Tell Me On A Sunday – Hayes Theatre Co (NSW)

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Don Black.

A gorgeous performance by Erin Clare welcomes audiences into the Hayes Theatre for a relaxed evening of musical storytelling

Reviewed by Bradley Roe

Hayes Theatre, Potts Point

Season Extended Until 12th May, 2024

Tickets: https://hayestheatre.com.au/event/tell-me-on-a-sunday/

Andrew Lloyd Webber is synonymous with iconic scores and huge musicals, but then there are his more simplistic and beautiful pieces of theatre. Tell Me on a Sunday, a one woman one act song cycle is one of them. This production follows the recent pattern of the Hayes Theatre & Michelle Guthrie who are becoming synonymous with producing stellar shows and showing off the best of Australian musical theatre talent.

Tell Me on a Sunday tells the story of a young English woman who has recently moved to New York. Brimming with optimism, she sets out to seek success, companionship and, of course, love. But as she weaves her way through the maze of the city and her own anxieties, frustrations, and heartaches she begins to wonder whether – in fact – she’s been looking for love in all the wrong places.

Tell Me On A Sunday, Hayes Theatre Company. Images by John McRae

Erin Clare’s voice is gorgeous, her stage presence is undeniable, and she truly shines in this role. Although, there is no dialogue for her nor anyone to play off, she captures and maintains the audience’s attention from the moment she steps on stage. I don’t think that the setup of the show really allows for her to delve into a juicy character throughout, but the humorous moments she has lands well, and the heart-breaking title number “Tell Me On A Sunday” was breathtaking.

The six-piece band that share the stage with Clare do not miss a beat (literally) of Lloyd Webber’s beautiful score. Each member is a standout in bringing this show to life and having them featured on stage was an artful move by director Blazey Best. Having them encompass the centre platform highlighted the importance of the score, and how this show is nothing without its music. A shout out should go to Laura Power who played the woodwind section all to herself and nailed the many solos that she had and playfully interacted with Clare blurring the line between band and performer.

Erin Clare’s vocals truly shine in this role... a beautiful piece of theatre that shows a more understated side of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Gorgeous costume choices by Ruby Jenkins did not feel overly placed or stylised and gave the show a timeless setting and energy. The lighting by Kelsey Lee was gorgeously crafted, with some heavy-handed moments that did distract a little, but mostly highlighted Clare and gave her a gorgeous guide to perform in the simple, yet effective, set.

Tell Me on a Sunday is a beautiful piece of theatre that shows a more understated side of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Erin Clare’s vocals truly shine in this role and allows her to demand the attention of the audience from start to finish with ease. This is an easy night at the theatre to indulge in a generous performance, that will delight many and not disappoint.

Cast & Creatives

Starring Erin Clare

Director Blazey Best

Musical Supervisor Guy Simpson

Musical Director David Gardos

Associate Director Lisa Callingham

Lighting Designer Kelsey Lee

Sound Designer Tom Brickhill

Stage & Company Manager Krystelle Quartermain

Assistant Stage Manage Hana Barn

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Previews