Review: Bond Songs: The Music of 007 at Ayers House

A Stylish, Stirred (Not Shaken) Triumph at the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe

After the sold-out success of Love is a Game: An Adele Song Cycle, anticipation was high for the next outing from powerhouse performers Oliver John and Leticia Lee – and Bond Songs: The Music of 007 does not disappoint. Sleek, nostalgic, and packed with vocal fireworks, this elegant cabaret is a love letter to the music that has defined cinema’s suavest spy for over six decades.

Set in the opulent Ayers House Ballroom, the venue alone sets the tone for a night of sophistication and style. But once the first chord hits, it’s clear the real glamour comes from the trio onstage. With Euan Safey commanding the keys with precision and flair, the musical foundation is as smooth as a martini and just as intoxicating.

Oliver John and Leticia Lee are magnetic throughout. Their voices – rich, controlled, and emotionally charged – bring new life to iconic Bond themes while also highlighting the depth of the lesser-known tracks in the 007 songbook. From the bravado of Live and Let Die to the aching melancholy of No Time to Die, they move through the canon with both reverence and reinvention.

What sets Bond Songs apart is its storytelling. This isn’t just a concert – it’s a cabaret experience that lifts the veil on the myths, mishaps, and music that shaped Bond’s sonic legacy. Oliver and Leticia don’t just sing the songs – they bring the audience behind the scenes, exploring the scandals, surprises, and secrets that make each track unforgettable. Their chemistry is undeniable, their banter effortlessly charming, and their knowledge of the material adds richness to every performance.

And while names like Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Nancy Sinatra, and Adele are rightly celebrated, the show’s greatest strength might be its willingness to shine a spotlight on the so-called “unofficial Bond songs” – the forgotten gems that never made it to the opening credits, but more than earn their place in this tribute.

Whether you’re a die-hard Bond aficionado or a casual fan swept up by the glamour, Bond Songs delivers an unforgettable night of music and mystery. It’s classy without being stiff, nostalgic without being dusty, and filled with enough vocal drama and elegance to make 007 himself raise an eyebrow.

Four performances only – don’t miss your chance to suit up, sip something strong, and surrender to the sound of Bond Songs: The Music of 007.

This is cabaret done right – shaken, stirred, and sensational.

4 Stars

Lia Loves.