Reviews

Mamma Mia! The Musical

Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Book by Catherine Johnson. Capitol Theatre Sydney: February 15, 2018, then touring.

If you still love a good Abba tune then there is lots to like in this new Australian production. Or if we were to mangle some of Benny and Björn’s lyrics Mamma Mia here it goes again….third time round how can we  resist you?  

The Three Deaths of Ebony Black

Fringe World 2018. The Shambles, Fringe Central, Perth Cultural Centre, WA. Feb 16-25, 2018

The Three Deaths of Ebony Black is a cute, offbeat and funny musical puppet show, based on the following quote by neuroscientist David Eagleman.

“There are three deaths. The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consigned to the grave. The third is that moment, sometime in the future, when your name is spoken for the last time.”

Single Asian Female

By Michelle Law. A La Boite Theatre Production. Director: Claire Christian. Belvoir Theatre, Sydney. 17 February - 25 March, 2018

This play was written for the BrisAsia Festival and opened at the La Boite Theatre, Brisbane, exactly 12 months ago, with one change to the 5w/1m cast. As noted at the time, it crackles with authentic Asian flavours, and Michelle Law’s sharp dialogue contributes to a work of significant cultural value.

52 Hertz

Fringe World 2018. Directed by Terence Smith. The Studio, The Blue Theatre for Summer Nights, Fringe Central, Northbridge, WA. Feb 13-17, 2018

52 Hertz is the story of the loneliest whale in the world, and 5 interconnected people experiencing loneliness and isolation.

It was inspired by the true story of 52 Blue, called the loneliest whale in the world, because he calls out at an abnormal frequency of 52 Hertz, and therefore goes unheard by others of his species. 

Sensitively and beautifully designed and directed by writer Terence Smith, the show uses beautiful coloured blocks as its main set pieces. Movement is wonderfully co-ordinated and the ensemble work is seamless.

Socially [Un]acceptable

Adelaide Fringe. Written and performed by Laura Desmond. The Niche at the Producers, Adelaide; 15 Feb - 2 Mar, 2018. Riverside Room at the British Hotel, Port Adelaide; 8 Mar - 11 Mar, 2018.

Laura Desmond has survived the kind of experiences that one imagines most people would not be inclined to share with a theatre-going public – but if by staging a show like Socially [Un]acceptable, a talented performer can start useful conversations, and cause some of us to gain a much-needed change in perspective on the subject of sexual assault and its prevalence in our culture, she deserves our congratulations and encouragement.

First Date

By Austin Winsberg, Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner - Shoebox Theatre Company, Armitage Centre, Empire Theatre, Toowoomba. 15-17 February 2018.

Shoebox Theatre Company’s Queensland premiere of First Date, is definitely a ‘swipe right’ – for its packed-house audience, it was love at first sight.

This production showcases the best thing about seeing so-called ‘amateur’ performances – the cast and crew infuse the show with a true sense of ensemble energy and infectious joy.

Gilligan's Island: The Musical

Book by Sherwood Schwartz and Lloyd J Schwartz, and original music by Hope Juber and Laurence Juber. Left Bauer Productions. Director: James Cutler. Musical Director: Xavier McGettigan. Choreographer: Kai Mann-Robertson. Chapel Off Chapel (Vic). Feb 15 - Mar 4, 2018

Gilligan’s Island was a favourite in the early days of television. A slapstick comedy featuring one-dimensional characters, it was based on a group of survivors of a cruise boat which was blown off course and ship-wrecked on an island.

The cast included the skipper, his inept first mate Gilligan, the millionaire and his wife, the professor, the film star and the dumb bombshell.

It was a hoot!

Kaput

Adelaide Fringe 2018. The Corona, The Garden of Unearthly Delights. 17th Feb - 12th March 2018

A love story between a performer and an audience member can’t go wrong, right? Wrong! Kaput, starring Tom Flanagan, is a delightful comedy that pays homage to the classic physical comedy and slapstick of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and skits such as “The Plank”. If audience reaction is anything to go by, physical comedy still well and truly hits the funny bone.

Earnest and Wilde

Adelaide Fringe 2018. Presented by Rhymes with Purple. La Boheme. February 14th to March 1st, 2018

Earnest and Wilde are a mystery trying to help the audience unravel a conspiracy.

Simply known as “he” and “she”, this duo from Sweden and the UK, like so many Fringe performers, fundraised to perform at our festival. “He” skilfully and playfully plays the keyboard, and “she” is a chanteuse with a powerful and evocative singing style. “He”, dapper in a three-piece suit, “she” dressed in a beaded outfit straight from the early 1900’s.

Flesh and Bone

By Elliot Warren. Unpolished Theatre. Adelaide Fringe Festival 2018. Holden Street Theatre. 13 February-19 March, 2018

From the UK, Unpolished Theatre’s award-winning production of Elliot Warren’s Flesh and Bone is simply wonderful.

On a bare stage at Holden Street Theatre, the experience of modern life in an East London Council tower block is as often hilarious as it is poignant.

Over 70 minutes, and through a series of short scenes and monologues, five English working class characters – Terrence, Kel, Jamal, Reiss and Grandad – reveal their hopes and dreams, and ability to survive life’s hardships as members of the ‘lowest of the low’.

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