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Review: the Alan Fletcher Band, Hen & Chicken – ‘Neighbours’ Dr Karl brings Americana to North Street’
As a lifelong Neighbours fan, as soon as I heard Dr Karl Kennedy – actor Alan Fletcher – was coming to BS3 I knew I had to be there.
Music aside, this was a chance to meet the Aussie soap star and hear from the horse’s mouth if the show was really over.
The Alan Fletcher Band are on a 32-date tour to promote their forthcoming album Back to School. When I arrived at the Hen and Chicken Dr Karl was right there in the foyer, already posing for photographs and signing autographs.
is needed now More than ever
Our reviewer was blown away by meeting her Aussie soap hero
Having composed myself from the initial shock of seeing my screen idol in the flesh, we had a nice little chat and he sadly confirmed Neighbours is unlikely to be saved again after its final episodes air in December 2025.
“But there’s always hope, right?” I asked, clearly in denial. Neighbours – a feelgood blend of drama and comedy – has always featuredstorylines that mix the heartwarming with the absurd. In soapland anything is possible.
The Studio at Hen and Chicken was packed when fellow band member – singer-songwriter Riley Catherall – took to the stage for the warmup slot. Lyrical songs steeped in Americana were made quietly compelling by Catherall’s delicate picking and tender vocals.
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Headliner Fletch was, by contrast, a total extrovert. His journey to the stage involved more handshakes, photos and smiles before he finally greeted the audience with a cheery “G’day!” The actor-turned-musician’s warm, friendly connection with the audience was formed before he sang a note.
Fletch’s songs ranged from serious and heartfelt to comical and included duets with his wife, Jennifer Hansen, who also played keyboards and added vocal depth and a country vibe.
A whole row of pensioners had their smart phones poised in video mode throughout the show as Dr Karl sang through each number to wholesome applause.
Fletch sang songs with a touch of humour as well as those reflecting on love and life, and even threw in a few references to the soap that solidified his fame
The most poignant love song was the Point, which Fletch sang solo from the bottom of his heart to wife Jen.
Other songs blended humour (For the Love of Lager, How Good is Bed, I’ve Got a Crush on Susie K) and poignant reflections on love and life (Hey You, the Point, Back to School).
Throughout the show, Catherall’s electric guitars complemented Fletcher’s acoustic while bass player Lachlan Bryan and drummer Mathew Swales kept the rhythm flowing.
Neighbours’ anecdotes and a singalong version of the theme tune were saved until late in the set as Fletcher enthusiastically admitted his love of the show.
Stating his Aussie preference for lager over other beers he performed For the Love of Lager, before finishing with (I’ve Got A Crush On) Susie K, a blasting tribute to neighbourly love that could hardly fail to move a fan of the soap.
The gig finished to hearty applause as Fletch left the audience with a warm fuzzy feeling based on the importance of love. There was talk of a band outing to Bristol kebab institution Jason Donervan, and I hope they made it. What a happy ending that would be.
All images: Hannah Burrows
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