Entertainment
10 December, 2023
Duo close up in the tropics
GET up close and personal with, not just one Australian music legend, but two, when musical theatre and opera stars David Hobson and Marina Prior come to Cairns on December 16.
Their appearance at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) is the final stop, and one of their favourites, on what has been their biggest tour to date – from Broome to Burnie, Darwin to Armidale … and all points in between – since July 20.
“We are so excited to come to Cairns, it’s so beautiful. We’ve toured to full houses and felt so welcomed by all the audiences,” Ms Prior said.
Mr Hobson agrees and said he felt very fortunate and privileged to perform in Cairns and around Australia.
“What also makes this tour special is that I have such a long association with Marina, with our first professional collaboration almost 40 years ago.
“You will see our chemistry, our synergy – and our sense of humour,” he said.
While their 2023 Encore Tour of their hit production, The 2 Of Us – Up Close and Personal, features new songs, backstage and life stories, the classics from their vast repertoire spanning more than 35 years will also be included.
“With the Up Close and Personal show, it’s like you’re in our living room and we’re in yours, singing both your and our favourite songs with a few funny career stories thrown in,” Mr Hobson said.
Their only regret is they won’t have time to linger as both stars will return to Melbourne for Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight 2023 and to start preparing shows for next year.
Mr Hobson will sing the moving The Holy City, a 19th century carol he has been performing since the 80s in Sydney and Melbourne.
“My Dad used to sing it when I was younger so I feel very lucky to sing it each year,” he said.
Ms Prior said it was great to have the opportunity to take the show to the people, in areas around the country that they may not have otherwise been able to get to with some of the bigger productions they perform in.
“We feel privileged to be able to do this – so people can get to see backstage and find out more about us,” Ms Prior said. “We get to be ourselves, to share our love of music and our humour,” she said.
For more information and tickets visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au/CPAC/events
