Sydfest 2012

It’s been a busy few weeks, revolving around a variety of events at the ever-enjoyable Sydney Festival.

Festival First Night
Hyde Park was buzzing on the opening day, with lots of kid’s stuff in particular. It was peculiar to see the lead singer of The Presidents of the United States of America (remember them?) doing his children’s entertainer schtick, but it was when I ended up on stage playing live action Pong that caused the real hilarity.

Starspotting: Norman Jay stood on top of a London double-decker

Tis Pity She’s a Whore
I love me a bit of blood-drenched Jacobean psychohorror, and I’ve long been an admirer of the Cheek By Jowl company, so expectations were high. Happily, expectations were met and an adventurous and smartly restrained production flew by.

Starspotting: Andrew Denton chatting with Malcolm Turnbull, while Bob Hawke looked on with suspicion.

PJ Harvey
The divine Polly in finer fettle than I've ever seen her. Let England Shake was one of the albums of 2011 and this highly theatrical performance showcased it perfectly, all in the wonderful setting of the State Theatre.

Starspotting: Dangermouse – the record producer, not the nemesis of Baron Greenback.

AA Bondy
There was a terrific Spiegeltent in Parramatta this year, they seem to be making an effort to shift the festival's centre of gravity westwards which suits us. An ideal location, then, to see a fine singer/songwriter doing his thing, and in particular to see exactly how he accomplishes his astonishing guitar playing.



Starspotting: Celebs in Parramatta. I don’t think so, darling.

BUG with Adam Buxton
Basically a bloke showing some reallyreally good pop videos on a big screen with some amusing (or occasionally misfiring) bits of chat and silliness in between. This made me giggle:



Starspotting: Erm, does the acting editor of Madison magazine count?