Travelling in a bus across Australia for three months would leave anyone dying to tell their story.
Triple-threat cabaret enthusiast, Tom Sharah will bring his all-singing, all-dancing biographical show to Brisbane this December to tell his story.
Combining his experiences as runner-up on Network Ten’s ‘I Will Survive’ and stories of his venture into the world of theatre, ‘It’s Raining Me’ is a loud, traffic-stopping whirl of drama and comedy.
“It's more about life observations and perspective. I try to tell it in a way that’s very specific to me and it's just been a really fantastic opportunity to hone all my skills and put everything I love into one show — comedy, storytelling and music. It's really diverse and it's really challenging. I go from rock stuff to sitting on a stool playing an acoustic number to duets — so it really is using every string in my bow, which I love.”
Sharah admired musicians who created something out of nothing, highlighting the role individuality has in powerful, engaging performances.
“I’ve made a career out of embracing my individuality and I think that has come from watching performances and people who embrace the crazy and just give something completely different and completely new. I’ve always thought that’s what makes a performance special. Anyone who’s marching to the beat of their own drum is where my party’s at.”
Sharah knew he was made for the stage at just four years old when he saw his first musical.
“The first show that I ever went to see was a production of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Into The Woods’, which is like a musical based on fractured fairy tales. That was a real trailblazer for me — it was what really whet my palate. I saw that and knew that it was something I wanted to do and be involved in and to this day, it’s still my favourite musical.”
After nearly a year and a half, Brisbane will finally have the opportunity to witness Tom Sharah’s authentic and entertaining spectacle.
“The last three shows should be really cool and I'm really excited for them. Essentially the show’s really fun and I want people to walk out having really enjoyed it. The stars are going to align and it’s going to be a great experience.”
Most passionate about comedy, Sharah found the connection with audiences was the greatest reward as an entertainer.
“I love that no matter how structured a show is or how many times it’s been done, it will never be the same. I think that’s a really special experience for an audience — to know that what they are seeing is happening right there in the moment.
"The greatest gift you can have as a performer is the relationship you have with an audience and the sense of accomplishment and achievement once you have established that relationship is unlike anything in the world,” he says.
“I love applause but I live for laughter.”
‘Tom Sharah: It's Raining Me’ is at Brisbane Powerhouse from December 5-7.
