Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett

Playing for an incredibly short run in Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre, Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett is a must-see show for classic rock lovers… and anyone interested in seeing a masterpiece in non-linear, theatrical storytelling, Genevieve Spiteri reviews. 

There is so much to say about Chrissy Amphlett.

Before tonight, I barely knew anything about her - I did know two of her songs, though I didn't even know they were Australian - "I Touch Myself" and "Boys In Town". I was anticipating a simple, fun night out with some live rock music, essentially expecting a tribute show of the Divinyls. What I could not have expected was that I was about to see one of the most impactful theatrical experiences in my life so far.  

Sheridan Harbridge delivers a flawless vocal performance. (Image: Brett Boardman)

There are a lot of components to Amplified's production that make it work, but what stands out is its writing. Sheridan Harbridge has woven together multiple personal stories from the people who knew Amphlett and created a heartfelt tribute to her life and legacy. The presentation of the written story is so simple: there is no “narrative” in the traditional sense, and yet the audience is left with a remarkably deep understanding of Amphlett’s mission, which I now believe was to ultimately leave the world in a better place than how she found it. Harbridge writes with complete sincerity, which keeps the audience so incredibly invested, leaving no room for anything but “real emotion” – something Amphlett strived for in her own performances.   

Listed in the online program as simply a “performer”, Harbridge also takes on the mantle of guiding the audience through this story. She does not play the role of Amphlett, but tells stories, interacts with the audience and sings her songs very much like Amphlett would during her own performances. Harbridge is absolutely excellent at this and truly embodies the rock icon, delivering a flawless vocal performance that both stands on its own and is a tribute to the late singer.  

You'll be entranced by Harbridge's performance. (Image: Brett Boardman)

Sarah Goodes, the prolific Australian director (Julia, The Talented Mr Ripley), does an incredible job for this show. You can tell that every single moment of the performance is intricately designed to bring out the best performances from both the performer and musicians. The collaboration with Harbridge and Musical Director Glenn Moorhouse results in an experience that will linger in the minds of those who have the privilege of attending for a long time.  

But, of course, you cannot have a show about Chrissy Amphlett without an awesome band, and the musicians, led by Moorhouse on guitar, are exceptional. The music production really brings everything together, with so much heart coming from the band.

I have to be honest with you: I did have an extreme emotional reaction to this show – it made me cry. Without spoiling the performance, the passion and drive of Amphlett’s story throughout the show is incredibly heartfelt and unlocked something in me that made me feel so incredibly connected to Amphlett’s philosophy and the way she loved and lived her life.  

Get ready to rock out. (Image: Brett Boardman)

Amplified is a short show, running for about 90 minutes without an interval. This length works well, with enough time for Amphlett's life story without any filler time.

The show is currently enjoying an extremely short run, with performances starting Yesterday, the 19^th of March, and ending this weekend on the 22^nd. This leaves very little time to catch it in Melbourne, so if you were even considering it, I highly recommend you give it a go.  

I will never get to hear the real Chrissy Amphlett sing live, but I am so grateful that I got the chance to experience this amazing rendition of the most incredible story presented in such a unique, thrilling way.