The Very Worst Of The Tiger Lillies: Hell Is Missing Its House Band – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review

Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Fri 16 Jun. The ghoulish makeup of the trio of musicians on stage sets the scene for what is to follow. The Tiger Lillies – Martyn Jaques on falsetto vocals, accordion, ukulele and piano, Adrian Stout on double bass, saw, and theremin, and Jonas Golland on drums and percussion – romp through a set of songs drawn from every seedy and decadent corner of human experience –sadistic murder, sexual perversion, excessive drinking, horny sailors – all done with an enchanting blend of dark humour and po-faced melancholy. The musicianship is top class, with frequent subtle touches from Stout and Golland to highlight the ridiculous and absurd moments lurking in Jaques’ seedy, amusing lyrics. The Tiger Lillies might be what Barry Humphries could have created if he’d decided to do punk cabaret instead of housewife superstar. Add a touch of Ian Dury, Kurt Weill and gypsy swing and you might be getting close to the mark. Given their steady flow of albums since inception in 1989, there is a wealth of material to draw from. There are no dull moments and plenty of highlights. The songs are designed to shock, so don’t go if you don’t enjoy being a little outraged! They are not for everyone, but not everyone is here. Those who are here seem to be having a very good time. There is almost no interaction with the audience until they introduce themselves near the end, and open up for requests. There are plenty of these, and the band quickly cobbles together a finale from these requests. Another excellent night at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival! 4 stars Adrian Miller The Very Worst Of The Tiger Lillies continues at Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Adelaide Convention Centre Lawns, from 10pm until Sat 17 Jun. Book at BASS on 131 246 and bass.net.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #AdCabFest Image courtesy of Photo Graphic Art