Reviews

Monty Python’s Spamalot

Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle. Music by John Perez and Eric Idle. Primadonna Productions. Directed by Carole Dhu. Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, WA. Apr 9-11, 2021

Primadonna Productions’ Spamalot played to a healthy and very enthusiastic crowd in the large theatre at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre - although it was a shame that on the first day of 100% capacity in WA, they could not fill this beautiful venue - as this warm, well performed, feel-good production deserved capacity crowds.

Still very funny, a decade after Carole Dhu first directed this show, the latest production features some new elements, including Eric Idle now appearing live (ish) via video, and the use of some great projections by Siàn Dhu. 

Ave

Australian Vocal Ensemble. Conservatorium Theatre, Brisbane. 10 April 2021

Katie Noonan had a dream, well several dreams actually, and this one came true - a quartet of singers performing a capella a collection of songs, old and new. Launched at the Conservatorium Theatre last night, a large and supportive audience saw Noonan’s dream blossom.

Enigma – A Musical Tour De Force

J.S. Bach: Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, BWV546/Poulenc: Concerto in G minor for Organ, Timpani and Strings/Elgar: Enigma Variations. Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Johannes Fritzsch. Soloist: Joseph Nolan, Organ. Concert Hall, QPAC. 9-10 April 2021

Enigma – a musical tour de force was an outstanding concert by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, led by Johannes Fritzsch, which showcased the talent of acclaimed organ soloist Joseph Nolan. Playing the magnificent Klais Grand Organ, the brilliant Nolan participated in all three pieces on offer but it was his work in Poulenc’s Concerto in G minor for Organ, Timpani and Strings that dazzled.

Mamma Mia!

Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Book by Catherine Johnson. Northern Light Theatre Company (SA). Shedley Theatre. April 9- May 1, 2021

In Post COVID Adelaide, where life and theatre are beginning to emerge from their cocoon, Mamma Mia!, by Northern Light Theatre Company, is just the tonic! This reviewer has seen the professional versions of this show, in London, Sydney and Adelaide, and went on opening night to the Shedley, expecting a ‘nice night out’, but also cynically, not much more. How wrong I was!

Crimes Of The Heart

By Beth Henley. Adelaide Repertory Theatre, The Arts Theatre. April 8 – 17, 2021

In Crimes Of The Heart, three sisters from Mississippi are thrust together after a decade of separation. Their reunion is one of angst, as they remind themselves and each other of things they had chosen to forget.

Beth Henley’s play is dark in places, with moments of humour amongst continuous tragedy. Although initially slow to find acclaim, the 1981 Pulitzer Prize winning drama found its audience and has enjoyed high regard for more than four decades.

Always a Bridesmaid

By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten. Castle Hill Players. Director: Meredith Jacobs. Pavilion Theatre, Castle Hill. 9th April – 1st May, 2021

Being a bridesmaid is pretty special! It doesn’t happen often. Once - or maybe twice at the most – but these gals get to do it even more often! Sometimes for the same bride! At the same reception house! Four bridesmaids, four brides, and a flamboyant meddlesome “mistress of the house”!

It’s a recipe for fun, and that’s just what director Meredith Jacobs has cooked up! With lots of colour and pace, she has developed this happy little play into a slick, entertaining piece of theatre.

The Trappe Family

By Seamus O’Rourke. Irish Theatre Players. Directed by Seán Byrne. Townshend Theatre, Irish Club of WA, Subiaco, WA. Apr 8-17, 2021.

Set on the roof of a garage in County Leithim, the Trappe Family gather above a small town on the anniversary of their father and husband’s death to commemorate and remember him. Nicely presented by the Irish Theatre Players, The Trappe Family is a darkish slice of life drama that deals with loss, life, family relationships and differing memories.  

Songs for a New World

Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. Wyong Musical Theatre Company. The Grove Theatre. April 9th to 17th 2021.

It’s almost become cliché, but we live in a new world, so it’s extremely apt that Wyong Musical Theatre Company has staged this superb piece of theatre as their first show post-pandemic. And what a triumph it is!

Cosi

By Louis Nowra. Canberra Repertory Society. Directed by Sophie Benassi. 8 to 24 April 2021.

Lewis (Martin Fatmaja Hoggart), a budding stage director, through advocacy by earnest social worker Justin (John Lombard), contracts to work with a group of asylum inpatients suffering a variety of mental health issues, in producing a play. He envisages a quiet one-act play, but,

The Realistic Joneses

By Will Eno. Ad Astra, Brisbane. 25 March to 17 April, 2021

Brisbane’s adventurous Ad Astra team does not shy away from tackling difficult works, and once again, they bring a taste of off-Broadway to the city with The Realistic Joneses. Award-winning New York playwright, Will Eno, has been compared to Samuel Beckett for his mutual love of wordplay and “avoidance of traditional narrative” in exploring the human condition.

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