Reviews

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of WA is branching out, with their first non-G&S major production in many years, presenting the Cole Porter classic Kiss Me, Kate.

Performing with a quality 15-piece band, under the baton of pianist, conductor, musical director Micheal Brett, the principal actors are miked - unusual for G&S. The singing, as we would expect, is of a high standard.

Sail Boat Home was performed by Company Bad, AFK and WAAPA as part of the Awesome Festival for Bright Young Things, in a completely transformed Geography Room at the State Library.

A completely interactive, workshop style production, children and their accompanying adults sat on the floor in the middle of the room as the action unfurled around them. The young participants became part of the show as they played musical instruments and operated puppets to further the story.

This classic Australian play was presented by Stirling Players. A contemporary of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, previously presented by director Tim Riessen at this theatre, it looks at Australian culture and prejudice against “New Australians” in the post-war period.

Matthew Whittet insists that his play about teenagers getting trashed after their last day at school should use only older actors; and certainly, this lot are much closer to 70 than 17. 

Armed with precious saved-up grog, these aging teenagers gather in the playground of their local park; life – or something – is all ahead, but this night they obviously have lots of fears and secrets still unresolved.  Gradually and predictably, through games (truth or dare), furious dancing, booze and chundering, each of their secrets are revealed to their peers.