Arthur Hull exudes the same confidence and flamboyance of the likes of Benson Boone, Freddie Mercury and Robbie Williams, but is the musical theatre equivalent.
Stepping into the Arts Centre Melbourne – Member’s Lounge, Arthur is already playing on one of two keyboards, happily filling the room with music, while warmly welcoming patrons in as we took our seats. The first thing I wondered as I found mine was, “Why are there flags on all our seats, and is that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s face on the floor!?”
Through Arthur Hull’s excellent storytelling that is both entertaining and surprisingly educational, equipped with two keyboards, several microphones, a loop station, a bunch of fun yet appropriate props, and his incredible voice, Arthur takes us on a journey through musical theatre history. Flop lovingly beams the spotlight on musicals that theatre creatives have dedicatedly spent their years, blood, sweat and tears making, yet for some reason, for better or worse, these theatrical works aren’t nearly as celebrated as they could be.
Wholeheartedly, Arthur believes that in every failed musical there’s at least one hit song, and he proves his point when he serenades us with the famous ‘My Funny Valentine’ from the not so known coming-of-age musical comedy Babes in Arms, ‘Til I Hear You Sing’ from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera sequel Love Never Dies (literally the only good song from that musical, and it’s the first one that’s performed in it), and the hauntingly beautiful ‘If The World Should End’ exquisitely penned by Bono and the Edge from U2, for the spectacular failure that is Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.
It’s not all gorgeous ballads though. Arthur leaves no stone unturned, showcasing the very strange opening song ‘In’ along with its absurd workout choreography from Carrie the Musical, vents about the misdirection of that awful Taylor Swift starring Cats movie, reminds patrons the existence of the 2013 musical King Kong (I had seen this musical and completely forgot about it until this show), and he even provides a medley from the chaotic drivel that is Diana: The Musical.
My favourite part of Arthur Hull’s Flop though, is when he breaks into song with the anthem-like ‘Do It for Our Country’ (a song I admittedly know the lyrics off-by-heart to) from Grease 2. Although the song is arguably Grease 2’s second best/worst tune next to Michelle Pfeiffer’s ‘Cool Rider’, ‘Do It for Our Country’ is hilarious. It’s infectiously catchy, with cheesy and extremely dated lyrics that would otherwise be romantic if not for its context, and Hull owns the song like it’s his own.
Flop or no flop, Arthur Hull is overflowing with love for both his craft and the theatre works that he shamelessly enjoys, regardless of quality. Yes, these musicals may have been flops but Arthur sure is not. If anything, the sheer amount of talent that this incredible human has should be criminal.
I love how he’s championing the near-forgotten hidden gems of some of these unsuccessful musicals. Although I adore musical theatre, I must confess that I’ve never listened to the cast recording of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, nor have I watched Diana: The Musical on Netflix. Yet Flop makes us want to investigate and deep dive into these imperfect productions that would honestly almost be forgotten if not for Arthur. If this was Arthur’s goal to introduce, reintroduce and hero these musical moments in time that everyone else has long since abandoned, then he has succeeded.
You don’t have to be an avid theatre fan to know that Arthur Hull’s Flop is brilliant. Arthur’s showmanship, musical talents and stunning vocals, providing concert-like vibes, especially when he’s parading down the middle aisle of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Member’s Lounge, are clear indications that he was born to be a star. He uses all his instruments and props as if they’re an extension of himself, all while thoroughly entertaining and gleefully sharing his boundless knowledge and love of musical theatre.
Arthur Hull’s Flop was performed at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Member’s Lounge as part of the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival from April 8th to the 20th. Although the season and festival are now over, here’s hoping that he returns the show to Melbourne audiences soon.
For more information, visit:
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/flop
https://www.instagram.com/arty.hull
Photography supplied.