An Evening without Kate Bush
Writer/director: Sarah-Louise Young, Russell Lucas
Riverside Theatre, Parramatta
March 28, 2025 (single show)
Not wholly a tribute show, A Night without Kate Bush is nevertheless a fitting homage to the iconic ’80s singer who still holds a hypnotic sway over her fans. These super fans, known as the Fish People (after her Fish music company) are still held in thrall by the power of her mysterious mythology-infused lyrics, together with innovative vocal and visual effects. Her influence still resonates in British pop culture today.
Sarah-Louise Young (in collaboration with Russell Lucas) has put together an engaging program from Bush’s oeuvre. She establishes a strong rapport with her audience via some humorous interactive patter and in her rendition of the heartfelt “Don’t Give Up” she invites a long-married couple to come on stage and slow-dance to the number, a tender touch in an energetic show.
Young’s voice closely resembles Bush’s, without being an exact replica. The show opens on a dark stage with just a glowing red light – just a hint of a face and a disembodied voice as she launches into her opening number “And Dream of Sheep”. It’s pure theatre, embodying mystery and mythology, the hallmarks of Bush’s oeuvre.
And there is plenty of visual spectacle – her quick-change costumes and wigs are fascinating and then there are the dance moves, requiring a certain athleticism and stamina, both of which she has in spades.
She closes with the number which everyone has been waiting for all night, the number one hit of 1978, “Wuthering Heights”. Wearing the white wedding dress and red hair seen in the video, she recreates the energetic choreography, while leaving most of the actual singing to the audience, who, word perfect, respond enthusiastically.
It’s undoubtedly a delightful show to watch, relive, and sometimes sing those classic hits too, and Young’s performance does not disappoint – the show continues to tour, reaping awards in its wake. Somewhat to Parramatta’s chagrin, only one show this time, but perhaps a reprise may be in the offing, we can only hope!
