Perth Reviews

Traill-Nash swept onto the stage clad in a voluminous green gown ornamented with sequinned motifs and trimmed with white fur on the opera length sleeves.

Accompanied by a snappy trio of John Haines on piano, Karl Florrison on bass guitar and Greg Brenton on drums, she launched into a clever monologue about her glittering career – fashion editor by day, cabaret artist by night.

Dropping designer names like confetti at a wedding, she regaled the capacity audience with anecdotes about her various international jaunts to cover new season’s collections. She cut a dashing figure with her “anything but natural” flaming head of red hair and multiple costume changes. These ranged from a classic trench coat to a nifty leopard print gym ensemble.

Interspersed with songs rendered in a sultry lower register, Traill-Nash reminisced about her glamorous life. Songs largely followed a geographical theme with references to London, New York, Milan and Paris. In a philosophical moment she spoke of the breathtaking speed of changing fashion trends.

Interestingly, she also pondered briefly on the actual value of designer glamour. It was a “What’s it all about Alfie?” moment.

In a complete contrast the trench coat was shed to reveal a stunning hot pink one shouldered cabaret costume. This lead to a high energy number in which the audience was as exhorted to Think Pink! She closed the performance with a rousing version of Active Wear, the lyrics sung to a version of the song Body Talk.The show was a clever concept contrasting the ephemeral nature of high fashion and the illusory world of cabaret. Not so different after all!

Traill-Nash was well received by a sold out audience who rose to give her a standing ovation.

There will be another show tonight at 8.00pm.