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The Regent Theatre is continuing its exciting return to live entertainment, with Damien Leith and Jason Owen set to bring their acclaimed show, Classic Favourites, to Richmond this Saturday, 16 May.
Following its Official Re-Opening weekend earlier this month - which featured performances from Sara Berki and a sold-out show from Australian rock legend Ian Moss — the heritage-listed theatre is once again proving itself as a major live music destination for the Hawkesbury and Greater Western Sydney.
In an interview with the Hawkesbury Gazette, Damien opened up about the show, his deep connection to the classic songbook and why Richmond holds a surprisingly personal place in his story.
This year marks 20 years since Damien first captured the hearts of Australian audiences on Australian Idol — and two decades on, he shows no signs of slowing down. His relationship with the music he performs has only deepened over that time, and few artists can claim the kind of firsthand connection to the classics that Damien has built. He recorded a full album of Roy Orbison songs at the personal request of Barbara Orbison, flying to Nashville to make it happen and working with the very songwriters behind tracks like Blue Bayou, Crying and Only the Lonely. It's that intimacy with the material that sets his performances apart.
"I don't really do Roy Orbison songs like Roy at all - I do my own version," he explained. "We try to be true to the songs, give people the notes they're expecting, but at the same time add a touch of ourselves."
Classic Favourites is a collaboration years in the making. Damien and Jason Owen - whom many will remember from X Factor - have talked about sharing a stage together for years, and Saturday night is the result of that idea finally coming to life. The pairing works, Damien says, because of how different they are despite their similarities. "We're similar, but we're also quite different - and that's a good thing," he said. "Jason brings the youth and I bring the experience. "
On why these songs continue to move audiences across generations, Damien was reflective. "The stories are really strong and the melodies are unique. The likes of Roy Orbison and John Denver were both one of a kind in their genre - no one's ever really done anything like either of them since. There's a whole generation that grew up with those songs and passed that on to their kids."
He's seen that connection play out from the stage many times. "There are certain songs you play and you look out and people are crying their eyes out because it's had some major significance for them. And then on the flip side, someone looks like they're about to get up and start dancing. These songs touch people in different ways - and there's not as much nowadays that has that same effect."
Damien also revealed that Richmond holds a quietly special place in his own history. When he first arrived in Australia, it was a call from a recruitment agency in Richmond that gave him one of his earliest breaks. "I pulled out the old map, got lost twice on the way - but I made it, got the interview and got the job," he said. "In many ways Richmond got me going here, so it holds a special place for me."
To celebrate the show, The Regent Theatre is giving audiences the chance to win a special meet and greet with Damien and Jason before the performance. Any ticket purchased between 9am Wednesday, 13 May and 4pm Friday, 15 May will automatically go in the draw.
With its art deco charm, modernised facilities and a growing calendar of performances, The Regent Theatre's revival marks a welcome new chapter for Richmond's entertainment scene.
Tickets for Classic Favourites are available now through The Regent Theatre website.
