Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Saturday 8 March 2025, Arkaba, Adelaide, South Australia
When it comes to paying tribute to an Australian music icon, you need more than just a good voice – you need passion, stage presence, and an ability to connect with an audience that holds the original artist close to their hearts. Shaun Holton’s ‘Farnsey’, a one-night-only spectacular at the 2025 Adelaide Fringe, did exactly that. Held at the Top of the Ark on March 8, the show was a rather brilliant celebration of John Farnham’s music, delivered with both reverence and rockstar energy. Shaun and co. executed an honourable performance that both was high energy and passionate.
Not an Imitation – A Celebration
The second Shaun Holton took to the stage, it was obvious that this wasn’t going to be a simple tribute gig or cover show. Instead of impersonating Farnham, Holton brought his own vocal prowess and dynamic stage presence to the performance, channeling the spirit of the legendary singer while making the music his own. It is a credit to the talents and innate capabilities of Holton.
Holton, known for his work with Southern Empire and his appearance on The Voice Australia, has long been admired for his incredible range and powerful delivery. I recently had my first Holton experience a few months back with the Jeff Buckley show he did at The Gov and he blew me away – Shaun’s ability to take a song and breathe his own spirit into it in uncanny. Farnham’s music, with its soaring anthems and emotional ballads, is no easy feat for any performer – but Holton delivered with confidence, heart, and a voice that felt perfectly suited to the material. Freakin’ amazing!
The setlist covered all the Farnham classics you’d expect, including:
- ‘You’re the Voice‘ – A goosebump-inducing, crowd-singalong moment that felt truly electric.
- ‘Pressure Down‘ – Delivered with raw energy and tight instrumentation.
- ‘Two Strong Hearts‘ – Featuring a stunning vocal interplay that left the audience in awe.
- ‘Age of Reason‘ – A highlight of the night, bringing both nostalgia and powerful messaging.
However, the biggest banger for me was the Jesus Christ Superstar belter ‘Everything’s Aright‘ – Shaun, Skye and Jessica smashed it of out the Ark’s roof and into the stratosphere effortlessly. Damn!
But the real magic of ‘Farnsey’ wasn’t just in the setlist – it was in the connection between Holton and the audience. The audience LOVE him – the ladies and the guys.
A Band of World-Class Musicians
Backing Holton was an all-star band of Adelaide’s finest musicians, and their contribution cannot be overstated. From soaring guitar solos to precision drumming and rich keyboard arrangements, they ensured that every song had the full power and depth it deserved.
The all-star cast feature Adelaide’s very own luminaries: Nikki Kosmider Heuskes, Andy Seymour, Sean Timms, Zkye Compson-Harris (with mad deep vocals, argh!), Damien Steele Scott, Chris Lau, Luke Whelan, Cat Johns and Priyanka Luxx!
A special mention goes to Priyanka Luxx, a dream-pop sensation whose guest vocals added another layer of richness to the show. Her presence on stage brought a fresh dynamic to the performance, particularly in the duets, where she and Holton’s voices blended beautifully.
Punters That Didn’t Want It to End
One of the most telling signs of a successful Fringe show? When the audience simply doesn’t want to leave. The atmosphere at Top of the Ark was electric, with fans cheering, dancing, singing along, and visibly moved by the performance.
Social media was quickly flooded with glowing reviews, with fans praising not only Holton’s vocal ability but also the band’s incredible musicianship. Comments ranged from “Absolutely brilliant” to “Wish it went on longer!” and “Shaun Holton is the voice!”
It’s clear that ‘Farnsey’ struck a chord with its audience, proving to be far more than just another tribute show – it was an experience that transcended…
Final Verdict – A Standout of the 2025 Fringe
With so many shows at the Adelaide Fringe each year, it can be hard to stand out- but ‘Farnsey’ did just that. Shaun Holton and his powerhouse band (and voice) delivered a high-energy, heart-felt tribute that not only celebrated Farnham’s music but also brought it to life in a way that felt fresh, exciting, and deeply personal.
For those who missed it, let’s hope this wasn’t a one-time event– because Adelaide would be lucky to see ‘Farnsey’ return for an encore.
An easy peezy FIVE STARS!
