Blanc de Blanc Encore (Strut & Fret), at Spiegel Haus Melbourne – cabaret review (warning: contains some coarse content)
It is Melbourne’s newest entertainment precinct (off Lonsdale Street), with a sizzling hot new show,…
Blanc de Blanc Encore (Strut & Fret), at Spiegel Haus Melbourne – cabaret review (warning: contains some coarse content)
It is Melbourne’s newest entertainment precinct (off Lonsdale Street), with a sizzling hot new show, involving seven spirited performers. I speak of Spiegel Haus Melbourne and the adults only, risqué cabaret Blanc de Blanc Encore. It is slick, sexy and in your face – in short, a walk on the wild side – with audience…
Bladderwrack (Theatre Works’ Explosives Factory) – theatre review
Poppycock and balderdash. That sums up the theatre of the absurd production that is Bladderwrack at Theatre Works’ Explosives Factory. It is errant nonsense – a fruit loop pantomime with a few operatic interludes. Inspirations include Spike Milligan and The Goon Show, so we shouldn’t be surprised. Bladderwrack starts with some light-hearted banter and audience…
Monopoly Yarra Valley edition
Monopoly now has its own localised version for one of the most picturesque parts of Australia, Victoria’s stunning Yarra Valley. Local businesses have gotten together to support a new iteration of the classic board game, which is the most played in the world. In fact, according to the Australian licensee, more than 250 million copies…
Where is Joy?, at fortyfivedownstairs – theatre review
Artist Joy Hester (21st August, 1920 – 4th December, 1960) didn’t run with the pack. Despite being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 27, given a year to live and told to put her house in order, she continued to do things her way. She thumbed her nose at the doctor and at the establishment….
The Barber of Seville (Opera Australia), at Regent Theatre – opera review
I can’t speak highly enough of the comic might of Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville (with libretto by Cesare Sterbini), as performed so adroitly by Opera Australia. If you have not seen this hilarious opera, let me draw a comparison to the cleverness inherent in arguably the finest popular British TV comedy Fawlty Towers….
Opera Up Late (Opera Australia) – comedic opera review
What a great talent this man is. Reuben Kaye headlines a bawdy show to remember, introducing three Australian Opera headliners in the camped-up Opera Up Late. Making its first appearance in Melbourne, it has been a staple in Sydney since it was conceived by Kaye and award-winning director Shaun Rennie for WorldPride in 2023. It…
Hair (Athenaeum Theatre) – musical theatre review
Given the state of the world, the anti-war message carried by the tribal, love, rock musical Hair is as relevant today as when it exploded onto the stage in 1967. With a book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, and music by Galt MacDermot, it began off-Broadway that year. It started its Broadway…
School of Rock (theatrical.), at The National Theatre – musical theatre review
If you are in the mood for some light-hearted fun and hijinks, head for The National Theatre to see theatrical’s production of School of Rock. Debuting on Broadway in December 2015, it is based on the 2003 film, which was a hit for Jack Black, who played the most unlikely of teachers. The musical features…
The Talented Mr Ripley (Sydney Theatre Company) at Arts Centre Melbourne – theatre review
Carpe diem is a Latin phrase meaning “seize the day”. That is exactly what small time conman Tom Ripley (Will McDonald), who works in an advertising agency, does when presented with an unlikely opportunity. It is the late 1950s. The New York native is approached by Herbert Greenleaf (Andrew McFarlane) with a proposition. Shipping magnate…
Dying: A Memoir (MTC) – theatre review
After a grand, unexpected and memorable opening to the play, Genevieve Morris introduces herself as writer Cory Taylor. In 2005, just before she turned 50, she was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma and, with that, she was given a death sentence. The way she was told was cold and clinical, a doctor using medical terminology…
