Reviews

Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare. Sport for Jove Theatre Company. Director: Samantha Young. Bella Vista Farm. 19-29 December, 2024

Much Ado is one of Shakespeare’s witty comedies where, once again, the Bard contemplated the vagaries of love, jealousy, greed and social class in a typically complex plot that twists its characters into dissembling, plotting, being hoodwinked and begging forgiveness. Put this in the hands of a clever director with a lively imagination and a small cast on an open-air stage and it’s amazing what can be achieved.

Elf the Musical

Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. Music by Matthew Sklar. Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. John Frost for Crossroads Live, in association with Shake & Stir Theatre Co.. Directed by Eric Giancola. Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. December 20 – 30, 2024

What an El(f) of a good musical to put on around Christmas time.

In the tradition of British pantomime, there are naughty giggly bits that sail over the heads of children,  but the story and charm are simple enough to amuse the little ones.

Bogan Literature Presents: A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens and Dean Lovett. Subiaco Arts Centre, WA. Dec 4-21, 2024

I had the pleasure of seeing Bogan Literature Presents: A Christmas Carol on what was (according to Time Hop) the 181st Anniversary of the publication of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas novella, and I couldn’t help wondering, how he could never have imagined this irreverent, yet touching, very funny piece of theatre that he inspired.

The Boils Are Bustin’ Out. A Prison Fiasco

Cheap and Dodgy Productions and Primadonna Productions. Directed by Carole Dhu. Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, WA. December 8-10, 2024

The Annual Cheap and Dodgy Show, presented by Cheap and Dodgy Productions and Primadonna Productions, is a bit of a special secret among Mandurah and Peel residents. Extremely popular, and a sell-out show despite its unconventional early-in-the-week schedule, this is a naughty little old-fashioned variety show with a loose plot, questionable jokes and a lot of silliness that has become a beloved institution.

Picnic at Hanging Rock

By Joan Lindsay adapted by Tom Wright. Directed by Kathleen Del Casale. Old Mill Theatre, South Perth. WA. Nov 29- Dec 14, 2024

Old Mill Theatre presented the Tom Wright adaptation of Picnic at Hanging Rock, in a well-received three-week season. A small cast version, featuring five actresses playing dozens of roles, it was well received with healthy sized audiences.

Sauce

By Ciara Elizabeth Smythe. Bare Witness Theatre. The Butterfly Club, Carson Place. 18 – 21 December 2024

Mella (Ashleigh Butler), a compulsive liar, and Maura (Claire Imlach), a kleptomaniac, have a series of interwoven adventures in this absurdist, sometimes satirical show. Mella’s on the brink of homelessness due to the machinations of a cruel uncle; Maura’s traumatised by finding her husband bonking another woman beside her in the marital bed!  And she has body image issues, anyway… Neither woman has any friends or support.

Book Nooks - A Christmas Musical

Presented by The Flying Elephant Company. The Burnside Ballroom, Tusmore, South Australia. Wednesday 18 December - Saturday 21 December 2024.

Speaking from personal experience, I know the Silly Season can be difficult for those who have experienced trauma, loss, grief, or heartbreak - anniversaries are always hard.  Benji Riggs has written a whimsical and precious musical examining the difficulty a child might face during their first Christmas without a beloved grandparent.  Despite some pulling on the heartstrings, the tone is hopeful and gladdening, and definitely not mournful.

The Wizard of Oz

By Frank L Baum, adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg. Background Music by Herbert Stothart. Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard/ Orchestration by Larry Wilcox. Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros. Launceston Musical Society in partnership with Bakker Productions, VJAM and the City of Launceston Council. Director: Renee Bakker. Musical Director: Andy Prideaux. December 13 – 22, 2024

There’s no overstating the renewed currency the release of the film version of Wicked has given this tried and true Community Theatre staple. Indeed, the timeliness of it, should be seen as a bonus. On the flip side, it also adds a bit more pressure to compare favourably while existing simultaneously in the…um, “Oz-iverse”. 

The Twelve Days of Christmas

By Alan P. Frayne. Directed by Denice Byrne. The Irish Club, Townshend Rd, Subiaco. Dec 5-15, 2024

One of the wonderful things about attending a pantomime with Irish Theatre Players is that the audience, hailing from a place with a pantomime culture are thoroughly involved from the outset, and that this in turn heightens the on-stage performances. The happiness of seeing this production is tinged with a little sadness, as this will be ITP’s final performance at The Irish Club - with this well-loved building up for sale.

Brisbane Music Festival

FourthWall Arts, Brisbane, 13–15 December 2024.

Where else but the Brisbane Music Festival (BMF) would you be introduced to new music in six world premieres and five Australian premieres over one weekend? Many of the hand-picked selection of musicians are now based in Brisbane, but have worked all over the world.

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