The soft blues of the stage light illuminate her dark, voluminous hair and smoky eyes. Even the playful shadows cannot hide the resemblance between Francesca Quinlivan and a young Amy Winehouse.

Francesca, or Frankie, nervously smiles at the crowd, and opens her mouth to sing. Any doubt, any simple hesitation, fades away as her nectar-sweet voice alights the room with sound. Every spectator is powerless against the charm of her euphonious voice; we are but fireflies compelled by a melodious light.   

Frankie is not a stranger to the world of music and jazz. A WAAPA graduate, and previous FRINGE WORLD performer, Frankie understands music. It is obvious, however, that Frankie’s career choice is not driven solely by her natural talent, but by her love for music.

Between each song she excitedly informs the audience about the truth and history behind each melody, and, to a room full of Amy Winehouse fans, we lap it up avidly. Frankie is supported by an ensemble of talented musicians whom she gratefully acknowledges multiple times throughout the show, and with good reason. These musicians added soul to Frankie’s expressive, unique voice; all inherently supportive of each other and passionate about the music they were performing. “Frank by Frankie” is not a merely a tribute to the late musician, but a celebration and reimagining of all that inspired Amy and those who loved her. 

Amy Winehouse famously admitted that the boisterous and confident person the world saw her as was a façade, and overshadowed the shy, sweet girl she was underneath. Whilst Frankie did seem nervous at moments, I can’t help but contend that this made her performance more genuine and authentic.

Watching Frankie perform made me feel like I was observing something sincere, a star without the stardom, a diamond without the casing, a talented girl with a great love for her art. I wonder if, like me, spectators will get the feeling that we are witnessing the very beginning of greatness; the raw, unfiltered beauty that has yet to be fully recognised. That one day we will boast that we watched a young Francesca Quinlivan perform with the emotion, talent, and passion that will ultimately lead to her triumph.