Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Tuesday 11 March 2025, The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide, South Australia
A Theatrical Love Letter to Broadway’s Biggest Busts
Arthur Hull’s Flop is a musical head-first deep-dive into Broadway’s biggest failures, but don’t let the name fool you – this one-man cabaret is anything but a dud, an ‘anti-flop’ if you like. Premiering at the 2024 Melbourne Fringe and now making waves at the Adelaide Fringe, Flop takes audiences on a journey through the fascinating world of musicals that, for one reason or another, simply didn’t make it.
Hull puts heart, spirit, soul and ample talent into this show… Let’s get deeper though.
A Show About Flops That Soars
Hull, a charismatic performer with a knack for storytelling, doesn’t just sing show tunes – he breathes life into the forgotten melodies of productions that flopped commercially or critically. From Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark to Love Never Dies, he unearths the hidden gems of these troubled musicals, delivering them with both humour and heart. And he delivers it with wit, love and charm.
King Kong, Carrie, Diana the Musical (a deserved medley too) all get a good look in too. And served with nodding respect. The songs Arty selected are well chosen, this performer know how to create a set-list and even more importantly keep an audience engaged. Bravo, you superstar in the making.
His voice, praised by Australian Arts Review for its impressive range and warmth, carries each number with a mixture of playfulness and passion. Meanwhile, his piano skills add an intimate, cabaret-style charm that makes the performance feel like an up-close-and-personal love letter to musical theatre’s underdogs.
Quadruple Threat: Singer, Storyteller, Dancer… Acrobat?
Beyond just a talented singer, Hull is an entertainer through and through. As Stage Whispers noted, he’s a “quadruple threat” – not just a vocalist and musician, but also a dynamic storyteller, dancer, and even an acrobat. His performance isn’t just about playing the notes; it’s about delivering an experience, using movement and expression to elevate each number. He is charismatic and highly enthralling to watch – Arty draws you in instantly and doesn’t let you go, you are firmly in his grasp.
What makes Flop stand out is the genuine joy Hull brings to the stage. He clearly loves these “failed” musicals, and by the end of the show, audiences do too. He takes a subject that could be seen as a niche interest and makes it universally appealing, filled with humour, nostalgia, and just the right amount of theatrical mischief.
Audience and Critical Reactions
While Adelaide Fringe reviews are still rolling in, the early buzz has been overwhelmingly positive. Audience members have taken to social media to rave about the show, with comments like:
- “Absolutely loved this! Can’t recommend it enough.”
- “Move over, Hugh Jackman.”
Meanwhile, critics from Australian Arts Review and Stage Whispers have praised Hull’s charm, vocal ability, and unique approach to celebrating Broadway’s misfires. And I whole-heartedly agree.
Final Verdict: A Must-See for Theatre Lovers
For anyone who loves musical theatre, Flop is a must-see. Hull’s deep knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and undeniable talent make for a show that is both hilarious and heartwarming. A Broadway aficionado or just someone who enjoys a good story set to music, this is a performance that will leave you humming tunes from musicals you never thought you’d love.
Adam Lambert LOVED him on The Voice Australia in 2024 and it won’t be too long before this guy is world-known. He’s ALREADY world-class.
Catch Flop at the Adelaide Fringe while you can – you might just discover your new favourite forgotten musical!
Stars? This show IS NOT A FLOP…
Until Sunday 16 March 2025
Spiegel Zelt at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
FLOP ticket link!
