and interpretation of the Oldfield classic – and not an Exorcist in sight! Little of the venue’s aesthetics reflect any aspect of the movie thank goodness; however, subtle but effective use of lighting generated its own mood swings in keeping with the musical experience, while the use of a smoke machine added to the chemistry of the overall performance. The Factory proved to be an excellent venue; the industrial dynamics adding a recording studio feel to the audiences’ experience. Ensembles of musical instruments were corralled into two distinct areas with those “tubular bells” commanding centre stage. This musical wonderland delivers the palette that shows off the artistry of these exceptionally multi-talented musicians Holdsworth and Roberts have one seriously manic work ethic, literally running and jumping their way barefoot between the stages as they bring the next instrument into play, usually managing a few at once. The entire show was a musical banquet with the lead guitar riffs a real highlight as was the arrival of the ‘diva’ in this piece - the anticipated climactic introduction of those tubular bells. The audience was treated to an amazingly intense performance, both musically and physically. These young musicians let the music tell its own story, the soundscape evolving from subtle, gentle notes that gain intensity, becoming powerful, fierce and dark. In Tubular Bells for Two, Holdsworth and Roberts have fashioned a thrill ride for our musical and visual senses and were richly deserving of their enthusiastic standing ovation. Rosie van Heerde Tubular Bells For Two continues at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Factory until Sun Mar 15. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.