Michael Griffiths channels Kylie Minogue in his new hit performance Lucky: Songs by Kylie; we were LUCKY enough to be invited to the VIP opening of this show, and Helpmann Award-winner Griffiths certainly did not disappoint. In his depiction of Kylie’s life in the spotlight, Griffiths explores her rise to fame after starring in Neighbours, her debut album, the shifts in her public image, and her courageous battle with breast cancer. It is a wonderfully engaging performance which pays homage to one of Australia’s biggest pop stars.

Opening the show with a rendition of ‘I Should Be So Lucky’, Griffiths provokes a feeling of nostalgia within the audience as he performs one of Kylie’s most popular early singles. Not long afterwards, everyone was merrily singing along. Griffiths recounts Kylie’s life from a first-person perspective, speaking as though he himself is the pop princess. Comical and poignant moments ensue as he adopts this persona, reflecting on pivotal moments in Kylie’s career, and her resilience during difficult times.

Between enthusiastic covers of songs such as ‘Spinning Around’, ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’, and ‘Dancing Queen’, Griffiths explains the history behind each song, using them to highlight important moments in Kylie’s life. His ardour and charismatic stage presence made for a thoroughly enjoyable show, and before we knew it, it was time for the last song. The audience rose to their feet, swaying to the beat of ‘Locomotion’ and wrapping it up with a well-deserved round of applause for Griffiths.

If you’re looking for an excellent tribute to Kylie Minogue’s life, or simply wanting to enjoy an outstanding cabaret performance, then you’re in luck; Lucky: Songs by Kylie is showing at The Garden of Unearthly Delights until the 18th of March.

Words by Xueying Sun

WHERE: Garden of Unearthly Delights, Rundle Park, East Tce, Adelaide