Reviews

The thirty something Brodi Snook is a full bag of sardonic wit and cheeky humour; she shifts and shapes a clever narrative around her anxieties while her villainous sub- conscious pulsates between visits to her therapist. Beginning her funny hour with talk of a “shaved pussy”, requesting audiences to show hands for or against, all who were a little reticent to reveal their preference laughed at her brazen feminist humour, while she admonished men and submissive women.

I recently had the opportunity to travel a little outside my usual reviewing circuit, to see Esperance Theatre Guild’s warm, well-presented production of ‘Allo ‘Allo, well known from the classic TV series.

The theatre venue is an experience itself. Beautifully appointed inside, with up-to-date facilities, The Bijou Theatre, is the oldest purpose-built theatre still operating in Western Australia and the third oldest nationally. It is picturesque and attractive and filled with friendly and attentive front of house staff and an eager audience.

Friedrich Schiller’s play Mary Stuart was first performed in 1800. Set in 1586, it tells of a plot to assassinate Elizabeth I of England instigated by her cousin Mary Stuart, deposed Queen of Scotland, who claimed the right to the English throne.

Both were strong women who had the following of loyal supporters, but Elizabeth, as the crowned Queen, had the upper hand, and kept Mary in prison in England for 19 years. The plot, carried out by Mary’s Catholic followers, was unsuccessful and led, eventually to Mary’s execution.

Bridget Mackey has penned a very unusual story in that she prioritises the perspective and fantasies of a teenage girl and fully indulges them. Bored by life in mundane Australian suburbs, the fourteen-year-old girl (Matilda Gibbs) has strong fantasies about becoming a witch. While online she finds an older man (Daniel Schlusser) who claims he can teach her how to practice witchcraft.