LIVE REVIEW: BANANARAMA with WANG CHUNG – Perth, 19 February, 2016

Shane | 3 March 2016 | Reply

LIVE REVIEW: BANANARAMA with WANG CHUNG – Perth, 19 February, 2016
The Astor Theatre, Perth, Western Australia
Reviewed by Trulie Pinnegar
Photography by Maree King

A little miscommunication, a little bad traffic and an unexpectedly short set meant The Astor’s Bananarama show wasn’t as wild as we’d hoped.

For starters, the show kicked off an hour earlier than anticipated, meaning by the time we fought unusually poor traffic conditions we’d missed both opening acts, and from all reports both The Chantoozies and Wang Chung warmed the crowd up well.

[Show picture list]

When Banarama – that’s Sara Dallin and Karen Woodward nowadays, with both fellow founding member Siobhan Fahey and her replacement Jacqui O’Sullivan having left the ranks in ’88 and ’91 respectively – did take the stage they were in fine form and captivated the audience, sounding in great voice and with a live band including backing singers adding to the party atmosphere.

The girls wooed the crowd with some greats – Cruel Summer, Robert De Niro’s Waiting, I Heard A Rumour, Really Sayin’ Something and The Beatles’ Help, to name a few.

Venus was particularly impressive with the crowd joining in enthusiastically, resulting in the stage filling with Banana-wannabies who had a chance to boogie with the girls and sing their hearts out. The two frontwomen seemed to enjoy the party spirit and gave every participant their time to shine.

[Show picture list]

It could have been thought that this was the start of the part of the show where things got interesting, but sadly not. One more ditty – Love In The First Degree – and they’re gone…

Thankfully an encore ensued, even if only for an all-too-short run through Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye), and then they were gone, a fraction over sixty minutes after they’d started.

Why so short? Was it to test the Aussie market and response? Hopefully if this was the case they could tell that the crowd wanted more and whether you’re a pop or rock or hip hop act, travelling halfway around the world for a sixty minute show is only doing half the job.
Set List:
Cruel Summer
Nathan Jones
Shy Boy
Robert De Niro’s Waiting
I Heard a Rumour
Really Sayin’ Something
I Want You Back
Help!
Venus
Love in the First Degree
Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye)