Project Description

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Tina Arena.

TINA ARENA
@ Riverside Theatre, Perth WA
– Sunday, 27 April 2025
(Live Review)

Review by Melanie Griffiths

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Tina Arena

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Tiny Arena Shows Why We Don’t Ask, We Listen

It’s been a long journey since the release of Tina Arena’s 1995’s “Don’t Ask”. The album ruled radio, garnered her ten ARIA nominations, 2 million in sales and several hits. Tonight, she returned to the stage after recovering from a kidney infection that shut down her 2023 tour and embraced her resilience, wisdom and inclusion in the fabric of Australian music.

In reflecting on Don’t Ask, Arena spoke “For many people, they were curious after the childhood I had… of what is this girl capable of doing? Well… I gave it to them”.

The idea of growing as an artist in front of the camera is a familiar one to Arena, which is why was eager to show support to Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright who landed the supporting spot with a set of emotional, passionate folksy reimagined songs from “500 Miles”, “Walking in Memphis” and “Better Be Home Soon”. All warmly received from the packed theatre who were all keen to see Arena’s homecoming.

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TINA ARENA

Photo Credit Callum Sims

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With the airy drift of synths and a crack of drums, Heaven Help My Heart landed hard as Arena strode out, a vision in a sweeping sequinned, orange gown and gold headdress, looking like a living Euterpe. Her voice, raw and aching, carried every plea of the lyrics. It was a stellar start that left Arena overcome with emotion; a fan calling out, “Welcome home, Tina!”

She quickly moved into Wasn’t It Good, letting her delicate, silvery voice traverse the weighted, regretful lines. Message followed, brimming with a steady percussive groove and sultry undertones, Arena gliding across the stage with a coolness that would have made Sade proud.

Addressing the crowd, Arena spoke slowly, briefly, commanding the room without needing to raise her voice. This was Tina, both reflective and unshakeably present.

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Tina Arena

Credit – Bernard Gueit

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Bolstered by a tight band who felt every note as much as she did, the set was satisfying even when lesser-known songs got a run. Tracks like Love Is the Answer and Greatest Gift, polished slices of ’90s radio pop with smooth R&B grooves and precision-built synths, served as reminders of just how long it’s been since Arena shook off the “Tiny Tina” tag.

Energy lifted with That’s the Way a Woman Feels, getting knees bouncing and hands clapping as Arena moved freely across the stage. The connection was less electric, though, during her cover of Show Me Heaven, a song she admitted was pushed on her by “the Americans”, despite the Gospel choir swelling at the end. A cover of Foreigner’s I Want to Know What Love Is fared better, delivered as a bruised, slow-burning plea that let the desperation rise to the surface.

Mentor mode saw her share the spotlight with Dylan Wright for a gritty cover of Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around, and later with Australian Idol finalist, 17-year-old Gisella Colletti for Burn. Both held their own despite the obvious awe, though Colletti shone brightest as Arena’s vocals soared above Wright’s.

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Tina Arena

Credit – Bernard Gueit

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Moving beyond Don’t Ask, Arena dipped into the dance-infused Symphony of Life and the measured beauty of Unravel Me, the latter delivered with a fire and focus that made it clear how close it lies to her heart.

Saving her most-loved songs till last, she had the crowd singing along to Sorrento Moon, In Arena and the band’s trusty hands it lost none of its sun-drenched sentimentality as fans sang along wistfully.

Before finishing with Chains, Arena thanked the audience, some of whom had a hand in guiding her in her career, before she tearfully dedicated the final song to her friend, Perth fashion designer Aurelio Costerella, who had recently passed away. The song about reclaiming your freedom soared with Arena’s powerful yet controlled voice.

Throughout it all, there was a sense of reflection, peace, and complete ownership. Arena no longer charges the stage with youthful hunger. She commands it with the authority of someone who has nothing left to prove. As one fan put it so eloquently, “Tina, you’re amazeballs!!”

4 / 5 stars

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Tina Arena.

TOUR DATES:

Riverside Theatre, Perth WA – Sunday, 27 April 2025
State Theatre, Sydney NSW – Tuesday, 29 April 2025
State Theatre, Sydney NSW – Wednesday, 30 April 2025
Evan Theatre, Penrith NSW – Sunday, 4 May 2025
Civic Theatre, Newcastle NSW – Tuesday, 6 May 2025
Palais Theatre, St Kilda VIC – Thursday, 8 May 2025
Palais Theatre, St Kilda VIC – Friday, 9 May 2025

Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns QLD – Saturday, 17 May 2025
QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane QLD – Tuesday, 20 May 2025
QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane QLD – Wednesday, 21 May 2025
The Star, Gold Coast QLD – Friday, 23 May 2025
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide SA – Friday, 30 May 2025

Tickets available from www.tinaarena.com

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Tina Arena

Tina Arena at Sydney Opera House, 9th December 2024

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Tina Arena.

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