Review: Michael Paynter The Garden of Unearthly Delights – Aurora Spiegeltent Wednesday 4 March 2026 Michael Paynter is an overnight success that has taken nearly twenty years to happen. Many people first noticed him during The Voice in 2013, but long before that he had been immersed in music — playing piano, drums and guitar from a young age. Which leaves me asking one simple question — how did I miss this voice? Thanks to my good friend Betty Samis, who managed to secure tickets and insisted I come along, I now completely understand why she wanted me to see him. Inside a packed Spiegeltent, it was clear: this was not just another Fringe performer. We were witnessing a voice of truly exceptional quality. Australia has produced some remarkable vocalists: John Farnham, Tina Arena, Vanessa Amorosi, Kate Ceberano, Jimmy Barnes, Guy Sebastian, Peter Cousens, Michael Hutchence, Renée Geyer, and Sia. There are others, of course, but these are singers who perform not just for a living, but because music clearly lives in their soul. Michael Paynter belongs in that conversation. He has well and truly paid his dues: performing with Icehouse since 2011, singing alongside Jimmy Barnes, and playing in Reece Mastin’s band after Mastin’s 2011 X Factor win. Mastin joined him as a guest on the night, and together they tore into “Good Times,” the INXS/Jimmy Barnes classic, perfectly blending their voices. More recently, Paynter’s performance in Jesus Christ Superstar has pushed him firmly into the national spotlight. For this show, he presented his own take on The Great Australian Songbook, performing live and unplugged, switching effortlessly between keyboards and guitar. One thing stood out: the audience’s reaction. The Spiegeltent was full, yet when Paynter sang, the room often fell completely silent. Not out of politeness - out of pure awe and attention. People were absorbed in the voice: the power, the control, and the emotion he brings to every song. It is the kind of voice that doesn’t just fill a room, it completely envelopes it. Paynter spoke warmly about his upcoming opportunities, including the John Farnham musical with the Sydney Theatre Company. Vocally, he can reach the soaring heights of any male singer in the country. But more than that, he sings with heart, soul, and genuine respect for his audience. As someone who has seen John Farnham many times, one thing always struck me: Farnham somehow made every person in a crowd feel as though he was singing directly to them. Michael Paynter has that same rare ability. Highlights of the evening included “Chandelier,” “Working Class Man,” “Amazing,” “Good Times,” “Age of Reason,” and my personal favourite, “Burn for You.” It may have taken years for him to move from the back of the band to centre stage, but now that he’s here, it feels like he is exactly where he belongs. At the Adelaide Fringe, Michael Paynter is a solid gold number one hit and arguably the best musical act in the Adelaide Fringe. If this show were staged in a venue twice the size, it would still sell out. Michael Paynter has one of those rare voices that stops a room in its tracks — powerful, emotional, and unmistakably world class. Record companies need to listen to the general public and get behind artists like Paynter. With good material and publicity, the world would pay attention to Michael — and rightly so. With over 20 shows booked, travel, queue, whatever it takes — just don’t miss Michael Paynter live on his Great Australian Songbook national tour.