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Entertainment

Sale welc comes the show

Stefan Bradley

MEAT Loaf’s landmark 1977 debut record Bat Out of Hell is one of the best-selling albums in history. Australian rock band Chocolate Starfish have been performing it in full across the country, and are bringing the show to The Wedge in Sale. The exhilarating show features the full Bat Out Of Hell album, plus classic songs by songwriter Jim Steinman, then capped off with Chocolate Starfish hits and other surprises. ‘I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)’ off the Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell record will also be included. Chocolate Starfish singer Adam Thompson says that in revisiting the full album show, he hopes to share the impact the Bat Out Of Hell album had on him with audiences. “The first time I heard Bat Out Of Hell, I was 13 and had little musical influence outside a conservative regional radio station,” he said. “Bat Out Of Hell songs and Meat Loaf’s voice transported me out of that country isolation and into a fantasy world of sonic ear candy I didn’t know existed. Soaring hook-laden melodies, and adjective-filled lyrics around life, death, girls, cars and motorbikes, was everything a trapped teenaged boy could imagine outside his small world. “On top of that, each song was an epic of dynamic proportions, and it shaped the theatrical and dynamic way I looked at songwriting and performance ever since.” Mr Thompson said the most difficult aspects of performing songs from the album were its complex arrangements and the vocal range. “I have to really be on my game with the band to deliver this with integrity because it is such a special album in the hearts of many rock and roll

Chocolate Starfish.

fans, so it’s important for me to give it the kudos it deserves,” Mr Thompson said. Mr Thompson said he was looking forward to performing for Gippsland audiences once again, after paying tribute to Queen last time. “I performed Bohemian Rhapsody early 2020 at The Wedge in Sale to a sold-out audience, so I am glad to be back in the Gippsland heartland again, to offer a show that I know will leave a lasting memory on all who attend,” he said. The late Jim Steinman wrote the Bat Out of Hell record and collaborated with the late singer Meat Loaf for decades. Mr Steinman died in 2021, as did Meat Loaf the following year. Mr Thompson said he was deeply affected by Mr Steinman and Meat Loaf’s deaths. “Personally it hit me hard when (Meatloaf) passed in particular,” he said. “We had several

Photo: Martin Philbey

physical interactions over the years and this album shaped much of who I became as a performer so it is like your mentor passing.” Chocolate Starfish powered on to the Australian music scene in the early 1990s and quickly established themselves as an influential force with their cover of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain”, original hit “Mountain” and perennial favourite “Four Letter Word”. With a new album in tow and plenty of fuel in the tank, the ‘Fish show no signs of slowing down. The Bat Out Of Hell Tour promises audiences what they know and love about a Chocolate Starfish show - pure, unadulterated entertainment…and, as always, a few surprises. The show is on next Friday, February 3 at The Wedge.

Exhibition coming to Bond Street soon

THE Bond Street Event Centre will be presenting the works of Melbourne-based Barry Dickins next month. Barry Dickins is an artist, teacher, actor, writer and poet hailing from Reservoir. Dickins’ exhibition will include a series of his large charcoal works, inspired by his deep interest in the Bronte sisters. The works will be accompanied by video footage of poems read by the artist. Additionally, his exhibition will include brilliantly-coloured whimsical gouache works and

Artist Barry Dickins will have work to see at Bond St next month.

Photo: Contributed

large theatrical coloured acrylic on canvas works, plus pen and ink drawings. Videos will also be shown, which will include Dickins discussing his works in detail. Many of the artworks are for sale. The exhibition’s opening is happening on Sunday, February 5 from 1pm until 5pm. Entry to the opening is $15, or what you can afford; donations are encouraged. The Bar will be open, light snacks provided and live background music will be featured. Once launched, Barry Dickins’ exhibition will be open for viewing on the following days: - Monday, February 6 to Thursday, February 9, 9am to 5pm. - Friday, February 10 to Saturday, February 11, 12pm to 5pm. Entry for viewing the exhibition during these hours is $10, or what you can afford. For more information, please call David on 5182 8770.

The search is on for Charlie

MAFFRA Dramatic Society are busy preparing for their next major musical production, and are currently on the look-out for Charlie. After a sell-out season of Mamma Mia! in March 2022, the volunteer-based theatre company is set to perform Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in August 2023. Based on the classic children’s book, which itself spawned two successful film adaptations, this musical adaptation follows the wellknown and beloved story of Charlie Bucket, a boy from a poor family who wants nothing more than a chance to win the experience of a lifetime - a tour of the mysterious Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The musical features an original and exciting toe-tapping score, along with some well-known songs from the original film, such as “The Candy Man”, “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” and “Pure Imagination”. Director Grant van Brummelen has expressed his excitement about the upcoming project. “It’s the story that everyone knows and loves, and it’s such a fun and charismatic story too,” Mr van Brummelen said. “There are no normal characters in the show, every character is eccentric and unique in their own special way. “I really can’t wait to start creating this wonderful world of Willy Wonka.” The upcoming production will mark the first MDS musical in recent years to feature a child in the leading role. The role of Charlie Bucket will be cast as a boy aged 8 to 12, while the remainder of the roles will be cast to auditionees of any gender from age 14 and over. An information night will be held for Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Wednesday, February 1 at 7pm at the Sale Showgrounds Committee Room (first left from Sale Greyhounds Club entrance on Sale-Maffra Road). Auditions will follow on February 18 and 19. For more information, go to www.maffradramatics.com.au