Reviews

Emerald City

By David Williamson. Produced by Riverside Theatres Digital. Presented by Australian Theatre Live / Griffin Theatre Company. Directed by Lee Lewis. Available online 28 August - 12 September 2021.

This is a recording of the wonderfully luscious 2014 production which is given a decidedly 80s setting with the aid of a vibrant backdrop and set design by Ken Done. This clearly consolidates the era and all the values that characterised the period. Williamson’s astute and accurate assessment of a variety of important cultural rivalries are beautifully brought to life. The competitiveness between marriage partners, film industry business partners and the cities of Sydney and Melbourne feature in this extremely witty text.

The Butch Is Back

Reuben Kaye and the K-holes. Miami Marketta (Gold Coast). 28th Aug- 3rd September, 2021

All the stars in the universe couldn’t match the incandescent talent of the Supernova that is Reuben Kaye; so, they’ll have to be content to simply “Twinkle, Twinkle”. Yes, he truly is that good. Yet, it’s difficult to define why this extraordinary performer is head and shoulders ahead of anyone who dares to venture anywhere near his turf. Partly it’s because of his quest for excellence in everything, but that’s not a label.

The Stranger

By Agatha Christie. Hobart Repertory Theatre Society. The Playhouse Hobart. Jeff Kevin (Director). Jill Munro (Set). Jason James (Lighting Design). Karen Fahey (Costumes). 27 August – 11 September 2021

The Stranger is not your usual Agatha Christie, by reason of the fact that it was written by Agatha Christie.  Hobart Repertory Theatre Society was originally to present Love from a Stranger, which is the Frank Vosper adaptation of Christie’s work, in 2020.  Subsequently, the company secured the rights for the first incarnation of the play which was only published in 2017 and they are the second or third company to do so.

Nocturna

By Ian Sinclair. The Kabuki Drop. Directed by Mel Cantwell. Subiaco Arts Centre, WA. Aug 24-28, 2021

Nocturna is a wonderfully layered production that blends a bizarre concept with some genuine food for thought. A dynamic World Premiere, it features a gorgeous set and some excellent performances.

Every Brilliant Thing

By Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahue. Black Swan State Theatre Company. Directed by Adam Mitchell. Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA, Perth, WA. August 25 - Sep18, 2021

Black Swan State Theatre Company’s Every Brilliant Thing is a surprise packed show that truly is a brilliant thing of its own. A one-man show, with the most unlikely of themes, this amazing performance by Luke Hewitt touches both hearts and funny-bones and unites its audience in a unique and special way.

More Sh*t We Like To Sing

Feet First Collective. Directed by Dylan Dorotich. Connections Nightclub, Northbridge, WA. August 25-28, 2021

The sequel to popular Fringe World show Sh*t We Like To Sing was bright and comedic, a fun celebration of well-known and more obscure Musical Theatre tunes, all given a Feet First Collective twist.

Unbound

By the Unbound Collective. The Blue Room, Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge, WA. 24 Aug - 4 Sep, 2021

Unbound is a long-term project that began in 2019. Looking at Shakespeare’s plays, the Unbound Collective reworked scenes and adjusted narratives to give female characters more power - ultimately they took Shakespeare’s characters and moments from multiple plays (and the sonnets) to form what is really two new works.

RolePlay

By Alan Ayckbourn. Tea Tree Players. Tea Tree Players Theatre, SA. August 25 – September 4, 2021

Justin has an alcoholic mother from Surrey; Julie’s parents are bigoted garden centre owners from Doncaster. Tonight is the first time they will all meet one another, with the mismatched couple of Julie and Justin poised to announce their engagement. As if that wasn’t enough of a recipe for disaster, Paige from upstairs literally drops in via the balcony, soon joined by her gun-toting minder Micky.

Chamber Players 1: Showcase

Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO). QSO Studio, South Bank, Brisbane. 21 August 2021

The QSO's Chamber Players series is a programme designed to put sections of the orchestra in the spotlight away from the crowded stage that usually holds more than 80 musicians at one time. The Chamber Players 1 showcase featured ensembles of players from the brass, wind and percussion sections. These are some of the orchestra's most interesting players to watch, yet they are usually stationed at the back of the stage, hidden behind music stands and the extensive string section.

Value for Money

GUTS Dance Central Australia. Concept and Choreography: Sara Black and Jasmin Sheppard. Collaborating Performers: Waangenga Blanco, Gabriel Comerford, Madeleine Krenek, Ashley McLellan and Frankie Snowdon. Sound Designer and Composer: Tom Snowdon. Lighting Designer: Chris Mercer. Research Assistant: Tessa Snowdon. Dramaturg: Jonny Rowden. Costume Designers: Lizzy Verstappen and Andrew Treloar. Brown’s Mart Theatre, Darwin. 21 August 2021. Darwin Festival.

Powered by unparalleled choreographic vision and invention, and Tom Snowdon’s scorching soundscape, Value for Money is, quite simply, the most outstanding piece of contemporary dance theatre I have ever seen. Performing with unmatched skill and artistry, the dancers’ faultless execution of this punishing journey was never anything less than absolutely riveting – matching the physical challenges of the work's luxurious, choreographic adventurousness to absolute perfection.

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