Reviews

Slaughterhouse Five is based on the satirical novel by Kurt Vonnegut, published in 1969 (during the Vietnam War). The complex piece of literary meta–fiction, that stands the test of time due to its anti-war sentiment, has incited this adaptation by local writer/director Fleur Kilpatrick in collaboration with the Monash University Student Theatre association and Theatreworks, creating a thought provoking piece of theatre.

It is a good sign when you do not want a performance to end. I experienced this feeling at Adelaide Youth Theatre’s production of High School Musical Jnr on Friday night. A talented bunch of performers were split into two casts and I was fortunate enough to witness the talents of the red cast.

From the opening number there was an explosion of vibrant energy. Director Thomas Phillips has found his niche if this show is anything to go by. Phillips and assistant director Matthew Monti’s direction was flawless.

Brisbane Immersive Ensemble present an evening that’s more of an experience than a show. Forget sitting passively in the audience as a voyeur. This production invites everyone to dress up in 1930s costumes and become immersed in the narrative.

A brilliant production!

10 years ago Les Mis was given a re-tread, with the theatrical equivalent of botox, facelift, and tummy tuck. Twenty minutes were cut from the original run time, pictures added to the backdrop, more sets, more props, fancier effects, less barricade, more moving around on stage by everybody. This souped-up version was designed to appeal to a generation brought up on Marvel movies and the Fast & Furious franchise. This was the version that played in the Australian pro-revival from 2015 – 2017.