“Russell Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin gets three out of five stars. The event’s name says it all – it’s a celebration from the get-go where Crowe takes on dual roles: a host who at times goes on far too long with his stories, and an MC who promptly presents guests before retreating to the back of the room for a break and a drink or perhaps both. The subtitle of the gig, “Featuring his band, The Gentlemen Barbers & Lorraine O’Reilly”, conveys another story. Although Russell Crowe may be the main draw which convinces people to purchase tickets for this full-house event, the musicians are experts in their own right (a number of them have accompanied Crowe for many years) and Lorraine O’Reilly, originally from Co Cavan, is a rising talent. However, it’s unclear how many audience members have come to see Russell Crowe, the Oscar-winning actor or to listen to Russell Crowe, the singer leading a seasoned rock-blues-soul band. It’s equally uncertain how many are aware of his extensive musical history; he was an aspiring singer before he became recognised for his acting abilities in the early nineties.
As he positions himself behind the microphone, center stage, surrounded by five fellow musicians, co-singer O’Reilly and three backing female singers, all dressed in matching black attire, he declares, “Welcome to the Taylor Swift alternative concert,”. This is a clear indication that he’s dedicated to providing value for money for the audience. That value comes in the form of a two-hour performance filled not just with originally penned songs and covers but also charming (although sometimes extended) stories.”
Russell Crowe’s stories are an eclectic mix: some funny (such as being ghosted by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci over a lost football game), some bizarre (enduring a tarantula bite tale would test anyone’s patience), others moving (a letter received from Johnny Cash fondly remembered), some heartbreaking (his Australian bush house houses a room filled with glittering items, reminding him of his actorly bona fides). The reminiscense of his time in Rome, particularly his emotional visit to the Vatican following his father’s passing, where to his astonishment, he heard the Swiss Guard Band playing Danny Boy – the song played at his father’s funeral, is truly worth the ticket price.
Crowe’s storytelling, peppered with sailor-like swearing, is devoid of all pretension, evidently resonating with the audience. His delivery is warm and genuine, particularly when he digs deep for heartfelt or sage advice. Crowe’s surrounding musicians can’t be faulted, although the original songs played are typical of a seasoned pub band. At times, it could feel that the relaxed garden party approach is reaching a bit too far, especially when Crowe’s firstborn, Charlie, lacks conviction in his performance.
[The Exorcism: Russell Crowe has rarely shone more in any supernatural horror]
As the gig reached its end, the audience elevated to their feet with back-to-back performances of a Pogues-inspired number, Testify, a rousing soul/rock anthem, and a robust rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s Hazy Shade of Winter. Crowe then delivered a passion-filled Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits, breaking curfew with Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues to massive applause.
Despite a few average songs and a variegated performance style, it’s fair to say that we were thoroughly entertained.