Reviews

The Pirates of Penzance would appear to be one of this year’s most popular shows, at least in Western Australia - with this being the third for this reviewer. There is probably a psychological explanation, that when times are tricky, we return to the safety of this beloved and funny operetta, first performed in 1879.

Dramatist Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play Spring Awakening, which brought to light issues in the sexually oppressive culture of 19th century Germany, still resonates strongly with the youth of today. Reimagined by NIDA graduate and Green Room nominee Daniel Lammin, Awakening delivers the vivid dramatisation of the erotic fantasies and existential angst audiences expect from Wedekind’s original work, within a modern-day setting.

The moon used not to wax and wane. It used to be full of light until it developed a slow leak. The audience at the first night of The Old Man and The Old Moon may have entered the state-of-the-art new Studio Theatre slightly leaky but left, universally, brim-full of light.

Since I saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the eve of its London opening in June 2013, the show has undergone radical surgery with eight songs cut and more songs from the 1971 movie included. This is a good thing, and with all the winners who have the ‘Golden Ticket’ now played by adults instead of children, a much streamlined set, and washing the stage with video images, this ride into ‘Oompa Loompa’ land is most enjoyable.