REVIEW: Barbra: The Greatest Star
- Tori Bullard (they/them)
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
If Barbra Streisand were to breeze into the Hayes Theatre for a night on the town, she’d feel very much at home at Barbra. Slick, sumptuous and camp as hell, this 75 minute celebration is hands down one of the smoothest, most immaculately put together cabaret style shows you’re likely to see this year.
Starring Tana Laga’aia, Laura Murphy, Stellar Perry and Brittanie Shipway, the show features minimal dialogue, focusing mainly on witty banter between the cast. When we do get moments of dialogue, they are effortless, sparkling and slide in smoothly, perfectly complementing the musical performances.
What truly elevates Barbra is the sheer variety and richness of vocal texture across the cast. Brittanie Shipway’s classic musical theatre sound is smooth, assured and gorgeously refined. At times it genuinely feels like Barbra herself is in the room with us. Tana Laga’aia’s voice has a warm, jazzy blues quality that you could happily listen to all day, every day, while Stellar Perry’s rock inflected sensibilities inject real oomph and variety into the evening. And then there’s Laura Murphy, whose pop belt is simply to die for. Thrilling, fearless and impeccably controlled.
Visually, the show is a feast. Brendan de la Hay’s set and costume design is lavish, playful and unapologetically camp. Exactly as Barbra would want it. Peter Rubie’s lighting design does not just support the action. It enhances it, shifting moods and textures with such precision that it feels like a character in its own right. Together, the design elements create a world that is glamorous without being overindulgent and polished without losing warmth. Zoe Ioannou’s choreography is nuanced, always intentional and adds perfectly to every performance moment.
Musically, this production absolutely sings. Nicholas Gentile’s arrangements and musical direction are nothing short of sensational. They are clever, dynamic and deeply respectful of the material while still finding fresh energy within it. The band is, quite frankly, insane. Tight, responsive and a joy to watch, they drive the show forward with style and finesse.
A personal highlight of the night was “A Piece of Sky” from Yentl, a moment that landed with genuine emotional weight. The various medleys throughout the show left us feeling incredibly fulfilled, giving us the joy of hearing all our favourites alongside songs we might only vaguely know or have forgotten we loved. The pacing never suffers for it. The show remains perfectly balanced, high energy and endlessly enjoyable from start to finish.
Barbra is fun, it’s classic, it’s gorgeous, darling. A five star triumph that knows exactly what it is and delivers it with flair, heart and impeccable craft.
Barbra: The Greatest Star is playing at The Hayes Theatre until February 14th, don't miss out!
