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A Very Naughty Christmas

13 December 2024 Amelia Williamson

A Very Naughty Christmas Rating

★★★★★

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‘A Very Naughty Christmas’ is back for its eighth year with a delicious new array of jaw-dropping spectacles and skits. The musical features raunchy dance showcases, brilliant Christmas parodies, and hilariously vulgar gags in what is fast becoming Australia’s best Christmas show for adults.

The star-studded cast attacks the stage with vivid confidence. The company is small yet fierce, many of whom are triple-threat performers and graduates of Performing Arts institutes from all over Australia. The show offers almost too many memorable scenes to choose a favourite, and running at just under two hours long, the spectacle is a joy to witness from beginning to end.

The most iconic of parodies include “Walking ‘Round in Women’s Underwear” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” (with an expose of X-rated toys…in every store). The calibre of vocal strength among principal singers rivals the talent of Australia’s most well-known musical theatre performers. Grace Laing and Jarrod Moore win over the audience’s affection, particularly for their indulgent vocal qualities, memorable storylines, and natural on-stage charisma.

Asmara Soekotjo stuns as the cast’s most striking mover, unsurprisingly adorned as this season’s Dance Captain. Soekotjo takes center stage in a parody of The Police’s “Roxanne”, turned “Rudolph Put On The Red Light” where she displays her aerial and lyrical might.

Led by the idyllic Mr Santa Claus, played by Tim Paige, the musical sees several hysterical audience interactions during the evening of fun. The cast revels in mischievous antics all night by poking fun at and embarrassing the viewers unlucky enough to be scouted into the limelight by performers. For those particularly unfortunate, a segment of the audience on-stage performance could be involved.

The talented live band adds to the glossy exterior of the production without any significant reliance on pre-recorded material. High-quality lighting, production, live sound, and cast confidence are a testament to the production’s long-standing history of success.

The extravaganza of risque bliss is nestled in St Kilda’s Alex Theatre and is a Christmas show not to be missed. A Very Naughty Christmas is making its way through nine total shows running in Melbourne until December 21.

To book tickets to A Very Naughty Christmas, please visit https://melbourne.averynaughtychristmas.com/

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.

Amelia Williamson

About The Production – Angus Camerons Australian Open

6 December 20245 December 2024 Davros Dark

Today, we had an About The Production discussion over Australian Open. This production is coming to the PIP Theatre in January courtesy of the production company 7th Floor Theatre. Australian Open, not to be confused with the actual Australian Open tennis tournament, is a fast-paced comedy about tennis and open relationships.

About Angus Camerons Australian Open

What is this Production about?

Australian Open is a play about tennis and open relationships. It’s a hilarious ensemble piece that uses witty dialogue to challenge societal norms whilst championing queer culture.

What character are you playing, and what can you share with us about them?

I am understudying the role of Belinda as well as the Assistant Director.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I first became involved with 7th Floor Theatre through their weekly moved play reading series, Pot Luck Plays, and things evolved from there.

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

I hope it will start conversations around open relationships. I identify as ENM (Ethical Non-Monogomous) which includes open relationships. I’m really excited to be part of a play that asks those kind of questions, and I’ve been enjoying chatting to the cast about it. The ENM world still faces a lot of discrimination.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

People are going to be surprised just how funny this play is!

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

Australian Open runs from January 8th to 18th, 2025. There are 7:30 p.m. shows from Wednesday to Saturday, and 2 p.m. matinee shows each Saturday.

To book tickets, please visit:- https://piptheatre.org/australian-open/

Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.

Meet The Performer – Ellen Hardisty

6 December 20245 December 2024 Davros Dark

Today, we had a Meet The Performer chat with Ellen Hardisty. Ellen will perform in Australian Open, which will come to the PIP Theatre in January courtesy of production company 7th Floor Theatre. The Australian Open, not to be confused with the actual Australian Open tennis tournament, is a fast-paced comedy about tennis and open relationships.

About Ellen Hardisty

What do you enjoy most about acting?

I love discovering different parts of myself and different ways of understanding the world that come from immersing myself in a new character. I love sharing stories and building community and asking the big questions and making people laugh.

What productions have you acted in before?

I have toured theatre around Europe – 6 shows in Rep!

What has been your favourite role so far in your career?

Playing Rosencrantz in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead for the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble.

Do you believe talent or training is more important to an actor?

Acting is a mixture of craft and art. The craft of acting takes practice and training. The art of acting takes imagination and inspiration and bravery.

What do you think can make a role challenging?

I love challenging roles where the character’s experience is very different from my own life experience, and the depth of research that goes into these roles.

What do you think makes a performance most believable?

An actor having a thorough understanding and connection to their character, the story, and the world of the play.

Where can patrons purchase tickets to see your performance?

The Australian Open runs from January 8th to 18th, 2025. There are 7:30 p.m. shows from Wednesday to Saturday and 2 p.m. matinee shows each Saturday.

To book tickets, please visit:- https://piptheatre.org/australian-open/

Other interviews can be viewed in our Meet The Performer Series.

Esther Hicks: So….What’s it like in the Vortex?

3 December 2024 Jules Hart

Esther Hicks is Vibrationally Speaking Rating

★★★★★

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Last night I joined Esther and Jerry along with their ethereal counterpart ‘Abraham’ for “Esther Hicks is Vibrationally speaking” at the intimate PIP theatre space in Brisbane. The show is an engaging and quirky parody of the real-life teachings of American inspirational speakers Esther and Jerry Hicks.

From the very outset – and before we even take our seats, we’re allocated participant lanyards and instantly plunged into a simulated workshop that promises closer alignment to the vibrations inside the vortex and the laws of attraction!

The audience buzzed with playful anticipation of what was ahead of us. In just under an hour, award-winning director Elizabeth Millington cleverly guides us through the simulated interactive self-help workshop. Woven into this timeline is Jerry and Esther’s behind-the-scenes journey to inspirational speaking, which also hints at their increasingly tense relationship.

Claire Pearson (actor, writer, producer, comedian) and Kyle Walmsley (actor, comedian and RAW National finalist, 2012) hilariously bring Esther and Jerry Hicks to life with heart and conviction. Claire’s adept ability to morph into the entity ‘Abraham’ with such physical intensity made it impossible not to laugh! The show’s interactive nature encouraged the audience to ‘co-create’, ‘manifest’, and, in a mantra-like style, engage in a call-and-response communication, highlighting the powerful conformity of group behaviour.

Opposite Claire, Kyle delivers a strong portrayal of Jerry Hicks, the Ex-Amway businessman focused on sales, who grounds Claire’s whimsical Esther in the earthly plane.

The chemistry between Claire and Kyle is so palpable and convincing in their delivery that at one stage during the ‘workshop’ I found myself, along with other audience members reaching under our seats to find that elusive latest release book, which they hinted was there. They drew the audience into their world effortlessly, creating a shared experience that felt communal but also individual.

The minimalist set used subtle lighting to divide the stage, ensuring Esther and Jerry could be the central focus. They seamlessly moved from the cooler ‘on-stage’ left side to the warmer, soft purple glow of their home on the right side. The use of projected wall images effectively supports real-life excerpts of writings, teachings, and even a real video clip of Esther Hicks speaking.

The apt use of sound effects and music reminded me of the vibrations of a theremin instrument with an overlay of heartbeat sounds, adjusting the mood and pace of the show. The music signalling the show’s end was much more joyous and almost childlike.

Whether you’re a fan of self-help teachings or a curious sceptic, this show will resonate and make you laugh. Whilst there have been other iterations of inspirational teachings and books over the years, “Esther Hicks is Vibrationally Speaking” makes a brave move in highlighting the absurd attempts people make to find their true happiness.

If Abraham could speak to us now, he might say: “Are you ready to launch your rockets of desire and find your bliss?” With a blend of humour, tension, and unforgettable ‘mantra’ moments, “Esther Hicks is Vibrationally speaking” will leave a lasting impression and will likely resonate with audiences long after.

“Esther Hicks is Vibrationally Speaking” was performed as part of Pip Theatre’s annual Toucan Club festival, running until 21st December. For more details, visit www.piptheatre.org/toucanclub/.