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Spudtastic – The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race

26 November 2023 Rebecca Yeo

The Appleton Ladies Potato Race premiered at Hunters Hill Theatre earlier this month and has viewers take a trip to the rural town of Appleton.

The play, inspired by actual events, follows the return of city-trained doctor Penny to her rural hometown just in time for the annual potato race. The yearly potato race is the backdrop for an entertaining and thought-provoking tale.

The narrative centres around the return of city-trained doctor Penny (played by Caroline Lloyd) to her quaint rural hometown just in time for the much-anticipated potato race. However, the atmosphere takes a turn when Penny uncovers a startling disparity in the prize money – $1000 for men and $200 for women. The Appleton Ladies Potato Race shows Penny’s journey as she navigates small-town politics and challenges the status quo in her pursuit of justice.

The cast’s performances are nothing short of commendable. I felt the character of Nikki (played by Tonia Davis) captured the essence of rural life and was a standout performance. Caroline Lloyd as Penny perfectly blended city sophistication and small-town charm. The supporting cast also added some humour and authenticity to the play. As an ensemble, I think all the cast worked well together to keep us engaged.

Jennifer Willison was the director and really nailed getting to the characters’ hearts while keeping with the comedic elements. The set design echoes the charm of a small town with a beautiful backdrop and complementary sound design.

This play is a must-see for great storytelling and performance. It is successful in balancing entertainment with an exploration of societal issues. Bravo to the cast and crew for bringing this story to life on the stage. The Appleton Ladies Potato Race can be seen until December Third at Hunters Hill Theatre, so you better catch it while you can!

Remaining Sessions

Friday 1st Dec, 7:30pm
Saturday 2nd Dec, 2pm
Saturday 2nd Dec, 7:30pm
Sunday 3rd Dec, 2pm

Club Ryde, 728 Victoria Road, Ryde, 2112

This review also appears on It’s On The House, and check out more reviews at Dark Stories Theatre Reviews to see what else is on in your town.

Ho Ho Ho – A Savage Christmas

25 November 2023 Rebecca Yeo

Prepare for things to get savage in the latest Australian Christmas flick from director Madeleine Dyer. In A Savage Christmas, transwoman Davina heads home after three years.

Davina anticipates the spotlight to shine on her transition but is surprised as family secrets and lies come to light. These revelations pose a threat to not only their lives but also to another Christmas lunch. A Savage Christmas is a fun addition to a long list of films centred around Christmas.

In A Savage Christmas, we meet the Savage family. Their Christmas day is set to be much like their last name – Savage! The family get together to celebrate the jolly day over lunch. Each family member brings their own issues that come to light as the day progresses. Can the family mend their relationships, or will this year be their last family Christmas?

The ensemble cast of characters successfully demonstrated believability as a dysfunctional family, each with a unique story. Some well-known actors pop up to add another comedy element to the story. We saw supporting roles from the likes of Gary Sweet as a thug and Rachel Griffith as a doctor.

The film’s writers have crafted a group of eccentric characters in amusing situations with witty dialogue delivered from some new and familiar faces.
Throughout the film, we glimpse the typical Australian humour paired with some important topics such as gender identity and adoption.

At times, almost too many topics were included, unfortunately ensuring that most were only partially explored. It was refreshing, however, to see two trans characters take the lead in this movie.

The final scenes highlight the significance of family and forgiveness, which viewers may recognise as relatable to their own family chaos.

This is not one that I would add to my regular yearly Christmas viewing, but it is a lighthearted flick that provides comedic relief during a busy time of the year and is well worth a viewing.

Check your local cinema for session viewing times.

This review also appears on It’s On The House, with more reviews at Dark Stories Theatre Reviews to see what else is on in your town.

Paris Memories: A Survivor’s Journey

27 October 2023 Rebecca Yeo

Prepare for your latest French Film experience – Paris Memories – soon to be showcased in cinemas throughout Australia.

Paris Memories delves into the story of Mia, a survivor of a recent bistro terrorist attack, who grapples with the haunting memories of that dreadful night. To move beyond the trauma, Mia embarks on a journey to retrace her steps and delve into her memories. The film offers an exploration of the aftermath of a catastrophic event, shedding light on the resilience of survivors as they try to rebuild their shattered lives.

Director Alice Winocour draws inspiration from her brother’s personal experience during the Bataclan attack in Paris. After being trapped in a terrorist attack at a bistro in Paris, Mia discovers herself affected by the ordeal. Three months after the event, she begins trying to remember what happened that day but also understands that some parts of her life can’t be fixed.

Virginie Efira’s portrayal of Mia earned her a Cesar award, and rightfully so. She masterfully conveys the multi-layered impact of a terrorist attack on an individual’s mental health. Nastya Carax takes on the role of Felicia, a young woman who tragically lost her parents in the same attack, serving as a reminder of the collateral damage such events inflict.

Mia’s discovery of a survivors’ support group becomes a turning point in her journey to recovery. This unique approach sets the film apart, as it favours witnessing Mia’s memories resurface as she progresses instead of conventional flashbacks. The film illustrates human connections that form among survivors as they collectively grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Paris Memories is a powerful film that will stay with viewers well after the viewing and is not one to be overlooked. Don’t miss the chance to experience it on the big screen starting November 9th. Check your local cinema listings for showtimes. Au revoir!

This review also appears on It’s On The House, or checkout more reviews at Dark Stories Theatre Reviews.

Jack Warner – The Last Mogul

12 October 2023 Rebecca Yeo

Depending on your location, the 2023 Jewish International Film Festival (JFF) is fast approaching, from 23rd October to 29th November. This year’s JFF will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros by showcasing the documentary Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul.

The Last Mogul tells the story of the reigning figure, Jack L. Warner. Emerging from modest beginnings, he and his brothers embarked on a journey that led to the creation of Warner Bros Studios. Remarkably, for over half a century, Jack Warner held the crown of this cinematic empire, leaving a mark on the history of motion pictures. This documentary provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of Jack Warner.

Directed by the grandson of Jack L. Warner, Gregory Orr, The Last Mogul is a documentary with a mix of archival interviews, footage, and photos. Throughout the documentary, we learn more about how the movie business and Warner Bros became what they are today. It was fascinating to see where film began, and it’s a journey through the generations as social attitudes changed and the technology advanced.

Although this documentary was like many that had come before it, it is still a fascinating look into the man who made the likes of Humphrey Bogart a star. Our interest throughout the film was maintained as we heard the life story of Jack L. Warner unfold. His life story came from those who knew him best. These interviewees made for a story that was impactful and credible.

Experience ‘Jack Warner: The Last Mogul’ for a glimpse into the legacy of film and the man who helped to shape its success and has become a historically significant figure. Watch the documentary at this year’s Jewish International Film Festival on the 19 June. That’s all folks!

Look for a film session in your town.

2023 JFF Festival Dates:

MELBOURNE
Classic Cinemas: 23 October – 29 November
Lido Cinemas: 24 October – 28 November

SYDNEY
Ritz Cinemas: 24 October – 28 November
Roseville Cinemas: 2 November – 19 November

HOBART
State Cinema: 2 November – 12 November

PERTH
Luna Palace Cinemas: 16 November – 6 December

BRISBANE
New Farm Cinemas: 16 November – 26 November

CANBERRA
Dendy Cinemas: 15 November – 22 November

GOLD COAST
Dendy Cinemas Southport: 16 November – 22 November

This review also appears on It’s On The House or return to the Dark Stories Theatre homepage for more reviews.

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