Although Petula Clark was set to grace the stage at Hamer Hall at 8.00pm sharp last Friday evening, my evening with Petula began at 7.30pm at the takeaway coffee dispenser at 7/Eleven store on Swanston Street.
      One of her life-long fans. Cynthia. who had travelled with friends from Geelong especially to see her perform. willed the coffee machine to fill my cup faster as she explained. "I don't want to be late but I need a coffee. I have waited years to see Petula perform again and if you haven't seen her live in concert, then you're in for a special treat. I have been a fan since the 60s. I still adore her."
      As I arrived to the foyer at Hamer Hall. it was announced over the PA system that all Petula Clark programs were 'sold out' and the show would commence in 10 minutes time. I made my way to my seat and before the lights dimmed. Melbourne professional singing coach beside me on my right. Claire Everton, introduced herself saying, 'You'll be amazed when you hear her perform tonight, her voice is so beautiful." before listing off many of Petula's songs for me to listen out for. The lights dimmed with the expectation of my 'evening with Petula Clark' reaching unexpected and greater heights.
      Arriving at the microphone in the centre of the stage; Petula's pink sequined top glistened beneath the lights as she was greeted with a hearty and appreciative round of applause. After her third song. she returned her appreciation to her Melbourne fans explaining her admiration for Australia. "I have a deep love for Australia and although I'm almost at the end of my tour. I couldn't wait to perform in Melbourne."

 

     As I had explained to both Cynthia and to Claire. I hadn't seen Petula perform live, and although I had previously heard many of her songs played on radio and seen concert clips on YouTube. it wasn't until she took to the piano to perform Gershwin's. 'Someone to Watch Over Me/The Man I Love did I stop thinking about her career and was completely swept away. I fell into Petula's palm from that beautiful moment on.
      Between performing many of her hit songs written and produced with English composer Tony Hatch and her latest songs on her new album 'Lost/n You'such as 'Reflections'and 'Cut Copy Me: Petula shared many personal stories about the eole she worked with, met or admired
      I enjoyed her story about the night she ventured out with Karen Carpenter to watch Elvis in Vegas and was invited back to his dressing room. Her amazing story-telling and detailed account of that evening had me on the dressing-room sofa watching their evening unfold. Amongst their one glass of wine and plenty of giggles. Petula whisked Karen from Elvis' 'gorgeous' looks and suggestive' charms, explaining that upon reflection, had she not have done that, perhaps Karen and Elvis may have ended up together, they may have been good for each other and they may both still be alive today.'
      My evening with Petula was one to remember and sitting coincidently beside a professional singing coach, I was provided with wonderful commentary during her performance that included: Petula's vocal colours and timbres are so remarkable; her vowel sounds in her performance were delivered with ease and perfection and she is incredible to listen to live: what an incredible artist.'
      As I was leaving I bumped into another of Petula's fans Philip Brady from 3AW accompanied by friend visiting from Seattle, jay See. We were the last to leave Hamer Hall and as we chatted about Petula's performance. In our parting words. Philip said, 'Petula Clark is an incredible talent and a beautiful person. Petula is simply a star."
      Thank you Petula Clark for colouring my evening, in my Downtown, Melbourne. And just like in your song. 'Cut. Copy Me' - I'm all yours.