Review: Heart And Honesty Aplenty As Matthew Mitcham Opens Up In UNDER THE COVERS

Thursday 20th July 2017, 8pm, Hayes Theatre Potts Point.

Former Olympic Diving gold medallist Matthew Mitcham's returns to the cabaret stage with UNDER THE COVERS. Following on from his successful cabaret debut TWISTS AND TURNS, the likable and self-effacing Mitcham shares more personal stories with the help of Cabaret Queen, Spanky (Rhys Morgan) and pianist Matthew Ogle.

In an era of cabaret shows which, aside from the Weimar style works, are essentially tribute shows or one act musicals telling other people's stories, UNDER THE COVERS is a refreshing return to the more personal style of cabaret where the artist tells their own story. Whilst there is little to no connection to the title, Mitcham, as with many performers that have come before him, uses the stage as his own personal therapy session and he freely admits it to the point of playing up the premise with the help of the prim pink haired Spanky who serves as both back-up singer and psychiatrist.

Under Nigel Turner-Carroll's direction this is an amusing and entertaining evening where Mitcham tells his side of the stories with the premise of "If you can't be a good example, be a horrible warning". The musical arrangements of recognisable tunes and new works are artfully created for the combination of Mitcham's ukulele and piano and the three voices as Ogle and Spanky often provide supporting vocals. Mitcham moves between incorporating his broad Australian accent into the works to add to the comedy to delivering touching heartfelt songs presented with a beautiful purity.

Mitcham is endearing in his ability to not take himself too seriously and see the humour in the challenging parts of his life. There is a beautiful balance between the camp and comic and the reflective and poignant moments, managing wonderful physical humour with playful choreography by Holl Shells and moments of heart wrenching stillness. He connects well with the audience, utilising eye contact and sincerity to ensure this this is not a self-indulgent work but rather a moving message about the challenges of growing up, having to finally make decisions for yourself and the pitfalls of the elite sports programs which fail to prepare their stars for life after early morning practice, controlled diets and never having to think for yourself.

For sports fans that want an insight into the world after the accolades stop, people wanting to find out what happened to Mitcham's story after TWISTS AND TURNS, or people simply interested in seeing a show with a personal story, UNDER THE COVERS will satisfy on all counts.

UNDER THE COVERS

Hayes Theatre Potts Point

19 -23rd July 2017