Reviews

In the nearly twenty years since its inception, Mamma Mia! has become far, far more than just one of the many immortal smash hits launched into the unsuspecting world of the 1970s by Swedish popmeisters (and Eurovision Song Contest winners) ABBA. It is a ‘jukebox musical’ whose success with the public has reached phenomenal proportions, going on to spawn not just a blockbuster onstage run, plus a movie adaptation (which set its own U.K. box office record as the most successful British cinema release in history), but also a recently released original screen sequel.

The Western Australian premiere of Tarzan burst into live in a very lavish production, presented by Stray Cats Theatre Company and Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.

The jungle of Western Africa is gorgeously recreated in a highly detailed set designed by Bronwyn White and Karen Francis, with projection by Alan White, establishing high production values from the outset. Costumes are also impressive, with makeup, by team led by Jodie Mars, giving credence to the gorilla characters.

Having seen a professional production earlier this year, I wasn’t sure how I’d react to an amateur company performing The Boy From Oz, but came away feeling thoroughly entertained.

The stage was quite shallow and the band was on two levels at the back. Many entrances were made through the auditorium, which kept the audience involved.

This year Dionysus Theatre looks back at an Ancient Greek tragedy - The Trojan Women – set against a backdrop of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Written by Euripides in 415 BC, director Emma Sproule has used a new translation by Emily Wilson, but has forged a new connotation on the tragedy through the lens of the Harvey Weinstein case.