Reviews

On a First Name Basis

By Norm Foster. Directed by Jay Shaw. KADS Town Square Theatre. WA. Nov 29 - Dec 14, 2024

Canadian playwright Norm Foster has becoming very popular in Perth during the past few years, with this play. On a First Name Basis, its second Perth season. This is a heartwarming two-hander about a mystery writer and his long-term housekeeper.

Pinocchio

By Tom Whalley. Directed by Brendan Hanson. The Regal Theatre, Subiaco WA. Dec 14-24, 2024

The last pantomime to hit Perth each year is the professional Zealous Productions version, at the Regal Theatre. Once again, it is worth the wait, and a joy to watch for audiences of all ages.

The Three Little Pigs

By George Stiles. AG Theatre. Director Tahra Cannon. National Theatre Melbourne. December 18 – 29, 2024

If pigs could fly and if elephants could pirouette. It’s only possible in a Disney animation, but live theatre creates a more visceral and satisfying experience for the audience.

The classic fable is brought to the stage by  AG Theatre in  their  first children’s musical theatre show. Producer Andrew Gyopar is thrilled to bring this tale to life in hope to inspire a love of theatre for young and old.

Spirit of Christmas

Concert Hall, QPAC. December 20 & 21, 2024

QPAC’s longest running event, Spirit of Christmas returned to the Concert Hall to ring in the Christmas season. Featuring orchestra, choirs and stars of the Australian stage, this two- act concert brings some of the best and most well-known Christmas tunes to life.

Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare. Sport for Jove Theatre Company. Director: Samantha Young. Bella Vista Farm. 19-29 December, 2024

Much Ado is one of Shakespeare’s witty comedies where, once again, the Bard contemplated the vagaries of love, jealousy, greed and social class in a typically complex plot that twists its characters into dissembling, plotting, being hoodwinked and begging forgiveness. Put this in the hands of a clever director with a lively imagination and a small cast on an open-air stage and it’s amazing what can be achieved.

Elf the Musical

Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. Music by Matthew Sklar. Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. John Frost for Crossroads Live, in association with Shake & Stir Theatre Co.. Directed by Eric Giancola. Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. December 20 – 30, 2024

What an El(f) of a good musical to put on around Christmas time.

In the tradition of British pantomime, there are naughty giggly bits that sail over the heads of children,  but the story and charm are simple enough to amuse the little ones.

Bogan Literature Presents: A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens and Dean Lovett. Subiaco Arts Centre, WA. Dec 4-21, 2024

I had the pleasure of seeing Bogan Literature Presents: A Christmas Carol on what was (according to Time Hop) the 181st Anniversary of the publication of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas novella, and I couldn’t help wondering, how he could never have imagined this irreverent, yet touching, very funny piece of theatre that he inspired.

The Boils Are Bustin’ Out. A Prison Fiasco

Cheap and Dodgy Productions and Primadonna Productions. Directed by Carole Dhu. Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, WA. December 8-10, 2024

The Annual Cheap and Dodgy Show, presented by Cheap and Dodgy Productions and Primadonna Productions, is a bit of a special secret among Mandurah and Peel residents. Extremely popular, and a sell-out show despite its unconventional early-in-the-week schedule, this is a naughty little old-fashioned variety show with a loose plot, questionable jokes and a lot of silliness that has become a beloved institution.

Picnic at Hanging Rock

By Joan Lindsay adapted by Tom Wright. Directed by Kathleen Del Casale. Old Mill Theatre, South Perth. WA. Nov 29- Dec 14, 2024

Old Mill Theatre presented the Tom Wright adaptation of Picnic at Hanging Rock, in a well-received three-week season. A small cast version, featuring five actresses playing dozens of roles, it was well received with healthy sized audiences.

Sauce

By Ciara Elizabeth Smythe. Bare Witness Theatre. The Butterfly Club, Carson Place. 18 – 21 December 2024

Mella (Ashleigh Butler), a compulsive liar, and Maura (Claire Imlach), a kleptomaniac, have a series of interwoven adventures in this absurdist, sometimes satirical show. Mella’s on the brink of homelessness due to the machinations of a cruel uncle; Maura’s traumatised by finding her husband bonking another woman beside her in the marital bed!  And she has body image issues, anyway… Neither woman has any friends or support.

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