Review: ADELAIDE FRINGE 2016: ORANGES AND LENNONS Is A Journey Through John Lennon's Life and Music

Reviewed by Christine Pyman, Thursday 18th February 2016

This professionally polished tribute show, Oranges and Lennons, takes you on a journey through John Lennon's life, musical influences and history, and boasts the presence of long-term friend of John & Yoko, Ritchie Yorke. Yorke shared personal memories of the couple, with fascinating snippets about their lives and, as an added bonus, large printed screenshots showing early photos and information from Yorke's website.

The show, in The Showroom at GC, a brand new and exciting Fringe hub based in the German Club and using a fascinating collection of spaces, opened with songs that inspired Lennon then continued to his first written song, next carrying on from where Paul McCartney joined him, and went on through all of his much-loved hits.

The superb five piece band, consisted of lead singer and guitarist, Gary Burrows, guitarist, Rob Pippan, bassist, John Bywaters from the Twilights, guitarist/keyboard player, Dave Ross, and drummer, and Matt McNamee, with Nanette van Ruiten and Deb Brunotte as backing singers, adding to the atmosphere with their great singing and costumes.

Burrows invoked the spirit, sound and look, of Lennon, to the delight of the crowded hall, and had that knack of playing the audience participation to connect all in a feel-good celebration. There was spontaneous singing along to most of the lyrics, with a standing ovation at the finish. This well researched and cleverly paced show is a must see for all John Lennon fans. You will come away with more knowledge and insight into the songs, as well as enjoying a great night out.

Suffice to say that there is a wide range of German and local beers and wines, the kitchen serves food to die for, and you must try the cheesecake, so make a night of it.

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