Whats The Show – Show Reviews of all kinds from around the nation.
Into The Woods: Presented by UON Musos
Guards At The Taj: Beauty But at What Cost?
The Ransom Letter: A Play Reading Dressed to Impress
Bonnie Lythgoe’s Snow White – A Magical Spectacle for All Ages
Iphigenia In Splott: Full of Heart and Swagger
Lord Of The Flies: Presented by the Gold Coast Little Theatre
The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals
Veronica’s Room
Saucy Jack and The Space Vixens
Film Review: Trust (2024)
Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical
Film Review: Diving Into The Darkness
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Grave Issues – An Examination of a Life’s Worth
In 24 Carrot Productions’ outstanding and profound “Grave Issues,” we are immersed in deep examination of a life’s worth. The audience enters the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray to find themselves at a funeral for an unnamed woman. Upon sitting, we learn that a “procedure” will be performed, where an empirical determination of a person’s inner workings will be revealed. The play opened on “Senior” and “Junior” (Kate Ball and Karli Riesen, respectively) performing a sort of autopsy of personal qualities in front of an audience of funerary mourners. The findings were such that “Colleague,” “Friend,” and “Lover” were…
Burning Hearts – Italian Film Festival
The Italian Film Festival is in its 23rd year after its founding at the turn of the millennium in 2000. Since then, the festival has grown in popularity to become the most significant public celebration of Italian cinema outside Italy. A feature of this year’s festival is a special presentation of New Italian Cinema’s – Burning Hearts – which takes place in the picturesque region of Puglia. This gripping crime tale reignited an age-old feud between two rival families as a forbidden love story unfolds. Burning Hearts is directed by Pippo Mezzapesa and was the Best Cinematography winner at the…
Monument – A Play to Remember
Red Stitch’s production of Monument, penned by Emily Sheehan and directed by Ella Caldwell, is a masterful work that intricately balances humour and poignancy. It’s hard to find any fault in this production, especially in Sheehan’s writing; as soon as the show ended, I was lining up at the box office to purchase a copy of this hilarious yet profound script. The story of Monument takes place in real time over ninety minutes. It focuses on the dynamic relationship between two very different women: Edith Aldridge, the youngest woman ever to be elected leader of her country, and Rosie, a…
A Singular Crime – Spanish Film Festival
A Singular Crime / Un Crimen Argentino is a 2022 thriller based on the 2002 Reynaldo Sietecasebook of the same name. It’s inspired by a true story occurring in 1980 Rosario, Argentina during the “Dirty War” military dictatorship. The book was a best seller, and now the film leaves audiences just as intrigued as they try to solve the crime alongside the protagonists. It is airing at the 2023 Spanish Film Festival and is a must-watch for any who love a mystery. Unlike the book, A Singular Crime primarily follows around two court clerks, Antonio González Rivas (Nicolás Francella) and Carlos Torres (Matías Mayer), alongside the judge’s secretary, Maria Bussato (Malena Sanchez), as…
Cork Pops into the Spanish Film Festival
The Spanish Film Festival is back this June and July and celebrating it’s 25th year! Presented by Palace, the film festival is accessible online, or in person, in major cities Adelaide, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. There are plentiful films to choose from with helpful category groupings such as ‘New Spanish Cinema’, ‘Spotlight on Argentina’, ‘Focus on Female Filmmakers’ and more. I had the pleasure of viewing ‘Cork’ (‘Suro’), a Drama/Thriller feature film debut from Director Mikel Gurrea, that is creating a lot of excitement in its New Spanish Cinema category. It has already won a slew…
Celebrating 25 Years of the Spanish Film Festival
The Spanish Film Festival returns and is celebrating its 25th year! This time, the festival will be heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Byron Bay, bringing with it a selection of films from across Spanish-speaking cultures. With subdivisions of New Spanish Cinema and Cine Latino and a range of genres available, there will be something for everyone in the festival program this year. The preview film for the 2023 Spanish Film Festival was Alberto Rodriguez’s Prison 77 (In Spanish, Modelo 77). Prison 77 is a prison drama film set in the late 70s that follows the fictional…
Time Warp your way to the Rocky Horror Show
This iconic cult classic musical is a whirlwind of wild energy from the “Science Fiction” opening strains to the show-stopping finale of “Time Warp”. It promotes self-expression and encourages people to show up, drop their inhibitions, let loose, and have fun. The show opened in Melbourne’s Atheneum Theatre on Wednesday 24th of May to a jump-out-of-your-seat audience, in anticipation of a great night at the theatre. Originally, like the Little Shop of Horrors, this horror-comedy musical was released to negative reviews. It required an unconventional audience and midnight movie screenings to be appreciated for its campy humour, outrageous characters, and catchy music.…
Glitz, Glamour and Grandeur – Cabaret De Paris
Step into a world of glitz, glamour, and captivating performances as Cabaret De Paris takes you on an extraordinary journey showcasing a dazzling display of talent, energy, and pure entertainment. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in a world of vibrant colours, sophistication and alluring acts paying tribute to cabarets in France. Under the expert direction of producer and performer Michael Boyd, Cabaret De Paris delivers a captivating experience that combines the allure of Parisian showgirl charm with jaw-dropping illusions and remarkable artistry. This production showcases the finest performers, each bringing their unique skills to create a night of pure…
A Heartwarming Journey of Resilience and Hope
Driftwood The Musical takes us on an emotive and profound journey of 6 characters, immersed in the shadows of the Holocaust. Inspired by Eva de Jong-Duldig’s memoir “Driftwood – Escape and Survival through Art,” this theatre production by Tania de Jong AM weaves a captivating narrative centred around the extraordinary life of her grandmother, Slawa Horowitz-Duldig. It is a story of unwavering resilience, love, and determination, as displaced families float away like driftwood, from one country to another, fighting against the relentless challenges to stay together. Slawa, (Tania de Jong AM) a talented artist lives with her husband, a sculptor…
Deathtrap – Review
A visit to Malvern Theatre is surprisingly exquisite as I arrive to watch their latest in the 2023 season lineup, Deathtrap. The venue is well appointed, the theatre itself is just adorable, very accessible, and offers a comfortable evening out. The volunteer staff are approachable and attentive. As I find my seat I realize there is simply no bad view within the theatre of the stage. Nestled in my spot I notice many framed season brochures and photographs adorning the walls and made notes to explore these during intermission. The theatre’s history is on proud display and very inviting. I…
The Improvised Superhero Movie – Review
For those attending the Melbourne Comedy Festival, you have a few more days to see the exciting and enjoyable ‘The Improvised Superhero Movie’ presented by The Improv Pit at the UBQ Basement Blackbox Theatre. This delightful 60 minute show is unique to every performance since it is Improv comedy. For those who are unfamiliar with the live entertainment form of Improv Comedy, each show is made up completely on the spot, unscripted, by an ensemble of improvisers. Styles of Improv can be theatrical or competitive in content, and are inspired by audience suggestions. Due to the spontaneous nature of Improv,…
Not Finished With You Yet – Review
Not Finished With You Yet is an energetic romp through a world where governments have passed a mandatory divorce law meaning all marriages must end after 13 years. Written and Composed by Dick Gross AM, the world premiere of this new Australian musical plays at The Alex Theatre in St Kilda as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Two hours of upbeat entertainment unfolds as the characters explore what it means for their marriages, and how to navigate the new territory the law presents them with. Most couples willingly embrace the law with overt enthusiasm and a hefty dollop…
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Meet The Actor – The Secrets of Carmichael Manor
The Secrets of Carmichael Manor is coming to Sydney on the 13th of October, and here we take the time to chat with the Actor, Director and Author of the show Kate Jirelle in our Meet The Actor Series. Let’s turn our spotlights onto Kate and delve deeper into her and The Secrets of Carmichael Manor production. About Kate What do you enjoy most about acting? What I most enjoy about acting is the ability it gives you to explore yourself and the world around you. Whenever I take on a new character, I learn so much about myself and…
Venus and Adonis – a Play Within a Play of the Sonnet
Venus and Adonis was filled with such strong performances; it came as no surprise to learn that the cast from Sport for Jove Theatre Company had previously been involved in the world of Shakespeare’s plays. Their delivery of various sonnets scattered throughout Venus and Adonis showcased their skills of navigating and steering the linguistics in a way that enthralled the audience. I was particularly impressed with Anthony Gooley’s portrayal of William Shakespeare and how he coincided with the creation of sonnets in his mind by performing them aloud as the words appeared on the wall behind him as he spoke.…
A Generational Voyage – Waru: Journey of the Small Turtle
Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Waru: Journey of the Small Turtle follows the generational journey of a turtle coming out of its egg, finding its way to the sea, growing up big and strong, and returning to lay eggs of their own. The audience walks in to see a beautifully set stage with fairy lights and magical dot lighting on the walls, like millions of fireflies in the night sky. The ambient music and beach sounds complete the scene and allow the young audience to ponder what they will see when the performance begins. The first words the audience hears are in…
The Crime is Mine – French Comedy Murder Mystery Film
The Crime is Mine is the latest from acclaimed director François Ozon and features French stars Isabelle Huppert and Dany Boon, supported by a stellar cast including Fabrice Luchini, André Dussollier, Nadia Tereszkiewicz, and Rebecca Marder. Take a step back to 1930s Paris, as ‘The Crime Is Mine’ follows young and struggling actress Madeline and her loyal friend Pauline. The film begins with Madeleine being accused of murdering a renowned producer. Assisted by her friend Pauline, a jobless young lawyer, Madeleine is acquitted, claiming self-defence. Astonishingly, her life transforms into one of fame and fortune, with secrets lurking beneath the…
Something That Happened – A Night of Fun and Laughter
The opening night of ‘Something That Happened’ by The Strangeways Ensemble was one filled with fun and laughter from audience members, young and old alike. The Strangeways Ensemble, made up of professional neurodiverse actors, put on an inspiring and entertaining performance filled with pop culture and classic references that fit wonderfully within the play’s plot and the base reference to John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. It was an immersive experience as the audience was able to feel as though they were a fly on the wall during the company’s rehearsals, as well as being part of the conversation about…
The Circle – The World Through Children’s Eyes
The Italian Film Festival is 23 years young and kicking off in your town. And it’s not just films with a dramatic flair but several documentaries will feature this year, including Il Cerchio – The Circle. Directed by Sophie Chiarello, The Circle chronicles the journey of Italian primary school students over a five-year period, capturing their unique outlook on the world. The Circle is the winner of best documentary at the 2023 David di Donatello and screening at this year’s Italian Film Festival. Over five years, students share their thoughts and feelings on a range of topics during circle time.…
The Hen House – A Storytelling Comedic Rock Concert
When there is an interesting story to be told, why deliver it only in words when you can rock sing it out? The Hen House, directed by Sydney Theatre Award- winner Anthea Williams and presented by PYT Fairfield and Wild Company, had their world premiere performance on Thursday, 7 September 2023, at the Riverside Theatre. This is a story of friendship between migrant women working in a chicken processing factory. It is not presented as a traditional stage play or a theatre musical but more as a storytelling comedic rock concert – and it works! Four musicians kept the audience…
Burning Hearts – Italian Film Festival
The Italian Film Festival is in its 23rd year after its founding at the turn of the millennium in 2000. Since then, the festival has grown in popularity to become the most significant public celebration of Italian cinema outside Italy. A feature of this year’s festival is a special presentation of New Italian Cinema’s – Burning Hearts – which takes place in the picturesque region of Puglia. This gripping crime tale reignited an age-old feud between two rival families as a forbidden love story unfolds. Burning Hearts is directed by Pippo Mezzapesa and was the Best Cinematography winner at the…
Roll up! Roll up! The Marvellous Elephant Man
Roll up! Roll up! For this is no ordinary show– The Marvellous Elephant Man The Musical is a colourful feast of sound and flair under the Sydney Spiegeltent at the EQ Moore Park that will keep you entranced. The talented trio of writers and composers of this musical took additional roles onstage to showcase their versatility. Musical Director Sarah Nandagopan performed on the piano, Marc Lucchesi and Jayan Nandagopan acted and brought their instruments into the story via their characters. The Marvellous Elephant Man brings us the story of John Merrick, a man who, in real life in the late…
Classic Agatha Christie Whodunnit – The Hollow
Mention Agatha Christie to anyone, and you know you’re in for a classic Whodunnit mystery. With such a prolific author and playwright, there’s the usual expectation of interesting characters, intrigue, murder and the pointing of fingers. The Genesian Theatre Company presents The Hollow, a play that debuted in 1951 and ran for 11 months in London. The director Molly Haddon, herself a very experienced Agatha Christie actor, has assembled a dynamic cast inside a historic Sydney building, The Genesian Theatre. Built in 1945, the theatre lent itself aptly to this time period with its grand wood ceilings and plush, heavy…
Eavesdrop At The Vatican – Pope 2 Pope
Hunters Hill Theatre performed the world premiere of award winning Australian playwright Melvyn Morrow’s latest play, Pope2Pope, on Friday 18 August 2023. It was a play with religious themes that treads the fine line between comedy and some difficult truths. The director Elaine Hudson and the company did so with finesse and steady balance, cleverly staying on this line. Pope2Pope, as the name suggests, was set inside the Mother of the Church Monastery, in the Vatican Gardens. The set design was simple but effective, with a traditional large red sofa on a red luxurious carpet taking centre stage. This repetition…
Clever, Creative and Eerie – The Turn of the Screw
The Turn of the Screw, written and directed by Tooth and Sinew’s Richard Hilliar (after Henry James) was a very clever and creative production. An eerie atmosphere was established, from the moment the audience walked into the theatre through the mist to their seats. The preshow orchestral interlude, composed by sound designer Chrysoulla Markoulli purposefully used amplification and dynamics to capture my attention and left me with an unsettled feeling. Whilst waiting for the show to begin, I got a subtle hint of what was to come by seeing the addition of something strange growing down from the ceiling onto…
