Meg Mac @ Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide 1/4/2026
This is undoubtedly Meg Mac’s time having just released her fourth studio album It’s My Party back in February showing a more mature, honest and relatable offering that has resonated strongly with fans. The charm of the venue, the enthusiastic fans and an exciting concept for presenting this show was all the more exciting and one of those must see shows. There is plenty to glean from the album title with everyone invited to her “party”.
What was striking was the show centred on a twelve person dinner table inside a luminated “inner” circle with confetti strewn over the floor. A minimalist concept that was intriguing and captivating which saw Meg sat on, sat on, stood on and laid on at different points in the show. Joined by backing singers Hannah (her sister) and Dani complemented the powerhouse vocals of the wonderful Meg Mac who took her fans on a journey from the beginning of her career right through to now. The stories and insights to her journey made the show all the more compelling which was delivered with a heartfelt genuineness that as a fan admiring from afar that you could not be any more prouder of her achievements to date.
Right from the powerful openers of Grace Gold and Every Lie there was a touch of something special that was unfolding right before our eyes. I have seen Meg play many times over the journey but this time she really did raise the bar. Being the last night of the tour Meg did say that when she put the Adelaide show on the poster that “it wasn’t an April Fool’s Day joke!” Meg took a moment to reflect on Triple J Unearthed and how significant it was in launching her career even admitting it was easy for anyone to email her directly from the website including a message from “Ratskin” (her Dad) which was her first taste of hate mail. The song Roll Up Your Sleeves that started it all took on even greater significance.
Low Blows and Grandma’s Hands were fantastic but one of the power moments in the set was Give Me My Name Back with the compelling back story about being worn down by American producers suggesting to use others songs when she wanted to forge her own path singing her own songs. Power to you Meg! The undertones of defiance are inspiring to hold firm and set your path forward. It was this moment of defiance where Meg stood on the table to power through this one. Cages was stellar joined by Hannah and Dani at front of stage.
The loop peddles in Saint Philomene showcased more of the many talents of Meg Mac which was about a “necklace” and superstition if broken. The tune I’m Gonna _ Somebody as Meg described has a choose your own adventure kind of vibe to it to the thoughts in head with The Tune I’ll Be Singing Until I’m Dead. Never in a million years did I think there would be a game of pass the parcel adding to the party vibe. This was preceded by Meg talking about being a fangirl of Vanessa Amorosi and being followed by her on Instagram. With Amorosi’s Absolutely Everybody the game started giving fans an opportunity to win a prize with Meg being the MC.
Fans were selected randomly to join the party on stage during Outdone with Polaroids taken as a nice keepsake. Plenty of good moments to come with I’m Not Coming Back, Seventeen as well as the song about being heartbroken at the airport with He Said No. The title track and Lesley Gore cover It’s My Party was the perfect end to the show as the confetti starts to fall around her. Great show and a complete performance. Looking forward to the invite to the next party.
Live Review By Rob Lyon