Music / Opera’s Bad Girl, Sarahlouise Owens. At Canberra Rep Theatre, until April 5. Reviewed by ROB KENNEDY.

The show, Opera’s Bad Girl, a one-woman performance, with pianist, recounted the remarkable life of Victorian Diva Anna Bishop, who defied the odds and embarked on a global career filled with extraordinary adventures.

Sarahlouise Owens is a versatile performer with experience in musicals, musical theatre, opera, operetta, music hall, straight theatre, oratorio, liturgical music, early music, and art song.

Pianist Lucus Allerton graduated with First-Class Honours in piano. He won the Margaret Smiles Accompaniment Prize and the prize for Best Vocal Accompanist.

By way of introduction, a short solo piano piece opened the concert before the pianist politely bowed to the audience in his tails. Then, an aria from Händel’s Sampson, Let the Bright Seraphim.

Owen, who shall henceforth be known as Bishop, dressed in a delightfully showy bright red gown and dazzling jewellery, gave a subtle and alluring performance of this song that provides a climactic final aria to this three-act Oratorio.

Bishop, who spoke in a delightful old-world British accent, told the tale of her life as Anna, Lady Bishop (1810-1884), English operatic soprano who was the most travelled singer of the 19th century, after leaving her husband that was, for French harpist, composer and entrepreneur, Nicolas-Charles Bochsa.

In the lively and comical soliloquy, with short bursts of musical interludes, while playing out several parts, Bishop gave an enthusiastic account of the people she met and those that influenced her during her life’s journey; and what a journey it was.

Several popular songs followed. Di tanti palpiti Tancredi by Rossini, The Last Rose of Summer (Irish trad.) by Martha Flotow, My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, Scottish Folksong arr. by Hopekirk, and heard several times towards the end, Home Sweet Home.

Bishop’s singing and talking voice completely matched the songs and sensibility of the character portrayed in this just over an hour-long show. Every song, seemingly simple, gentle, and delicate, fit the character to a tee.

Additional costumes and props made the performance even more tantalising. A gorgeous bright blue wrap-around and tambourine added authenticity and colour.

When Bishop travelled the world, she made it a special point to sing a national song in the country’s language. In one case, she was even forced to sing a song in Spanish at gunpoint. Her travels in Italy were of monumental significance. Not only did she receive attention from the King, but she also met Rossini and Verdi, who never liked her singing voice.

Bishop’s performance was pulled off with aplomb. Remembering all the dialogue, the songs, and acting out the parts was a treat for the appreciative audience. It was wonderful to see Anna Bishop brought back to life.

There are more shows over the next two nights.