Enjoy piano cabaret at its finest as we go “trippin’” through the timeless songs of Elton ‘Rocket Man’ John. You’ll be singing, laughing, and reminiscing your own ‘Elton’ life-moments during. ‘If I were Elton’, performed by Australian entertainer, singer and pianist, Antony (DrH) Hubmayer.

This engaging show is enjoyed in the intimate rooftop bar Nineteen Ten. Often hosting burlesque dancers and jazz shows, the glamorous, dimly lit atmosphere is the perfect setting for a tribute to Elton John’s outstanding career.

Using a simple stage set with no props (bar a set of glasses on the piano, and no use of the stage bath!), the talented Antony Hubmayer is the solo performer. As both the pianist and singer, he remains seated the whole show, yet through dialogue and consistent eye contact includes the audience throughout.

With no other artist having had the string of hits that Elton John had in the 70s, most of the songs performed by Hubmayer were from this era. Hubmayer opens with a short bio of Elton to let the audience know of this.

Hubmayer’s delivery was fun as he encourages the use of air guitars, talks intermittently, invites everyone to sing along, plays just enough of each song to reminisce, and at one point, even to share in their own memory. Hubmayer makes audience participation errors funny and directs the audience with a gentle stage presence.

The engagement with the audience really begins with classic Don’t Go Breaking My Heart and the need for us to be the other half of the duet. To name a few, we are encouraged to sing along to the likes of Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, and the more up-tempo beats of Crocodile Rock and I’m still Standing geared towards the end. Hubmayer also entertains us with a medley of songs.

Hubmayer has an excellent voice and in this evening’s performance all the high notes were on point, with a perfect audio set to complement.

As we arrived early, performer Hubmayer checked in to see which songs were a ‘must-hear’. With the same friendliness afterwards, he says goodbye to all the audience members personally. With such an appealing way to end a show, he makes audience members of all ages feel welcome. For a delightful night out, this is sure to please.