Reviews

If a matrix is something ‘from which another originates’ then this absolutely defines the creative collaboration between Queensland-based Expressions Dance Company (EDC) and Beijing’s LDTX dance companies. This box-fresh creation is part of a unique five-year dance exchange programme between Australia and China, and the second joint creation of EDC and LDTX.

The Nunsense franchise has been reliably entertaining all manner of audiences from a wide range of countries, for a good many years now - and in a variety of formats, not merely on the stage.

It’s difficult to argue with such widespread and sustained success, especially given that comic taste is such a personal and subjective matter – but there is surely cause to wonder whether this particular show might be due for retirement, or at least an overhaul of sorts.

Madwomen Monologues is back for another season of scintillating new short plays by local women writers. Launched in 2011 by the creative team at Baggage Productions, the growing support and submissions they receive each year have been astonishing. One act plays with one-act performers makes this annual event unique and compelling. They are currently running two programs of six plays at The Butterfly Club.

Finishing the year with flare, the Players are presenting Wicked in a bright, refreshing telling of the goings on leading up to The Wizard of Oz.

The vocally demanding role of Galinda/Glinda is shared by Ella Jackowski and Tammy Dundon, and likewise Elphaba by Justine Guttridge and Liz van Eck. The supporting cast includes Melanie Dorien, Luke Hogan, Jacinta Hunter, Liam Gatt, Carl Moore and Rod Ramsey.