Reviews

Ironically, after a year of COVID lockdown in Melbourne, one of the first theatre productions to hit the boards is set in a hospital and deals with sickness. But in contrast to the past twelve months of mask wearing, this production is a breath of fresh air. The Midnight Gang is perfect for the first-time young theatre goer. From lights up the audience fell silent and remained transfixed, hanging off every word throughout the hour-long performance. This wasn’t due to boredom either.

First performed in 2010 and written by David Ives, director Tony Knight* and actors Stefani Rossi and Marc Clement are immensely courageous in presenting the multi-award winning, but not widely performed play, Venus In Fur. Also made into a French erotic drama by Roman Polanski in 2013, it is an intricate piece that can be enjoyed on multiple levels: an obvious comedy/drama level; as a titillating risqué night at the theatre; and it can be mined for the fragile layers of shale that the story embraces.

I first saw Tracy Crisp on stage in 2019 at the premiere of her poignant solo memoir The Forgettery. I was struck then by her image-rich writing and this new venture, An Evening With The Vegetarian Librarian, does not disappoint.  It is also a pleasure to observe Ms Crisp’s increased confidence as a performer.

This would have to be the best value live entertainment going around. A sizzling cast and band of 20 on stage up close– for an audience of 111.

The star Nancye Hayes only needed to walk onto the stage to score a rousing ovation, but being the mature professional that she is, was undistracted by the adulation.