Reviews

The Merry Wives of Windsor

By William Shakespeare. Presented by the Australian Shakespeare Company. Directed by Glenn Elston OAM. Royal Botanic Gardens, Southern Cross Lawn,100 Birdwood Ave, Melbourne. 21 December 2024 - 25 January 2025.

The Merry Wives of Windsor features the affable but mischievous Sir John Falstaff (Peter Houghton); a character who appears in three Shakespeare plays. This production sets the action in the early seventies where the social and sexual revolution saw more relaxed attitudes towards love, marriage, sex and romance. This is very fitting for the themes and events that take place in the very convoluted plot about seduction, affairs of the heart and questions of fidelity. The set and especially the costumes create a very cohesive look and evoke the flamboyance of the period well.

Cinderella (Cendrillon)

Composed by Jules Massenet. Libretto by Henri Cain. English Translation by Kelley Rourke. Opera Australia. Director and costume design by Laurent Pelly. Conducted by Evan Rogister. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. January 2 - March 28, 2025

This production is an excellent way to introduce young people and those new to opera to the artform, as the ninety-minute accessible performance is a chocolate box of costume and choreographic delights.

Originally staged in full at the New York Metropolitan Opera Company this version is a cutdown edition in English. A glance at the sub-titles is still required on occasions to understand all the lyrics but is made fun because of the wit of the translation, and easy to follow because the narrative is so familiar.

On a First Name Basis

By Norm Foster. Directed by Jay Shaw. KADS Town Square Theatre. WA. Nov 29 - Dec 14, 2024

Canadian playwright Norm Foster has becoming very popular in Perth during the past few years, with this play. On a First Name Basis, its second Perth season. This is a heartwarming two-hander about a mystery writer and his long-term housekeeper.

Pinocchio

By Tom Whalley. Directed by Brendan Hanson. The Regal Theatre, Subiaco WA. Dec 14-24, 2024

The last pantomime to hit Perth each year is the professional Zealous Productions version, at the Regal Theatre. Once again, it is worth the wait, and a joy to watch for audiences of all ages.

The Three Little Pigs

By George Stiles. AG Theatre. Director Tahra Cannon. National Theatre Melbourne. December 18 – 29, 2024

If pigs could fly and if elephants could pirouette. It’s only possible in a Disney animation, but live theatre creates a more visceral and satisfying experience for the audience.

The classic fable is brought to the stage by  AG Theatre in  their  first children’s musical theatre show. Producer Andrew Gyopar is thrilled to bring this tale to life in hope to inspire a love of theatre for young and old.

Spirit of Christmas

Concert Hall, QPAC. December 20 & 21, 2024

QPAC’s longest running event, Spirit of Christmas returned to the Concert Hall to ring in the Christmas season. Featuring orchestra, choirs and stars of the Australian stage, this two- act concert brings some of the best and most well-known Christmas tunes to life.

Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare. Sport for Jove Theatre Company. Director: Samantha Young. Bella Vista Farm. 19-29 December, 2024

Much Ado is one of Shakespeare’s witty comedies where, once again, the Bard contemplated the vagaries of love, jealousy, greed and social class in a typically complex plot that twists its characters into dissembling, plotting, being hoodwinked and begging forgiveness. Put this in the hands of a clever director with a lively imagination and a small cast on an open-air stage and it’s amazing what can be achieved.

Elf the Musical

Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. Music by Matthew Sklar. Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. John Frost for Crossroads Live, in association with Shake & Stir Theatre Co.. Directed by Eric Giancola. Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. December 20 – 30, 2024

What an El(f) of a good musical to put on around Christmas time.

In the tradition of British pantomime, there are naughty giggly bits that sail over the heads of children,  but the story and charm are simple enough to amuse the little ones.

Bogan Literature Presents: A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens and Dean Lovett. Subiaco Arts Centre, WA. Dec 4-21, 2024

I had the pleasure of seeing Bogan Literature Presents: A Christmas Carol on what was (according to Time Hop) the 181st Anniversary of the publication of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas novella, and I couldn’t help wondering, how he could never have imagined this irreverent, yet touching, very funny piece of theatre that he inspired.

The Boils Are Bustin’ Out. A Prison Fiasco

Cheap and Dodgy Productions and Primadonna Productions. Directed by Carole Dhu. Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, WA. December 8-10, 2024

The Annual Cheap and Dodgy Show, presented by Cheap and Dodgy Productions and Primadonna Productions, is a bit of a special secret among Mandurah and Peel residents. Extremely popular, and a sell-out show despite its unconventional early-in-the-week schedule, this is a naughty little old-fashioned variety show with a loose plot, questionable jokes and a lot of silliness that has become a beloved institution.

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.