Reviews

The Dictionary of Lost Words

Adapted by Verity Laughton, from the novel by Pip Williams. Sydney Theatre Company / State Theatre Company SA. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. October 26 – December 16, 2023

This finely detailed staging of a late Victorian woman’s coming of age features big talent from Adelaide – it’s based on Pip Williams’ hit debut novel, adapted by Verity Laughton and created by the State Theatre of SA with most actors experienced there but new to the Sydney Theatre Company.  

You Don’t Have to be Jewish

By Bob Booker. Bondi Theatre Company. Director Ruth Fingret. Bondi Pavilion Theatre. 25 Oct – 5 Nov, 2023 and Emanuel Synagogue 15 – 19 Nov.

The 1960s was a special time for comedy albums. Comedians like Wayne and Shuster, Stan Freberg, Bob Newhart, Victor Borge, The Goons, Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore, The Goodies and Monty Python made LPs that entertained families around the world. Some of us remember them well, even still quote them!

What Was That?

By Alaine Beek. Presented by Essence Theatre Productions. Werribee Park Mansion, Gate 2, K Rd, Werribee South. Running weekly on Friday and Saturday since 2003.

Werribee Park Mansion is a grand and opulent example of the Renaissance Revival style and was built in 1877 by the Churnside family who were originally from Scotland. Today it operates as a museum and the majesty of this place is vividly brought to life in a delightful immersive theatre experience.

Trail to Oregon

By Jeff Blim, Nick Lang, Matt Lang and Brian Holden. Art In Motion Theatre Company. Directed by Micheal Carroll. City of Gosnells, Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, Thornlie, WA. Oct 24 - Nov 4, 2023

Trail to Oregon is a Starkids production, one of a series of parody musicals, with somewhat of a cult following. This production features a cast that are mostly veterans of several Starkids shows, and the Opening Night audience included many established fans.

Based on the video game The Oregon Trail, Trail to Oregon has multiple opportunities for audience involvement including selecting the characters’ name and voting for which character is to shuffle off their mortal coil, meaning that the cast need to learn multiple endings to the show.

Message in a Bottle

Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK, Directed and choreographed by Kate Prince. Based on the songs of Sting. Joan Sutherland Theatre Sydney Opera House. 25-29 November, 2023.

Message in a Bottle comes from the UK to make its Australian premiere as part of the 50th birthday celebrations of the Opera House. Based on the music of iconic singer-songwriter Sting and choreographed by Kate Prince, it is an incredibly moving piece of dance theatre that pays homage to the millions of displaced people in the world today, refugees from harsh rule and devasting war seeking shelter and solace and a new, safe place to re-start their lives.

Manifesto

Choreography: Stephanie Lake. Composition: Robin Fox. Stephanie Lake Company. Arts Centre Melbourne. 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. 25 October - 5 November, 2023

From the first shocking punch of sound and movement there is not a moment that is not filled with a triumph of coordinated expression. The nine drummers use the diverse possibilities of their kits to create everything from thunder to a fairy tinkle of sound. Each drummer has a moment to highlight their skills and the ensemble is fully coordinated so at times it is as if a single drum is creating a theatre full of sound.

For Love Nor Money

By Angus Cameron. Melbourne Fringe. Victorian Theatre Company. Directed by Justin Nott. Festival Hub: Trades Hall – Meeting Room, Cnr Lygon and Victoria Sts, Carlton. 11 - 22 October, 2023

Three people share their needs for love, money and recognition. Sometimes they meet each others’ needs and sometimes they most definitely don’t. Mel (Clarissa Bonello), Ryan (Matthew Connell and Liam (alexander Lloyd ) meet one night and the joys and difficulties begin.

Their motives are mixed and their affections fickle. There is a good deal of manipulation and ambition. The playwright throws in a non-linear timeline to add to the confusion. However, the three actors and the script carry the audience along to a not too surprising ending.

Brand Bollywood Downunder

Temple Production Company/ Bollywood Downunder Films Pty Ltd. In cinemas from November 2, 2023

I am certainly not a Bollywood novice, but I must confess to knowing little or nothing about the history of Bollywood in Australia, so Brand Bollywood Downunder was a revelation!

Anupam Sharma’s Brand Bollywood Downunder is a feature documentary about the ‘Bollywoodisation’ and globalisation of Indian cinema through its 89-year-old love affair with Australia.

Twelfth Night

By William Shakespeare. Bell Shakespeare. Playhouse, Sydney Opera House. October 26 – November 19, 2023.

In Sydney for its last stop, this Twelfth Night has travelled many more nights and days  across the country.  With an economical staging, using just an old piano and dead tree branches, Shakespeare’s arguably funniest comedy is here fashioned to appeal to schools – simple storytelling with lots of topical gender-bending and boisterous funny business.

The Memory of Water

By Shelagh Stephenson. Ensemble Theatre, Sydney. Directed by Rachel Chant. 20 October – 25 November, 2023

Opening in London in 1996, this first play by Shelagh Stephenson was awarded the prestigious Olivier Award for Best Comedy. Linking memory, bereavement and richly funny family relationships and events, it is given a full-on comedy production here by director Rachel Chant.

Set in a seaside Yorkshire house, expected to soon end up under water, an all-female family gather to deal with the death of their once sprightly mother from Alzheimer’s disease at 75. It’s Winter and blowing a gale, and the metaphor of water runs right through the play. 

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