brisbane theatre

Devilishly Pleasing – The History Of The Devil

The History of the Devil

When looking at titles at Metro Arts this month, The History Of The Devil, presented by Polymorphic Productions, is one that was of immediate interest to any horror lover, especially when seeing the playwright’s name. Clive Barker is a UK-based, iconic horror writer known for his wit, gritty characters and tackling taboo subjects- and this play, performed at the Metro Arts New Benner Theatre, was no exception.

The History of the Devil
The History of the Devil

From the outset, the audience was warned of adult themes, including sexual assault, racism and coarse language. The set was of a bare-bones design, as the story, both geographically and historically, time travelled, so the use of lighting and sound created the atmosphere. They took the audience from the UK to Kenya in believable fashions, and although sometimes the sound obscured voices, the strategy was very effective.

The story revolves around the Devil’s desire to return to Heaven, but he must first face a trial for his actions on Earth. Witness the courtroom drama as Judge Popper, defence attorney Sam Kyle, and chief prosecutor Catherine Lamb engage in a high-stakes legal battle over the fate of the Devil.

Outstanding and charismatic performances came from the cast, but especially from Connor Scoble as the Devil himself and Lisa Hickey as Ms Lamb, the passionate lawyer (among other characters). They made this play fast-moving, funny and enjoyable to watch.

The History of the Devil
The History of the Devil

With all actors playing at least two roles, this was a complex, moving feast and the transitions were played flawlessly between scenes, with virtually seamless characters and costume changes. It was hard to believe the high skill level on display, given this was the first showing.

I recommend The History Of The Devil to anyone who is open to delving into the darker themes mentioned to get down and see the History of the Devil. This was an excellently staged, witty play, and you’re in expert hands with this cast and crew.

Dates:- 28th Nov – 16th Dec
Duration:- Approximately 170 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.
Age:- Recommended for ages 15+
Session Dates/Times:-

  • Tuesday, 28 Nov 2023, 7:00pm
  • Wednesday, 29 Nov 2023, 7:00pm
  • Thursday, 30 Nov 2023, 7:00pm
  • Friday, 1 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Saturday, 2 Dec 2023, 2:00pm MATINEE
  • Saturday, 2 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Tuesday, 5 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Wednesday, 6 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Thursday, 7 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Friday, 8 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Saturday, 9 Dec 2023, 2:00pm MATINEE
  • Saturday, 9 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Tuesday, 12 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Wednesday, 13 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Thursday, 14 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Friday, 15 Dec 2023, 7:00pm
  • Saturday, 16 Dec 2023, 2:00pm MATINEE
  • Saturday, 16 Dec 2023, 7:00pm

Coarse Language, Horror, Mature and controversial themes, Morbid Humor, Offensive language, References and depictions of Sexual Assault, Religious themes, Themes of trauma, Violence, Haze/smoke effects, Loud Noises, Strobe Lighting Effects, Please note a lockout period applies. Latecomers may be admitted at a suitable break in the performance.

Photography: Emma Stratton [email protected]

Check out more reviews here at Dark Stories Theatre Reviews to see what else is on in your town.

Meet the Actor – A Night With The Villains

A Night With the Villains

This Halloween, Mira Ball Productions, in association with Our Yakka and the Salad Bowl Collective, brings you a sinister night of villainous melodies through their concert A Night With The Villains.

But only for two unforgettable nights – Tuesday 31st Oct and Wednesday 1st Nov. Here we meet one of the concert’s principal performers – Georgia Leigh – whom we chatted to for the insider’s view of A Night With The Villains.

About Georgia Leigh

A Night With the Villains

What do you enjoy most about acting?

I love the way being an actor can transport you to so many different places and be a completely different person to yourself. It’s so fun being able to play different characters. I personally love going out after the show and meeting the audience, hearing what they think and interacting with them as myself.

What productions have you acted in before?

I have worked mainly in Musical Theatre, with most of my professional experience in Children’s Theatre, starring in roles such as Sophie in Mamma Mia and Nancy in Oliver! And Rosalie Mullins in the QLD Amateur Premier of School of Rock. I have performed at the Adelaide Fringe Festival with JALLY Entertainment, performing as Snowy in Snowy and the 7 Cool Dudes by A.J. Bailey and have performed this show in 6 states and territories.

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

I met my husband playing Sophie in Mamma Mia, so I am probably slightly biased in thinking that’s my favourite role. In terms of the most challenging, I think that would have been Rosalie Mullins from School of Rock, she is very different to who I am, so it was hard being a tight arse, but that’s what made it so enjoyable.

What do you think makes a performance most believable?

I think that a believable performance has heart. I find performances most believable when I can sense the deep connection to the character, and can feel and see myself in those moments.

Are there any particular genres or types of roles that you prefer or feel most comfortable in?

I love working in the Children’s Theatre. Although physically demanding, it brings me joy knowing that I could potentially influence future young actors. I remember watching shows at my school and thinking how amazing it was, and I hope I am bringing that same feeling to others.

About A Night With The Villains

A Night With the Villains

What is this Production about?

A Night With The Villians is the amazing brainchild of Elodie Boal and Trent Sellars, with help from Jennifer B Ashley and Jackie Fredericksen along the way. Imagine having all the best villains in the world returning for just one night (in our case, 2!) and tormenting you with fabulous song and dance. Truly, it is a match made in Halloween heaven, but you can’t just take my word for it!

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

I am playing the Wicked Witch character. As soon as I was posited with going green for this show, I was all in! Some of the best roles are painted green, so I am actually honoured to be doing it for this one! Everyone in this show has a unique character, and it is so wicked and fun to see them transform at rehearsals.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I spent a year in America in 2019, and the difference between American Halloween and ours cannot be understated! When Elodie approached me about being a part of a Halloween show, you bet I was ready brooms-a-blazing. Being a part of a supportive cast and crew was also a major draw card. These guys have been the BEST to work with.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Everyone who loves a bit of a spook and something quirky will love this show—bringing a little bit of Musical Theatre, Film and Television together in one jam-packed 2-hour thrill. Everyone has their moment to shine and tell their own unique story with iconic songs and amazing dancing.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

How amazing the talent is in Brisbane (though we already knew it!), the cast is so solid in their performances and deliveries I think that people will be amazed.

Georgia can be seen in A Night With The Villains from 31st Oct to 1st November in the Ron Hurley Theatre in the spooky Seven Hills Hub.

Other interviews can be viewed in Our Meet The Actor Series, or check here for the latest Dark Stories Theatre Reviews.

Clue On Stage

Clue On Stage

At the Phoenix Ensemble Theatre located in the Beenleigh Showgrounds, Footlight Theatrical has performed a hilarious rendition of Clue On Stage this weekend. The theatre itself is cozy and compact, the audio is flawless, and there’s plenty of parking. For a murder mystery fan, this was a perfect whodunnit.

Six Washington-located personalities have been invited to dinner with the mysterious Mr Boddy. Instead of their host, they’re introduced to the butler, the snarky and evasive Mr Wadsworth.

Clue On Stage

All the guests have been given pseudonyms to hide their real identities, and the dinner takes a torrid turn as their newly arrived host winds up dead. Boddy has hidden evidence linking all the guests to their indiscretions, so they must find his killer and his stash of secrets before the police arrive.

Clue On Stage had people in stitches on Friday night, from the incredible acting to the set design. The set had comedic Easter eggs throughout, from the “Eat, Prey, Love” sign in the kitchen to the murder weapon-stained glass door. I wonder how Mr Boddy explained those to the decorator. 

Liam McDonell was definitely the star, running the show as Mr Wadsworth. McDonell showed his range as he ran through a summary of the show’s first half, himself playing every character. Genevieve Tree gave a hilarious performance as Mrs Peacock, a senator’s wife with her share of vices, from having a bump to booze to bribery. The audience watches her spiral out with stress while unravelling her mysterious link to the chef (Maegan Micola von Furstenrecht).

Clue On Stage
Clue On Stage

Alas, Clue On Stage was playing for only one weekend so for those who enjoy a night out at the theatre, stay tuned for any upcoming Footlights Theatrical Inc productions in the future. This was an entertaining show and a lovely night out in Beenleigh, thanks to Footlight Theatrical, and I cannot wait to see what shows they put on next.

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Meet The Actor – Confessions of a Serial Killer

Confessions of a Serial Killer

Confessions of a Serial Killer is coming to Brisbane on the 6th of October, and here we take the time to chat with Actor/Director Garth Remington in our Meet The Actor Series.

So let’s put the spotlight on Garth and learn more about him and the Confessions of a Serial Killer Production.

Meet The Actor - Garth Remington

About Garth

Why do you want to be an actor?

I love performing in live shows, seeing the audience’s instant reactions or viewing the finished product after filming projects.

What do you enjoy most about acting?

Seeing all the little ways you can help improve a project. It’s incredibly gratifying when you find a way to add something that takes the whole production to another level.

What productions have you acted in before?

I’ve been involved in Dark Stories since its first show in Brisbane, including The Haunting, Female of the Species, and To Hunt a Killer. I am also a standup comedian, improviser, sketch writer/performer, voice-over, and I’ve had a few film and commercial roles.

Do you want to work in film, live theatre or both?

I have been involved in both, and each has pros and cons. With film, you get to create complicated and perfected work, but in live theatre, you make something new every night, tailored to the audience’s needs on any given night.

How do you maintain your physical and emotional health while working on demanding projects?

You must include a decompression after a show run. Celebrate your achievements and take a stress break before taking on the next project.

Are there any particular genres or types of roles that you prefer or feel most comfortable in?

I’ve enjoyed all kinds of roles including thriller, dramatic and even romantic but my favourite is comedy hands down.

Have you ever had to improvise during a performance? If so, can you share an example?

All the time. Anything can happen in immersive theatre, and you have to be flexible. I’ve had a co-star forget their lines on stage, so I dived on the grenade (so to speak) and improvised as my character to give them and the rest of the cast a chance to regroup. It’s a good feeling to know you have everyone’s back.

Are you comfortable with performing stunts or action scenes? If so, what kind of training have you had?

I am; I’ve done a lot of martial arts and feel comfortable with breakfalls and fight choreography.

About Confessions of a Serial Killer

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Any fans of crime thrillers, murder mysteries or spooky things in general.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

Immersive theatre is a unique format that can’t be experienced anywhere else. Every single session is different as the audience will get involved under actor direction. As an actor you never know what to expect.

Who should not come see this show?

People who are not up for a scare. 

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

After the show, I’d expect the audience to go home with lots of food for thought. I’m sure they will question their own morals and consider the nature of good and evil.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

We have thought through the relationships between characters and found some fun. There will be a few laughs between the thrills.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

The audience interactions: this show is not on a stage; we will be amongst the crowd, and unexpected things will happen.

Is there something else you’d really like to say?

Every Dark Stories production is unlike anything you will ever experience. There are so many reasons people will like this show, but you will never find another show like this.

Garth can be seen in Confessions of a Serial Killer, which only runs for three nights, from the 6th to the 8th of October, in the secluded sections of creepy Minnippi Parklands.

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