comedy - Whats The Show

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

Comedy On The Rocks – Theatre, Drinks, and Laughs!

8 December 20248 December 2024 Megan Davis

Comedy On The Rocks Rating

★★★★★

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Comedy On The Rocks is the perfect way to spend a few hours for an afternoon of laughs, creativity, and cheeky fun. Held at the delightfully chaotic and cosy Motley Bauhaus, this theatrical drinking game combines quick-witted performances, unpredictable plays, and communal cheers to deliver a boozy comedy experience unlike anything else on the Melbourne independent theatre scene.

The Format: Cheers to Surprise
The premise is simple but ingenious: six short comedy plays, each crafted by talented performers. Every play features three designated “Cheers!” moments that keep the audience on their toes: an action (like an actor jumping), a prop appearance (say, a trusty fry pan), and a line of dialogue (like “Speak of the devil!”). The result? Every time these cues appear, the audience raises their drinks, whoops and sips. It’s participatory theatre at its most playful.

What makes Comedy On The Rocks particularly special is its spontaneity. With a rotating cast and new material for each show, all performances are different. You genuinely don’t know what’s coming next – which, let’s be honest, is half the fun.

The Show: Inventive, Funny, and Just a Bit Tipsy
The short plays showcased a variety of comedic styles, from quick banter to absurd gags, proving the creativity of Melbourne’s emerging theatre scene. While the sketches varied in tone and execution, the overall vibe was fresh, inventive, and energetic. Of particular note were the performances by the show’s organisers and hosts, Cat and Caz, whose impeccable comic timing and natural chemistry made their sketch one of the day’s highlights.

The tight runtime – about two hours, including a 20-minute interval – is perfect for keeping the energy high and the drinks flowing without overdoing it. Whether you’re a casual theatre-goer or a comedy lover, the unpredictability ensures something for everyone.

The Venue: Motley Bauhaus – Tight but Delightful
The Motley Bauhaus adds its own charm to the experience. Sure, the theatre seating can feel a little snug, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. The bar buzzes with pre-show excitement, and the live jazz band playing outside post-performance adds a delightful bonus, creating an authentic festival vibe.

For those who enjoy supporting local and independent talent, Comedy On The Rocks feels like a celebration of the best Melbourne has to offer: creativity, camaraderie, and a generous side of fun.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss It
The final show on 15th December promises another lineup of fresh, unpredictable sketches. If Cat and Caz have anything to do with it, you’re guaranteed a good time. Grab your mates, grab a drink, and get ready to cheer your way through a fast, funny, and delightfully silly afternoon of theatre.

In short, Comedy On The Rocks is fun. It’s creative, surprising, and refreshingly unpretentious. Whether you’re a sketch comedy or theatre fan or simply looking for a boozy afternoon out, this show delivers in spades. Cheers to that!

Details:
What: Comedy On The Rocks – A Theatre Drinking Game
Where: Motley Bauhaus
When: Final show on 15th December
Drinks: From 3PM
Performances: 3:30PM–5:30PM (20-min interval)
Tickets: Includes a mystery prize raffle!

Take your chance to sip, shout, and laugh one last time.

Photographer:- Ian Thrussel

To book tickets to Comedy On The Rocks, please visit The Motley Bauhaus.

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.

Megan Davis

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/.

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.

Jules Hart

The Drowsy Chaperone

1 December 2024 Poppy Rogers

The Drowsy Chaperone Rating

★★★★★

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The Stirling Players return for their final production of 2024, The Drowsy Chaperone, and they’re certainly going out with a bang.

One thing you can count on when it comes to community theatre is the traditional complimentary glass of sherry, and The Spotlight Bar at The Stirling Theatre has you spoiled for choice with a range of different types.

This quirky little theatre at the Innaloo Recreation Centre drew a full house for their Saturday evening performance. The tiered seating was a plus for those of us who often find ourselves missing parts of the stage when there’s a tall person in front of us.

The Tony Award-winning musical by Bob Martin and Don McKellar opens on Man in a Chair (Ben Clarke), who, feeling a little blue, shares with us his favourite record, the cast recording of a fictional 1928 musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. The curtains open, and we’re told to use our imaginations as the recording comes to life.

And so, the stage is set for a hilarious evening with a young couple on the eve of their wedding, a disorganised best man, a desperate theatre producer, a forgetful lady of the house, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a self-proclaimed lothario and an intoxicated chaperone. Will the wedding go ahead, or will it be derailed through mistaken identities and the allure of a life in the spotlight?

Even with a relatively simple set, the production values of this show are top-notch; it’s easy to forget you’re in a community hall watching a local production; this could be a cast of professionals at The Regal or His Maj. The costume department was busy with the many costume changes, all of which perfectly suited the era, and a band playing live backstage immersed you in the production when you expect local theatre musicals to come with a backing track.

Danielle Battista shines as Broadway starlet Janet Van De Graff, building on her amazing performance earlier this year in Stirling Player’s production of Evita, and Sonni Byrne is pitch-perfect as the chaperone who is clearly more concerned with her own love life than that of her young charge.

The exchanges between bridegroom Robert Martin (Max Leunig) and his best man George (Oliver Temby) were also a joy to watch, providing strong vocals and great comic timing. I also have to congratulate the wonderful ensemble performers who were perfectly timed and made the most of the relatively small stage. But it’s Ben Clarke as Man in a Chair who steals the show with his hilariously understated delivery that had you waiting with bated breath to see what he’d come out with next.

This one-act, laugh-a-minute musical has to be one of the best shows I’ve seen this year. Having read the synopsis, I really didn’t know what to expect. Even my not-so-musical-enthused husband had a smile on his face every time I glanced over. With just a handful of performances left, get in quick.

To book tickets to The Drowsy Chaperone, please visit https://www.stirlingplayers.com.au/

Playing dates: December 5, 6, 7 at 7.30pm.
Matinees: Sunday December 1 at 2 pm.
Tickets: Adult $25, Concession $22 Members $20

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.

Poppy Rogers

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