Reviews

Last Cab to Darwin

By Regg Cribb. Cairns Little Theatre. Directed by Kevin West. October 6-14, 2017

Last Cab to Darwin tells the true story of terminally ill Max Bell, a Broken Hill taxi driver, and his journey to Darwin to take advantage of the Northern Territory's newly created euthanasia laws. On the way, Max encounters odd-ball characters in the country towns that he passes through, until he finally reaches Darwin.

The story was told on a functional set with a background of corrugated iron, the front of a car and a screen depicting the road north. Music that varies from Midnight Oil to Abba accompanied Max on his journey.

Shrek the Musical (Jr.)

Based on the DreamWorks Animation motion picture, and the book by William Steig. Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Music by Jeanine Tesori. Adelaide Youth Theatre. The Hopgood Theatre, Noarlunga. October 6/7, 2017.

The most loveable green ogre that any of us are likely to encounter, Shrek began life on bookshelves, followed by no fewer than four big-screen showcases, brought to life by the inimitable vocal talents of Mike Myers. Could any stage musical version of this story – let alone a junior edition that runs only an hour – possibly have anything fresh and engaging to offer? In the hands of the dependable team at Adelaide Youth Theatre: absolutely!

Blanc de Blanc

Directed by Scott Maidment. Spiegeltent. Southport Parklands. October 5th to Nov 5th, 2017

The Spiegeltent is on the Gold Coast for the first time, but cabaret in the 1930’s (when the tent was built) was never like this. Blanc de Blanc, like the fine champagne it is named after, explodes with superb bubbles (literally) and just the right taste on the palate for a spring evening. With an 18+ censorship rating, this  erotic, evocative cabaret that looks for all the world like Cirque du Soleil on steroids, is great entertainment and an aphrodisiac combined.

Atlanta

By Joanna Murray-Smith. Bakehouse Theatre, Adelaide. October 5-21, 2017

The Bakehouse Theatre (former the Red Shed) is one of the most important and vital performing spaces in Adelaide. Led by Australian theatre ‘legends’ Peter Green and Pamela Munt, it has an illustrious theatre history that spans centuries – literally.

Dark Circus

Melbourne Festival. Beckett Theatre, Malthouse. 5 – 9 October 2017

This delightful work of sound and projection with an old world charm is high art in motion – it speaks to us all in a unique individual way.  This work is completely entrancing from go to woe.  “Come for the show, stay for the woe”, is the sardonic catch cry.

Birdland

By Simon Stephens. New Theatre, King St, Newtown. October 3 – November 4, 2017

Birdland by British playwright Simon Stephens belongs to that long tradition of stories about immoral rock stars lost to fame and the hedonism of, well, sex, drugs and rock n roll.  

One night in Moscow, bored on tour, Paul (played with a charming, almost ordinary cruelty by Graeme McRae) seduces his best mate’s beloved, fragile girlfriend (Louise Harding). The next morning she jumps from the hotel’s top floor.

All Of My Friends Were There

Presented by the Guerilla Museum. In association with Theatre Works and Melbourne Festival. The Guerrilla Museum: Annie Bourke – Producer, John Byrne – Venue Production, Manager and Lighting Designer, D.A. Calf – Technical Production Manager and Sound Designer, Bryanna Lowen and Sarah Hall – Set and Costume Design, Sean Healy – Video Design, Lloyd Marsden – Video Programming. Theatre Works. October 5 – 11, 2017.

This is a really fun and joyful evening of participatory entertainment.

Pretty much what happens at Birthday Parties transpires at a completely co-opted Theatre Works for the next few evenings.  So bursting to the seams with party preparation and performance spaces - is Theatre Works - that a portaloo needed to the flown in!

Sweeney Todd

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by Hugh Wheeler. Produced by Dramatic Productions. Director: Richard Block. Gungahlin College Theatre (ACT). 6 Oct 2017 to 21 Oct 2017

Every year Dramatic Productions showcases brilliant new talent. Last year it was a very young Alex Clubb shining through Catch Me If You Can. This year’s revelation is Meaghan Stewart as Mrs Lovett. She blew me away! Stage presence, comic timing, accent spot on, even when singing her lively By the Sea against a near comatose David Pearson (Sweeney Todd) was just fantastic, and her Not While I’m Around was caring and mature. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor after reading that she’s only in Year 12.

The Ongals: Babbling Comedy

OzAsia Festival. Space Theatre. 7-8 October, 2017

THE ONGALS are an ensemble of four South Korean physical comedians who have been popular on the international comedy circuit and are a fantastic part of this year’s wonderful OzAsia Festival in Adelaide.

The show I saw was in front of a relatively full house that was essentially made up of families, parents and children, who were simply wooed and wowed by the brilliant virtuosity, skill, and sheer fun of The Ongals.

No Sex Please, We’re British

By Alistair Foot and Anthony Marriott. Tea Tree Players (SA). October 4th-14th, 2017

Directing a successful farce depends on timing, for without it, punch-lines fall flat and physical comedy bombs. Director of Tea Tree Players’ No Sex Please, We’re British, Damon Hill clearly understands this genre; not relying on the joke-laden script, he manages to illicit more comedy through visual cues and slapstick. He has assembled a fine cast who obviously have done a lot of work on characterisation and deliver gags with confidence.

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