Tim Freedman: Freedman Does Nilsson – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review

Dunstan Playhouse, Wed Jun 11 Shuffling onstage with jauntily tipped cap, Freedman was in character from the word go with his American accent and thoughtful musings as Harry Nilsson, Grammy award winning songwriter best known for hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Harry Nilsson was an artist who managed a successful recording and writing career without touring or performing, due to stage fright and incapacity to sing in front of anyone other than his own family. From the beginning of the show we are treated to Freedman’s own humour as he shares a monologue of Nilsson’s career and life with his own interjections, throwing in the odd fact about Nilsson’s life in such a way that made you want to go home and read his biography. We are treated to the songs Nilsson was most known for; One, Coconut and of course Everybody’s Talking. But there were others – lesser-known tunes that when sung by Freedman echoed a sentiment that, of course, this talented composer has a swag of songs up his sleeve. Hearing them on this night was like an unveiling of a spectacular art exhibition. Freedman’s voice has only improved over the years; his stage presence even whilst in character so obviously more self aware, more comfortable in his own skin. Only when you are more familiar with yourself can you perhaps then mimic another with such authenticity. His voice was sublime, and whilst his last official song of the night was Badfinger’s Living Without You which obviously then lent itself to an encore, it was almost a shame that the  spell he cast whilst singing this was then broken with the cheerful but mood breaking finale. Freedman’s portrayal of Nilsson showed his passion and interest in the eccentric and tragic figure who people knew so little about, his infamous friendships with the likes of John Lennon, intriguing and peculiar facts about celebrities passing away in his London flat. You leave with the feeling that you know this person a little, have a vague understanding of their life and a feeling of empathy. All this is a testament to the fantastic balance shown by Freedman in delivering just the right amount of chatter and history with just the right placements of songs. A surprising, eye opening and beautiful tribute by one of Australia’s most well known artists. by Siân Williams