Reviews

I have always thought that the 1990 film Edward Scissorhands is the pinnacle of Johnny Depp’s acting career, the ‘Frankenstein’ boy with scissors instead of hands who only wants to fit into society. It’s a unique combination of comedy, tragedy and horror.

British choreographer Matthew Bourne, famous for his 1995 all male version of Swan Lake has taken this classic film and turned it into a ballet while still retaining the look and feel of the original but placing it in the 50s instead of the 80s.

Puccini's two contrasting one-act operas are an excellent choice for students of classical voice not only because of their vocal requirements but also their intriguing theatricality and diversity of character. After recently viewing a production of the university's musical theatre department and now the talents of the opera school, I am equally impressed by the standard of presentation, though in this instance these works are a worthy example of two diverse and demanding scores that require far more intense and expert vocal training.

Roleystone Theatre delivered three very different one act plays as part of a very short one act season. With two locally written shows, one of which was a musical and a Russian classic, it was certainly a diverse selection.

Photographer: Perren Bonsall

From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant, and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the best written. The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre's finest accomplishments.