The Look Of Dusty: Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? ~ Adelaide Fringe 2024 Review

[MUSIC/Cabaret ~ UK ~ AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE] Regal Theatre, Wed 6 Mar, 2024. The British pop invasion of the 1960s wasn’t just about the well-known male bands. Among others there was Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Lulu, and of course Dusty. Dusty Springfield started charting around the same time as The Beatles (1964). The Look Of Dusty is brought to the Adelaide Fringe by an enterprising mob called Night Owl Shows. They are based in London and have capitalised on the Boomers’ desire to relive their youth and sponsor shows by Sting, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac etc etc. I’m sure they’re making a fortune. The Regal Theatre was packed for the 'Dusty' show. And it was very strange to be sitting in the equivalent of business class seats listening to music that we first heard in beer swilling smoke filled bars. But hey it was incredibly comfortable. Just weird! The gorgeous mini-skirted Ella McReady takes on the challenging task of singing Dusty, and does a fine job of it. Her voice is strong and she has no trouble delivering the dynamic vocal range that was Dusty’s gift. Her band are equally capable. I really enjoyed the keyboard players’s frequent  instrumental flourishes, often with a jazz flavour, and occasionally also reminiscent of the organ sound of Booker T and the MGs. There is definitely a touch of soul in Dusty’s songs. Not surprising really as in her role as promoter later in life she was responsible for bringing almost unknown Motown acts to Britain. It was great to be reminded of these many wonderful songs  – I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself, Wishin’ and Hopin’, Son Of A Preacher Man, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? You Don’t Own Me … You Don’t Own Me could still be used as a feminist anthem with its powerful statement of independence; or indeed as a message for any controlling dominant partner. Dusty herself was bisexual. Dusty Springfield, and a good many other artists, owe a great deal to songwriters Hal David and Burt Bacharach. I suggest Night Owl Shows put on a presentation of David and Bacharach numbers! Ella McCready provided a basic narration of Dusty’s story with the help of a few slides on a big screen. I wonder if companies like Night Owl will be doing Ed Sheeran or Tayor Swift shows 50 years from now?  A really enjoyable show – slick and professional. Perhaps just lacking an edge of angst. 4 stars Michael Coghlan The Look Of Dusty continues at Regal Theatre from 2pm on Sun 10 Mar. Book at FringeTIX and adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets #ClotheslineMag #ADLfringe