Ben Folds, Lindsey Kraft @ Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide 24/2/2026
Thebarton Theatre hummed last night like a grand piano waiting to share a story. It was sold out and ready.
Adelaide has long claimed Ben Folds as one of its own, so when he returned with a piano and a back catalogue of over thirty years, we were ready to listen and share our appreciation. But before the main event, Lindsey Kraft delivered a sharp, theatrical and wickedly funny performance.
It is difficult to believe, given her superb eight-song set, that she has only been playing the piano for three years. Songs, including Alice, Beautiful, You, Sam I Am, Sorry Mama and Cardboard Boxes, carried a delightful mix of humour, vulnerability and satire. Kraft has that rare ability to make a theatre feel like a living room. She treated the audience like her close personal friends who are round for a drink, such was the banter. Oozing charisma and talent, it was a wonderful start to the evening.
Adelaide audiences can catch more of her at the Adelaide Fringe. Her one-woman musical, Lindsey Kraft + A Piano: We’ve Been Here Before, will be at Holden Street Theatres in March with a special guest musician (it’s Ben Folds). If her performance on Tuesday night is anything to go by, it is worth grabbing a ticket.
A short intro of One (Harry Nilsson) signalled the start of Act 2. Then, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, Folds came on stage and opened with So There. It was just Ben Folds and a piano, like his tour promised.
Songs from across decades and projects flowed without concern. Don’t Change Your Plans, Boxing and The Last Polka brought the crowd into a nostalgic hush. All U Can Eat and Effington reminded us of Folds’ ability to transform suburban snapshots into cinematic vignettes. Kristine from the 7th Grade was tender and wry. While Still Fighting It and Gracie hit with a particular weight, causing the parents in the crowd to sit a little straighter.
What Matters Most led into the song we were waiting for, Adelaide. The raucous cheer said it all really. We were loud, proud…and slightly smug.
The Ben Folds Five staple Philosophy hit beautifully as a solo. Together with You Don’t Know Me, Zak and Sara, and Annie Waits, there was a chorus of voices, call-and-responds, and claps that swirled around the Thebby, highlighting how much fun we were all having.
The three-song encore kept the vibe going. Landed, Army and The Luckiest ensured everyone left on a high.
Between songs, Folds traded fanciful career defining tales for something far more personal. He spoke about his childhood with candour. He shared stories about his dad that were amusing, tender and occasionally a little raw around the edges. He reminisced about time spent living in Adelaide and Sydney, reflecting on life chapters that linger beneath the surface of his songwriting.
Ben Folds promised intimacy on this tour. He delivered something so much richer, a connection without a ploy, and musicianship without the ego.
Live Review By Anita Kertes