Reviews

Occasionally, we have the opportunity to experience theatre that transports us into something like an ethereal flight through time and place. Sandra Thibodeaux’s epic poem is one such masterpiece, performed with a rare and restless authenticity and an equally brittle honesty and self-awareness. We were, from the first words, utterly enthralled and completely on her side in the life and death battle against her failing heart and her equally failing faith in the ‘gowns’ – the doctors and attendant ‘scrubs’ – who might save her life.

Adelaide is blessed with several vibrant theatre companies on its margins including Blackwood Players, with most having a strong mandate to entertain their local communities. Each company presents the type of theatre and plays that their audiences both demand and love, and in doing so, provide a niche community resource.

Touring shows return to Perth with a bang with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, now playing at the Crown Theatre - a lovely celebration of a show which is certain to delight audiences, judging from the gasps of surprise and joy on Opening Night.

Very, very slick, this production, has oodles of stage magic, even before we enter the wonderful world of Willy Wonka’s factory. There is expert use of projections by Jeff Sugg, and a set full of surprises by Mark Thompson and clever lighting from Japhy Weideman. Basil Twist’s use of puppetry is next level.

Noël Coward’s 80-year-old classic - Blithe Spirit - seems an unusual choice for student actors in their teens and twenties, and their young audience, but PAANDA - Performing Arts Society of Notre Dame is finding an audience for this show, with its well-attended season of this show.