Reviews

The 1994 film The Adventures of Pricilla Queen of the Desert was notable not only for introducing international audiences to versatile, homegrown stars Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce; it also showcased a hitherto hidden Australian archetype. This one being neither 'ugly' nor 'rugged': the bawdy, b*tchy, warm, loving and heroically QUEER Aussie – albeit within the parameters of the Drag community. It's worth reminding folx that the film's huge box office success was NOT anticipated.

A Practical Guide to Self Defence is another piece of theatre that realises National Theatre of Parramatta’s aim to produce work that “reflects the diversity of Australia today through contemporary and bold performances”. The play does all of that. It’s autobiographical and reflects the experience of many kids growing up in Australia’s multicultural society. It’s very contemporary, and it’s certainly bold. How often do you see martial arts in Sydney theatres? It’s also very funny!

Four Gen Z housemates (Miela Anich, Henry Kelly, Myfanwy Hocking and Sebastian Li) stare at their phones, play Dungeons and Dragons, bicker, and watch TV.  They’re just hanging out till the Apocalypse happens - any time now.  An alienated married couple (Meg Dunn and Sebastian Li) talk past each other.  Pierrot the clown (Lachie Gough) keeps coming to work and trying but realises he’s just not very talented or funny. 

An older married couple are cleaning out their attic in the early 1990s, reminiscing about their younger selves through the objects they find lying in boxes. They’re moving because he’s out of a job and their invested nest egg has been embezzled by their trusted financiers. He was a comedy writer, then producer; she is the organiser and the woman who has looked after the money he has earned.