Reviews

The Ajoona Guest House

By Stephen House. Bakehouse Studio, Adelaide. 1-11 December 2021

The Ajoona Guest House is the third in a trilogy of monologues, each set in a different city, by award-winning storyteller, Adelaide born Stephen House. The writer, poet, artist and self-described “queer nomad” draws on his lifetime of travels to expose gritty stories of the downtrodden and damaged. House has said himself that he brings attention to the “plight of the underclass”. As writer and solo performer he does so with a skill, both in language and performance, that is emotional, embracing and exquisite.

Nevermore

Book, lyrics and music by Johnathan Christenson. Grey Lantern Productions. Directed by Lorna Mackie. Subiaco Arts Centre, WA. Dec 1-4, 2021

Nevermore, subtitled “The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe”, is a visually stunning, beautifully presented production from Grey Lantern Productions at Subiaco Arts Centre. The story of Poe’s life is told, in poetry highly reminiscent of his own cadence, in an excellent piece of shared storytelling, with events nicely enacted.

Snow White and the Seven Christmas Elves

By Alex Jackson. Directed by Maria Passalacqua. Roxy Lane Theatre, Maylands, WA. Nov 27-Dec 12, 2021

Snow White and the Seven Christmas Elves is traditional British pantomime, with modern sensibilities. Starring a large enthusiastic cast, its run includes plenty of family friendly matinees.

Featuring lots of bright costumes (Celeste Lopez and Christine Ellis), it plays on a colourful multi-locale set (designed by director Maria Passalacqua). At the opening matinee this production felt a little undercooked, with a few dropped lines and scene changes that were on the slow side, but there was plenty to like in this holiday offering.

Hogfather

By Terry Pratchett, adapted by Stephen Briggs. Roleystone Theatre. Directed by Bradley Towton. Roleystone Hall, WA. Nov 16-Dec 4, 2021

In a very seasonal offering, Roleystone Theatre presents Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather at their temporary home, the Roleystone Hall.

Over nineteen scenes, seventeen actors retell the Discworld novel, where to save the earth, Death is forced to take on the role of Hogfather, a Father Christmas-like soul.

Nightingale

By Tony Carey and Bart Donkers. Directed by Tony Carey. Bunbury Musical Comedy Group, WA. Nov 19 - 28, 2021

Bunbury Musical Comedy Group produced the World Premiere of Nightingale, a new musical inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy-tale, with original songs inspired by the sound of ABBA. It’s co-written by a geographically separated writing team - Tony Carey in Bunbury, Western Australia (who also directed) has provided book, music and lyrics, with some songs co-written by Bart Donkers in Breda, the Netherlands.

Death and the Maiden

By Ariel Dorfman. Ad Astra, Brisbane. Directed by Jacqueline Kerr. 17 November to 4 December 2021

Instead of writing a political thriller about a dictatorship, South American playwright Ariel Dorfman produced Death and the Maiden –  a story about a husband and wife whose damaged relationship illustrates the results of endemic corruption and violence. As with some of Harold Pinter's political plays – I'm thinking of One for the Road – the exact location is never specifically stated, but events hint that this is Chile under the Pinochet regime of the 1970s and 80s.

Song to Symphony

Conductor Dane Lam. Soloist Hyung Suk Bae (cello). Presented by Queensland Symphony Orchestra. QPAC Concert Hall. 28 November, 2021

Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s long-running Music on Sundays series is a wonderful way for anyone to enjoy classical music. Whether you’re a dedicated orchestra buff or a novice, you’ll appreciate the warm and relaxed atmosphere, the fun and humour. Each show in the series includes orchestral works which are centred around a common theme. The final theme for 2021 is Song to Symphony - Inspirational Folk Melodies.

Can of Worms

By Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phil Scott. The Wharf Revue 2021. York Theatre Seymour Centre. 23 Nov – 23 Dec 2021

Here once more without the wharf we had before!

No longer at the Wharf, but at the York Theatre at the Seymour Centre, The Wharf Revue team swing into the opening number of their new show. Will a change of venue matter! It’s highly unlikely. Their faithful audiences have been following them around the state for twenty years for a plethora of reasons. Their biting, acerbic satire for a start! Their intellect and acuity! Their wide experience across the arts: writing, acting, composing, performing.

A Poet’s Love

Presented by Opera Queensland in partnership with Brisbane Music Festival. Opera Queensland Studio. 27 November, 2021

Soprano Sarah Crane, baritone Shaun Brown, and pianist Alex Raineri delighted the full house at Opera Queensland Studio with A Poet’s Love. This passionate performance marked the final Opera Queensland (OQ) recital for 2021. It was a charming way to cap off a successful year for both OQ and their production partners – Brisbane Music Festival, for which Raineri is also artistic director.

Summer of the 17th Doll.

By Ray Lawler. Stirling Players. Directed by Tim Riessen. Stirling Theatre, Innaloo, WA. Nov 26 - Dec 11, 2021

To usher in the start of Summer, Stirling Players presents Ray Lawler’s Australian classic, Summer of the 17th Doll.

A famous story of cane cutters staying in Melbourne for the lay-off, a well decorated set, constructed by Pauline Gibb, with decor by Janet and Tom Brandwood and costumes by Merri Ford and cast, transport us back to around 1955. The titular dolls have been very prettily created by Fran Gordon. The show features an effective lighting design from John Woolrych.

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