Reviews

Remembering can be a tricky exercise; selective memory, burying memories, preserving memories, provide insight into the psyche and daily activities around remembering can be both a source of frustration and immense joy. All of these themes are explored in this play by deliberately and playfully forgetting the basic rules of theatre. The boundaries between performer and spectator are explored in a new and interesting mode, and linear narrative, memorising lines, traditional staging, focal points and character development are all dispensed with and replaced with spontaneous improvisation.

The walk to and from the parking station to the Showground may seem a long way for little legs, but it’s quickly forgotten in the glitz and glitter of ‘snow’ falling in a short walkway of sparkling trees, white reindeer, polar bears and snow princesses. Add the constant (dare I say ‘blare’?) of Christmas music, the squeals emanating from the many rides and the buzz of families having fun, and you have the new addition to Sydney’s Christmas extravaganzas.

The fifty-odd members (all aged 13 to 18) of Doublemask (under the supervision of Lachlan Glasby) have presented an interesting adaptation of the Jules Verne Novel for their final production for 2015.

Taking ownership of the production: they scripted, planned, and produced the entire show themselves.

Doublemask member Molly McPhee created the script and the emerging talents of the teenage members staged an interesting telling of the Verne story.

THE songs of ska-pop group Madness generally fit well into this musical which was given a lively and enjoyable Australian premiere staging by the graduating Advanced Diploma in Arts (Acting) students at Hunter TAFE.

Tim Firth put together an unusual story, with the central character, Joe Casey, breaking into a new apartment building so that he can show the girl who is helping him celebrate his 16th birthday his family’s historic adjoining London suburban house.