AUC On The Wild Side: Great Classic And Contemporary Tunes At Estonia Hall – Adelaide Fringe Review

Estonian Hall, Fri 19 Feb Voices in harmony have the ability to transport you to a magical, peaceful place. The Adelaide University Choral Society’s red and black adorned singers (around 80 of them!) filed onto the stage as we settled into the cabaret atmosphere of a packed Estonian club. They were supported by the talented AUC Fringe Band and an entertaining Alistair Knight, who stepped in to conduct and perform MC duties. The evening was a tribute to their conductor of the past four years, Tim Marks, who recently went to another magical peaceful place. The show was opened with a poignant version of Behind Blue Eyes (The Who), and then they ramped it up with their interpretation of Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again (The Angels) as a tongue in cheek dedication especially for Tim. The male section took a recess at the first intermission, and the ladies performed a wonderful version Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns N' Roses), and some tight harmonics on California Dreamin’ (The Mamas and The Papas). The men returned to join in with a not so punchy version of Adele’s classic Rolling In The Deep. A little more “Ooga-Chaka Ooga-Ooga Ooga-Chaka” (Blue Swede's, Hooked On A Feeling) was needed at times, perhaps an indication of their sense of loss. The show finished with a thumping fun version of the Proclaimers I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles). AUC On The Wild Side was a fun compilation of songs with intriguing interpretations. They took a few risks, and it paid off with the crowd really enjoying the evening. Karen Bailey & Terry Izatt AUC On The Wild Side continues at Estonian Hall from 8pm until Sat 20 Feb. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.