Monty Python’s Spamalot (Drew Anthony Creative), at Athenaeum Theatre – musical theatre review
So joyously silly, Drew Anthony Creative’s presentation of Monty Python’s Spamalot, lovingly ripped off from…
Behind the Veil (National Institute of Circus Arts), at NICA’s National Circus Centre in Prahran – circus review
They are so damn good. It is not just the broad variety of circus arts on show that had me mesmerised, but the extremely high level of achievement from the second-year student ensemble. The physical feats of the fresh-faced performers, orchestrated by director Kate Fryer, all but defy belief. That, plus the splendid showmanship and…
CherryHill Orchards’ Blossom Festival
As much as it is iconic in Japan, you don’t need to travel that far to experience the splendour of cherry blossom season. Imagine up to 25,000 snow white, petalled trees in bloom in the Yarra Valley, at one of Australia’s foremost orchards. Now, stop imagining it and organise a visit to CherryHill Orchards in…
Luke, at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre – theatre review
Literature, history and inappropriate dealings between a teacher and student are at the core of this incendiary drama, which plays out over two decades. We begin in country Victoria in 2007, where Damon (Dion Mills) is an inspirational English teacher. He changed Chris’ (Will Lonsdale) life when he taught him. Now, Chris’ career path is…
Monty Python’s Spamalot (Drew Anthony Creative), at Athenaeum Theatre – musical theatre review
So joyously silly, Drew Anthony Creative’s presentation of Monty Python’s Spamalot, lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is five-star gold. It is entertainment personified – witty, wild and wonderful. With book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, this frivolous fancy…
The Homecoming (Australian Shakespeare Company), at Athenaeum Theatre – theatre review
Danger, discomfort and tension are the hallmarks of a family gathering in Harold Pinter’s incendiary play The Homecoming. Set in the mid ‘60s in London, it concerns working class kin with proverbial skeletons in the closet. Patriarch Max, a former butcher, is nothing, if not somewhat unhinged – combative and confrontational. A widower with three…
Ballkids (or, scenes from a friendship) by the Voice In My Hands (VIMH) at fortyfivedownstairs – theatre review
So rich and raw, humorous and moving. This is a slice of life piece about a precious friendship forged between two girls at the age of 13 that carries them through to adulthood today, 22 years later. Isabella Yena plays Sam and Mich McCowage is Holly. The two “girls” meet at try outs for spots…
Zerial, at Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne – theatre review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What an electrifying showcase of talent up close and personal. That is what is in store when you set foot inside Fairfax Studio at Arts Centre Melbourne to witness Zerial. It is a slick, enticing and highly entertaining program of fluid movement, breathtaking aerial acrobatics, dance par excellence and ear pleasing music and song. Eight…
Morning Melodies: Silvie Paladino – A Life on Stage, at Hamer Hall – concert review
The extraordinary musical talent of the delightful and dynamic Silvie Paladino is on display for all to see and hear in her walk down memory lane at Hamer Hall. With her emotionally resonant, soaring vocals she captivates an appreciative audience as she talks us through her background and her career. Her father was an Italian…
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Soundworks Productions) – music theatre review
The subject matter might be stomach churning, but its entertainment and engagement value certainly is not. Soundworks Productions’ Sweeney Todd is triumphant thanks to strong performances, astute direction and compelling staging. If you have never seen Sweeney Todd before, I dare say that having done so you will never look at meat pies quite the…
Dracula (BIG Live) at Her Majesty’s Theatre, State Theatre and Capitol Theatre – ballet review
BIG Live’s balletic production of Dracula is, in a word, captivating. It is dramatic, haunting and sensual. In 11 scenes through two acts, the production reimagines Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic horror story about desire, torment and immortality with passion and conviction. With no beg pardons, the performances are pointed and electrifying. It is the tale…
