The first time I saw Anthony Callea, he was performing the songs of George Michael at Taronga Zoo. I was so impressed that I’ve seen him several more times over the years. So it was a bit of a full-circle moment to catch him at the Civic Theatre on Saturday night reprising those George Michael classics. This time around though, the show’s gotten a bit bigger with the addition of Anthony’s husband Tim Campbell and some Elton John classics. It all added up to a hell of a lot of fun.
If you’ve ever watched Tim and Anthony’s social media videos, you’d know this show was always going to be pretty loose. The laughs came thick and fast as the pair chatted to the audience like they were old friends. Tim even bowed to the crowd’s peer pressure and did a shooey, much to Anthony’s disgust.
But while there was plenty of time for jokes, these guys know how to switch gears. Although they can be irreverant, they’re serious about music and the artists they pay homage to. Separately, emotional songs like “Kissing a Fool,” “Father Figure,” “Daniel,” and “Your Song” were so powerful. But then watching them together, harmonising so beautifully on tracks like “Jesus to a Child” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” was pure magic. The show’s sombre moments were balanced beautifully with Elton and George’s many dance hits. Getting on my feet to groove along to “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” and a Wham! medley was so much fun. Anthony and Tim surround themselves with such quality talent, so I was thrilled to see long-serving backing vocalist Susie Ahern and Rocky Loprevite get moments out front for “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” and “As.”
Anthony and Tim’s The Songs of Elton John and George Michael show delivered exactly what it promised. It was a celebration of classic hits delivered by two talents who are as funny as they are fantastic singers. With George already passed and Elton hanging up his microphone, we are so lucky to have Anthony and Tim celebrating their legacy. Limited tickets are available for their remaining shows, so get on them!
6 June 2025 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandjoogoordap/Mandurah (SOLD OUT)
7 June 2025 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (SOLD OUT)
14 June 2025 – The Events Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Caloundra (matinee)
14 June 2025 – The Events Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Caloundra (evening)
19 June 2025 – Frankston Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston (SOLD OUT)
21 June 2025 – EVAN Theatre, Mulgoa/Penrith (SOLD OUT)
27 June 2025 – The Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal/Rockhampton
28 June 2025 – Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
Photo credit: Lauren Katulka