When you take some of South Australia’s leading musicians, vocalists and dancers and put them under the creative genius of Rachel Vidoni, you know you are in for a real treat. That is exactly what we have in Come Together 2 – The Beatles Rock Show. We have feasted on some brilliant acts over the past six weeks of the Adelaide Fringe, but Come Together 2 is the dessert in which we all need to indulge.
For sixty minutes, Rachel Vidoni, her band, vocalists and dancers reimagine Beatles hits. This show rocks. It’s loud (but in a good way), high energy and leaves you feeling good. It’s a celebration of some of the greatest music written, but in a fresh way.
The Beatles’ music was groundbreaking for their time, and they redefined the music industry several times over. Sitting in the May Wirth watching Come Together 2, it made me reflect on how much The Beatles set the new standard for artists who followed them, but it did make me think that if The Beatles were around today, they might have sounded something like these fresh arrangements.
Rachel Vidoni is a world-class performer. Her personality oozes off the stage and it is clear right from the start how much she respects the music of The Beatles. Vocally, her technique is faultless, and what a range. She has a magical way of telling a story through song, sweeping the audience away in the lyrics. It’s always pleasing to see an artist such as Vidoni who respects the original melody of a song. She never over-complicates the mastery of The Beatles iconic melodies, but at appropriate moments, she lets her vocal skills rip and take the pieces to another level.
Vidoni is supported by three exceptional backing vocalists: Emily Isaacs, Kylie Ferreira and Russell James. Their blend is exquisite with Vidoni’s and they create brilliant harmonies. As individuals, all three are top-notch vocalists. Particular favourite moments include their sound in Help and Blackbird.
Musically, Vidoni is supported by her own ‘Fab 4’ band who are all sharply dressed in Beatles trademark black suits, white shirts and thin black ties. Kyle Samuel (drums), Lee Nash (bass) Russell James (keys) and Ben Whittington (lead guitar) are simply sensational. They are tight, well rehearsed and provide a solid foundation for Vidoni.
Rounding out the talent on the stage are two outstanding dancers, Maddison Apacible and Rachel Durski. Apacible and Durski have choreographed the routines in Come Together 2, which add another sensational element to this already brilliant production. Each are world-class performers. When dancing in unison together, or with Vidoni, it’s in perfect synchronisation, but each is given moments to showcase their own skills.
Come Together 2 is supported by a brilliant audio mix and lighting design. The stage is dressed in pastel flowers and screens that have a Yellow Submarine cartoon feel. The whole show is perfectly tied together through Vidoni’s costuming. This show really is the whole package.
Come Together 2 is a wonderful celebration of Beatles music and it is clear Vidoni is one of their biggest fans. There has been a lot of love and care put into creating this show, and it shows. Come Together 2 is fully South Australian produced – the entire cast is from Adelaide and is a solid reminder how lucky we are to have world class performers right here in our state.
Playing right through to the end of the Fringe, Come Together 2 is definitely a must see to round out your 2025 Fringe viewing.