Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan
Tomas Clifford Got Stood Up at The Beer Garden, Court Hotel, is a cabaret that strikes a perfect balance between heartfelt personal reflection and broad, audience-pleasing humour. A collection of self-penned songs that, while deeply personal to Clifford, tap into universally relatable themes, this performance keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
The show is mostly sung-through, with the storytelling conveyed through clever lyrics and infectious melodies. Clifford’s songs are a true highlight, full of wit, vulnerability, and comedic timing. Whether tackling the feeling of being the "weird kid" or navigating the peculiarities of online dating, these are topics that feel fresh, yet familiar enough to make anyone in the room nod in recognition.
The lighting design deserves a mention for its nuanced use—subtle yet effective, highlighting different parts of the stage to draw attention to key moments without overwhelming the performance. The moving lights, in particular, were a fun addition, adding colour and personality to an already dynamic show.
Clifford’s band is a powerhouse, elevating the entire production. With drums, keys, saxophone, guitar, bass, trumpet, and three backup singers, the musical backing is nothing short of stellar. Each player brings a unique flavour to the performance, helping to bring the songs to life with punchy rhythms, lush harmonies, and brass accents that make even the quieter moments feel full of energy. However, the occasional mismatch in sound levels meant that some of the cleverly written lyrics got a little lost, which was unfortunate given how much care had clearly gone into the songwriting.
In terms of staging, Clifford and his team make good use of the available space, although there were moments when sitting down created minor sightline issues. This wouldn’t be a problem in a venue with raked seating, but in a flatter venue like this, some audience members were left straining to catch the full picture.
Overall, Tomas Clifford Got Stood Up is a fun, heartwarming, and deeply relatable performance. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling through song, and it’s clear that Clifford’s blend of personal narrative, humour, and musical talent resonated with everyone in the room. A few technical hiccups aside, this is a show well worth seeing.
Reviewer note: Kate has previously attended some workshops with Tomas. Tickets for this review were provided by the performer.
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