Reviews

The Ros Packer Theatre was originally used by merchants as a Bond Store in the wool trade, and writer Geoffrey Sykes has chosen the cosy industrial looking sandstone room known as the Richard Wherrett Studio for his historical revue.

It is a good space for the piece, much of which is set at the trial and jail cell of runaway convict George Clarke in the 1830s. He was deemed to be a major threat to public safety of the colony because he befriended and lived with nine Aboriginal tribes.

Venturing into Brisbane's Theatre of Magic feels akin to stepping through a portal into another world. It’s reminiscent of a bygone era, with the venue’s décor, performers’ garb, and pre-show tunes all designed to set the mood of old-school opulence. 

This is the story of Scott Parker who spent 20 years in Hillsong reaching the heights of Christian celebrity as a star singer. Welcome to the alluring world of megachurches, which make such great dramatic backdrops with their evangelical bigotries and financial secrets, their effusive theatre and enveloping community – and especially in Scott’s telling, since he’s also queer.  

Everybody is ruthless in Ruthless, but some are more ruthless than others.  Naturally the most ruthless wins.  This musical is about How to Succeed in (Show) Business by scheming, by making your own opportunities, eliminating rivals, and, yes, having some talent.