Background Boy

Taking centre stage was the charming and effervescent John Thorn, proving he was more than a mere background boy but something of a musical sensation. His show, Background Boy, was a hit at The Butterfly Club, and was the perfect way to kick off the venue’s 2017 Autumn Program. Milk Bar Mag was lucky enough to attend one of the multi award-winning singer songwriter’s show to see what all the fuss was about.

The acclaimed Background Boy showcases Thorn’s immense talent as a composer, singer and pianist, taking the audience back to the glitzy world of the 1930s, resembling a time when Fred Astaire would sing to his onscreen love Ginger Rogers. The collection of original songs delve deeper into Thorn’s personal life — including a hilarious Melbourne-centric song — and are delivered in heartfelt ballads, hard swinging jazz tunes and slapstick comedy numbers.

The New York-style cabaret introduced the audience to brand new songs and very special guests, including his daughter, Bonnie Thorn, who wowed with her vocal control and confidence. Paying homage to greats such as Randy Newman and Hoagy Carmichael, Background Boy was a delight to behold. 

Thorn has won numerous awards, including the 2006 Melbourne Green Room Award for the show, It’s About Time, and the 2011 Best Cabaret at Melbourne Fringe Tommy Bradson’s show, Pirate Rhapsody Mermaid Requiem. From Milk Bar Mag, we hope to see you again soon.

Background Boy 
Carson Place, off Little Collins Street, Melbourne
thebutterflyclub.com/shows