Audrey Hobert Live at The Forum: A Review
A long line of excited fans wrapped around The Forum on the evening of Wednesday 20th May. Attendees dressed up in bright colours and patterns, many donning tiaras, and a few committed with clown and star costumes - setting the scene for Audrey Hobert’s ‘The Staircase to Stardom Tour’.
With no opening act, the show began at 8:30pm. Lights down, the crowd's excitement erupted into a cheer followed by curious and eager silence. The cheering returned as the band entered the stage, followed by Audrey appearing in a long beige trench coat, a spotlight revealing her also wearing a set of ‘disguise’ glasses. She begins straight away with ‘I Like to Touch People’, one of many songs with catchy, direct lyricism and memorable melodies. The audience showing their loyalty as they sing back all the lyrics - it was clear Audrey has created a discography that connects so well with her fanbase.
The use of sound effects between songs was particularly amusing, and really enhanced the theatrical nature of the show. Following the opening song, the sound of a car starting up, driving and then crashing transitioned into ‘Drive’, Audrey now wearing a black long-sleeve mini dress like the one in the ‘Sue Me’ music video. She then played ‘Wet Hair’, which featured an engaging mid-song monologue of Aubrey telling a story from when she was younger, and her experiences with beauty standards and pressures from society, but tie-ing it up nicely with expressions of confidence and encouragement to the audience.
Bop after bop, each song one-upping the previous as the crowd’s excitement kept buzzing throughout the night - particular stand outs being ‘Bowling Alley’ and ‘Shooting Star’. Audrey was having the best time strutting up and down the stage, shaking her hips, flipping her hair as she sang her authentic and relatable hits. I adore her fun storytelling and how she effortlessly captures experiences of girlhood and relationships, weaving in the humour and messiness.
A highlight of the night was her performance of ‘Phoebe’, a beautiful song of self-acceptance and freedom, Audrey noting it as one of her favourite songs to perform.
As soon as the intro of ‘Sue Me’ began for the encore, the crowd was READY. Everyone was yelling the lyrics, dancing with their friends in co-ordinated outfits, Audrey jumping around like the star she is - it felt so special to be a part of. But what was even more special was the second performance of ‘Sue Me’, this time without phones out as instructed by Audrey, to encourage us all to be present. It truly felt so euphoric to be in a sea of people jumping and moving with their arms up without phones.
It was wholesome, exhilarating and refreshing to experience Audrey as she played through her debut album. To sum up the evening, it was as if your fun older sister planned and performed a full theatre production with props in the living room of your childhood house, reassuring you that you are loved and everything will be okay.