Next month, Peter Allen’s music will be honoured by local performers in a tribute featuring a mix of his greatest hits and hidden gems.
The Peter Allen Show, starring Simon Chamberlain, will take the stage at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre (REC) on 2 May.
Simon has performed in productions at the REC for over ten years and has taught singing at local schools and music centres.
“I feel like immersing myself in the area so much has directly shaped my performing,” he said. “Mainly because I have been able to work with so many different companies, different directors/producers, and with so many different walks of life.”
REC regulars will recognise Simon from lead roles in Legally Blonde, Jesus Chris Superstar and Saturday Night Fever. In this show, he will focus on “bringing (Peter Allen’s) memory alive” through both performance and voice.
“I love that I get to perform the incredible music of such an Aussie icon who had such a varied career,” he said. “Many people only know the big hits like I Still Call Australia Home and I Go to Rio, so it’s a joy to share all the lesser-known songs as well.
“On the one hand, Peter was so flamboyant and over the top, so I get to play that up on stage and have a party with the audience and just be my fabulous self, but because he was an incredible musician and songwriter, I get a chance to play piano and sing some really heartfelt ballads.”
A Bayside Homecoming: Friendship and Theatre Roots
Along with a five-piece band, Simon will be joined by local performers Rebel Bliss and Maureen Bowra. The trio met while performing at the REC more than a decade ago.
Maureen, who has lived on or around the Peninsula her entire life, said she “basically grew up” in Mousetrap Theatre when it was at the Redcliffe Showgrounds.
“All of my early lessons in theatre came from there, and some of my favourite childhood memories,” she said. “Being part of a theatre company from a smaller town meant I was really able to stretch my wings and play without fear of failing.
“Also, some of my best friends today are the people I grew up with in that theatre.”
Maureen now balances teaching, directing, choreography, performance, dramaturgy, puppetry, and producing.
“Producing is definitely the hardest; it’s a huge risk putting your time, money and passion on the line,” she said. “But to get to do it with Rebel and Simon is such a treat; we’re just holding each other’s hands and figuring it out as we go along.”
Simon, who has worked on cruise ships in Europe and performed across Australia, said there was nothing better than performing for a home crowd.
“For many performers, the stage feels like home, so to be able to look out and see family, friends, or familiar faces is always a thrill,” he said.
Maureen agreed that next month’s performance would feel like “coming home”.
“I’m sure I will know at least half of the audience personally, and that will make it such a friendly, warm experience,” she said. “I’m really excited to maybe see some of my past Mousetrap buddies and say, ‘Look! I’m still doing it!’”
The Peter Allen Show
- Saturday, 2 May, 7.30pm
- Redcliffe Entertainment Centre
- 10 Downs Street, Redcliffe
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