Hot August Night

Neil Diamond impersonator Peter Byrne has a career spanning 23 years in Australia, earning him many avid fans, including Neil Diamond himself: “I had a lovely interview with him in 1992, which was organised through his record company. I’m sure he meets lots of people but I have some great photos of the two of us together,” Byrne says.

When Byrne received an award in 2003 for best production show, it was Diamond who was the first to congratulate him: “He wrote me a big letter which to this day proudly hangs on my wall.”

Hot August Night, Byrne’s latest production, sees him collaborate with a 30-piece symphony orchestra, recreating the classic album of the same name recorded 42 years ago at Los Angeles’s Greek Theatre.

“We take people back to what the album must have sounded like,” says Byrne, “We’re doing it the same way Neil did when he recorded it live all those years ago.”

An energetic extravaganza, the night will include Diamond favourites such as, Crunchy Granola Suite, Cherry Cherry, and Sweet Caroline.

“As it was never filmed there are people from all around who wish they were there, so in many ways it’s a nostalgic journey we’re providing.” (GF)

Aug 23, Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown, $79-$69, (02) 9550 3666, enmoretheatre.com.au