John Thorn in Background Boy

Adelaide Cabaret Festival

Adelaide Premiere, June 15-17, Artspace

Describe your show in one sentence

In Background Boy I present a collection of original songs I've been writing over the past 4 years covering a wide range of styles and emotions. What is your favourite moment in this show and why? I perform the show with my 15 year old daughter Bonnie and we get to do a duet together which is a wonderful experience. She also has a couple of solo items and for a father to accompany his daughter, especially when she has one of the best voices you'll ever hear is a very special treat.  What excites you most about cabaret? The intimate relationship between performer and audience and the licence performers are given to tell stories within songs and present sophisticated music and lyrics. There's also the wonderful history of Cabaret that you are a part of and that you draw on and add to.  If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would that place be? Seth McFarlane's living room.  What is the song/movie or musical you love the most and why? Song: DARK EYES (Russian folk song that can make any crowd in the world very, laugh and dance) Movie: UMBRELLA'S OF CHERBOURG (French 1964 movie-musical completely through-sung with incredible score by Michel LeGrand and beautifully directed by Jacques Demy and starring Catherine Deneuve) Musical: GYPSY (Perfect musical in every way) What is your favourite sound in the whole world? My daughter Bonnie singing my song "The Traveller". After years supporting some of the world’s finest cabaret performers including Meow Meow and Caroline Nin, multi award-winning singer/songwriter John Thorne deservedly steps into the spotlight. Taking the lead on vocals and piano, Thorn is joined on-stage with his talented daughter Bonnie and special guests. Featuring witty works, bittersweet ballads and songs inspired by the 1920s, Thorn resembles such greats as Randy Newman and Hoagy Carmichael. Bookings: BASS 131 246