Review by Michelle Fisher
One of the best things about the Adelaide Fringe is that it, as an open access festival, everyone can participate and show off their stories and their talents. This is particularly both interesting and exciting when it means that there is an opportunity for young performers to use this platform for exposure to start their journey of breaking into the market.
Whilst I didn’t know that this element of ‘discovering young fresh talent’ would be part and parcel of the experience of attending Beating Up The Beatles, it was a most welcomed surprise!
The show itself offers a twist on the standard format of a tribute show as the star of the show, Charlee Watt, has used jazz versions of popular Beatles songs to make this her own. Backed by a four piece band featuring keys, guitar, drums and undoubtably the crowd’s favourite, the saxophone, Watts’s big vocals and smooth runs definitely delight!
Watts has great stage presence! She is personable and charming with a healthy dose of self deprecating humour about her upbringing in Port Lincoln and age. She is gracious about those that have helped her achieve what she has in getting this show up (and sold to such a big crowd which is absolutely no small feat at the fringe!) and has a good rapport with the audience.
Some of her stories and banter revealed a slight disconnect between the music she was singing - targeted at an older demographic - and herself as a young woman. Referencing her musical crush as ‘Sam,’ a quick google shows off what I can only imagine is her preferred taste in music. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with loving both…but I would love to see her really performing music that clearly inspires and excites her.
To that end, I think that one of the biggest assets of this production is overlooked and that is that Watt is a young, dynamic, emerging performer that it is time for Australia to know. With that said, Charlee, rip off that wig and costume and show us who you really are because I think you are a star in the making and we, as an audience, want to know all about you! Especially at the fringe when we can then all look back and say ‘I saw her when.’
Tribute shows are clever and commercial, and I really respect that artists need to pursue shows that they know will help them make a decent living. Do that as well! But where possible, show us the real you! Sing music that you love, and in doing so, the show will level up significantly in the maturity that it sometimes lacks.
What is apparent is the respect that Watt has for her band. She has been raised by both parents and music teachers beautifully here and as an emerging star, this respect for her musicians will serve her very well. She is instantly likeable on stage and this casual rapport with her band is a big part of why.
As Adelaide gets excited for the opening of Sister Act next week, let me tell you, Watt has the makings of our next Casey Donovan with those vocals - leading lady material!
