Enchanting and delightful! The audience were completely captivated by the magic, award-winning trio of Simone Craddock, Adam Hall, and Adrian Galante.

The show was more than just a glorious celebration of the songs and music of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, it was enriched with snippets of the stories of the dramatic social and political background of what was happening in America in that era, echoing the current BLM movement. 

International singer and actress Craddock, who returned to Perth after 20 years based in London, exudes that special je ne sais quoi and stage presence of a true star. She is a visual delight, glossy and sleek, all confidently poured into a fabulous vintage gown. She exudes the luminescence and glamour of old Hollywood and is a perfect foil for Adam Hall’s black tied masculinity, with rugged movie star good looks. Together the two have a great natural chemistry and energy on stage with relaxed easy banter, they tease and flirt with each other through songs such as Can’t We Be Friends and the wildly romantic Cheek to Cheek. They play around with accents and are a delightful combo. 

Hall, an accomplished trumpet player, does Armstrong justice, adopting a charming southern drawl for the role and singing some classic Armstrong solos.

Throughout the show the trios great love and appreciation of the jazz giants is demonstrated wonderfully with gentle humour.

Adrian Galante on piano is immaculate in his timing and support, gently twinkling the ivories during the narrative segue and perfectly attuned to Craddock and Hall’s antics. The three are clearly comfortable on stage with each other. What really stood out for me was a moment during the Stars Fell on Alabama when Craddock dropped her voice, just like stars falling, and how perfectly aligned Galante was with that. 

The sell-out show ended with a standing ovation. Tickets for all shows are selling out fast.