Adelaide Fringe Review: The Absolutely 80s: UK Hits Tour

Are you ready to step into a world of fun and nostalgia and embrace the Fringe frenzy? Look no further than the Wonderland Spiegeltent, the jewel of Wonderland itself! This stunning, one-of-a-kind structure was the perfect setting for an epic 80s music show that transported us back in time for a magic evening.

As you step inside the Spiegeltent, you can feel the weight of ten thousand late nights, and imagine the stories of fun, love, passions, and debauchery that this magical space has seen over the years…. All the ingredients to make great music!

But don’t worry, this experience isn’t just for the old-timers who remember the 80s like it was yesterday. It’s for the youngs and the youngs at heart, who want to experience the magic of a mythical music era. Get ready to sing, dance on your chair, and relive the glory days of frizzy perms, shoulder pads, neon clothes and classic hits from England.

The Absolutely 80s – UK Hits Tour was an absolute blast featuring some of Australia’s favourite 80s pop icons. The lively atmosphere in the venue was infectious, with fans of all ages gathered together to celebrate the decade that shaped a generation. The stage and the lights had definitely a 80s vibe as the band kicked off the show with Scott Carne (Kids In The Kitchen) and his fantastic “Bitter Desire” and the crowd was already in awe and it was just the beginning.

As the night progressed, the audience was treated to a non-stop barrage of classic 80s hits but also they played their own big hits. The stage was filled with energy as the band belted out songs like “Hot in the city”, “Gold” by Spandau Ballet and so many more. The crowd was on their feet, singing along and dancing on their chairs to every song with a big smile.

One of the standout performances of the night was delivered by Dale Ryder (Boom Crash Opera). His mesmerising voice on “The best thing” had the audience jumping and singing at the top of their lungs. His vocals as always were incredible, and his stage presence was a reminder of why he was such a big star in the 80s.

Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men) was quite the hoot of the show with a range of jokes and his usual cheeky and infectious energy on “Everybody wants to work”. Brian’s vocals were amazing, and the band’s instrumentation was spot-on.

Scott Carne (Kids In The Kitchen) also brought the house down with “Change in mood”. Carne’s vocals were pitch-perfect, and his energy was contagious. He had the entire audience singing and swaying along to the infectious beat.

Overall, The Absolutely 80s – UK Hits Tour was an unforgettable experience. The sold out show paid tribute to the best of British acts of the 80s and brought back memories of a time when music was pure magic. A high octane show with Australia’s biggest 80s hits, sung by our favourite Oz 80s stars accompanied by Steve Williams (Wa Wa Nee) on guitar and featuring some Adelaide artists: Lee Nash on the bass, Rob Vorel on the keyboard and Thom Man on drums.

It was a night of fun, great music and pure nostalgia, and it was clear that everyone in the audience had the most amazing time.