Tom Parry
TWO of Australia’s most-renowned vocalists are returning to Sale for an encore performance of their ever-popular live show.
The 2 Of Us sees tenor David Hobson share the stage with musical theatre star Marina Prior, who recently performed as lead in the Melbourne productions of Mary Poppins and 9 to 5.
According to Ms Prior, The 2 of Us has been touring “on and off” for the past five years, with over 150 shows performed across Australia.
“We’ve both been really thrilled by how it’s been received and that it continues to sell,” Prior told the Gippsland Times.
“It’s really gratifying to think that people want to see what we do, and they’re enjoying what we do.
“I think a big part of it too is that, as Australian artists, it’s a great privilege to tour around your own country, and be embraced by Australian people.”
As part of the show, Prior and Hobson perform songs from a range of artists, genres and musicals, including Les Misérables, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
There’s also a large section devoted to Celtic music, in recognition of Prior and Hobson’s family heritage.
“I’m Irish and Scottish, and he’s Welsh and English, and we both come from musical families where there was a lot of singing, and a lot of singers in our families,” Prior said.
“We were brought up and taught this music by grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles … it has a real personal connection for us both.
It’s something that audiences don’t expect, but really love, according to Prior.
“But having said that, when we belt out something from Phantom of the Opera, they’re pretty happy; Hobbo always does ‘Jerusalem’, which is a very famous Christmas song that he sings every year on Carols by Candlelight, and they go nuts when he does that – rightly so, because it’s brilliant.”
Audiences have also been struck by the amount of comedy in the show, with the two singers both sharing a similar sense of humour.
“It’s a really relaxed, up-close-and-personal show – it’s sort of like the audience are in our lounge room,” Prior said.
Additionally, Prior and Hobson will be joined by their musical director David Cameron, who will perform throughout on piano, guitar and backing vocals.
“The show’s called The 2 Of Us, but it’s really the three of us,” Prior said.
She described Cameron as “the best accompanist in Australia”, adding that the audience “always falls in love with him”.
The 2 Of Us will be performed at The Wedge this Sunday, July 23 from 3pm.
For tickets, call the box-office on 5143 3200 or visit thewedge.com.au
