Review by Katrina Couzens of Wine Mum Anthems presented by Kate Schirmer & Jen Teh
I started my Anywhere Festival this year with a matinee showing of Wine Mum Anthems, by local musicians and longtime friends Kate Schirmer & Jen Teh (with another longtime friend Simon on the keyboard).
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this “love letter to Millennials, Misspent Youth, and Middle Age”. When I was attempting to explain what I thought it would be to potential +1’s, many bounced off the concept. Which now, having seen Wine Mum Anthems, I think is a real shame, because what Kate and Jen present is a lovingly crafted tapestry of music and autobiography, exploring the joy of shared coming-of-age experiences, the absurdity of intergenerational judgement (what even is a wine mum anthem, Triple J?), and just some bangin’ tracks. It’s full of heart, it’s funny, it’s relatable, without being overly nostalgic. It’s the perfect show to go see with an old friend.
I did manage to find a friend to come with me; an old high school friend I hadn’t seen in person for probably 10 years. And even though we (early 30’s) were about 10 years too young to recognise most of the songs (though still old enough to know what a cassette tape is), Kate and Jen’s arrangements and performances were so enjoyable. As singers, they are both highly expressive and energetic performers with the great chemistry that comes from a longstanding friendship and shared training.
If I had one nitpick, it would be that the spoken parts of the show felt a little under-rehearsed; memorised and enthusiastic, but not smooth. However, the polish of the musical numbers and the entertaining content of the stories themselves more than made up for this.
Overall, listening to Kate and Jen’s singing, threaded with recognisable tales of youthful mishap in local places, seated in the gorgeous old cellar beneath the Raven Hotel with a bowl of hot chips, make for the perfect cosy, intimate afternoon entertainment. Or evening, if you’re still feeling youthful enough to stay out past 8 😉
