Live Review: Luke & Sassy Scott in Perth 2024
21 of September 2024 at Perth Concert Hall Perth Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
Luke and Scott O’Halloran are social media sensations. The brothers have been touring the country, taking their podcast Luke & Sassy Scott to their fans that include Selena Gomez amongst the millions of followers on TikTok and co. Steered by radiographer Luke and powered by the comical shenanigans of sassy Scott, they catapult the audience on a journey from their humble beginnings in Mill Park to the funny business of fame.
The performance begins with a showcase of their social media influence through a video introduction from a Channel 9 presenter, followed by the newly crowned billionaire and superstar Selena Gomez… “and the Luke and Sassy Scott show begins in 4, 3, 2, 1”…
It’s clear from the beginning that Scott is the feisty half, through the vivid animation and facial countenance, indexed by the verbal provocation that includes a series of carpet bombardments, mainly of the C word, while younger brother Luke warns the older sibling that they might be booted from the Perth Concert Hall. While the show is probably scripted like any other stage show of this magnitude – as this writer would imagine, the delivery is well executed, on point, and as mellifluously natural as the visceral laughter amongst the audience.
Behind the profanities and hilarity lies the paradoxical twist of life, taking Luke and Scott O’Halloran’s benevolent realm into serious matters, explaining to the audience they have been chosen as the representatives of the Good Friday appeal, raising funds for the children’s hospital in Melbourne. It is “a full circle moment” after being asked to become the official ambassadors, culminating as the second biggest media partner for the course.
Scott also touches on other matters in “Asked Us Anything”. Reading from the card, “I’m gay, I’m afraid to come out, when is it safe?” The question is asked anonymously.
“You should only come out when you want to, not because anyone else encourages you, influences you, or tells you otherwise…it’s got to be done on your terms and not on anybody else. You’ll know the moment,” says Scott. “It’s bizarre now that I find myself a representative of our community. And our community is f*cking relentless. I promise you people like me will stand by your side, behind you, in front of you wherever the f*ck… you can call upon us anytime and I’ll be there for you in any f*cking capacity…and (as an adult) that’s everyone’s f*cking job too”
The show continues with several game shows, such as Guess What It Is, where random audiences are selected and blindfolded to guess the item as they dip their hands into a box. It gets messier, including makeup applied on selected guests by the two men, and face dipping into a bowl of water for getting the wrong answers to general knowledge questions. But they are all in good nature – as one audience member takes home $1,000 in cash (or voucher) from sponsor Jetstar.
The Sassy Boy dance troupe featuring Scott as the centreman, flanked by his brother and dancers takes center stage. The colourful hand fan, attire and the acrobatic moves are a highlight, as the audience are told to stand and clap as the somersault and cartwheels dart across the stage through a dance choreography that would have given Raygun a run for her money in the Olympics.
The Aussie larrikinism shines in Luke & Sassy Scott from their contrasting personalities, taking the audience through an undulating journey of relatable family dynamics and social matrix in a supercharged blend of comedy. It’s an ode to nostalgia, encapsulated by banters between the two brothers across the timeline: from the beginning of their wonder years in Melbourne to their father’s obsession, and love for their mother, culminating in the facetious game with their grandmother’s “ashes”.
“I love doing this…it is so much fun!” Luke tells this writer/photographer after the show.
We can’t wait for another Luke & Sassy Scott tour!
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Frontier Touring and Luke & Sassy Scott for the media invite. The show continues today in Adelaide.
About the Writer/Photographer: Perth based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to more than 100 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and Robbie Williams with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 45 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Albany as a music journalist.
