Every time I have seen the Topp Twins it has been a total delight, and they certainly did not disappoint a full house at the TSB Showplace in New Plymouth (where they have had to add a show due to demand: go the Naki!). This show, however, differs from their standard format, playing out much more as a variety show, with some of the most talented country/blues performers NZ has to offer. It is a testament to Linda and Jools Topp’s support for, and love of, country music. 

The Twins introduce a few new characters in this show, each doing segments comprising only a song or two. Not quite as much as I would have liked to see but delightful nonetheless.

There are the staple Kens and the Gingham sisters, alongside the all new ‘Buck brothers’, an uber hillbilly duo from Arkansas. One of the funniest moments comes from this duo, as Jools’ huge character buck-teeth come flying out mid song. In true Topp Twins style, it all becomes part of the act, and very funny at that!

The other new character is the all-American Tammy Wire-Netting, who give a few old croony country numbers in that smooth southern drawl.

In the Twins’ interludes between acts, they also give us a bit of country music history. The title of the show is derived from the famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Often called the ‘home of country music’, it has launched and presented many of the most famous country artists in the world. As we hear the history of the venue, we also hear a few renditions of songs by artists who graced the stage there from the Twins, and special guests.

Tami Neilson is the first special guest, and she certainly is that. Originally from Canada, now a true-blue Kiwi, this woman deserves all the praise and accolades coming her way. Her voice is immaculate, and the passion and joy with which she tears out classics and her own original songs stops you in your tracks. I particularly love her Hank Williams number and the upbeat originals she whips out in the second half of the show. For all her energy and enthusiasm it is hard to believe she is on the road with a 4 month old baby! A nominee for the Silver Scroll (announced tonight),* she will be a name Kiwis will know in years to come.

Cam Luxton, accompanied by the no less than the incredible guitarist Phil Doublet, ps next, with piercingly pure gospel numbers and mainstream country folk. This young man too has a huge future. The winner of the Golden guitar, he is off to Nashville to perform next year and I have no doubt someone will snap this handsome talented young man up in a heartbeat. The duo’s harmonies are particularly beautiful.

The other guests to join the Twins are ‘the boys in the band’ Dave Khan and Ben Woolley, again two more accomplished musicians, and the absolute joy that is fiddler extraordionaire Marian Burns. Burns is one of those people who make you smile just by seeing her; she is remarkable to watch. 

Back with the Twins, their audience antics are are mad as ever and so damn charming that, looking around, there isn’t one audience member too cool or bored to join in. There is even an older gent doing pirouettes in the front row. That is the likeability, experience and comedic skill of these two.

On the whole, those expecting a ‘Topp Twins show’ will get something a little unexpected. The Grand Ole Topp’ry is a variety show and will appeal not only the the Twins’ fan base but to country music fans in general. Although not a die-hard country fan myself, I don’t know how an audience could fail to get swept up in the upbeat swinging numbers, or just admire beautiful voices singing the blues, with some good old classic Topp Twins humour to keep things rolling.

It almost feels like something that should happen around the country every year: A Variety Show with real class that’s also fun, frivolous and showcasing some of our best talent. 

*And Canadian Country singer Tami Neilson and her co-writer and brother Joshua Neilson have indeed won the Apra Silver Scroll Award for Walk (Back to Your Arms) in a ceremony at Wellington’s TSB Bank Arena tonight.

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