By James Jennings
MISSY HIGGINS
Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC, July 6
★★★★
Melbourne singer-songwriter Missy Higgins is a generous performer in more ways than one. In bang-for-your-buck terms, punters get two concerts for the price of one: an “Act 1” featuring stripped-back versions of old and brand-new songs, and an “Act 2” in which every track is played from Higgins’ debut album The Sound of White, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
A generous performer in more ways than one: Missy Higgins.Credit: Louise Cui
From the get-go, it’s clear Higgins’ generosity also extends to how much she gives of herself on stage. Almost every song is accompanied by an engaging and wittily told story relating to its genesis, creating a live, and frequently hilarious, behind-the-scenes audio commentary.
There are plenty of self-effacing quips – Higgins apologises for potentially bringing down the celebratory mood with a maiden song that’s depressing, “which applies to about 99 per cent of my catalogue”. But there’s never a lack of joy in the room, from the audience nor from Higgins herself, who’s understandably thrilled to have 6000 people come to see her play.
That joy hits a high note when Tim Minchin makes a surprise appearance to perform Carry You, his collaborative song with Higgins.
The jokes also come with the occasional raw, heart-on-sleeve story that only deepens Higgins’ connection to the audience. Her on-stage persona is akin to the funny, knockabout friend who often opens up and floors you with their honesty and vulnerability.
Those moments typically come when Higgins plays songs off coming album The Second Act, which she says is about a devastating break-up. The anecdote that comes with the gorgeous Blue Velvet Dress, about Higgins performing on TV in front of millions for a 2021 Sydney New Year’s Eve concert only moments after the aforementioned split, is both vivid and heartbreaking.
It’s testament to Higgins’ prowess as a performer and storyteller that the night could’ve ended with Act 1 and no one would’ve left disappointed, but then Act 2 arrives and six musicians join Higgins on stage for an immaculate run through of The Sound of White.
Thorny new song When Four Became Three, debuted earlier, may have warned “be careful what you love”, but after this night’s show, loving Higgins and what she refers to as her “bleeding heart” is an easy thing to do.