Reviews

Definitely better than a Vegemite smoothie, Wage Against the Machine is a standup and storytelling blend which is a tribute to the absurdity of everyday work. Presented by Melbourne-based comedian Matt Harvey, it is part of State of Play at FringeWorld.

An affable and likeable red head with a larrikin streak, Matt talks about unions (you should be in one), the evil work practices of Amazon, robot debt, wage theft and saving the lives of eighteen people on a runaway roller coaster.

Elf Jr, presented by Western Theatrics was the last Community Theatre Show of 2024, and what a fabulous send-off it was. Presented just before Christmas to “packed to the brim” audiences, this show deserved its buzz. Falling into a transitional time of year, this production was also the first youth show of the 2025 Finley Year, and if this show is setting the standard, we have a fabulous year to come.

Titled 'The Art of the Possible' with Paul Grabowsky, this concert was an evening of spontaneous improvisation with guest artists Kram on percussion, William Barton on didgeridoo and James Morrison on a selection of brass and reeds, even sea-shell; and of course with Paul himself on keyboards, including a couple of electronic gizmos to add a little flavour to the evening.

One of the things I love doing at an opera, if seated in the right place, is to turn around and glance up at the frontal theatricals of the conductor broadcast on the casts’ video monitor.

What better opportunity to watch that blur of arms and baton than during the frenetic timeless overture to The Barber of Seville.

Conductor Daniel Smith, raised in Sydney but now resident in Italy, let fly with arm and body waving passion – of course in perfect time to the music.