Kate Needs 16/8/26 Kate Needs 16/8/26

Adelaide’s Greatest Showman & His Flaming Sambucas Ignite the Capri With Elton John Classics

**Adelaide’s Greatest Showman Terry Nicholas Performing Elton John Hits At** **The Capri Theatre**

REVIEW

There could hardly have been a more fitting setting for a journey through the music, colour and extraordinary life of Elton John than Adelaide’s beautiful Capri Theatre.

From the moment we settled into our seats, it became apparent that Flaming Sambucas had created much more than a collection of Elton John hits. This was a seated visual and musical experience combining live singing and dancing, spectacular costumes, video footage and imagery from across Elton’s career, along with narration from Terry Nicholas that took us back through the decades. And it didn’t take long for the audience to become part of the action either.

During 'Club at the End of the Street', a familiar face to Limelight SA, Claudio from Cas & Nori's Dancing with an Italian segment on 87.6FM , was invited onto the Capri stage along with fellow audience member Paul to dance alongside vocalists Anna and Katrina. It was spontaneous, hugely entertaining and one of those wonderfully unexpected moments that makes live entertainment so much fun. Claudio certainly embraced his unexpected moment in the limelight!

From there, Flaming Sambucas continued to take us on a journey through the music, flamboyance & fascinating story of Elton John.

Terry Nicholas – Piano, Vocals & Narration
At the centre of the production was Terry Nicholas, who proved himself a true performer. Moving effortlessly between piano, vocals and narration, Terry covered Elton John’s vocals with ease, while his piano playing and performance worked in wonderful synchronicity.

But it was Terry’s ability to tell the story as well as perform the music that gave the show another level of intrigue.

Throughout the evening, he shared stories from Elton’s life and career, including his remarkable songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin and also his connection with John Lennon. These moments gave us an insight into the man behind songs that have become part of the soundtrack to so many lives.

And then there were the costumes!

The costume changes were spectacular and added enormously to the visual experience. Each new look brought another splash of Elton’s trademark flamboyance to the Capri stage and made you wonder what Terry might emerge wearing next. He certainly wasn’t content to remain politely seated behind the piano either. At one point, the piano stool went flying as Terry kicked it behind him & continued to play standing up - a wonderfully theatrical moment that captured the energy and showmanship of the evening. He then proceeded to climb on top of his piano & set yet another scene in his fabulous box of tricks.

**Terry Nicholas – Piano, Vocals & Narration**

Katrina Quigley & Anna Kotlova – Vocals
Anna and Katrina were an integral part of the performance, bringing their own glamour, movement and beautiful vocals to the stage.
Their voices were stunning - at times almost angelic - and complemented Terry’s vocals beautifully. Their harmonies added another dimension to the music, while their dancing and interaction brought plenty of personality and visual energy to the production. One of the things I particularly enjoyed was watching the connection between the performers. There was a genuine warmth between them, with little smiles and interactions throughout the show revealing a group of musicians who clearly enjoy performing together.

Jamie Kuijpers – Guitar
While the piano understandably commands plenty of attention in an Elton John tribute, Jamie Kuijpers’ guitar work was an important part of recreating the sound and energy of these much-loved songs. Jamie brought colour and drive to the bigger numbers while also knowing when to step back and allow the vocals and piano their moment. It was another example of the balance between the musicians that worked so well throughout the evening.

Paul Angas – Drums
Providing the heartbeat behind the show was Paul on drums. From the quieter storytelling moments through to the songs that had the audience singing along, Paul provided the foundation that allowed the music to move seamlessly between moods. Together, Jamie and Paul gave Terry, Anna and Katrina a strong musical platform out front, and watching all five performers interact was one of the real pleasures of the evening.

The Songs That Stayed With Me

With a catalogue as extraordinary as Elton John’s, there were always going to be songs that triggered memories and others that simply made it impossible not to join in.

One of the biggest singalong moments of the evening came with ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’, performed by Terry and Katrina. It was joyful, familiar and exactly the sort of song that makes you realise just how deeply Elton John’s music has become woven into popular culture.

For me personally, though, it was ‘Imagine’ that delivered the goosebumps.

Sometimes it’s the songs we have heard hundreds of times that, in the right setting and performed with genuine feeling, suddenly stop us in our tracks. Sitting inside the beautiful Capri Theatre listening to those familiar words and melody was one of those moments for me.

More Than the Music.

The large screen behind the performers added another layer to the experience, with imagery and video taking us back through Elton John’s career while Terry’s narration filled in pieces of the story.

Combined with the costumes, choreography, lighting and live music, it meant there was always something to watch as well as hear.
But perhaps one of my favourite parts of the evening happened after the final song. Rather than simply disappearing backstage, members of Flaming Sambucas made their way into the Capri foyer and mingled with guests.

I particularly enjoyed having the opportunity to meet and chat with the performers after the show. They generously shared their time amongst audience members for conversations and photographs, and after watching all that sparkle, flamboyance and showmanship on stage, it was lovely to meet the people behind the performance.

**Flaming Sambucas Performing Elton John Tribute At The Beautiful Capri Theatre**

For me, that is often what makes live entertainment memorable.

It isn’t only the songs we hear or the performances we watch. It’s the people, the atmosphere, the unexpected moments and the connections that happen along the way.

Flaming Sambucas delivered plenty of Elton John sparkle at the Capri Theatre, but underneath the costumes, glasses and theatricality was something even more important - five talented performers whose passion for the music and enjoyment of performing together shone through.

And judging by the smiles, singing and applause around the theatre, the audience was more than happy to come along for the ride.

The Limelight SA verdict ★★★★★ 5/5 - a not to be missed, sensational musical & visual extravaganza!

Are you ready to be entertained? Stay tuned for Flaming Sambucas next Elton John & ABBA shows via their gig guide below:

GIG GUIDE

Photography credit: Kate Needs

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Kate Needs 20/7/26 Kate Needs 20/7/26

Dancing Queens take over the Top Of The Ark as The Flaming Sambucas bring ABBA to life

Flaming Sambucas - I Have A Dream @ Top Of The Ark

REVIEW‍ ‍

Storytelling, spectacular musicianship and a packed dance floor combine for an unforgettable celebration of one of pop music’s greatest catalogues.

Some shows entertain.

Others transport you to another time.

From the moment the house lights dimmed and the opening notes echoed through the Arkaba Hotel, it became clear that ABBA – I Have A Dream by The Flaming Sambucas was much more than a tribute show. It was a heartfelt celebration of the music, memories and magic that have made ABBA one of the world’s most enduring musical acts.

As the audience settled in, anticipation quickly gave way to smiles, singing and dancing. Before long, the dance floor was alive with couples and lifelong ABBA fans who simply couldn’t resist joining in.

More than a concert… a journey through ABBA’s remarkable story

One of the production’s greatest strengths is that it doesn’t simply move from hit to hit.

Guiding the audience throughout the evening, Terry Nicholas effortlessly combines keyboard brilliance, vocals and engaging narration, weaving together the story of ABBA’s extraordinary rise with fascinating anecdotes and historical moments.

Behind the performers, a spectacular LED backdrop displays archival photographs and video footage of the Swedish supergroup, creating a visual journey that perfectly complements the live performance. Rather than simply watching a concert, the audience experiences a celebration of ABBA’s legacy.

Vocals that capture the spirit of ABBA

Bringing Agnetha and Frida to life are Anna Kotlova and Katrina Quigley, whose vocals beautifully recreate the soaring harmonies that helped define ABBA’s unmistakable sound.

Rather than relying on imitation alone, both performers bring warmth, personality and genuine enjoyment to the stage. Their chemistry is infectious, and their interaction with both the audience and each other creates an atmosphere that feels authentic and joyful.

Multiple costume changes add another layer of visual excitement, paying homage to ABBA’s iconic stage style while keeping the production fresh from beginning to end.

A first-class band

Supporting the vocalists is an outstanding live band that delivers every classic with precision and energy.

Guitarist Jamie Kuijpers provides crisp rhythms and melodic solos, while drummer Paul Angas anchors every performance with rock-solid timing and infectious grooves that keep the dance floor moving all night.

Together with Terry Nicholas on keyboards, the musicians recreate the unmistakable ABBA sound while allowing the music to breathe naturally as a live performance rather than simply copying the original recordings.

Production values worthy of the music

The Flaming Sambucas have invested heavily in creating a complete entertainment experience.

Professional lighting, haze effects, multiple LED screens, quality sound and carefully choreographed staging transform the Arkaba into a genuine concert environment.

Adding another layer of energy are dancers Aylish and Shana, whose choreography and vibrant stage presence perfectly complement the music without ever overshadowing it.

The production feels polished, professional and remarkably well paced, with every visual element contributing to the atmosphere.

Where the magic really happens

Perhaps the biggest compliment any live show can receive isn’t found on stage at all.

It’s found on the dance floor.

Throughout the evening, more and more people left their seats to dance, sing and relive memories attached to songs that have stood the test of time. Friends danced together, strangers shared smiles, phones were lifted to capture favourite moments and applause regularly interrupted the performance.

Some memorable moments of a whole new level saw audience members being invited onto the stage, reminding everyone that this isn’t simply a performance to watch - it’s an experience to be part of.

That genuine connection between performers and audience is what elevates ABBA – I Have A Dream beyond many tribute productions.

The Limelight SA verdict

There are tribute bands that recreate the songs.

The Flaming Sambucas recreate the feeling.

With exceptional musicianship, polished vocals, engaging storytelling and production values that rival many theatre productions, ABBA - I Have A Dream captures the joy that has made ABBA’s music timeless for generations.

As the final encore concluded beneath the Arkaba’s mirror ball, the audience were still singing, still dancing and still smiling.

Perhaps that’s the greatest compliment any performer could hope for.

The Flaming Sambucas don’t simply perform ABBA’s music…

They remind us why we fell in love with it in the first place.

★★★★★ 5/5

Performer Credits

Terry Nicholas – Keyboards, vocals & narration

Anna Kotlova – Agnetha

Katrina Quigley – Frida

Jamie Kuijpers – Guitar

Paul Angas – Drums

Aylish – Dancer