Older Than I Ever Intended To Be (The MC Showroom) – cabaret review

Since the age of 11, when he was taken to see the dark musical Chicago at the Sydney Opera House, Scott Hollingsworth has dreamt of becoming a star. He went on to forge a successful 18-year career as part of the ensemble in big musicals on Broadway and the West End, but he yearned for more of the limelight. This narrative concert by Scott and musical director Peppy Smears charts his journey.

 

As I entered the main theatre at The MC Showroom (where small, round tables and chairs were positioned alongside traditional seating), I was struck by the glossy, well-lit staging. Jason Bovaird from Moving Light Productions has elevated the spectacle. It is impossible to ignore the large, bright lettering, which reads S-C-O-T-T-Y. It speaks volumes about the theme.

Older Than I Ever Intended To Be charts the highs and lows of Scott’s journey. Now aged 54, he has made peace with his lot, but it wasn’t always the way. He was the kind of kid that was picked on because he wasn’t sporting. Growing up in rural NSW, he was different. Most young boys don’t thrive on ballet lessons (think Billy Elliot).

 

But he found a way through and he made it onto the main stages abroad, even though anxiety, depression and self-loathing remained. Auditions were harrowing, but as show after show came his way, so too his ambition grew.The problem is that the powers that be never saw him as a leading man and thinking he knew better, he eventually spat the dummy. A more traditional career followed, starting in a call centre, before he moved up the corporate ladder.

Now an older and wiser Scott recognises that he can have the best of both worlds. Hence, he has launched his one-man show. Well two, if truth be told, because Peppy Smears is great talent in his own right. He has taken key songs from some of the world’s most feted musicals, especially Chicago, and inserted his own, pointed lyrics. He has adapted numbers from Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, Spamalot, Into the Woods, The Little Mermaid, Moulin Rouge and Cats too.

 

Older Than I Ever Intended To Be is sad, funny, pithy, engaging and entertaining, as Scott opens up his life in 70 minutes, plus interval, sprouting joy and vitriol. Among the many highlights is his dexterity in his tap shoes (he’s still got it) and his interaction with his beloved Cavoodle Hudson, resplendent in a tuxedo bib.

There is an easy-going charm and cheek about Scott, who isn’t afraid to drop the occasional expletive. He and Peppy Smears are a fine combination, who work seamlessly together. Older Than I Ever Intended To Be is on at The MC Showroom until 27^th July, 2024.

Alex First

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• Your Diva Needs You (MC Showroom) – theatre review
• Show People (Chapel Off Chapel) – theatre review
• Lady Beatle (La Boite) – cabaret review