Live Review: Songs That Made Me

After walking along High Street, where a dodgy character is trying to sell a used iPad, it's with some relief that we arrive at a buzzing Thornbury Theatre. Angie Hart leads Katie Noonan, Abby Dobson and Martha Marlow onto a stage doused in flora. The presence of wine and abandonment of shoes onstage give the night a sense of casual. Noonan introduces the show as one showcasing some of the key songs that have made each artist a person, woman and songwriter.
Next up is Marlow, who is experiencing her first night in her twenties. A Marlow original, Day Of Roses, leaves no question as to why she is included alongside three of Australia's most enduring female talents. Dobson, who uses her distinctive vocals to perform an acoustic version of Carole King and James Taylor's Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? follows. Finally, it's Hart's turn and she chooses a song she co-wrote with Mark Seymour called Little Bridges, which was written about Hart overhearing a friend talking about her (dramatised for the purpose of songwriting). Several other songs follow – including covers and originals, together with some anecdotes and a tiny bit of mutual admiration between the four women. Before the intermission, all four ladies come together to perform Kylie Minogue's Confide In Me. It's a theatrical ending to a successful first half.
During intermission, we make the strategic move to use the downstairs toilets (along with everyone else). As if lining up for the toilet isn't bad enough, we find ourselves subjected to the escaping sounds of a Damien Leith concert taking place in the Velvet Room. We rush back to our seats and pretend nothing happened.
The show continues on its smooth song/chat/song routine with much success and very little awkwardness. Although there's a slight speed hump in the form of Criminal by Fiona Apple, which surprisingly comes across as a bit of a karaoke moment when delivered by Dobson.
The set winds up and is met with a standing ovation. Very little encouragement is needed to convince the performers to come out for an encore. However, it's not one that befits the main portion of the set, which included some inspired song choices. This encore is a little too cheesy, but the memory of the rest of the night is strong enough to withstand it.