Reviews

Not content with already having two different shows in production this year, the powerhouse that is Reuben Kaye has added a third before heading off to the Edinburgh Festival and then to conquer Europe with his unparalleled wit.

The new show is called Live and Intimidating, but in truth there is nothing intimidating about Kaye…. he is confronting, yes, but ultimately the choice is yours. (Though one hapless male victim of a mock seduction was told “If you look away, you’re a Homophobe.” )

The Irish Theatre Players One Act Season is a short run of three very different one act plays. Featuring Irish Theatre Players’ wonderful hospitality, the three shows offer great variety and are being well received by the audience.

We’ll Always Have Bali Is a family drama with some bite currently playing at the Blue Room. Well-presented and acted with credence. This thoughtful slice of life drama has much to like.

Performing on one of the most realistic sets I've ever seen at the Blue Room, William Gammels’ attention to detail place us firmly in a home that could belong to many people that you know. Amber Lorenzi, currently in her final months at WAAPA, provides a lighting design that is both thoughtful and emotive.

The story of a young Geordie boy aspiring to become a ballet dancer in Britian’s Northern coal fields during the miners’ strike of 1984 proved a smash hit when the feature film was released in 2000, but it isn’t an obvious choice for a musical. The Geordie accent can prove difficult for cast and audience alike, and some find the poverty and grime of the despairing striking miners to be depressing, and yet the 2005 musical is constantly on top ten lists of Best Musicals of the 21st century.