Review: Georgy Girl

The story of Australian iconic folk group The Seekers comes to life in this enchanting and vastly entertaining smash hit musical, which will leave delighted audiences quietly singing the classic song ‘Georgy Girl’ long after leaving the theatre.

Audiences are transported back to the musical revolution of the early 1960’s, when performers such as The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley and Dusty Springfield ruled the music charts. History was conceived when Judith Durham, a young 21-year-old jazz singer, joined a band with three male musicians.

A gig which commenced as a limited engagement quickly evolved into an incredibly successful career for the band, catapulting them into international stardom. They became the first singing Australian group to play in the UK and also reached number one on the American music charts with ‘Georgy Girl’.

The core cast – comprising of the very talented Pippa Grandison, Phillip Lowe, Mike McLeish and Glaston Toft – deliver remarkable performances as The Seekers, uncannily resembling and sounding like the original band.

This colourful and vibrant production perfectly captures the heart and soul of The Seekers, their success in music, radio and television, and the ups and downs in their careers and personal lives.

Much attention is justifiably given to Judith Durham – the separation from her family, the nervous exhaustion she suffered, her romances and the tragedies she overcame which resonated that life as a singing sensation was not picture perfect.

Charismatic narration, a selection of the band’s major hits, a script engulfed with cheeky humour and the energetic choreography of numerous musical numbers should charm audiences until the poignant finale, when the ensemble cast deliver their rendition of the classic ‘I Am Australian’.

A new generation of theatre-goers will marvel at the incredible story of The Seekers and older audiences should take this triumphant trip down memory lane to revisit the Aussie band, who journeyed from down under to the top of the world. (MMo)

****

Apr 7–May 27, various show times. State Theatre, 49 Market Street, City. $80-$130. Tickets & info: georgygirlthemusical.com