Rebecca Yeo🥉🦉 - Whats The Show

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

04/04/202509/09/2024 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/

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Mrs Warren’s Profession

04/04/202529/07/2024 Rebecca Yeo🥉🦉

Mrs Warren’s Profession Rating

★★★★★

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Mrs. Warren’s Profession, written by George Bernard Shaw in 1893, remains provocative and compelling. This latest revival at Castle Hill Pavilion Theatre breathes new life into Shaw’s critique of society and the limited choices available to women. The opening night on July 26 saw a packed house transported back in time.

The play centres around the relationship between Mrs. Warren, a former prostitute turned successful brothel owner, and her daughter, Vivie, a modern young woman, initially unaware of her mother’s past. The production cleverly places contemporary themes in a Victorian setting, making Shaw’s social commentary timeless.

Daisy Alexis delivers a standout performance as Vivie Warren, portraying her struggle to accept her mother’s choices while maintaining her own principles. The scenes between Vivie and her mother Mrs. “Kitty” Warren (portrayed by Paula Searle) crackled with tension and emotion. These performances were impressive, and I would gladly watch these two actors again.

The supporting cast is equally strong. Christopher Clark shines as Sir George Crofts, a businessman whose relationship with Mrs. Warren complicates the narrative further. Dave Went as Praed, the artist and Jem Rowe as Frank Gardner, Vivie’s charming but lazy suitor, provide moments of insight. Jeremy Johnson brings humour in his portrayal of Rev. Samuel Gardner.

The late Victorian era was effectively evoked through the set design by Maureen Cartledge and costumes by Leone Sharp. The costumes seem period-accurate and enhance the characters’ personalities and social statuses.

Lighting by Madhavi Shankarling and Mark Dawson underscores the play’s shifting moods, while sound designer George Cartledge uses period music to immerse the audience in the world of the play. These elements altogether enhance the audiences experience and provide a glimpse into the Victorian era.

Director Steve Rowe deserves praise for taking on Mrs. Warren’s Profession as his first production. Shaw’s critique of society and the exploitation of women is presented with clarity and conviction, making the audience reflect on how much—and how little—has changed since the play was written all those years ago.

The four-act theatre production is well-paced and keeps audience members engaged and entertained. The cast delivered the script beautifully, providing some laughs as well as moments of shock.

Overall, this production of Mrs. Warren’s Profession is a triumph. It is thought-provoking, engaging and beautifully executed. Although this audience demographic was older, this play can engage younger viewers and is a production that is not to be missed.

Mrs. Warren’s Profession continues to play at Castle Hill Pavilion Theatre until August 17.

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Briefs: Dirty Laundry – A Sparkling Show of Fun and Freedom

04/04/202511/03/2024 Rebecca Yeo🥉🦉

Briefs: Dirty Laundry is a dazzling delight that bursts with energy and excitement. Set in a laundromat, this production challenges conventional notions of gender, sexuality, and performance art, all while delivering an evening of pure entertainment at Sydney Spiegeltent.

From the moment the show starts, the audience is thrust into a world where boundaries are meant to be broken. The cast of Briefs exudes confidence and charisma as they effortlessly blend elements of cabaret, circus, and burlesque into a seamless performance. Each act is a testament to their talent, with acrobatics, dance and comedy that leave the audience mesmerized and in stitches.

Briefs: Dirty Laundry is led by the charismatic Fez Faanana, also known as Shivanana. Thomas Worrell, with his impossibly fast spinning aerial routine, and Serenity, portrayed by circus artist Dylan Rodriguez, were standout performers who left the audience in awe. Another standout performer was Dale Woodbridge-Brown, who, along with Mark “Captain Kidd” Winmill, gave us hilarious facials and group routines. Other ultra-talented performers who made up the cast were Rowan Thomas and Brett Rosengreen.

The Sydney Spiegeltent provided the perfect venue to complement each performance. The set design and wardrobe of some of the routines added to the laundromat setting. Some of the routines did not seem to fit into the setting. However, they were all still enjoyable to watch. The wardrobe, or lack thereof, was fun and left the audience wondering what outrageous costume change would come next. The playlist was filled with wonderful nods to pop culture, while lighting enhanced the audience’s experience as we knew who to focus on during the performances.

What sets Briefs: Dirty Laundry apart is its fearless exploration of gender identity and expression. The performers challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Through their captivating performances, they celebrate the beauty of diversity and the freedom to be true to oneself, regardless of societal norms.

Briefs: Dirty Laundry is not just a performance but an experience. From the moment everyone entered the venue, they were transformed into the Brief’s world. A raffle ticket drawer gave the show a sense of interaction that you don’t normally see at many theatre shows. Audience members left their inhibitions at the door and laughed along in an inviting atmosphere.

Whether you’re drawn to acrobatics or cheeky charm, this show promises a memorable experience. The last Sydney show is this Friday, March 15th, so make sure to get your tickets before the group disappears. My one piece of advice is to go in with an open mind and enjoy a night full of surprise and laughter.

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French Film Festival: The Edge Of The Blade

04/04/202506/03/2024 Rebecca Yeo🥉🦉

Ooh la la—it’s time for the 35th Annual French Film Festival. This year’s festival runs from 5 March to early to mid-April, depending on where you live. So, stock up on your favourite French treats, French Fries, Croissants, Baguettes and Escargot, and get into the spirit of this film festival. I was lucky to start the festival with a French Musketeer-flavoured film, “The Edge of the Blade.”

Set in Paris in 1887, The Edge of the Blade (French: Une affaire d’honneur) explores a world where duels have been officially outlawed but continue to be a regular practice as the only possible way to defend one’s honour.

Clement Lacaze, a fencing expert, desperately tries to prevent his nephew from engaging in an uneven duel with more experienced Colonel Berchere. Meanwhile, Marie-Rose Astie de Valsayre, a feminist fighting for women’s equality, challenges the notion that honour is solely a male affair. The movie effectively portrays various forms of duels, making it a highly conceivable experience.

The Edge of the Blade is Vincent Perez’s fourth feature, and he acts as both director and actor in his latest flick. Perez plays the film’s antagonist, Colonel Berchere, who defends his honour by duelling the main antagonist, Clement Lacaze (played by Roschdy Zem), and his nephew, Adrien Lacaze (played by Noham Edje). Doria Tiller appears as real-life feminist Marie-Rose Astie de Valsayre. Although interesting, seeing her life story depicted in her own movie would be additionally pleasing.

The Edge of the Blade is a fascinating look into a part of history that is uncommon today. It delves into the craze of duels and themes of honour and justice. The film also displays a backdrop of impending war and societal changes. Fight scenes are skillfully choreographed, and the production design adds to the film’s historical authenticity.

The Edge of the Blade captures the tension of a bygone era, where honour, pride, and equality intersect. Vincent Perez’s direction and acting contribute to a film that balances action, drama, and historical context. If you appreciate period pieces and enjoy a touch of swashbuckling adventure, this film is worth exploring.

Don’t go at a snail’s pace—check out The Edge of the Blade at this year’s Alliance Francaise French Film Festival before time runs out in April. Films and film session details are on the official French Film Festival website.

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