Bond Songs: The Songs of 007 - Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Review
Image: supplied
Coming in hot from their award-winning performance at the 2025 Adelaide Fringe with ‘Love is a Game: An Adele Song Cycle’, Oliver John brings us their latest production, a tribute show to the most famous and infamous songs of the James Bond series.
The show stars John and Leticia Lee as vocalists and Euan Safey on keys. The trio present themselves as a classy powerhouse, ready to sing their hearts out and play the bond melodies via the keyboard in a snazzily manner; they arrive on stage with glitz and glamour, ready to entertain and serve as your agents in charge.
The audience is greeted with a mellow start in the opening progressions of the performance, with a mysterious yet intriguing atmosphere which sets the tone for the show.
The classic and historical venue within Ayers House appears to fit perfectly as the backdrop of the set, accompanied by a chandelier and varying light colours and silhouette shadow play. You can easily envision the trio playing in a moody old school jazz and blues bar.
This is more than simply a conventional tribute show, with humorous skits, facts and history about many of the Bond movies, and some pretty bold opinions about a few songs. Be prepared for a sprinkle of audience serenades and catchy singalongs. Coming from someone who is a little familiar with the Bond series, the trio had me singing and tapping along the whole time.
John and Lee trade fiery bullets between a collection of solo and duet performances of many iconic tracks from six decades of bond music, from the 60s all the way to the modern era films. Artists such as Billie Eilish, Adele, Nancy Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Adele, Paul McCartney & Wings, and Nancy Sinatra are sampled and featured.
Both of their breathtaking vocals pay a strong homage to each of the songs as they progress through each distinct era, putting their own twist on each to make it their own. They smash through all cords high and low, with long notes which stunningly veberbarate across the entire room.
Safey ties it all together with his melodic abilities on the keys, sharing the spotlight and holding his own during the instrumental parts of the performances, with a touch of opinionated sass.
From the romantically heartwarming duet of Moonraker, camp-esque rendition of Live and Let Die, awe-inspiring Nobody Does it Better, alluringly seductive Tomorrow Never Dies, and the moody boldness of Skyfall, Bond Songs is one to see for Bond fans and those who are inconspicuously curious.
With piano melodies in one ear, and brilliant vocals in the other ear, the show is a worthy tribute to the James Bond discography. You do imagine what it’d be like with a bigger band, however, this production of the show truly makes you appreciate the vocal abilities of both John and Lee.
Rating: ★★★★
Show details: Bond Songs - Instagram
