The Thornbury Theatre, with its classical décor, was the perfect setting for the cabaret style evening ahead. As I entered the building and walked up the marble staircase into the first floor lounge, that features seven metre high ceilings and chandeliers, I felt as though I had entered another realm; somewhere between a wedding reception, a cruise ship and a hen’s night gone wrong.

Matthew Hardy provided the pre and mid show entertainment brandishing a cavalcade of Australiana based jokes with topics ranging from Harold Holt to the pubes in the shower of his suburban family home in which he grew up in and that he likened to – œa cup a soup’. The main dining hall was filled with around 300 people that had opted to dine prior to show. For those of us who, as Matthew Hardy said, – œwent to Macca’s instead so we didn’t have to pay the extra $30.00,’ were spared some seating at the rear of the hall or otherwise stood.

Not surprisingly, of those in attendance approximately 80% were female. Well, the ladies like Tex. Throughout the show several middle aged women behind me yelled – œget yer pants off!’ At the beginning of the second set a blonde female in her 50s wearing a glittering green dress approached the stage with Tex in her sights. It took three security guards to subdue her…

As on the album cover of No. 1’s and No. 2’s, Tex and the band were suitably attired in bright white suits, launching into the first song of the evening, 10CC’s I’m Not In Love. Tex set the tone of the evening during this song with his pronounced body movements and hand gestures, including those, whilst singing the line, – œwhen we’re together’ which implied fornication. The calculated body movements became a little annoying after a while, however, there were moments where Tex appeared to transcend the rigorous choreography and truly connect with the song. This was evident during the creepy rendition of Come said the Boy- and the lively Benny and the Jets which prompted audience members to rally at the front of the stage and dance.

The Ladyboyz – Pat Bourke (bass), James Cruickshank (keyboards), Gus Agars (drums), Charlie Owen (synthesizer) and Joel Silbersher (guitar) – are a tight outfit that provided interesting arrangements and a fine performance, complementing Tex well.

It’s clear to anyone that has seen the Infomercial created for the album No. 1’s and No. 2’s that the aim of the show is purely to entertain. During the encore performance of Alex Lloyd’s Amazing, Tex concluded the song with the line – œI am amazing’. Yes you are Tex; it was definitely an evening for those seeking something a little different; that’s value for money and loads of fun.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE