Reviews

Billy Elliot The Musical

Music by Elton John. Lyrics and Book by Lee Hall. Matt Ward Entertainment. Directed by Tim Hill. The Theatre, Star Casino, Gold Coast. July 6th – July 30th, 2023

The story of a young Geordie boy aspiring to become a ballet dancer in Britian’s Northern coal fields during the miners’ strike of 1984 proved a smash hit when the feature film was released in 2000, but it isn’t an obvious choice for a musical. The Geordie accent can prove difficult for cast and audience alike, and some find the poverty and grime of the despairing striking miners to be depressing, and yet the 2005 musical is constantly on top ten lists of Best Musicals of the 21st century.

All Shook Up

By Joe DiPietro. HAMA Productions. Directed by Vincent Hooper. Crown Theatre, Perth, WA. July 8-23, 2023

Last weekend saw one of the biggest theatre weekends for Perth this year, with at least nine shows opening, the biggest of which has to be HAMA Productions’ All Shook Up at Crown Theatre. Attracting great crowds despite a heap of competition (including the Dockers’ game next door), this bright show based on the music of Elvis Presley had the audience tapping their feet throughout.

The Cemetery Club

By Ivan Menchell. Directed by Phil Carney. New Farm Nash Theatre. July 7 –29, 2023.

This is a poignant comedy-drama about relationships, ageing, relationships and life after adversity concerns three friends – Doris, Lucille and Ester.  All three live in the same Jewish community, are in their mid-to-late fifties and have become widows in the past few years. Once a month they gather to visit their husbands’ graves and meet afterwards to talk about their lives. From these talks, the audience learns of the developing differences between them as to how to approach the future while not forgetting the past marriages.

Ray Plays Tchaikovsky

Queensland Symphony Orchestra. QPAC. 8 July 2023

The concert hall at QPAC was once again alive with the music of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, this time accompanying violin virtuoso Ray Chen. The sixth Maestro concert of the year for the Orchestra, Chen took to the stage to play Tchaikovsky’s Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra.

Chopin’s Piano

By Paul Kildea & Richard Pyros. Presented by Musica Viva Australia, directed by Richard Pyros. Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, 31 Sturt St, Southbank. 8 & 11 July 2023.

Chopin’s Piano is a performance that contextualises the history of the composition of Chopin's 24 Preludes, Op. 28. The controversial compositions overturn the genre because of their disparate and self-contained nature. The incorporation of the theatrical representation of the circumstances of their composition and exhibition is a great way to build an understanding of the role of this unusual work. In staging this story this performance also defies genre as there is little precedent for the combination of theatre performance and piano recital.

Duck Pond

By Circa. Playhouse Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane. 5 to 8 July 2023

Brisbane audiences were lucky enough to see the world premiere of Circa’s new Duck Pond for a few short performances. Although, I anticipate there will be many opportunities to enjoy this ensemble work as it is sure to be revived again and again as an iconic set piece in the Circa portfolio.

All Sorts

Henry Lawson Theatre, Werrington. 8th, 5th and 22nd July, 2023

All Sorts is as colourful and varied as the name suggests. It’s a collection of seven short pieces, some written by members of the company, all with a different take on some aspect of life – and some with a bit of a twist.

Last Time

Written & directed by Lily Hensby. Hensby & Beckett Productions. The Motley Bauhaus, Black Box, 118 Elgin Street Carlton. 8 – 15 July 2023

Lucas (Mark Yeates) has been away for a spell; he says in London, but do we believe him?  Jesse (Lottie Beckett) has noticed he’s back in town and gets in touch.  By the end of the play, we understand why.  They hooked up maybe a year ago – a one night stand.  Of course, each remembers it differently…

Anything Goes (Youth Edition)

Music and lyrics by Cole Porter. New book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman. Bel Canto. Directed by Blake Jenkins. Old Mill Theatre, South Perth, WA. July 7-15, 2023

Bel Canto’s youth production of Anything Goes is one of the best productions you will see of this classic musical - despite being a slightly shortened version and the cast all being 18 years of age or under. A beautifully polished, well sung and superbly danced musical with outstanding production values, this is a treat to watch for audiences of all ages.

JUST (tricking, annoying, stupid, crazy, disgusting, shocking, doomed) LIVE ON STAGE!

By Robin Goldsworthy. Adapted from the JUST book series written by Andy Griffiths and illustrated by Terry Denton. Red Line Productions / Arts On Tour. Sydney Coliseum, West HQ. July 4, 2023, then touring.

From the moment JUST (tricking, annoying, stupid, crazy, disgusting, shocking, doomed) LIVE ON STAGE! begins, the audience is in for an unforgettable ride. 

Playwright Robin Goldsworthy has expertly adapted the wildly popular book series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton for the stage, capturing the essence of the books, packing in humour, chaos, and a touch of zaniness. The result is an absolute joy for audiences of all ages.

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.