Tim Draxl – Under The Influence

It has been four years since Tim Draxl last appeared on the Sydney cabaret stages, and judging by the excellence of his new show Under The Influence, it has been four years too long.

The suave, sexy Draxl is sporting an American accident after more than three years of living in Los Angeles, but his crystal clear and pitch perfect voice is as good as it always was, if not better.

Under The Influence features songs that have influenced Draxl’s life in some way, and range from beautiful standards to little known numbers that leave audience members both weeping and roaring with applause.

He opens the show with two Irving Berlin numbers – ‘Top Hat, White Tie and Tails’ and ‘Steppin’ Out With My Baby’ – and dressed impeccably, grabs the audience’s attention from the moment the first word leaves his lips.

Amongst the first half highlights is his rendition of ‘Over The Rainbow’ while he leads into intermission with an upbeat and fun homage to Cy Coleman via ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’.

And indeed, it was.

The brilliance of ‘Come on Home’ by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross was nothing short of breathtaking (particularly given it is originally supposed to be performed by three people) while Bob Dylan’s ‘You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go’ is performed with perfection.

Draxl is vocally brilliant, he looks good and his stage presence is superb. While this is somewhat of a tribute show, knowing that the songs have influenced and played a big part in Draxl’s life gives them more meaning in the cabaret setting.

If we have to wait four years to see Draxl on Sydney’s cabaret stages, it will be a great disappointment. It is often those who have ‘been there, done that’ that provide the most refreshing moments in entertainment, and when it comes to Draxl, he is as refreshing as a chilled white wine on a warm summer’s day.

You must see this show – you’ll pinch yourself if you miss it.

Until August 22. Bookings: .