Reviews

Wanneroo Repertory’s Jack and the Beanstalk is true British pantomime with lots of audience involvement, traditional responses, and great fun.

It's perhaps not surprising that this production understands the genre, with the director, stage manager and at least 7 of the cast hailing the British Isles. Lots of genuine British accents on the stage (and indeed in the audience).

Nothing too demanding here as we peep back into the theatres.

After two years of pandemic, the outrageous Trevor Ashley returns with his own ridiculous show, The Lyin’ Queen, co-written with Phil Scott. It’s a much needed, froth and bubble adults only musical which is ably sung and often very funny.

Ashley is Gaye Wray, a washed-up old soapie star saved from Hollywood oblivion by the eccentric Doctor Rabbitborough (Todd McKenny), keen to use her as the commercial face of his new Jurassic Park- style theme park off the coast of Queensland.

The Ajoona Guest House is the third in a trilogy of monologues, each set in a different city, by award-winning storyteller, Adelaide born Stephen House. The writer, poet, artist and self-described “queer nomad” draws on his lifetime of travels to expose gritty stories of the downtrodden and damaged. House has said himself that he brings attention to the “plight of the underclass”. As writer and solo performer he does so with a skill, both in language and performance, that is emotional, embracing and exquisite.

Snow White and the Seven Christmas Elves is traditional British pantomime, with modern sensibilities. Starring a large enthusiastic cast, its run includes plenty of family friendly matinees.

Featuring lots of bright costumes (Celeste Lopez and Christine Ellis), it plays on a colourful multi-locale set (designed by director Maria Passalacqua). At the opening matinee this production felt a little undercooked, with a few dropped lines and scene changes that were on the slow side, but there was plenty to like in this holiday offering.