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Australian Museum Presents: Machu Picchu And The Golden Empires Of Peru

24 November 2024 Rebecca Yeo

Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru Rating

★★★★★

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The ‘Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru’ exhibition at the Australian Museum is now open, allowing visitors to explore the legendary Machu Picchu and learn more about the history of the Andean people. Going in with no specific expectations, I feel as if I left with a deeper fascination of the ancient Peruvian culture and history.

The experience began with a short introductory video, setting the tone for the journey ahead. Clever use of lighting and sound effects helps maintain a reverent atmosphere throughout, immersing visitors in the story being told. The exhibit’s layout is easy to follow, particularly the story of a mythical man’s journey during life and the afterlife.

With over 130 artefacts, there’s something intriguing to discover at every turn. The accompanying descriptions were detailed yet accessible, offering insights into the cultural significance of each piece. For an additional fee, viewers can enhance their experience by exploring Machu Picchu through a virtual reality tour. The exhibition also caters to a diverse audience, offering sensory-friendly early bird sessions for visitors seeking a more relaxed environment.

While the exhibition is shorter than expected to walk through, it delivers a rich experience that captures the mysteries of ancient Peru. The preservation of artifacts stands out, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Andean people. Taking your time to explore each corner is essential to fully appreciate the depth of the collection.

One minor drawback for me was the feeling of wanting more. Although the exhibition provides a fascinating glimpse into Peruvian society, I would’ve also enjoyed additional artifacts or narratives. However, the Australian Museum’s broader collections offer plenty more to explore after the exhibition.

Overall, the ‘Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru’ exhibition offers a captivating and educational journey into Ancient Peru. It’s a must-see for history enthusiasts and casual museum-goers, leaving a lasting impression of one of the world’s most remarkable civilisations.

To book tickets to Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru’, please visit https://australian.museum/exhibition/machu-picchu/

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

Rebecca Yeo

The Ghost Train: All Aboard The Supernatural Express

26 September 2024 Rebecca Yeo

The Ghost Train Rating

★★★★★

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To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Castle Hill Pavilion Theatre, the theatre company performed an adaption of The Ghost Train, written by Arnold Riley. The classic thriller opened on the 20th of September to a full house ready for some suspense and humour.

The Ghost Train is set in an old train station, where a group of stranded passengers face a night of eerie happenings as they await the arrival of a supposedly haunted train. Directed by Stephen Snars, the production evokes a gothic atmosphere, keeping us on the edge of our seats. The mystery of the ghost train creeps in at just the right moments.

The ensemble cast excels in portraying a diverse group of travellers – each with its own quirks. Each actor excels at commanding the stage without overpowering the other. Their interactions feel authentic as they explore the possibility of a ghost story being real. A standout performance comes from Paul Sztelma playing Teddie Deakin, the seemingly carefree prankster who adds most of the necessary humour to the play. His blend of charisma and comic timing kept a sense of unpredictability, keeping the audience and characters wondering about his true nature.

The creaky old station, with its dim lighting, helps set the stage for this spooky tale. There were times when I forgot the design was a stage and not the night sky. The clever use of sound design—clattering trains in the distance, spooky sounds, and unsettling silences—further amplify the ghostly atmosphere. The costumes of the characters help set the time period of the play.

A primary theme of The Ghost Train is the fear of the unknown and how fear can make our minds play tricks on us. The play explores how superstition can create an atmosphere that can make the most sceptical of people believe they heard or saw something supernatural. As identities and intentions are revealed, the play touches on how appearances can be misleading.

The chilling moments and the humour kept the audience engaged, as you could hear the laughs and shocks from audience members. The play was well-paced, keeping us entertained the whole time through its use of suspense.

The play is much more than a ghost story and balances chilling moments with unexpected humour. The plot twist delivers a satisfying conclusion to The Ghost Train. We left the theatre, remembering that even old-fashioned ghost stories can still provide us a good scare. The Ghost Train was an excellent choice to help celebrate 70 years of Castle Hill Pavilion, offering thrills and plenty of laughs along the way. If you are up for a spook, watch The Ghost Train, playing from now until October 12.

Book your tickets @ https://paviliontheatre.org.au/theghosttrain/

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Ghostlight: Heartwarming With A Dash Of Shakespeare

14 September 2024 Rebecca Yeo

Ghostlight Rating

★★★★★

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Ghostlight is a heartwarming film that blends comedy and drama through its exploration of grief and healing. This film is an excellent look into how a family may come together (or not) after an unexpected tragedy.

Directed by Kerry O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, Ghostlight tells the story of Dan (Keith Kupferer), a construction worker who finds solace and purpose in a local theatre’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” after drifting apart from his wife Sharon (Tara Mallen) and daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) due to a personal tragedy.

The film’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of a family grappling with loss. What helps to achieve this authentic portrayal is that the three main characters are a family in real life. Kupferer delivers a standout performance as Dan, who provides a heart-wrenching and uplifting journey of a construction worker dealing with the loss of a Shakespearean actor. The supporting cast, including Dolly De Leon as Rita, adds to the story, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs feel real and relatable.

Another strong strength of Ghostlight is its storytelling and the character development of the family. The storytelling kept the pace of the film going as you watch these characters grieve and grow together to become the tight-knit family they once appeared to be.

There are only minor quibbles in the film as Dan struggles to overcome his own grief and blame. The narrative is beautifully put together and evokes genuine emotion. Some of the most memorable shots happen during the theatre scenes.

Ghostlight is not just a film about grief; it’s about the healing journey and how you can find companionship and comfort in the most unlikely of places. The community theatre setting provides a perfect backdrop for the characters to confront their pain. The film depicts the unpredictability of life and how creativity can help deal with any obstacles.

Without giving too much away there were two scenes that struck much emotion; the first being Dans breakthrough about the personal tragedy and the performance of Romeo and Juliet. Overall, Ghostlight is a touching film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The great storytelling and powerful performances make this a standout film worth the watch.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Bonnie Lythgoe’s Snow White – A Magical Spectacle for All Ages

9 September 2024 Rebecca Yeo

Bonnie Lythgoe’s Snow White Rating

★★★★★

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Bonnie Lythgoe Productions celebrated its tenth anniversary with a brand-new production of Snow White. The latest pantomime opened over the weekend at Riverside Theatre, delivering enchanting charm, humour, and a dazzling spectacle that captured audiences both young and old.

Snow White follows the classic fairy tale of a kind-hearted princess whose beauty provokes the jealousy of the wicked queen. Determined to remain the “fairest of them all” and marry Prince Sebastian, the Queen orders Snow White’s demise. Little does the queen know her plan doesn’t quite go according to plan as she seeks refuge with new friends.

The performances were a key highlight of the production. Eliza Sunderland’s performance as Snow White, the titular character, exudes innocence that perfectly captures the essence of the beloved character. Her vocal performances, especially during the musical numbers, blended classic Disney charm with more contemporary energy.

Another stand-out performance was the devilishly over-the-top Wicked Queen, portrayed by Debora Krizak. The audience is encouraged to boo at her as she enters the scene to plot against Snow White. You can’t help but enjoy her wicked antics, thanks to her charisma and banter with those sharing a scene with her. Other notable mentions include Mark Jones as Muddles, a colourful character with witty one-liners injecting the show with humour, Tim Maddren as Prince Sebastian and Barry Pearl as Chambers.

From the moment you sit down, it’s clear that Snow White is a visual feast. The set design transports the audience into a magical fairy tale world. Lighting and effects bring to life the forest, village and menacing Queen’s lair, making the stage feel like it’s straight out of a storybook. The costumes, specifically Snow White’s signature gown and the Wicked Queen’s ensemble, contribute to the fantastical atmosphere. The inclusion of modern pop songs, which are performed with enthusiasm and flair, adds a contemporary touch to keep the production fresh and relevant.

Lythgoe has masterfully incorporated audience participation by creating an engaging and interactive experience. Children were invited to cheer along for our favourite characters (and boo for the evil ones), sing along to the catchy tunes, and join in on the “behind you!” moments, ensuring that the younger audience members stay involved.

Overall, Bonnie Lythgoe’s Snow White is a vibrant, energetic, enjoyable production that ticks all the boxes. It’s a fun, feel-good show filled with magic, laughter and mischief. The show is a perfect outing for families and will leave you smiling long after it ends.

With only a short time before closing night is upon you, be sure to get your tickets that are available for a range of sessions between 13th-21st September @ https://riversideparramatta.com.au/whats-on/snow-white/

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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