Reviews

Bloody Murder

By Ed Sala. Canberra Repertory, directed by Josh Wiseman. Theatre 3, Canberra. 21 November – 7 December 2024.

Lady Somerset’s annual soirée takes place on the isolated country estate where she lives with her morally loose nephew, Charles; her maid, Jane; and a couple of downstairs servants.  This year’s guests include a pompous major; a countess; a dissipated actor; a sweet ingénue…

A Very Naughty Christmas

Creator/Producer Alex Woodward. Creator/Director/Choreographer Daniel Venz. Director Emily Gilhome. Presented by Woodward Productions. Roundhouse Theatre, Qld. 28 November – 18 December 2024

It’s the show that puts the ho into ho ho ho, and it’s back for another very naughty season. Now in its eighth year of production, A Very Naughty Christmas is a big, bright, and brazen celebration of the holidays just for the grown-ups. This Christmas themed cabaret has sex appeal with a burlesque sense of humour, raunchy remixes of familiar festive tunes, comedic skits and banter, and some hilarious audience interaction.

9 to 5

Music by Dolly Parton. Script: Patricia Resnick. Coolum Theatre Players, Qld. November 29 – December 8, 2024

So? 9 to 5. I found myself in the middle of a packed audience in Coolum, which consisted mainly of women. Mamma Mia!, all over again. They were there for a really good time, they whooped, laughed and applauded at a genuinely funny – and quite silly - show. 

Terry Pratchett’s Guards! Guards!

Adapted by Stephen Briggs. Directed by Bradley Towton. Roleystone Theatre, WA. Nov 22 - 30, 2024.

Many theatre companies try to put a guaranteed crowd-pleaser as their final show for the year, a good way of guaranteeing bums-on-seats and setting yourself up financially for the year ahead. For most clubs that means a pantomime or musical, but Roleystone from time to time turn to the cult following of Terry Pratchett, including this year’s Guards! Guards!

Wanderings

Written by Margi Brown Ash, Zac Callaghan and Leah Mercer. Directed by Leah Mercer. Presented by The Nest Ensemble. Queensland Theatre's DOOR 3 Program. Diane Cilento Studio, 29 Nov – 14 Dec 2024

Wanderings is an incredible new play written by Margi Brown Ash, Zac Callaghan and Leah Mercer. It’s one of those works one feels privileged to have experienced. The script is deeply moving, brilliantly clever, and superbly funny. It deals with transitions of two different kinds. One is a transition of gender, and the other a transition of age and lifestyle.

The two-hander lovingly shares the story of Stella (Margi Brown Ash), a woman in her 70s who is living with dementia, and her transgender son Kidd (Zac Callaghan).

The Peter Allen Show

Presented by Simon Chamberlain and the Toucan Club Cabaret & Live Arts Festival. Pip Theatre, 28 - 30 November, 2024

The Peter Allen Show at Pip Theatre’s Toucan Club Cabaret & Live Arts Festival is a dazzling celebration of one of Australia’s most beloved entertainers. Performed by Brisbane locals Simon Chamberlain, Maureen Bowra, and Rebel Bliss, the show features a cabaret style mix of Allen’s iconic hits and lesser-known gems, interspersed with engaging banter – some scripted and some off the cuff.

F Christmas

Co-created by Susie Dee, and Fat Fruit (Bec Matthews & Sarah Ward). Directed by Susie Dee. Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank Melbourne. 27 November - 15 December 2024.

F Christmas is not for the faint hearted or for those who have a serious attachment to traditional Christmas festivities. The X rated language and full-frontal nudity that feature heavily in the show are far from its most controversial elements. Irreverence for the cheesiest traditions related to Christmas come under direct attack. The performance is a queer and eclectic collection of singing, dancing, circus acts and cabaret that turn Christmas completely on its head.

Mother Goose on the Loose

Written and directed by Taneal Thompson. Marloo Theatre, Greenmount, WA. Nov 22 - Dec 7, 2024

It’s mid Panto Season and if you have an urge to boo villains and bellow “They’re behind you!”, you would be well advised to take a trip into the hills to see the premiere season of Mother Goose on the Loose. This locally written pantomime feels part of the best British tradition, without any stray references to Tesco or the Electric Company to leave you wrinkling your brows.

Oh My God I’m Blak!

La Mama Courthouse. Nov 27 – Dec 8, 2024

Oh My God I’m Blak! is directed by Maryanne Sam and co-devised with Patricia Cornelius and Irine Vela. An enchanting story reflects on vivid family memories set against the struggles of cultural identity. In a one-woman show Miela Anich portrays Mary, who yearns to head back to  her roots after her nomadic and traumatic childhood.

A Christmas Carol

A version by Jack Thorne. Director: Matthew Warchus. Composer and Arranger: Christopher Nightingale. Sound: Simon Baker. Set and Costume: Rob Howell. Lighting: Hugh Vanstone. Movement: Lizzi Gee. Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St., Melbourne. 29 November – 29 December, 2024

Musicians playing well-loved carols, cast members throwing mandarins and delivering fruit mince tarts to the audience against the backdrop of what seems like a million lights sets the tone for an involving, magical and moving show.

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