Reviews

A balmy Sunday evening in Melbourne on the labour day weekend with the sun low in the sky and picnic baskets abounding; could there be a more perfect setting for this wonderfully entertaining re-imagining of a timeless 45 year old musical?

The Hobart Repertory Theatre Societyproduction of The Elephant Man is a show to see with a mind cleansed of movie references, including special effects, so you can concentrate on the acting, language and intent of the clever play. Bernard Pomerance wrote this haunting drama based on the real life of Joseph Merrick (called John in the play), a hideously deformed man who was rescued from a dreadful life as a circus freak.

Into The Woods, Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine’s much beloved mashup of famous fairytale plots and characters, has Adelaide Youth Theatre’s usual uniformly first rate production values and is given reasonably polished, if possibly overly derivative treatment by the company.

With Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium, Puppetry Company Erth bring to life the prehistoric underworld, to the delight of many young eyes.

The audience is greeted by a large man in a bright yellow suit, who does very well to seat the audience and conjure up excitement for the show to follow. He, along with marine biologist Catherine, eagerly guide us through the history and fascinating ecological facts of an ancient time, introducing an enthralling educational element. Both hosts have a charming manner and are well received by the audience.