The Kermond 3 Gen Variety Show – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review

Dunstan Playhouse, Wed Jun 18 I have not laughed and cheered so much this year at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival! As the name suggests, three generations of the Kermond clan sing, dance, tap and tell some hilarious ‘dad’ jokes. Grandfather Warren is 78 years old and shows everyone he can keep up with his son Wayne and grandson Zan, both of whom have successful dance and musical theatre credits to their name. Warren was the clear audience favourite, and how could he not be, performing at such high intensity at age 78! He has some lovely stories about the national treasures he has performed alongside and the backstage antics at the Tivoli in Sydney where he grew up watching his parents perform. Warren’s son Wayne had his solo moment, too, performing both an amusing and touching depiction of the dreaded cattle-call dance audition, all done with homage to the musical, A Chorus Line. Grandson Zan also contributed with stories of trying to revoke against the family trade and become a plumber, but he was luckily drawn back in due to his love of tap dancing later performing in Tap Dogs and Hot Shoe Shuffle. Separately, each of them shines their own light, but when the three generations share the stage together this is when the fun really gleamed. This production was slick with the three men milking every opportunity to try and draw in the audience. Tap dancing was thrown into all the classic hits from famous musicals, like There’s No Business Like Show Business, Puttin’ On The Ritz, Song And Dance Man, Make ‘Em Laugh and Moses Supposes. The Kermond were supported on stage with a great band on piano, drums and bass, all of whom were happy to go along with the fun produced by the trio. The 3 Gen Variety Show is a good old vaudeville cabaret, but has added tenderness and love due to the three generations performing together. by Bobby Goudie