By Tracy Rogers. Directed by Guy Jackson and Chris McRae. Marloo Theatre, Greenmount, WA. Dec 1 - 16, 2023
Darlington Theatre Players' Once Upon a Pantomime is lots of your favourite pantomimes smashed into a single (if a little convoluted) story. Featuring all our favourite pantomime tropes, including lots of opportunities to boo, cheer and say “aw”, baddies, goodies, a dame and singing and dancing. It is playing to healthy, noisy audiences at the Marloo Theatre.
Book by Harvey Fierstein. Music & Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. James Terry Collective. Chapel off Chapel, Prahran. 1 – 17 December 2023
With its optimistic storyline, Cyndi Lauper songs, a universally talented cast, exuberant choreography, skilled, pacey direction from Martin Croft, and great costumes, this production of Kinky Boots delivers the audience a big warm, hooting and stomping evening.
Rhys Nicholson and Joel Creasey. Enmore Theatre. 1 Dec, 2023
Fans, families, fun seekers, followers – gay and straight – they filled the Enmore, downstairs and in the balcony! Just for a couple of comedians? Well, yes! Nicholson and Creasey, alone and together, have a wide appeal. In person, on TV, on the radio, they reach across generations and genders, so it’s not surprising that their “Family Christmas” shows attract a large, eclectic crowd.
Music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver. Based on photographs by Matthew Murphy. Little Triangle. Flight Path Theatre, Marrickville. Nov 30 – Dec 9, 2023.
Kudos to Little Triangle director Alexander Andrews for his fresh ensemble interpretation of Ryan Scott Oliver’s musical theatre song cycle, based on Matthew Murphy’s photography, though that vision did require some homework either before or after the show for maximum impact.
Music: Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The Australian Ballet. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House / Tubowgule. December 1 – 20, 2023
Swan Lake is the epitome of classical ballet, the Hamlet of its genre, and worldwide most ballet companies have a few productions on the shelf. The Australian Ballet staged it in its first year in 1962 and, after imaginative reinventions this century by Graeme Murphy and Stephen Baynes, has appropriately revived it for this 60th anniversary year.
By William Shakespeare. Melbourne Shakespeare Company. Director: Ben Margalith. St Kilda Botanical Gardens Rose Garden. 1-23 December 2023
The Melbourne Shakespeare Company has delivered another spritely, inviting version of a well-worn text and made it relevant, funny and above all engaging.
Lucy May Knight (Jessica/servant), Jackson Cross (Lorenzo), Eleni Vettos (Portia) and Orion Carey-Clark (Brassiano), delighted as the strong central couples. The more comedic couple, Andrew Cullimore (Gratiano) and Amanda McKay (Nerrisa) provided seamless support for them.
By Joanna Murray-Smith. Melville Theatre. Directed by Lars Jensen. Roy Edinger Theatre, Melville, WA. Nov 30-Dec 9, 2023
The Female of the Species is loosely based on an incident where feminist academic and writer, Germaine Greer was taken hostage in her home by a teenage, female student.
As acerbic and clever Margot Mason works on her latest book, her peace is disturbed by student Molly Rivers - who has arrived unannounced to visit the famous feminist. It soon is revealed that seemingly sweet Molly’s intentions are to take hostage, then kill Margot, but the hostage situation becomes rather complicated.
By Jerome Bixby and Richard Schenkman. Directed by Virginia Moore Price. Old Mill Theatre, South Perth, WA. Nov 24 – Dec 9, 2023
The Man from Earth was adapted into a play by the director of the film of the same name. A bit of a cult classic, the film is considered by some to be one of the world’s best science fiction movies. Using no special effects, both film and play contemplate some of life’s questions, which lie at the centre of science fiction.
By Peter Quilter. Directed by Karin Staflund. KADS Town Square Theatre, Kalamunda, WA. Nov 17-Dec 2, 2023
The Actress is a comedy set on a single night - the final performance of an actress about to retire. Well directed and performed by the team at KADS, this is a quality production that charmed its audiences.
By Sandy Wilson. Directed by Susan vincent. Garrick Theatre, Guildford, WA. Nov 30-Dec 8, 2023
The Boyfriend, a lovely 1920s pastiche, is playing at the Garrick Theatre, with a sweet and predominantly young cast. Enthusiastic performances, lots of colour and toe tapping songs keep the audience smiling throughout.
