Sheridan Harbridge is just superb in this stunningly good homage to Australian rock icon and Divinyls frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett. Described as a ‘rock odyssey’ of music, storytelling and unapologetic attitude that blends biography and concert anecdotes, the show is all that and more. Harbridge tells us at the start that she cannot possibly embody Amphlett – more like ‘Chrissy Pamphlet’, she says, deprecating herself – but take no notice, she channels the woman brilliantly and I don’t think anyone, including Amplett herself, would deny that. Her performance is dynamic, and the music – as well as those anecdotes – are just great.
Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett, co-created with director Sarah Goodes and musical director Glenn Moorhouse, first appeared at Melbourne’s Rising Festival and last year’s Brisbane Festival. To quote Harbridge, it ‘follows the life of our first lady of rock, our rebel, our pest, our pedlar of sleaze… a woman who changed the game of rock and roll in Australia, not just for women but for the whole scene. This is a woman who took her body to the brink to make really good art.’ No argument there; Amphlett was a seismic force in a school uniform.
Of course, Amplified could not succeed without a top class band, and there is one here. It’s led by Moorhouse on guitar, with Ben Cripps on bass, Dave Hatch on drums and Clarabell Limonta on keyboards – and from the very first chords you are likely to be transported back some dimly lit, probably slightly sleazy club (credit here to lighting designer Paul Jackson) and forget you are actually in Belvoir Upstairs. Harbridge again: Chrissy took the band from the ‘sticky carpets of Australian pubs’ to chart success around the world. Bring it on.
It was quite the journey – relived here to such great rocking effect. Unfortunately for Amphlett, and us, it would end too soon. She died at 53. But Amplified and Harbridge bring her memory back – raunchy, snarling, in your face and wonderfully loud. As well as vulnerable. And unapologetically sexy. And so gloriously rebellious. It’s a fine line between pleasure and pain, indeed. And it’s a portrait of another time, and the audience – perhaps a ‘little’ older than your average Belvoir one – just loved it! As did I.
The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett at Belvoir, only till 8 February. It may already be sold out.
https://belvoir.com.au/productions/amplified/or (02) 9699 3444
