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Lady Beatle

Lady Beatle presented at La Boite Theatre Company is an exciting, vibrant cabaret style production – an energetic gem.
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Andrew Johnson, Mik Easterman, Naomi Price, Michael Manikus and Jason McGregor in Lady Beatle at La Boite Theatre. Image by Dylan Evans.

Presented at La Boite’s Roundhouse Theatre, Lady Beatle is an vibrant cabaret style production – an energetic gem –
showcasing the incredible musical works of one of the world’s most famous and beloved bands, The Beatles.

Adam Brunes (Rumour Has It, Wrecking Ball) and Naomi Price (Ladies in Black, The Voice Australia) are the co-creators of this buoyant piece.

A great mix of patrons of all ages attended opening night in Brisbane at La Boite and the buzz was incredible. The audience were excitable, the hubbub loud whilst waiting for the start of the show. Then, bam! What an opening! Naomi Price and the band exploded into sound and vision capturing the wave of enthusiasm in the opening song – ‘Sergeant Pepper’. Naomi’s stage presence was powerful and magnetic. The music knocked my socks off! What a pocket rocket Price is, backed by a band of four incredibly talented musicians who took us all on a journey with skill and dexterity: Mik Easterman on drums, Andrew Johnson on guitar, Michael Manikus on piano and Jason McGregor on guitars.

The emotional and heartwarming aspect of this production was the infused comedic storytelling by Price acting as a true fan and fellow Liverpudlian, giving a montage of the Beatles’ history from their inception through to their soaring success with humour, and a believable accent. The audience participation brought more than a few laughs. Indeed, throughout the performance patrons were clapping, singing along and dancing in their seats.

So many much-loved songs were covered over the 80 minute show; favourites such as ‘Sergeant Pepper’, ‘Come Together’, ‘Penny Lane’, ‘Yellow Submarine’, ‘Help’ and ‘Let It Be’ just to name a few. There were plenty of magic moments as well with ‘Don’t Let Me Down’, ‘Strawberry Fields’, ‘Blackbird’ and more, much more. Subtle lighting changes effectively enhanced each piece, highlighting the moods of the tunes superbly. The musical arrangements and sound production were brilliant, I realised I was listening to exceptional musicians. The full sound that penetrated the space impacted like a warm cloud at times transitioning to a vibrant propelling rock gig.

The ‘boys’ were dressed in classic suits echoing the early garb of the Beatles, whilst Price had a Sgt Pepper inspired coat on that any fashionista would envy. The historical truths were educational in this seamless, inspiring show.

The crescendo of the evening was light hearted, a passionate standing ovation completed the evening and as patrons were leaving the venue, we were all offered free fish and chips and photo moments in the foyer, what a class act!

For Beatles fans Lady Beatle is a must, I highly recommend this uplifting show for audiences everywhere.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Lady Beatle
A La Boite & The Little Red Company production
Performed by Naomi Price
Drums Mik Easterman
Bass Guitar Andrew Johnson
Piano Michael Manikus
Guitars Jason McGregor
Creators Adam Brunes & Naomi Price
Lighting Designer Jason Glenwright
Sound Designer/Audio Engineer Jamie Taylor (Australian Event Productions)
Costume Designer Leigh Buchanan
Vocal Coach Luke Kennedy

Roundhouse Theatre, Kelvin Grove
25 May – 3 June 2017

Sally Peters
About the Author
Sally Peters is a freelance writer currently residing in Brisbane.