Reviews

Since I saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the eve of its London opening in June 2013, the show has undergone radical surgery with eight songs cut and more songs from the 1971 movie included. This is a good thing, and with all the winners who have the ‘Golden Ticket’ now played by adults instead of children, a much streamlined set, and washing the stage with video images, this ride into ‘Oompa Loompa’ land is most enjoyable.

Good People is the brilliant new offering from The Adelaide Repertory Theatre. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, himself a ‘Southie’ from Boston, and skilfully directed by Nick Fagan, this is a piece of not to be missed theatre. Originally premiering on Broadway and starring Frances McDormand in the title role, we should be very grateful Nick found this play and decided to share it with Adelaide audiences.

OK, I'm going to just come right out and say it – I prefer the psychedelic and chaotic world of Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe spilled out in full colour on the stage, rather than in my head while reading the novel. Phew! Now, as the novel's many fans will know, if it wasn't clear that this story was based on Dalton's own life experience, you'd never believe the twists and turns of his darkly funny tale. It's part Boy's Own coming-of-age saga, part true crime, part Sunday tabloid sensationalist suburban horror story.

This is a recording of the wonderfully luscious 2014 production which is given a decidedly 80s setting with the aid of a vibrant backdrop and set design by Ken Done. This clearly consolidates the era and all the values that characterised the period. Williamson’s astute and accurate assessment of a variety of important cultural rivalries are beautifully brought to life. The competitiveness between marriage partners, film industry business partners and the cities of Sydney and Melbourne feature in this extremely witty text.