Review: INTERLUDE: NOW, Underbelly Boulevard
Zac Dorne
Last week, we sat amongst the near sold-out crowd at Underbelly Boulevard to witness Interlude’s first west end concert performance: NOW.
The company was set up by musical director and actor Aaron Bladen as a response to the suffocating effect the pandemic had on the arts, and to provide a community outlet for lovers of ensemble singing - little did Aaron know that it would turn into a little oasis in the form of a choir, for members both in and out of the industry; to simply come together and sing with no expectation other than their love for it.
Nigh on five years later, after many a ever-changing member make-up, and various concerts, the community choir found themselves on the Boulevard stage under the dedicated musical direction of Bladen himself, and accompanied by pianist Alex Williams who played gorgeously and oversaw a three-piece band that underscored the evening so deftly.
What struck us most about the evening was just how care-free and unpolished it all was, and we by no means mean that in a disparaging manner. We were presented with the very core of interlude and what makes it work - it’s heart, and it’s that heart that spilled through every pore of NOW. Bladen narrated the evening with witty anecdotes and a refreshing mildly (at times) nervous energy that showed us just how much he cared, and not just about our experience but the people on stage, and most importantly the joy of simply singing and providing a place where that is possible.
The choir of Interlude worked beautifully together navigating some gorgeous pieces arranged impeccably by Flynn Sturgeon. Phoebe Noding gave a stunning rendition of ‘Me and the Sky’ from Come From Away which was beautifully backed up by the Interlude choir. Her duet of ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ from RENT with Amber Bunce was also a fine ending to the first act. Steven Boyd and Elliot Butler provided a hilarious spin on ‘Agony’ from Into the Woods which as well as displaying their powerhouse vocals allowed them to play with the levels of the Boulevard making for all the more engaging a watch. Special mentions must also go to Emma Deguara and Leni Linnea who although didn’t have much to do, shone as particularly captivating members of the ensemble.
Last year the industry felt a huge loss when powerhouse performer Kyle Birch passed away. Kyle was an original member and avid vocal supporter of Interlude until his premature death. Aaron Bladen honoured him with a solo of ‘Still’ which provided us with a moment of reflection and allowed us all to remember the true power and effect of music.
As we said before, interlude is a choir for people who love singing. Some are within the industry some aren’t, and obviously that can be heard in a handful of the voices. A harsher, less understanding critic would perhaps make a point of that, but we believe if they did, they would miss the point entirely. We know this may seem an out of pocket thing to say from a company whose job is to comment critically, but when did we get so obsessed with being severely judgemental? Have we become too obsessed with having an opinion on everything that we can’t just sit down and remember why we loved something in the first place? NOW reminded us of that, of the joy, of the beauty, of the innocence of singing simply because you love it. What a gift to be able to share with the world… a gift the world needs now more than ever.
**** Four Stars
Reviewed by Duncan Burt
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