Amanda Lee Starkey - Whats The Show

Christmas in Caulfield: Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland

1 December 2024 Amanda Lee Starkey

Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland Rating

★★★★★

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Christmas has come early to Caulfield with Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland.

Walking into the Big Top, Christmas lights adorn the enclosure. There is a lot to see and do, and the first stop is the Frosty the Snowman jumping castle.

It’s then onto the Ball Pit before a ride on Rudolf’s train.

At 8:15 pm, we are invited into the Big Top for a circus show with Mrs. Claus and the Elves. We are delighted by acrobatics and aerial artists. Mrs. Claus narrates a Christmas story while we witness thrilling stunts.

Then it’s over to decorate elk antlers with festive stickers before visiting Mrs Clause’s Bakery to decorate gingerbread men’s cookies. It’s a simple yet fun activity for the whole family.

In a separate tent, we meet Santa and his Elves and pose for photos. Photo packages start at reasonable prices, and each visit comes with a surprise present from Santa.

Just outside Santa’s workshop is plaster statue painting, a fun activity for everyone. Paint a Santa, penguin or Christmas tree to take home and keep.

Every part of the experience is immersive, and Christmas has been magically brought to life under the Big Top with all your favourite Christmas characters.

The Christmas Wonderland is a fun experience for adults and children with plenty of activities. Whether it’s photo opportunities in Santa’s workshop with shiny baubles or roller skating, there is something for everyone.

Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is returning to Caulfield Racecourse from November 29th to December 24th, 2024. It is advised for children 10 and under.

To book tickets to Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland, please visit https://www.melbourneschristmaswonderland.com.au/

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.

Amanda Lee Starkey

Christmas Comes to Melbourne: A Christmas Carol

1 December 2024 Amanda Lee Starkey

A Christmas Carol Rating

★★★★★

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Since first published in 1843, Charles Dickens ‘ A Christmas Carol’ has captivated audiences.

As the audience enters the theatre, a dimly lit stage with minimal set design greets them, and the sound of carols echos the room.

We meet Ebenezer Scrooge ( Erik Thomson), who we soon learn is a joyless, loveless, grumpy old man.

Life has a way of teaching us lessons, and as Ebenezer soon learns via a series of ghost visits, he has lived his life in a way that will lead him to isolation and loneliness.

The Ghost of Christmas Past (Alison Whyte) takes him on a journey to discover how the choices he made in his youth shaped the course of his future.

As painful as it is, he must learn that every action he took has led him to where he is and given him insights into how his mistakes changed him. As he meets The Ghost of Christmas Present ( Samantha Morely), he learns that the man he has become has consequences for not only himself but also his family and his employees. His selfish, avaricious ways have caused him to have blood on his hands.

Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Presents itself in the form of his sister Little Fan (Aisha Aidara), who shows him the consequences of his mistakes should he continue on his current path.

Through the process, Ebenezer has a revelation. He awakens from the loveless life he has carved out for himself, all in the name of greed. It is with this awakening that he is transformed, and his life changes forever.

A Christmas Carol is a formulaic story, and as it is well known, we all know what happens. However, the performances of the cast and the incredible stage design make this production something special.

With scenic and costume design by Tony Award® winner Rob Howell, music and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Christopher Nightingale, and lighting design by Tony Award® winner Hugh Vanstone, the minimal set comes alive with breathtaking lighting and effects, making viewers believe that they truly are in London, snow and all.

Erik Thompson gave an exceptional performance, and his supporting cast was equally talented. The use of light and sound, whilst minimalistic, is impressive and effective.

Towards the end of the story, the audience is invited to participate, and the laughter from the crowd is infectious. The snow falling on the front rows and on stage is breathtaking and perfectly captures the atmosphere.

The story might be over 180 years old, but its predictable and transformative character story makes it a much-loved tale.

A Christmas Carol is, in some ways, a love story of sorts—it’s the story of an old man falling in love with life again, reinvigorated, and transformed into a better person. With that love comes redemption and happiness for all who come into contact with the new and improved version of Scrooge.

Jack Thorpe’s adaptation is nothing short of a fantastic telling of a much-loved story. It is a delightful production that is sure to leave audiences with a sense of wonder and excitement.

An Old Vic Production A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A version by Jack Thorne
Conceived and Directed by Matthew Warchus
Presented by GWB Entertainment
At the Comedy Theatre from 22 November to 29 December.

To book tickets to A Christmas Carol, please visit https://christmascarolaustralia.com.au/

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.

Amanda Lee Starkey

The Wolves present: Marooned

21 November 2024 Amanda Lee Starkey

Marooned Rating

★★★★★

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The lights go up to illuminate a minimalistic stage with clouds floating on a screen behind, as we are introduced to our cast of characters.

We are in a waiting room of sorts; perhaps it’s purgatory, or it may be a processing room, but as the scene unfolds, we eventually learn it’s a room for those that have failed at committing suicide.

As we meet our nameless characters, from our antagonist, known only as 379, to our young peacemaker 134, businessman 1620, and the only woman 786, through a series of conversations, we slowly learn what has brought each person to this space.

Whether it is a failed life, illness, divorce, sexuality, or just uncertainty, we learn about the insights of each character. Like an overripe onion, layers are slowly peeled away to reveal the deep personal pain and the lessons each character must learn.

Each character must face their demons in the hostile space that is this waiting room, deciding whether they want to live or die. They begin by being in denial of the ending of their lives, as they share their stories we see their humanity evolve, and we begin to see regret, heartbreak and pain in each person. It’s compelling to watch as we learn of the struggles of each individual.

The play delves into some very deep issues of the human psyche and explores them on a level that is thought-provoking and compelling.

As we learn of each character’s complexities it’s hard to decide how to feel about each person and their journey to this space. Each character comes from a diverse background and each has unique reasons for being in the waiting room.

The play is a powerful exploration of a serious topic and it is unafraid to explore such a complex subject. However, it is done in a manner that is provocative and emotional. Each actor brings a rawness to the performance, and all of them are exceptional in their respective roles.

Marooned is a piece of theatre that will leave you feeling a little shocked, rattled and is an exceptional piece of work that is an absolute must see for all lovers of the arts.

To book tickets to Marooned, please visit https://alextheatre.au/marooned/

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.

Amanda Lee Starkey

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