Reuben Harris

Reuben is an avid actor and writer. Having been involved in numerous productions, ranging from short films to camera assistant to acting in plays. As well as some behind-the-scenes film work. He has completed a short story writing course and has self-published a book of poetry. With hopes of one day completing a novel. "I love the journey of the arts and how a production can move you or unlock certain emotions you have forgotten about. I truly believe the arts are humanity's greatest invention, bringing people together and breaking down walls. I feel honoured to be a reviewer and will treat it with the utmost respect."

Danny And The Deep Blue Sea

17/01/2026 Reuben Harris

Danny And The Deep Blue Sea Rating

★★★★★

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Danny And The Deep Blue Sea in one word is a hurricane. It is a force of nature to be reckoned with. Set in the 1980s in the Bronx, it follows the two characters of Danny and Roberta fiercely played by JK Kazzi and Jacqui Purvis. I mean this is a masterclass on acting. You truly believed every word they were saying. Honestly two of the best performances I have seen in recent memory. Their raw unfiltered emotion, and explosive dialogue masterfully written by John Patrick Shanley. This is no holds barred dialogue at its grittiest.

We follow the Characters of Danny and Roberta from a chance meeting at a bar and the encounters that follow are a whirlwind of violence and tenderness. I do issue a warning that this play has mature themes including violence from both parties, and does mention sexual abuse and there is also use of coarse language.

The direction of this play by Nigel Turner-Carroll is very clever, using every inch of the stage as an interactive landscape absolutely delights. There is a very well thought out scene change that doesn’t break the tension of the play which is very hard to do.

At the heart of this play is two very dysfunctional people that come across very unlikable at the beginning but then throughout the course of the play you will begin to think and ponder that absolutely everyone is deserving of love and kindness, no matter their flaws.

The audience gave this play a standing ovation, and rightly so. Everything worked, from the accents, to the acting, the lighting and great use of the stage.

The Old Fitz is an intimate venue perfect for this type of play.

Theatre at it’s absolute best should leave the audience changed in some way. This play left a mark on me and gave me an insight into a world that is foreign to me. I left the theatre actually having more empathy for people that live a different life to myself, and I think that is a true testament to everyone involved in this production.

This play is a thought provoking hurricane that takes you on a roller coaster of emotion, that will ultimately leave you changed after witnessing it.

A very big congratulations to all involved and I don’t think you can ask much more of a theatre experience.

To book tickets to Danny And The Deep Blue Sea, please visit https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/danny-and-the-deep-blue-sea-1.

Photographer: Tony Davison

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The True History Of The Life And Death Of King Lear And His Three Daughters

26/11/2025 Reuben Harris

The True History Of The Life And Death Of King Lear And His Three Daughters Rating

★★★★★

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WOW! Just WOW!

King Lear and his three daughters at Belvoir Street Theatre is an epic undertaking and an epic delivery on all fronts. Colin Friels plays the title character of King Lear, and commands the stage with his presence. The story revolves around an aging King Lear and his three daughters. He is dividing up his kingdom to his daughters and this is where the drama begins.

Filled with brutal murders and back stabbing and on stage blood spurts are a delight. The stage is bare but there is so much happening on stage with all parties conspiring against each other, that you barely notice.

There are live musicians scoring the play throughout, and the drums are especially unsettling.

With modern costuming you can picture this to be a family fighting over a will, or politicians fighting for power.

A special mention to the storm scene with the lighting will dazzle you.

The play has a run time of three hours and fifteen minutes with two fifteen minute intervals. You will need the intervals to process and discuss what you are witnessing.

I personally have a love hate relationship with Shakespeare but this was thoroughly enjoyable. Even if you have a mild love of Shakespeare I truly think this is a must see.

King Lear is a tragedy, but Peter Carroll as the Fool brings hilarity in every scene he is in. A truly unique and remarkable performance which will have you belly laughing throughout.

Tom Conroy as Edgar, delivers a nuanced performance which is sure to delight. His performance is truly heartbreaking.
Brandon McClelland as Kent, (King Lears most loyal companion) gave an unwavering depiction of loyalty and strength.

Special mention to Jana Zvedeniuk who plays Regan, one of King Lear’s daughters exerted a tremendous fierceness in the role. Adding believability with every line uttered.

This show is truly an ensemble piece and every piece fit. The acting was so strong that during the scenes in Dover, I was truly transported to the cliff face and they really brought the words to life. A very well done to all the actors, and backstage crew and Eamon Flacks direction was on point!

This is one of those plays that needs to be experienced to truly grasp the monumental undertaking of such a spectacle.
And dare I say that I think Mr Shakespeare would have enjoyed his play done in the way it was.

Highly recommend this show, as someone who struggles with Shakespeare I have been converted into a fan.

Well done again to all involved.

Run don’t walk to see this show.

To book tickets to The True History Of The Life And Death Of King Lear And His Three Daughters, please visit https://belvoir.com.au/productions/king-lear/.

Photographer: Brett Boardman

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The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race

26/10/2025 Reuben Harris

The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race Rating

★★★★★

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The Appleton ladies potato race is Australiana at its very best! Set in a country town, that puts on an annual potato race, awash with old prejudices and an unwillingness to break tradition sets the scene. Penny the town’s doctor played by Courtney Farrow is fighting for equal prize money for the women’s race. And so the battle begins on breaking decade’s long traditions and the towns set in stone ideologies.

The all female cast led by the two matriarchs of the show Christine Greenough who plays Bev and Kate Mannix who plays Barb stole the show. Christine’s portrayal of Bev was nuanced and had emotional depth. Bev is a real salt of the earth type character and you will be laughing at some of the choice Australian profanity she uses. Kate Mannix’s Barb portrayal bounced off Bev so well that you believed that they were lifelong friends.

Ultimately this show has a lot of heart. Perfect for young and old, it’s a show that reminds you to fight for what you believe in. The set is simple but It doesn’t need to be elaborate as the relationships in the show are what matter.

Sharni Ludowyk plays Nikki who is the town’s hairdresser and mum of four boys. The tension between Nikki and Penny the doctor create a great battle of wills and will make you question whose side you are on. Moja Band plays Rania who is a refugee brings soul to the show, and really highlights the themes of fitting in and still fighting for what you believe in.

Melanie Tait’s expertly written Appleton ladies potato race is filled with Australian language and relatable characters. The dialogue flows very easily and has themes of struggle, past burdens and humour sprinkled throughout. Alexandra Pelvin is the shows director, and honestly everything worked. A thoroughly enjoyable show.

The Zenith theatre is a great auditorium style theatre, its intimate and with the seats at different heights you will never not be able to see the action. Located in Chatswood and close to eateries you can make a night of it, grab some dinner and watch a show that will have you laughing and leave you with a smile as you walk out the door.

To book tickets to The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race, please visit https://pymbleplayers.com.au/tickets.

Photographer: Daniel Ferris

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