Reviews

As a novice to the talents of Rufus Wainwright, I arrived at the Festival Theatre not sure what to expect. On seeing a full house of excited attendees, my curiosity was piqued. What a joyous surprise was in store! Not only is Rufus Wainwright a talented and versatile artist, but he is a composer of modern contemporary music and of classical opera. The juxtaposition of presenting his opera Prima Donna, followed by excerpts from his Rufus does Judy show, was stark but uplifting, and reinforced that music as a language is universal in its many forms.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, as presented by Midnite Youth Theatre Company, is a feel good, rollicking good time.

Six competitors, and four audience members, compete to be the best speller in Putnam County. A lovely insight into some truly quirky middle school kids, who despite this being a ‘youth’ company are played by adults.

It is fantastic to see an amateur theatre company reveling in the words of Alan Ayckbourn. Lilydale Athenaeum’s current season, Absent Friends, is one of his lesser-known works.

Raw, entertaining and at times mesmerising - this is Backbone, presented by Gravity and other Myths (GOM). The concept of this production, directed by Darcy Grant, is a devised circus that examines strength honestly, ironically and personally. Whilst this reviewer couldn’t quite grasp the underlying theme, I thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle and show for what it was, an amazing and jaw dropping showcase of dedicated and talented acrobats.