The Pirates of Penzance (Victorian Opera), at Palais Theatre – opera review
Victorian Opera continues to delight, this time with an hilarious, uplifting and thoroughly entertaining production…
Afterglow, at Chapel Off Chapel – theatre review
Provocative from the opening scene, Afterglow sets out to push the envelope. It starts with shadow play of a heated ménage à trois between three buff men, two in their 30s and one in his 20s. Thereafter, the play features full frontal nudity and steamy shower scenes. Yes, a real shower with an imposingly large…
The Pirates of Penzance (Victorian Opera), at Palais Theatre – opera review
Victorian Opera continues to delight, this time with an hilarious, uplifting and thoroughly entertaining production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s slapstick favourite. I am in awe of the vocal calisthenics of soprano Nina Korbe. What an extraordinary talent she is. Hers is a golden voice worth travelling from far afield to hear. In fact, she is…
He Partied Like It’s 1999, at Theatre Works’ Explosives Factory – theatre review
It is December 1999. With the imminent threat of Y2K (the millennium bug) hanging over participants in this drama with comedic elements, the main focus is on cross generational relationships. Lucinda (Tahlia Moffatt) is a 24-year-old goth who walks into an op shop operated by Rose (Janine McGrath). Lucinda, who works in a café, is…
Australian Open, at Theatre Works – theatre review
With the first Grand Slam of the year in full swing, how timely and gobsmackingly entertaining is this riotous rom-com! You simply must see it. Twenty-five-year-old Lucas is the number three tennis player in the world, who has just lost a four-set encounter with Roger Federer at the US Open. Still, he vows to get…
My Brilliant Career (MTC), at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner and touring – musical theatre review
In one of the greatest performances seen on the Australian stage, Kala Gare is a delightful, dynamic, dominant and defiant powerhouse. In short, she – like her character, Sybylla Melvyn – is a force to be reckoned with. She is often argumentative, cheeky and cheery. Set at a time when women were subjugated and “bred”…
Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Let’s Play! (touring) – theatre review
A playdate is shanghaied by a mysterious green presence in a beaut show for preschoolers, featuring many Disney Jr. favourites. Colour, music and movement make perfect bedfellows and so it is in this finely choreographed production. The enticing video backdrops are forever changing to match the storyline. In a five-minute warmup from energetic host DJ,…
Piper’s Playhouse (Crown Melbourne) – cabaret review
Champagne with hot acts in the hedonistic spirit of Montmartre is all the go at Piper’s Playhouse at Crown Melbourne after hours. Accompanied by an alluring soundtrack – part French, part English – sultry performers steam up the night in an intimate burlesque cabaret show. It is a good-natured walk on the wild side. Three…
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr. (Stage School Australia) – musical theatre review
A huge cast brings youthful energy and drive to the dark and humorous Matilda The Musical Jr. In a battle of wills, dastardly principal Miss Trunchbull locks horns with bright bookworm Matilda Wormwood and her encouraging teacher, Miss Honey. The story, based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel, features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, with…
SUGAR (Arts Centre Melbourne) – theatre review
Tomáš Kantor is such an uber talented performer. Whether he is channelling voices high or low, or singing with lyrical appeal, or playing a succession of instruments adroitly, he makes it all appear effortless. That, in itself, is mighty impressive. Overall, he is simply so engaging and that gets back to his yarn spinning and…
Duck Pond (Princess Theatre) – circus and ballet review
Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling collide and are turned inside out in spectacular fashion by world renowned acrobatic circus troupe Circa. If that isn’t enough, Duck Pond contains not one, but two surprise endings. As per director and designer Yaron Lifschitz, who has crafted something very special, in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Princess Odette is…
