:: Ali McGregor's Summer Soiree - The Toff In Town - December 2007

By: Mark Rasmussen

Nothing like an evening soirée to kick in the summer and what better way than a show presented by the beautiful, and talented Ali McGregor. Accompanied by a mix of variety acts and friends (with a rotating line up each week), ‘Summer Soiree’ was a mix of song, comedy, tricks, stories and the more peculiar.

Served by her comedy butler, Saxon McCallister (aka comedian Asher Treleavan) and backed by the House Bandits, a musical two-piece, Ali McGregor takes you through a summer evening like no other. First up on the bill tonight was the talented singer-songwriter Geraldine Quinn, who sang her heart out and provided insightful, albeit cheeky and risqué lyrics, which turned the rude into the utterly hilarious.

With McGregor acting as more than an interlude in between each act, she also sang some of her incredibly popular and delicate covers, such as songs like ‘Seven Nation Army’, Justin Timberlake‘s 'Cry Me A River’ (which offered up a different, fun alternative), the legendary ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ by AC/DC and her amazing version of Radiohead‘s 'Creep’. She also conversed freely with the audience and made what was already a warm and intimate night, even more so.

Next up on the list was stand up comedian, and one of the writers of the ABC‘s 'Spicks & Specks’, Adam Rozenbachs. His comedy routine was very funny stuff and he'll be one well worth tracking down over the summer months leading into the Comedy Festival.

With Saxon never far away, his drunken antics and fork trick (which has to be seen to be believed) kept the show moving right along at a good pace. Although in one number he left his dignity up on stage during a backspin manoeuvre that went a little wrong, he was incredibly funny and was a great foil and sidekick for McGregor.

Last for the night was Hula-hoop artist extraordinaire, Marawa. A finalist on ‘Australia's Got Talent’ and a ‘La Clique’ star, her hula skills were out of this world and almost as quickly as she came and dazzled everyone, she was gone just as fast. But she left many in the audience (myself included) totally breathless. This was by far and away a night of fun and diversity and the different acts covering many aspect of the arts were the very reason ‘Ali McGregor's Summer Soirée’ was an absolute hit! But with three more shows every Saturday throughout December, with different guests each week, there is absolutely no excuse not to take in a little summer soirée action. Take it from me; this is one show worth much more than its entry fee!

See the show every Saturday until Christmas - 7.00-9.00pm, December 8, 15 and 22, 2007
The Toff in Town, 2nd Floor, Curtin House. 252 Swanston St, Melbourne