Reviews

I have been watching shows put on by Gosford Musical Society for at least thirty years and like all groups, some of their productions are better than others.  To be fair, even the premier musical societies and theatrical companies in Sydney can blow hot and cold at times.  But last night’s opening of ‘Hunchback’ really kicked GMS into another level and was the best thing that I have ever seen on the Central Coast, period.

Somewhere up the NSW coast, north of Sydney, is the laid-back, close-knit community of McGuffin Park. They read the one-man-produced McGuffin Mail, back the local team McGuffin Hogs, eat delicious McGuffin’s Muffins, meet and drink at the ever-expanding McGuffin Arms. It seems that living inside Alfred Hitchcock’s favourite plot device is a breeze.

Babirra Music Theatre's recent production of Gypsy at The Round was a dazzling showcase of talent and passion. This timeless musical, with its iconic score and captivating story, was brought to life with stunning performances, exquisite costumes, and a masterful orchestra.

It’s hard to think of a more thrilling decade than the 1920’s, so catastrophically bookended by wars and tyranny, but so explosive in its arts, modernity and social advances.  

Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s one-hour concert series here squeezes in three compelling works from the roaring twenties.  It begins with Igor Stravinsky’s spirited suite drawing on works attributed to the 18th-century composer Giovanni Pergolesi , and relishing the Italian’s  theatricality and comedia dell arte.