By Daryl Peebles. Presented by Mates Theatre Genesis. Directed by Tereska Hart. Redland Museum. 25 January to 9 February, 2020
Who doesn’t like a good Aussie barbie? Only stuck up snobs that’s who! This Barbeque is a comedic look at the class system in our lucky country and whether or not money can buy happiness. According to the well-to-do matriarch of the McKenzies, Judith (Suze Harpur) it certainly can’t buy taste. Her character sneers down her nose at the Coopers, your friendly neighbourhood bogan lotto winners. What is it that old money hates so much about the nouveau riche anyway? Isn’t family, friendship and authenticity more important than money?
Music: Marvin Hamlisch. Lyrics: Edward Kleban. Book: James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante. Beenleigh Theatre Group Queensland. Jan 31 – Feb 15, 2020.
A Chorus Line is one of the most beloved musicals in the modern canon. The fifth longest-running show on Broadway. and one of only eight musicals to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this is a show that speaks to people about art and what it takes to create it. Beenleigh Theatre Group has revived the show, directed from the mind of director-choreographer Stewie Matthews.
By Six Inches Uncut and Ira Luxuria. Midsumma Festival. Theatre Works. Jan 28 – Feb 1, 2020
The Midsumma Festival presents Birdoir, devised by cabaret/burlesque deviants Six Inches Uncut and Ira Luxuria, along with their human bird entourage including Mahla Bird, Leon Andon, Kathryn Kaeler and Sal Francisco. The team has donned their finest feathers for a wild hour of colourful ornithological entertainment.
Based on the film Una Giomata Particolare by Ettore Scola. Por Piedad Teatro and Playco. Fringe World. Directed by Antonio Vega. Home Economics, The Girls School, Wellington St, Perth. Feb 3-16, 2020
This exquisitely presented co-production from Mexican company Por Piedad Teatro and New York’s Playco, uses Mexican actors to tell an Italian story, and is performed in English. Excellent storytelling, with a unique performance style, it will delight audiences throughout the second half of Fringe World.
Written and directed by Keely Moloney. un/BALANCED Khaós. Fringe World. Lazy Susan’s Comedy Den, Brisbane Hotel, Beaufort St, Highgate, WA. Feb 1-5, 2020
In un/BALANCED Khaós’ Are You Kid-ing Me?, Hayden and Elliot decide to start up a company specialising in Children's entertainment. With assistance from a DJ with social issues and a handyman who may be moonlighting as a porn star, Hayden and Elliot hold auditions to find the perfect performers.
By Philip Dean. Gold Coast Little Theatre. 1st – 22nd February, 2020
First published in November 1996 this funny, yet poignant, play focuses on the unlikely developing relationship between two deserted wives - polar opposites - coming together through shared experiences and mutual needs in a small outback Australian town.
By PO PO MO CO and Friends. A PO PO MO CO Presentation. Hares & Hyenas Bookshop, 163 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. 31 January – 1 February 2020
The Summer of the 17th Doll? The 1955 Australian classic by Ray Lawler? Well, not exactly. Anyone familiar with the work of PO PO MO CO knows it couldn’t be. As they say in their publicity, they – and their friends – ‘take a meat cleaver’ to the play.
Written and directed by Maddi Byrne. Fringe World. Lazy Susan’s Comedy Den, Brisbane Hotel, Beaufort St, Highgate. Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2020
Swipe Right is billed as a “Musical…Almost” and, indeed, it is, with the music being the backbone of this fresh, funny new show. Maddi Byrne’s solo show is also very clever standup comedy, which had its audiences laughing heartily throughout.
By Greg Lavell. Western Sky Projects. Fringe World. Directed by Joshua James Webb. The Studio, Subiaco Arts Centre, WA. Jan 29 - Feb 1, 2020
Western Sky Projects is a new company which aims to showcase home grown musical theatre shows and talent in Western Australia. Kiss is a World Premiere, with book and lyrics by Greg Lavell, featuring a local cast, which has played to sell-out houses during its short Fringe World run.
Produced and directed by Karen Jemison. Presented by Manilla Street Productions. The National Theatre, 20 Carlisle St, St. Kilda. 31 January - 2 February, 2020.
Amazing Grace returns after its premiere in 2018 with a brand-new show that includes a line-up of over forty calisthenic and musical performers as well as live music by the Amazing Grace orchestra. The selection of numbers is impeccable as is the quality of the performance. The show adopts a Busby Berkeley approach to the choreography which is married perfectly with the calisthenics.
