By Nick Pilgrim
When Theatre Matters recently asked its team of writers to cover the Melbourne Fringe Festival, this event is always a firm favourite in my yearly calendar.
Jammed into three hectic yet dynamic weeks, there are hundreds of listings to consider. The vast scope of entertainment options ranges from Cabaret, Circus Arts, Comedy, Dance & Physical Theatre, Experimental Presentations, Kids Stuff, Music, Social Events, Theatre to Visual Arts.
Just to name a few.
With so many acts and events on offer, the delight from deep diving into the unknown is the joy of discovering new and exceptional talent along the way.
Such is the case with The Ukulele Man: The Story of George Formby.
Heading into Melbourne’s Speakeasy Theatre on Flinders Street, I was eager with anticipation. Touted as Great Britain’s foremost entertainer during the Second World War, his unique on-stage and big screen persona coupled with deliciously original tunes and outstanding musicianship always made for a stellar experience. With the threat of occupation breathing down England’s collective and united neck, Formby’s cheeky and carefree presence was just the distracting tonic its people craved.
The Ukulele Man is less an evening of relaxed cabaret and closer in build to a tightly formed chamber musical. In this instance, the sixty minute journey mixes linear fast facts about Formby’s career and personal life fused together with a solid handful of his greatest hits.
A potential precursor to Tom Lehrer and Benny Hill, many of his songs were as provocative as they were hilarious. Formby also constructed his material in such a way by always allowing audiences in on the joke.
Dotted at key points throughout the fascinating narrative, the hour-long show features classics like:
- Down The Old Coal Hole
- Following In Father’s Footsteps
- I’m Shy
- I’m The Ukelele Man
- It Serves You Right
- Leaning On A Lamppost
- Riding in the TT Races
- Thanks, Mr Roosevelt
- You Can’t Stop Me From Dreaming
- When I’m Cleaning Windows
- Why Don’t Women Like Me?
Formby’s meteoric rise was a blend of being in the right place at the right time. Falling into the industry after the untimely death of his father (who was an established entertainer in his own right), it was meeting his future wife, Beryl, who became the singular driving force and ambitious engineer behind the performer’s twenty-year career.
Written and performed by Marcel Cole (with solid support from Katie Cole), this expert mother and son team never once lose audience interest. Highly skilled and personable entertainers themselves, the pair lead viewers through George’s life with effortless wit, moving poignancy and nostalgic charm. Is it any wonder the show has drawn critical raves as well as earning top awards at Fringe Festivals in Adelaide, Newcastle, and Sydney. (Direction is by Mirjana Ristevski.)
Thanks to the venue’s compact intimacy, Marcel and Katie interact directly with us, while offering several delightful opportunities for audience participation. (If you’re in the mood for a good sing-along, this is the show for you.)
Though The Ukulele Man’s strictly limited season has concluded, Marcel has a second show planned in several weeks called Smile – The Story of Charlie Chaplin (at Bard’s Apothecary on Crossley Street).
My biggest takeaway from this joyous romp is seeing a young person’s love and passion for entertainer’s past, bring them back into the spotlight for the next generation to appreciate and enjoy anew.
It is moments like these which make my job as a reviewer both an honour and a privilege.
