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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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Don’t Panic! (It’s Happened Before)

26/11/2025 Isobel Knight⭐🎭

Don’t Panic (It’s Happened Before) Rating

★★★★★

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This one-man show is worth seeing purely for the energy and presence of Sam Bowden, its writer and star. The Old Fitz theatre space, downstairs from an excellent pub of the same name and consistently bold and ambitious in its programming, is a perfect fit for this rambling show. “Don’t Panic! (It’s Happened Before)” is closer to a three-drinks-deep conversation than traditional theatre piece, but holds the house’s attention (with both some risky commentary and excellent comedy) for the entire journey.

Bowden doesn’t leave the stage at any point, and in the opening fifteen minutes it feels miraculous that he can catch his breath. Even the premise is ambitious; we begin with the history of human kind and speed-run to the unknowable (and somehow predictable) future. His physicality elevates this show from being an unusual stand-up routine into something with more meat. At the highest velocity moments of the show there were sparks flying everywhere as a disheveled captain steered us through war, plague and queer detours at pace.

Any piece with brave hopes will inevitably not land every trick, and while Bowden acknowledges his euro/western-centric lens at the top, some of his more sweeping conclusions feel like they could be dismantled by the expansion of that lens. That said, the best answer or counter to this within the show is when he wisely and deftly brings the focus to a micro level, unpacking photos from his own life and vast complexities that run through our personal histories as well as our collective ones. There is a strong enough vein of compassion running through the show that any points of discomfort or disagreement from the audience with the confident tales of our life being shared on stage were brief, and not ruinous to the audience leaning in to all we were hearing rather than away.

There are genuine belly laughs and some persuasive insights amongst quips and the scattered apartment set complements the energy perfectly. The use of PowerPoints and whiteboards, scrunched up papers and marker-drawn horsemen of the apocalypse helps thread the varied directions of this show together. There is a core of hope here, despite all the violence and death forewarned in the beginning. Izzy Morrissey’s lighting design gives a crispness to both the staging and sections of the show, adding a theatricality that elevates it.

This is a well executed piece, full of heart. Both Sam Bowden’s performance and writing, and Artie Gallagher’s direction allow the humanity and humour to shine in a densely written one man show. It closes tonight and is worth a visit!

To book tickets to Don’t Panic (It’s Happened Before), please visit https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/dont-panic.

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Waitress Is Coming To Melbourne Next Year

25/11/2025 Breaking News

Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live today announced that Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS will be baking its way to Melbourne in 2026. The inspiring musical from pop sensation Sara Bareilles will open at Her Majesty’s Theatre in May, prior to a season at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from August 2026. Waitlist now to be first in line to buy tickets for the Melbourne season at WaitresstheMusical.com.au.

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, and brought to life by a trailblazing female-led creative team, including a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by Grammy® winner Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave) and direction by Tony® winner Diane Paulus, WAITRESS is the irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope that has captured hearts worldwide.

This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again. When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.

“It’s been a dream of mine to see WAITRESS (finally) find its way to Australia,” said Sara Bareilles. “This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal, and so timely. Over the years we have witnessed such an incredible embrace of this show, and I’m so proud to be a part of the team that is bringing you something so full of heart and soul. I’m so excited for Melbourne and Sydney audiences to experience WAITRESS.”

Canadian company of WAITRESS (c) Marie-Andrée Lemire.jpg

“I’m thrilled to be this original and inspiring production to Australia,” said producer John Frost for Crossroads Live. “WAITRESS became a massive hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years, receiving four Tony nominations and six Drama Desk nominations, as well as many other awards and nominations. It had a return season on Broadway, played the West End from 2019, toured the US three times, and was a huge hit in many countries across the world. WAITRESS has become a ‘must see’ musical, with its memorable music by Sara Bareilles and universal themes of hope and resilience.”

“Treat yourself to a slice of 5 Star musical pie” – The Times
“Sweet, sassy, passionate & delightful!” – New York Magazine
“Simply delightful! A glorious reminder that life is messy and wondrous!” – The Washington Post

WAITRESS made history on Broadway with the four top creative spots in a show being filled by women – Sara Bareilles (music and lyrics), Jessie Nelson (book), Lorin Latarro (choreography) and Diane Paulus (direction). It opened on Broadway in April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until January 2020. WAITRESS was originally produced by Barry & Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick.

Sweet, sassy and soul-stirring, WAITRESS is “a little slice of heaven” (Entertainment Weekly) and “made from the finest ingredients” (Time Out). It’s a feel-good celebration of second chances, and the magic of a well-made pie. If only life were as easy as pie…

MELBOURNE SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: From May 2026
TICKETS ON SALE 8 DECEMBER – WAITLIST NOW AT WaitresstheMusical.com.au

SYDNEY SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: From 1 August 2026
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm or 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: waitressthemusical.com.au

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It’s A Wonderful Life

16/11/202516/11/2025 Cherelle Flemming🥈🦉🎭🎶

It’s A Wonderful Life Rating

★★★★★

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As I walked into the Genesian Theatre, I was greeted with dazzling Christmas decorations and the soundtrack of ‘White Christmas.’ The festive mood spirited the eager audience into the magical world of Christmas, ready to feast upon The Genesian Theatre Company’s stage adaptation of the classic movie It’s A Wonderful Life.

In addition to the sparkling Christmas atmosphere, the theatre is absolutely gorgeous. After residing in their premises at Kent Street Sydney CBD for 70 years, the Genesian Theatre Company relocated to Rozelle in 2025. They have spectacularly renovated a 120-year-old heritage building with state of the art sound and lighting equipment and very comfortable seats (which were much appreciated.)

The story of It’s A Wonderful Life spans over three decades from the 1910s to 1945, depicting flashbacks of the main character George Bailey, presented by Oliver Macfadyen. Macfadyen is a brilliant lead, showing the greatest sincerity and humanity in his character. George is watched over by his guardian angel Clarissa, who is delightfully played by Natasha Todd. Todd was utterly angelic as she guided George Bailey into realising how meaningful and important his existence is, and that it truly is ‘A Wonderful Life.‘ Also faithfully by George’s side, is his adoring wife Mary Bailey, played by Amahlia Day. Day oozes poise and grace into her role and is a picture-perfect image of a 1940s housewife.

Working alongside George in his family loan business ‘Bailey Building and Loan’ is his Aunt Dilly. Aunt Dilly was presented by Karen Firmstone. Firmstone generated a heartfelt rendition and a highly enjoyable performance.

Paul Adderley excelled in his complex task of presenting two very contrasting characters: the first, Mr Gower, who is supportive and kind to George; and the other Mr Potter, a shrewd, heartless business who nearly causes the demise of our beloved George.

Dimitri Poulos and Genevieve Sky play the other angels who are guiding Clarissa on her own path to gain her wings. Their performances were steadfast, and yes, angelic and they showed great talent in portraying multiple characters throughout the play. Werrdan Khoury was another admirable actor who showed great diversity and comedy skill in his portrayal of multiple roles, the main role being Sam, the longstanding friend of George Bailey.

The staging was cleverly designed to immerse the audience into George Bailey’s business premises. Allocated entries and exits for his business effectively created its own world and space. Ethan Chan’s lighting design was flawless and atmospheric. His techniques were intuitive to the action and cleverly created a movie-like illusion. The music and sound effects were both flawless throughout the performance. Michael Schell utilised panning effects and clearly demonstrated the theatre’s quality sound equipment.

The 1946 Hollywood Christmas classic remains just as charming nearly 80 years later and the Genesian Theatre Company has honoured its long lineage. The director, Kathy Petrakis, has delivered a spectacular rendition of It’s A Wonderful Life and injected the hearts of the audience with love and Christmas cheer. I encourage you to step into the festive season and embrace this timeless, heartwarming classic. It’s a perfect way to kick off your Christmas festivities and will definitely fill your cup with warmth and Christmas spirit.

To book tickets to It’s A Wonderful Life , please visit https://genesiantheatre.com.au/events/its-a-wonderful-life/.

Photographer: HomePix

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