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The Canterbury Tales

03/08/2025 Carmen Jenner🥉

The Canterbury Tales Rating

★★★★★

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When Geoffrey Chaucer published The Canterbury Tales in the 14th century, it’s unlikely he envisioned that a wig would take on a character of its own. Considering he is the father of English literature, he probably didn’t imagine a dream dance sequence featuring the Macarena either. But that’s part of the charm when a classic is reimagined into a modern comedy.

The sheer joy of community theatre not only encourages poetic licence, but it thrives on unhinged creativity, especially when it’s a production put on by the Garrick Theatre Club, Perth’s longest-running community theatre. Directed by Gail Lusted, she carefully selected a large cast that included a mix of seasoned and up-and-coming actors. Not only does the introduction of young actors from Teens at Garrick (TAG) breathe fresh life into this centuries-old classic, but it also exposes them to the techniques of the veterans, as evident from those who have evolved into seasoned performers in this production.

This adaptation by Lindsay Price of Chaucer’s anthology roughly follows the original storyline, where a group of pilgrims travelling from London to Canterbury hold a storytelling contest to pass the time while on the road. Put aside any preconceived ideas if you made it to the end while studying this voluminous classic at school. The rules have been blissfully bent for this interpretation, and regardless of whether you’re a thespian or an audience member, it’s impossible not to delight in the unexpected during this high-energy romp.

Exploring the themes of love, greed, jealousy, patience, betrayal and death through their storytelling, the mishmash of pilgrims form a dysfunctional family as they make their arduous journey.

All seven pilgrims deliver outstanding performances and include The Prioress (Carol Young), The Miller (Jason Robert Lester), The Reeve (Kristine Lockwood), Wife of Bath/Bertha (Ali Louise), The Franklin/Allison (Paris Jenner), The Cook (Juliette Patricia Botha) and The Pardoner (Peter Neaves).

If you’re a fan of the Garrick, you might recognise some of the cast from other productions, including Poe, Dreams of Madness. As each pilgrim acts out a story, the cast’s versatility is impressive as they play multiple roles and genders, while seamlessly transforming on stage or backstage in the blink of an eye, thanks to their clever costuming, props and characterisation.

Much like a drummer in a band, Hostess Erin Shay Horrigan (almost) keeps the raucous cast in line through her cheeky narration.

The equally talented acting troupe features Angus Le Cornu-Brown (Maude/Mary), Catherine Smith (Fox/Joanne), Ender Holt (King shared with Benny/Harold], Zane Holt (Absalon/Simekin/Jacob), Will Afanasiew (Astrologer), Piper Gibson (Dame Pertelote/Allain/Aurelius), Benny Peter Jordan (King shared with Ender), Olivia Keary (Dorigen/Agnes), Kaiden Breen (Chaunticleer), James Scully (Nicholas/Knight), Freda McColgan (Queen/Eveline), Riley Thomas (Auiragus/Waitress) and Eden Flynn–Radcliffe (Hilda/Eve/Aueline).

There wouldn’t be a production without a dedicated crew working tirelessly behind the scenes, that includes Eden Flynn-Radcliffe (Assistant Director/Choreographer and Props Manager), Chelsea Knight (Mentor Stage Manager), Isabella Melbin (Trainee Stage Manager), Virginia Moore-Price (Lighting Design/Bio Box Operator), Connor Barclay (Apprentice Lighting and Sound Operator), Ricky Penrose and Ian Lusted (Stage Crew) and Evelyn Holt (Costume/Wardrobe).

Keep a special eye out for the innovative set design, which features subtle changes between scenes, thanks to Paris Jenner and her set design and construction crew, which includes Ali Louise, Jack Pinder, Breanna Cooke, Ian Lusted, Piper Gibson, Eden Flynn-Radcliffe and other TAG members.

Established in 1932, The Garrick Theatre Club continues to entertain with its year-round performances, accompanied by complimentary tipples, snacks and old-world charm.

Canterbury Tales runs August 1st, 2nd, *3rd, 8th, 9th, *10th, 14th, 15th and 16th , evening shows at 7.30pm and *matinees at 2.00pm

Tickets: under 18s $15, Members $22, Concession $23, Adult $28

Book: https://garricktheatre.com.au/shows/

To book tickets to The Canterbury Tales, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/garricktheatre/.

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Beauty and the Beast

28/07/202528/07/2025 Manuela Kacomanolis🥈

Beauty and the Beast The Musical Rating

★★★★★

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Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical enchants audiences with its lavish production, values and timeless storytelling at Crown Perth. The latest staging, featuring Perth’s own Shubshri Kandiah in the leading role of Belle, is a triumphant celebration of theatrical artistry and nostalgia.

The musical remains true to the 1991 Academy Award winning animated film, everything from the dialogue to the costumes the show is a Broadway version of the film.

Captivating the audience in the opening scene is the unmistakable voice of the legendary late Angela Lansbury, as the narrator for the prologue. This homage to the original film sets a tone of reverence and continuity, immediately immersing the audience in the magical world of the story.

With the set design almost as a character of its own, it moves so seamlessly between all the scenes, from the French provincial town the audience are suddenly transported to the depths of the woods then to the baroque-style palace of the Beast.

The best out of all the scenes, including set design would have to be the extravagant musical number “Be Our Guest”. Leading the luminous performance is Rohabn Browne as Lumiere. The scene is a live-action kaleidoscope of the musical ensemble encompassing tap-dancing, can-can dancing, acrobats and singing topping it off with a final bang of confetti into the audience. It is truly an impressive performance which brings together all the talents needed to deliver such a spectacular show, including set design, lighting, costume, choreography, dancing and singing.

I was curious as to how the transformation from the Beast to a man would take effect. The impressive visual and sound lightening effects assisted tremendously with the transformation for a dramatic climax.

Every cast member delivers such a high level of professionalism that can only be expected from a Disney show.
Kandiah’s vocal prowess sets the show as a first-class performer, capturing both the character’s intelligence and warmth, offering a faithful interpretation of the beloved heroine.

Equally exceptional is Brendan Xavier as the brooding and tortured Beast. The chemistry between the two main characters is palpable especially in the library scene when their emotional walls are coming down.

A defining element of the show is its sumptuous live orchestration, conducted by the accomplished Luke Hunter. The orchestra’s performance is integral to the production’s success, providing both emotional depth and dynamic energy throughout the show. The finale was met with a standing ovation, and rightly so.

The attention to detail in every aspect of the production underscores Disney’s commitment to quality. Beauty and the Beast is a dazzling immersive musical experience that lingers long after the final curtain.

To book tickets to Beauty and the Beast The Musical, please visit https://www.crownperth.com.au/entertainment/crown-theatre/shows/beauty-and-the-beast.

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Plied and Prejudice

17/10/202526/07/2025 Carmen Jenner🥉

Plied and Prejudice Rating

★★★★★

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The court was certainly aflutter during Plied and Prejudice, a racy adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice.

Featuring five unhinged actors playing 20 characters, this action-packed romp enthrals from start to finish. The night unravels from the moment the characters strut out onto the catwalk stage, running between the audience, perfect for posturing with outrageous innuendo.

Bridget Jones’s Diary fans will relish the parallels to Pride and Prejudice (minus the knickers, huge or otherwise), and Bridgerton, Little Britain, and Rick Astley aficionados will be in for a debauched treat. It’s probably just as well Jane Austen is no longer around to witness this tequila-soaked production.

Written by Matthew Semple with original direction by Dash Kruck, the swoons are aplenty thanks to director Ian Good and producer Alex Woodward from Woodward Productions. The lusty performance is hardly surprising given Mr Darcy’s soaked white shirt and the amount skulled by Elizabeth Bennett whenever there was a mention of tea, or the bell rang.

Certain cast members will be indisposed each night to keep it fresh, as if it could get any livelier. The production stars Ayesha Gibson (Elizabeth Bennet and others), Patrick Gandin (Darcy and others), Rp van der Westhuizen (Collins, Bingley, Wickham and others), Jess Lally (Catherine de Bourgh and others), Lucy Goodrick (Jane Bennet and others) Hanna Harvey (Swing) and Oliver Clare (Swing).

Set and costume designer Penny Challen portrayed Regency-ridiculousness with tongue-in-cheek aplomb. The actors’ performance, with all the grace of a frenetic ballet dancer, can be attributed to the movement direction of Dan Venz. A word of warning, this is not for the conservative or under-18-year-olds, you will be outraged while secretly longing to be invited to the after-party. Pray to Great Britain that you aren’t chosen to become part of the performance.

After sell-out shows in Brisbane and London, the Perth season has already been extended to 28th September 2025. No doubt, the extra tickets will sell quickly to the uninitiated, intrigued by the scandalous reports, and repeat theatre-goers craving more unruly decorum.

So, dust off your fascinators and get dressed (or undressed) for the booziest ball of the century at Pemberley. Mr Darcy’s shirt isn’t the only thing that will be drenched by the end.

Plied and Prejudice runs from 18th July to 28th September at Downstairs at The Maj. If you’re lucky to be invited as Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s honoured guest, tickets are $100 for a plush throne and prosecco. Front-row aristocrat tickets are $70, middle-class cabaret-style seating is $60 and the paupers on high stools will be flogged $30.

To book tickets to Plied and Prejudice, please visit http://artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/his-majestys-theatre/whats-on/plied-and-prejudice/.

Photographer: Caitlin Irving

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Good Food and Wine Show

22/07/202522/07/2025 Carmen Jenner🥉

Good Food & Wine Show Rating

★★★★★

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As the name suggests, there are endless artisanal indulgences to choose from at the 2025 Good Food & Wine Show. This year was no exception, and so much more. With over 200 stalls under the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (PCEC) vast roof from 16th to 18th July, the hardest part was deciding where to start.

You could follow your nose and join the anaconda lines at the Smelly Cheese Co for gooey raclette scraped over sourdough ($15). Or visit an old favourite with a wine tasting from the Margaret River Region. Not that there was anything wrong with any of these options.

However, I preferred stumbling upon the unexpected, like Wee Smoky, a smoke-filled whisky designed for mixing, and some elusive black garlic from Black Garlic & Co. Or a sample of Manuka Wood Smoked Olives from Kiwi Artisan, along with some black lime salt from Australian Black Limes, inspired by Middle Eastern black limes. A robust selection of wines from other Australian regions, such as the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale Wine Region, conjured up dreams of a decadent escape to South Australia.

But if you’re indecisive, the masterclasses offered at one of the tasting rooms or the Gin Lover’s Class (at $89 per person) from Sonos Sound Bar, were a good place to loosen up before embarking on the heavy decision-making.

If you were keen to up your culinary game, there was plenty of inspiration served up in the Kleenheat Kitchen as talented chefs cooked live, including James Cole-Brown (Head Chef from South Cottesloe’s Gibney), Brian Cole from Hearth Restaurant (The Ritz-Carlton, Perth) or BBQ-master duo from CheatMeats. The ultimate showman and celebrity chef, Miguel Maestre’s appearance in the Harvey Norman Kitchen was a delightfully raucous affair during his Fiesta En La Cocina demonstration.

The $185 admission into the VIP Lounge included lunch, premium wines, a spot at the Cellar Secrets Tasting Room and plenty of treats, as you’d expect from your temporary VIP status. But if that wasn’t in the budget, you could certainly get your money’s worth at the free wine and gourmet tasting booths, not to mention the free cooking demonstrations, with the general admission price of $49.95 or $79.95 multi-day pass with a tasting glass.

I couldn’t leave without a truffle and some Truffle Honey from Great Southern Truffles in WA’s Great Southern Region, a region abundant in premium produce that I now intend to visit more often.

The Good Food & Wine Show continues to spread the tasty joy in Brisbane (24th -26th October), at the Sydney Christmas Market (21st – 23rd November) and the Melbourne Christmas Market (5th – 7th December). With the 2026 dates announced for Melbourne (29th – 31st May) and Sydney (19th – 21st June), keep an eye out for Perth’s 2026 dates.

To book tickets to Good Food & Wine Show, please visit https://goodfoodshow.com.au/.

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