Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Sunday 9 March 2025, The Arts Theatre, Adelaide, South Australia
Hugh Sheridan’s latest show for the 2025 Adelaide Fringe was Something Big and it generated plenty of excitement, especially among fans of his dynamic performances and smooth, jazz-infused sound. With only two performances, this new show coincided with the release of his live album, Something Big (Live Recordings from Sing Sing Studios), which dropped on November 20, 2024. For Adelaide audiences, this was a particularly special event, as it marked Sheridan’s highly anticipated return to the Adelaide Fringe after a two-year break. With performances that were scheduled for March 2 and March 9, 2025, at Grand Central in The Arts Theatre, Something Big was shaped up to be one of the must-see events of the festival. And it was, in joyful and jubilant abundance…
A Homecoming Celebration
Sheridan has deep roots in Adelaide, having grown up there before making a name for himself on the national stage as both an actor and a musician. In recent interviews, he has spoken about how meaningful it is to return to his hometown festival, where he has performed in the past with great success. His previous Fringe performances, particularly with the California Crooners Club, were met with enthusiastic reviews, with audiences praising his effortless charm, strong vocal ability, and natural stage presence.
While Something Big is a relatively new project, Sheridan’s ability to blend jazz, swing, and contemporary pop suggests that audiences can expect a high-energy, feel-good experience. His performances are known for their storytelling elements, and he has a knack for making every show feel personal – whether he’s crooning an old classic or sharing anecdotes about his life and career.
Hugh’s father, the late and great entertainment king – Mr. Dennis Sheridan, has left an lasting impression upon not only his adoring fans but also on Hugh, and this is never more apparent than with this show. With this, Hugh has taken his father’s legacy and popped every essence and fibre into a brilliant show paying homage to Dennis… but in turn also making it very much his own with the Hugh stamp. Brilliant, real and heartfelt.
The Details of the Show
The show promised a mix of Sheridan’s signature soulful vocals, big band energy, and engaging crowd interaction. The live album, recorded at Sing Sing Studios (Where Kylie initially recorded The Locomotion and INXS recorded plenty, the list goes on), provides a taste of what fans can look forward to – a vibrant, rich sound full of smooth harmonies and dynamic instrumentation. The recordings are exceptional, it is great music so we expected something good… we got SOMETHING BIG. Sheridan’s live performance was brimming with warmth, passion, and an undeniable sense of fun. He was in his happy space again.
His return to the Adelaide Fringe also comes with a sense of celebration. After the challenges of the past few years – including pandemic disruptions and personal struggles (which he is very open about) – Sheridan appears to be embracing this new chapter with gusto. His music reflects this energy, carrying themes of resilience, joy, and the simple pleasure of making music with others.
Highlights?
Fricken yes. Many. Firstly the band are exceptional. Tight and slick. All Adelaidians doing their proudest work yet. Then, the many references to father Dennis that endeared us to every note with touching tributes and duets (via recordings). Then, a special moment with Adelaide songstress Georgia Horgan during a Tay Tay song (Crooner style of course). Then, an original, soon to be released, song. But, the finale My Way grabbed us all by the soul and rode us all away into the night, all very happy and all very glad to experience a master performer, singer and showman.
Final Thoughts
For anyone attending the Adelaide Fringe this year, Something Big should have been on your list. The season is over now, but, I have a feeling an encore show is possible based on the reception of the very pleased, full-house, audience (complete with standing ovation). Hugh Sheridan has long proven himself as a charismatic performer with a gift for connecting with audiences, and this latest show was no exception. A performance that was a heartwarming and entertaining experience filled with great tunes, lively storytelling, and that signature Sheridan sparkle. Bless and Bravo!
Hugh is here to stay and slay!
Stars you ask? Easy…
