MR BIG aka Tatay, A Transwoman and That Tiring Tune! at fortyfivedownstairs – theatre review
Set between Australia and the Philippines, the tragicomedy MR BIG aka Tatay, A Transwoman and…
Smithsonian Starstruck (Fever), at Level 1, 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne – virtual reality review
With so many stars and planets in the universe, why is Earth the only one we know of so far that can support a preponderance of human life? That is a question answered categorically in the interactive and immersive virtual reality experience Smithsonian Starstruck. Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts,…
EONARIUM Enlightenment, at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne – installation art review
A cavalcade of colour, movement and sound, EONARIUM Enlightenment is a sensory sensation with huge emotional resonance. Upstairs at the Immigration Museum is the perfect venue to immerse yourself in this spirited showcase that dazzles and delights. Antonio Vivaldi’s Baroque era masterpiece The Four Seasons provides the ultimate sound bed for an extraordinary half hour…
Sweet Charity (Heirlume Productions) at Chapel Off Chapel – musical theatre review
Tragicomic in nature, Sweet Charity features a series of big musical numbers. It premiered on Broadway in 1966, was nominated for nine Tony Awards (winning one for choreography) and continues to resonate. With book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, it is based on the screenplay for the 1957…
Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars (Feld Entertainment), at Rod Laver Arena and touring – theatre review
It is known as the magical world of Disney for a reason, which is immediately evident when you witness the spectacular show Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars. Featuring a surfeit of Disney favourites, this is something special. As technology continues to develop and with creativity in abundance, I venture to suggest this…
Losing Face (MTC), at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner – theatre review
The wellness industry gets a well-deserved dressing down in Marieke Hardy’s uproarious comedy with a dark underbelly, Losing Face. Jo (Michala Banas), Lauren (Christie Whelan Browne) and Simone (Madeleine Sami) have been besties since … forever. Only these days they don’t see much of each other because, well, life has gotten in the way. In…
Copland Dance Episodes (The Australian Ballet) – ballet review
Colour, movement and music to delight the senses. Modern balletic dance at its finest. A work of sublime beauty and integrity that has 30 captivating dancers entrancing the audience from a blank canvas. Save for lighting differentiation and enthralling music, their backdrop is an open stage. All the more reason to admire their endeavours. As…
MR BIG aka Tatay, A Transwoman and That Tiring Tune! at fortyfivedownstairs – theatre review
Set between Australia and the Philippines, the tragicomedy MR BIG aka Tatay, A Transwoman and That Tiring Tune! deals with pain and regret. Diana (Dax Carnay-Hanrahan) is a trans Filipina woman who now lives in Australia and is engaged to be married to the love of her life, Jerry (Aiden Gale Miranda). At the same…
FROSTED – A Winter Spectacular, in the Big Top opposite Westfield Fountain Gate in Narre Warren – children’s attraction review
The fun starts even before you enter the heated Big Top, which is located opposite Westfield Fountain Gate in Narre Warren. Snow is falling immediately outside, courtesy of a snow making machine. FROSTED – A Winter Spectacular is a magical experience for the littlies and for the parents and grandparents who watch their small faces…
Four Play (Taylor Made Productions), at Chapel Off Chapel – theatre review
Relationships can be complicated beasts. That is shown up in all its tangled glory (well, not so much glory) in Four Play. Rafe (Anthony Jacobsen) and Pete (Reuby Chip), both virgins when they met at university, have been in an exclusive relationship for seven and a half years. That’s when Pete puts forward an unusual…
Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of), at Athenaeum Theatre and touring Australia – theatre review
A glorious spoken and sung hoot, this is an audacious retelling of Pride & Prejudice. Just what would author Jane Austen have thought of it? I dare say she would be figuratively rolling around the aisles, just like the rest of us. Scottish playwright Isobel McArthur simply goes “bang” and wows us, time and again…
