Show Reviews - Whats The Show

Lord Of The Flies: Presented by the Gold Coast Little Theatre

9 September 2024 Monique Molnar

Lord Of The Flies Rating

★★★★★

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Due to budget cuts or in an effort to shield the students from the harrows of castaway life, my school decided to remove Lord of the Flies from the English curriculum. So, Gold Coast Little Theatre’s production last night was the first time I’ve ever experienced the madness of William Golding’s literary classic.

If you, like me, aren’t aware of the full story of Lord Of The Flies, let me give you the cliff notes version, literally:
In Lord of the Flies, British schoolboys are stranded on a tropical island. In an attempt to recreate the culture they left behind, they elect Ralph (Amelia White) to lead, with the intellectual Piggy (Mia Waldron) as a counsellor.

But Jack (Bree Paige) wants to be leader, and one by one, he lures the boys from civility and reason to the savage survivalism of primeval hunters. The disturbing tale portrays the children’s journey into turmoil and indicates that humanity’s inherent nature is barbarous.

To say that this production kept me on the edge of my seat is an understatement. The all-female cast of 13, led by Amelia White as Ralph and Bree Paige as Jack, under the direction of Joshua McCann-Thomson, worked tirelessly to bring this disturbing story and all of its themes to life in the most exciting way. Even though the actors might be young, this story and its dark motif are probably suitable for teenagers and above.

Gold Coast Little Theatre is nestled in Southport, a stone’s throw from Australia Fair, surrounded by pubs and restaurants if you want to make a night of it. It has ample off-street parking if you want to drive, but it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from Southport South Station if you want to leave the car at home.

Seating for people with disabilities is available for all shows on request to the Box Office (until booked out). These seats can be booked by phoning the Box Office and are not available online. So, if you’re looking for an exciting night out, give Gold Coast Little Theatre’s Lord Of The Flies a go. The show runs from August 21st until September 21st.

Book your tickets for any one of the six remaining shows @ https://gclt.com.au/lord-of-the-flies/

Remaining Sessions
Friday 13 September, 7.30 pm
Saturday 14 September, 7.30 pm
Sunday 15 September, 2 pm

Thursday 19 September, 7.30 pm
Friday 20 September, 7.30 pm
Saturday 21 September, 7.30 pm (Closing Night)

Photographer: TTL Photography

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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The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals

8 September 2024 Breanna Redhead

The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals Rating

★★★★★

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Picture this: a meteor has crashed and landed in your peaceful town, and a horrible illness is slowly infecting the townsfolk, causing them to face one of life’s greatest horrors – singing and dancing as if they were in a musical.

This is the basis of StarKid Productions’ ‘The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals’ – brought to life for the very first time in Western Australia by Art In Motion Theatre Company.

Joshua Hollander is the titular ‘Guy’ – also known as Paul Matthews – with the remaining cast work to bring to life a sea of characters as he navigates this world-ending disaster. By his side is the equally normal Emma Perkins, portrayed by Escher Roe. The pair work well as the show ‘simpletons’ in contrast to the other more exuberant characters.

Among the other ever-changing roles, Brittany Isaia shines as Paul’s co-worker Charlotte in a hilarious performance. A WA Starkid veteran, she has certainly found her niche. She’s coupled well against Blair Price-Morgan as Ted, a great young talent whom I look forward to seeing more of in the future.

Attempting to cure the mysterious disease is Artorius Emanuel as Professor Hidgens, whose ‘show-stopping number’ was a crowd favorite.

Clayton van Dijk brings nervous energy to Bill Woodward, with Georgia McGivern rounding out the group in a number of smaller roles and bringing great energy to the stage.

A personal highlight was Mathew Leak’s performance as both Mr Davidson and Sam Sweetly. Not only was his vocal performance strong, but Leak’s pure enthusiasm and joy simply radiated from the stage, and I couldn’t help but smile whenever he entered a scene.

On the note of enthusiasm, the amount of passion in the room—both on stage and in the audience—was really special. It’s no secret that StarKid has a cult following, and it was duly noted how captivated audience members were to finally see this show in person for the first time locally.

Also to be commended is the band, who are note perfect under the guidance of Zac Skelton. Extremely well executed they seamlessly fit in with the show so smoothly they almost go unnoticed. The music is partnered with trade-mark theater choreography, from Keri Baker, and performed with an appropriate level of cheesiness.

While diction and pacing in some areas could be improved – this production makes for a fun night out whether you’re a serial fan or a first-time viewer. Director Micheal Carroll has delivered a solid show that was clearly well-received by audiences.

With only 3 shows remaining in the season, you best book your tickets quickly @ https://drpac.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/135674

Remaining Sessions:-

13th Sep – 7:30 pm
14th Sep – 7:30 pm
15th Sep – 2 pm

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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Veronica’s Room

8 September 20248 September 2024 Rebecca Rose

Veronica’s Room Rating

★★★★★

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Who is Veronica? Who is Susan? Is it 1973? Or is it 1935?

These and so many other questions are explored and eventually answered in the expertly written psychological thriller by American novelist Ira Levin (many of whom will be familiar with his works as the author of ‘Rosemary’s Baby’, ‘Deathtrap’, and ‘The Stepford Wives’).

Eltham Little Theatre has expertly brought this intricate play to life. Director Drew Mason has done a brilliant job at the helm, both in casting and in staging this intense story.

Veronica’s Room grabs you from the start, with so many twists and turns that will truly make you question everything that has happened. You’ll be on the edge of your seat from the opening scene right up until the very last moment of the play.

The cast of four actors navigated their challenging characters exceptionally, with powerful performances delivered across the board. Susie Sparkes plays ‘the Woman’, George Benca plays ‘The Man’, Briana Collier plays ‘The Girl’ and Joshua Massarotti plays ‘The Young Man’.

The moments of humour written into the script were integrated beautifully by all four actors, giving the audience little reprieves from the otherwise heavy nature of the play. And the character nuances were so lovely to watch, as we, the audience, were drawn into the various complexities of all the characters and their roles within the story.

The entire play is set inside Veronica’s bedroom. The stage was expertly set, with the most intricate details and beautiful furniture and props utilised. It really brought the play to life, almost acting as a character in its own right.

Veronica’s Room is a play that needs to be seen, as any further details on the story-line would just ruin it for those who are not familiar with the play. This is not a plot you want to give spoilers for; it’s just far too good!

So, whether you know the play well and would like to see a great staging of it, or you are not familiar with it and would like your curiosity piqued; you’ll just have to head out to Eltham Little Theatre and see the show for yourself!

The theatre itself is a lovely space, and patrons have the option of booking classic theatre-style rowed seating towards the front, or cabaret-styled tabled seating at the rear, where you can bring your own snacks and drinks.

From ticketing to the bar/snack station, everyone at the theatre was extremely friendly and welcoming, making for a thoroughly enjoyable night of community theatre.

For tickets, book @ https://www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au/what-s-on

Veronica’s Room is running at Eltham Little Theatre from 6th – 21st of September. Make sure not to miss this brilliant play.

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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Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens

8 September 2024 Cherelle

Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens Rating

★★★★★

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SAUCY, SEXY AND SPACY

“Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens” production by Sun Street Studios was instantly engaging from the point of arrival. Mitch Maypole, played by Stuart Ussher, was casually chilling out the front of the Repertory Theatre greeting and directing people to the theatre’s entrance.

The production was held in the back section of the 160-year-old historical building. Ambient mellow lighting and casually dispersed armchairs immediately felt comfortable, relaxed and inviting.

The setting was cleverly laid out and utilised wonderfully by the performers to create an immersive atmosphere of actually being present in Saucy Jack’s Club. It included an effective wall projected neon sign reading “Saucy Jack’s”, a quaint stage for Saucy Jack’s Club performers and a ‘staged’ bar with seated and ready Dr Von Whackoff (David Smith). A dancing pole with a mini stage round was also engagingly fitted amongst the audience chairs.

“Saucy Jack And The Space Vixens” musical was completely unknown to me before this viewing and so I entered open hearted and open minded. The show was fruitful in witty word plays and comedic lines and fabulously delivered infectious laughter, which indeed had the audience, including myself, rolling in hysterics several times. The pinnacle moment was when Dr Von Whackoff revealed what he’d been hiding inconspicuously under his trench coat.

Chesty Prospects, played by Angie Hutchinson-Ussher, tragically falls victim to the killer at loose at the end of the first act. To the audience’s delight she remains ‘dead’ on the stage throughout the intermission allowing audience members great amusement to lay beside her and take selfies. Her commitment to her ‘death’ was highly commendable.

The Space Vixens sparkled and shimmered into the second act to investigate the ongoing murders occurring at Saucy Jack’s. Their metallic silver costumes along with their vibrant hair and makeup artistry brought all the fabulous, sexy, razzle dazzle their characters deserved.

Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens is a mature audience show in the adult sense only – not maturity. If you’re in need of a crazy, whacky intergalactic night full of laughs then grab your partner or a group of friends and I guarantee you’ll have a great time.

Top notch restaurants are also conveniently located nearby to make your night out complete.

For tickets, book @ https://www.mrt.org.au/2024-plays/saucy-jack-and-the-space-vixens/

The show is running until the 21st of September, and tickets are a steal at;
$35 adult
$30 concession
Group of 10- $30 each
Also, the drinks at the Repertory Theatre are really well-priced if you fancy one, two, or a few. Enjoy!

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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