Kate Miller-Heidke, an artist known for bringing her classically trained voice to the alternative pop scene serenaded Bendigo with her voice late this February, performing at the Ulumbarra theatre, the atmosphere was there for a high-quality night of music.
One wouldn’t think that an old gaol would be an ideal place for Bendigo’s highest quality theatre, Ulumbarra theatre, but it certainly is. As you enter the building you are greeted with a lengthy majestic hallway lined with a red carpeted floor, what really adds to the experience is all the cells you walk past that once held inmates, even with one of those cells open for inspection for visitors. It’s truly a unique vibe to that of a typical theatre that everyone should experience. The theatre itself is in pristine condition, seating around one thousand people, it would seem to be a perfect venue for someone such as Kate Miller-Heidke.
The theatre was packed and buzzing with energy, a very good and expected turn out for Kate. As Kate walked out on stage with her string quartet and her guitarist Keir Nuttal, they brought with them a booster of additional energy to get the show started.
Within just moments, Kate had the crowd mesmerised by her vocals, with amazing range and power her vocals almost seem inhuman. There were several moments throughout the night where Kate would explode with vocal power that would send chills down my spine.
Some of the audience may have felt the sting quartet was under utilised slightly, I would think that they were utilised perfectly, enough to enhance the experience while not interfering with the main attraction, which was of course Kate. I should also mention Keir Nuttal was an absolute beast on the guitar, adding an element to Kate’s music that should be appreciated at very least.
As Kate finished up the show, she was of course treated with a tremendous applause, Bendigo was not letting her go without a encore, the audiences wishes were granted and back she came along with Keir Nuttal and Kates backup vocalist. The encore song of choice? It had to be ‘The Last Day On Earth’ to finish the night off.
If you haven’t experienced Kate Miller-Heidke live yet, her vocals alone will be well worth the price of admission. The entire night was a pleasure to my ears, with a vastly positive reception I have no doubt Kate will return to once again serenade us with her voice in the future.
Ulumbarra Theatre | Bendigo | Fri 23 Feb
Written by Alex Lynch
Photo by Jo Duck