Reviews

“Come You Spirits” co-producers Charles Mayer and Jo Bloom lead this production that concentrates on the romantic tragedy of Shakespeare’s play, touching only briefly on the political situation that took Antony backwards and forwards between Rome and Alexandria. This means that only fragments of the play are included – and though the acting is moving and the language beautifully spoken, it is only part of the play.

Mrs ‘Jackie’ Marvin (Emma Algeri) presents as a type of Head Mistress we recognise or remember.  Bumptious, self-assured, self-important, just a little authoritarian, boasting while humble…  ‘Call me Jackie…’  Jackie tells us that there will be a presentation on ‘leadership in education’ and that announcement is backed by a slick video presentation.  We’re off to a promising satiric start – except that Jackie seems to forget about ‘leadership’ very quickly and instead catalogues a somewhat dubious

It’s a sad time for political satire in Australia as the Wharf Revue team is presenting their final show ever (unless we can convince them to pull a Farnsie and treat us to a couple more farewell tours). They may be leaving us after 25 years of outstanding work lampooning the powerful and inept, but they’re doing it on a high note. The End Of Wharf As We Know It is a masterclass in caricature, with witty song lyrics, sharp dialogue, and fun dance sequences.

Homophonic! is a celebration of queer chamber music and is now in its 15th year. This year the poignancy of this event is especially palpable given the rise of a political climate that aims to marginalise queer folk. The importance of celebrating and acknowledging queer talent could not be more urgent. Homophonic! also features the extremely talented singers from the vocal ensemble, Consort of Melbourne, whose angelic voices help to bathe the audience in this uplifting experience.