Rare gem – Kim Smith: Misfit

Kim Smith plays the misfit to perfection. He’s a camp gothic prince and we can’t take our eyes off of him. His show is dark, stylized, theatrical cabaret at its finest.

Smith has the ability to cover a song and claim it entirely. “I have created myself from shining, glittery scraps of pop culture” he almost whispers, and we wait for more of whatever that means.

Intriguing medleys this guy puts together too: a Peter Allen number linked to Billie Holiday’s ‘Strange Fruit’ and then flowing easily into one of the most interesting versions of the Porgy and Bess ‘Summertime’ that I’ve ever heard.

‘Bang Bang’ (the Cher song) is mesmerizing and menacing, an eerie cover of Kylie’s ‘I Should Be So Lucky’ in German and Olivia Newton John’s eighties hit ‘Physical’ throw these songs into gorgeous disarray. An Edith Piaf song suits this almost androgynous performer’s moves and voice utterly.

[pull_left]Rare gems sometimes shine brightly at festivals and Kim Smith is one of those. This is an excellent show[/pull_left]

“I’m flirting with you all, and pretty hard core” he says, and he is throughout the entire show. Kim’s naughty and slightly sleazy celebration of his flamboyant gayness goes down a treat from start to finish.

This extraordinary artist is not afraid to go anywhere and we go with him anywhere that he wants us to. We should be so lucky to have him here at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

Rare gems sometimes shine brightly at festivals and Kim Smith is one of those. This is an excellent show; and with his wonderful pianist Amanda, misfit Smith knows how to deliver every single quirky moment of it.

Kim Smith was at the 2012 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, 8 – 10 June.  For more information visit www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au.