Sunnybank Theatre was the perfect venue for the world premiere of Centre Stage – A Variety Spectacular. Produced and directed by the multi-talented William “The Juggler” Piper, the show was expertly emceed by William himself, who not only hosted but also juggled, performed magic, and had the audience laughing and participating throughout. One of the funniest moments was a balloon routine featuring a delightful five-year-old volunteer. William’s strong stage presence and obvious passion for providing up-and-coming performers with opportunities to showcase their talents set the tone for the show.
Young hip-hopper Tyrese Jok opened the show with a high-energy routine, earning cheers and applause from the appreciative audience. Dancer Macca Cloke and singer Eliza Cullerton brought Broadway to Sunnybank with sequins, soaring high notes, and undeniable flair. Former Australian representatives at the Acrobatic World Championships, Lisa Gardiner and Mia Krone, defied gravity with two spectacular acrobatic routines that had the audience holding its breath more than once.
William conceived the idea for Centre Stage in 2025, and this inaugural performance set a high standard for future productions. By the final curtain, Centre Stage had done exactly what its name promises — giving performers a moment in the spotlight and audiences an afternoon to remember.
Twinkling lights and Christmas tunes greet you as you weave your way through the theatre. Humming along to Feliz Navidad after posing for a photo op like you are debuting the red carpet, you finally get comfortable in your seat. Front row or humble rear seats, the site leaves you breathless:
Before wide-eyed and smiling patrons, the stage transports you into the heart of the iconic Christmas rom-com. Love or despise the characters, storylines and actors that make Love Actually a Christmas special, the contagious cheer and excitement elicited from the reminiscent depiction of the Christmas school concert is contagious. Christmas trees, tinsel, lights, presents and two doors that hold the keys to the exploration of notable characters and questionable notions of love ensures a night to remember.
Comprised of an ensemble of six talented actors that emulate the subtle mannerisms of the renowned actors of the film, it feels as if Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Kiera Knightley, Colin Firth, Chiwetel Ejiofor and the late Alan Rickman have materialised. William Kasper, Nicole Kaminski, Benjamin Hambley, Dylan Hodge, Stephanie Beza and Ashton Simpson launch the audience into a whirlwind of emotions – humour, surprise and happiness. If parody is a new venture for attendees, then Love Actually? The Musical Parody is the place to be. Clever and vulgarly quick-witted, the musical production takes flight in throwing subtle shade at actor’s for their notorious rom-com lineage and their not-so romantic antics, while featuring their more iconic roles in popular culture to enhance the absurdity of their character’s dilemmas.
The outrageous and belly-laugh-inducing antics continue throughout the musical production through catchy, original songs that act as a throwback to iconic music of the 2000s, as well as the not-so-subtle innuendo associated with the beloved characters and iconic moments. Although humour and jokes carry the show from start to finish, the parody production offers the audience a chance to reflect on the crucial question guiding the show – is this love, actually? While watching the characters fumble through unrequited and requited love, barriers in language and culture, or searching for ‘love’ abroad, the audience explores what love actually means – rather than accepting the definition presented by the film’s glamorous stars and flashing lights we were told to believe all those years ago.
Love Actually? The Musical Parody is bold, hilarious and is sure to make you leave the theatre with laughter trailing behind you. Regardless of your perceptions of the original film, the exploration of the staple Christmas movie is sure to make your thoughts and opinions of the storyline feel validated.
Think professing your love to your best friend’s wife through a cardboard montage is a tad creepy?
Maybe you are not the only one.
Should Emma Thompson have been granted justice after Joni Michell’s CD greeted her trembling grin, rather than a beautiful necklace she believed was her Christmas gift?
The iconic story that made us laugh, cry, and fall in love with six extraordinary women is back — live on stage in a dazzling new Australian production. Written by Robert Harling, the timeless tale of STEEL MAGNOLIAS will come alive under the direction of Lee Lewis and a cast of six powerhouse actors. STEEL MAGNOLIAS will tour to QPAC, Brisbane from April 2026, Theatre Royal Sydney in May 2026, Wollongong and Canberra in June 2026, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth in July 2026 and Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026.
Step inside Truvy’s beauty salon, the heart of a small Southern town, where local women share their joys, struggles and a little neighbourly gossip. From weddings and babies to divorces and funerals, they face life’s highs and lows with humour, courage and impeccably styled hair. When tragedy strikes, it’s in these familiar walls that they find comfort, support and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that carry them through.
“Following our recent tours of The Woman in Black, Shirley Valentine and The 39 Steps, we’re thrilled to bring STEEL MAGNOLIAS to Australian audiences,” said producers Neil Gooding and Alex Woodward. “The fierce, funny and resilient friendships in the story have always inspired us. It’s a privilege to work with Lee Lewis again, whose direction of Shirley Valentine we so admired, and to bring the heart, humour and spirit of STEEL MAGNOLIAS to the stage with a stellar ensemble of Australia’s most exceptional talent.”
STEEL MAGNOLIAS originally opened in Australia at the York Theatre at Sydney’s Seymour Centre in May 1988 and toured to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, featuring a cast which included Maggie Dence, Nancye Hayes, Melissa Jaffer, Genevieve Lemon, Pat McDonald and Nicole Kidman making her professional stage debut. The 2026 Australian tour cast will be announced in coming months.
Bursting with sass, warmth and Southern charm, STEEL MAGNOLIAS delivers laughter, love and unforgettable heart.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS By Robert Harling Director – Lee Lewis Composer & Sound Designer – Brady Watkins Producer – Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical On behalf of Samuel French Ltd, A Concord Theatricals Company
SEASON DETAILS
BRISBANE Venue: Playhouse Theatre, QPAC Season: 30 April – 10 May Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: qpac.com.au Tickets on sale from 9am (Brisbane time) today
SYDNEY Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney Season: 13 – 31 May Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm & 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: theatreroyalsydney.com Tickets on sale now
WOLLONGONG Venue: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Season: 3 – 11 June Performance Times: Tues 6:30pm, Wed 11am or 1:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm, Thurs 1:30pm & 6:30pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1:30pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $89 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: merrigong.com.au Tickets on sale now
CANBERRA Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre Season: 17 – 21 June Performance Times: Wed 6:30, Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Thurs 2pm, Sat-Sun 1pm, Sun 6pm (times vary weekly) Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au Presale from 25 November 10am, General Public sale from 26 November 10am
PERTH Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth Season: 7 – 18 July Performance Times: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm Prices: From $59 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au Tickets on sale from 10am (Perth time) today
MELBOURNE Venue: Athenaeum Theatre Season: 23 July – 9 August Performance Times: Tues- Thurs 7pm, Fri -Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2pm, Sun 3pm Prices: From $55 (Transaction fees apply) Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au Groups 20+ visit ticketmaster.com.au
Stephen Briggs adaptation of Terry Pratchetts fantasy fiction novel Wyrd sisters, invites the audience into a world of parody in a humorous blend of Monty Python absurdism meets Shakespeare.
Opening with three witches (the Wyrd Sisters) huddled over a cauldron we hear the line: “When shall we three meet again?” and with a deadpan “Well I can do next Tuesday”, the satirical tone is set and we soon realise this play won’t take itself too seriously. Woven into this fantasy adaptation are meddling witches, a scheming duke and duchess, a murdered king’s ghost, a baby heir smuggled into hiding, a travelling troupe of actors and a reluctant fool. Restoring the rightful heir to the throne becomes the witches’ main plight all while challenging the philosophy of whether we control our destiny or it controls us.
Director Sally Daly undoubtedly had a task ahead of her bringing Wyrd Sisters to life and to eager Pratchett fans and non-fans alike. Stephen Briggs script manages to weave wit, fantasy, magic and thought-provoking narratives inside nuanced references to Macbeth. And in playful meta-theatrical style it makes nod to Hamlet and A Midsummer night’s dream.
The Stagehouse theatre, plays host to this production and offers a lovely expansive stage. The tri-level minimalist set relies heavily on the lighting to shape scenes requiring more intimate space. At other times the very large stage wasn’t helpful to the actors and often diminished the actors’ presence and impact.
Sound also proved challenging. Without strong projection or microphones, several lines were lost into the void, extinguishing the punch of some of the sharper comedic beats. This was disappointing for the actors and I noticed more than a few audience members leaning in to hear. Sound projection was an ongoing issue, especially with the Fool (Sam Bentley), whose enthusiastic movement and antics often muffled his dialogue.
Sam Bentley as The Fool embodies the presence and accent reminiscent of Lord Percy in the Black Adder, and is very fitting to this period piece.
Costuming was on point and provided much of the authenticity and atmosphere this farcical period piece demanded. The three witches each had their own distinctive costume style as are their characters. Granny Weatherwax played by Amanda Lay provided a formidable anchor for the two other witches. The junior witch Magrat played by Marisa Bucolo added a youthful energy to her role. Nicky Whichelow as Nanny Ogg is a standout with her delightful contorted facial expressions providing great comic relief.
The Duke (Aodhan Thomas) and Duchess (Jacqueline Ellis) deliver their lines with confidence though there are times when their exchanges lack cohesion and flow. The duke navigates his personal demise and nervous breakdown with great energy again emphasising a nod to Shakespeare.
Nick Daly’s portrayal of the oblivious heir Tomjon shines with his bright upper register voice, conveying the naivety and innocence essential to the character.
Special mention goes to the support actors and ensemble cast who often play more than one role with quick changes. Although the first act suffered with some pacing issues, and tentative delivery of dialogue at times, the second act was a lot stronger. The sound projection had improved, and I’m sure these opening night nerves and tweaks will resolve with future shows.
All things considered, the production’s strong ensemble work and the clever Shakespeare-tinged script make Wyrd Sisters an entertaining show.
Wyrd Sisters is running at StageHouse theatre Stafford for a limited season until the 22nd of November.
For bookings go to: Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters Tickets, Stagehouse Theatre, Stafford | TryBooking Australia
