Do you remember that trapped feeling we had while in lockdown during the pandemic? Well, imagine being confined not only to your house, but to less than a square metre in your living room for 10 years. This unlucky predicament is exactly what Francis Molloy found himself in when forced to stand with both feet on top of an unexploded landmine in his living room.
Set in Berlin in 1955, Francis turns this strange turn of events into content by creating the reality TV show “How to Stay Married Without Exploding!” It’s the 400th episode, and it’s auspicious because his wife, Annette, plans to make her debut during this episode. Given the circumstances, you would think that marriage would be the least of Francis’ concerns.
This one-man production raises so many questions. Some answers are organically revealed, and others, the audience asks while acting as the TV audience. It’s the kind of show requiring a certain degree of suspended disbelief, and I challenge you to ask a question that Francis doesn’t have an answer to.
Played by the American-born theatre-maker Matthew J. Young, with further development, this has the makings of being transformed into a podcast or YouTube channel.
If you’ve ever felt trapped in any facet of life or relationship, you’ll relate. Performed at three historic venues, including Julio’s Italian Restaurant, the character-filled settings are the perfect backdrop to this nostalgic performance. It’s only fitting to order a martini as you cheer Francis along on his dark journey of self-discovery.
“How to stay married without exploding!” Plays from Friday 23rd January to Friday 13th February at Julio’s Italian, Midland Junction Arts Centre and Mahogany Inn and Distillery.
The concept of A Promenade of Shorts was born out of COVID restrictions in April 2020 when crowd sizes had to be limited to a small number. Due to the previous success of the concept, in 2026 the Red Phoenix Theatre Company presents season 3 of A Promenade of Shorts now at the Goodwood Theatre whereby 29 actors perform in 9 plays each of 10 minutes. They are performed in different areas of the theatre with great success. The plays are expertly executed over 3 sessions with 2 breaks and provide a highly entertaining experience.
Over the course of the evening, Tour Guides (Anne Doherty, Kate Prescott and Olivia Jan Parker) lead 3 groups of audience members through the distinct performance spaces where 3 plays are performed at each space.
In the Main Theatre the following are performed:
1. In Farce (written by Steven Bucko, directed by Norm Caddick)
Cast: Front Desk Staff Jo Coventry Man Matt Chapman Husband Adam Tuominen Wife Anita Zamberlan Canala Plot Device Krystal Cave
2. Chilled Wine (written by Dorothy Lambert, directed by Alicia Zorkovic)
Cast: Charlotte Jessica Corrie Louise Laura Tregloan Gemma Monika Lapka
3. Go to the Light (written by Laurie Allen, directed by Alicia Zorkovic)
Cast: Roxie Peta Shannon Sophie Cheryl Douglas Dad Malcolm Walton Will Tom Tassone
In The Bar the following are performed:
4. Bottle for a Special Occasion (written by William Kovacsik, directed by Hayley Horton)
Cast: Martin Stuart Perce Judith Lyn Wilson
5. On Queue (written by Morey Norkin, directed by Hayley Horton)
Cast: Man 1 Jack Robins Man 2 Jethro Pidd
6. Choices (written by James McLindon, directed by Hayley Horton)
Cast: Debt Counselor Rebecca Kemp Prospective Client Laura Lines
In The Studio the following are performed:
7. Road Trip (written by Jan Probst, directed by Libby Drake)
Cast: Allen Lindsay Dunn Mary Joanne St Clair Aunt Pat Katie Packer Uncle Joe John Rosen Jack Jai Pearce Michael Charlie Butler
8. When I Fall in Love it Will Be … (written by Susan Middaugh, directed by Libby Drake)
Cast: Florence Campbell Lisa Lanzi Ed Ferris Adrian Barnes
9. Mrs Thrale Lays On … Tea! (written by Rob Taylor, directed by Libby Drake)
Cast: Mrs Thrale Sharon Malujlo Polly Zoe Battersby Dr Johnson Michael Eustice
Over the 9 plays the audience learns the ordinances in the town of Farce, not to trust a man working his way through the alphabet, how many Facebook likes you could get on your death bed, what’s the best wines for a cheating husband, how 2 men can make a queue, how to repay your student loan, how to plan a family road trip, how to cope with spouses who have dementia in residential care and what Mrs Thrale and Dr Johnson do after tea – very naughty!
The plays are often funny, sometimes hilariously, but there is also a mixture of sadness, and all are expertly acted. Each performance space presents its own demands which are adeptly and seamlessly resolved by the company’s crew members. Each audience member will have their favourite play of the evening and is also required to vote for it which is a difficult task due to the high-quality of all of them.
The Red Phoenix Theatre Company is to be congratulated for providing a magnificent evening of entertainment with season 3 of A Promenade of Shorts, with something for all audience members, it is in every respect a triumph deserving full houses.
Reviewed by Rob McKinnon Rating; 5/5
A Promenade of Shorts remaining sessions are: January 17, 21, 22, 23 & 24 @ 7.30pm. Sunday January 18 @ 2.00pm
Venue: Goodwood Theatre 166 Goodwood Road, Goodwood SA 5034
If you didn’t get a front row seat to the trial that gripped the nation, then don’t worry, Joseph Green has you covered. As Associate to a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Joseph worked on the trial of Erin Patterson, now infamously known as The Mushroom Lady. After seven murder trials and months of working on the pre-trial for Ms Patterson, Joseph resigns and goes to clown school. The combination of which provided the perfect backdrop to create Mushroom Lady, touring Australia in 2026 and coming to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Joseph Green is a comedian and storyteller, he’s performed stand-up across America, UK, Europe and India. An accomplished actor, Joseph appeared in the Superwog series Son of a Donkey (Netflix) and trained with the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York. Leaning into the handsome and charming, Joseph has also worked as a model in New York and Paris.
“Handsome, charming and possessing the type of voice that audiobook companies have wet dreams about.” TheMusic ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Green’s a gifted storyteller.” ArtsHub ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mushroom Lady will premiere in Sydney on January 25 before touring the country to Fringe World, Adelaide Fringe Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival and Brisbane Comedy Festival. This is a show for anyone fascinated by trials, mushies and how not to cook with them.
More information visit josephgreen.com.au.
MUSHROOM LADY 2026 TOUR DATES
SYDNEY
Sunday 25 January
Chippo Hotel
Tickets
PERTH
Thu 5 February
Balmoral Hotel
FREMANTLE
Sunday 8 February
The Sail & Anchor
Tickets
ADELAIDE
Wed 25, Thu 26, Fri 27, Sat 28 February, Sun 1 March
Venue TBC
BRISBANE
Sat 7 March
Good Chat Comedy Club
Tickets
HOBART
Sat 14 March
Brewlab
Tickets
MELBOURNE
Wed 25 – Sun 29, Tue 31 Mar, Wed 1 – Sun 19 Apr
House of Maximon
Tickets
Sunnybank Theatre was the perfect venue for the world premiere of Centre Stage – A Variety Spectacular. Produced and directed by the multi-talented William “The Juggler” Piper, the show was expertly emceed by William himself, who not only hosted but also juggled, performed magic, and had the audience laughing and participating throughout. One of the funniest moments was a balloon routine featuring a delightful five-year-old volunteer. William’s strong stage presence and obvious passion for providing up-and-coming performers with opportunities to showcase their talents set the tone for the show.
Young hip-hopper Tyrese Jok opened the show with a high-energy routine, earning cheers and applause from the appreciative audience. Dancer Macca Cloke and singer Eliza Cullerton brought Broadway to Sunnybank with sequins, soaring high notes, and undeniable flair. Former Australian representatives at the Acrobatic World Championships, Lisa Gardiner and Mia Krone, defied gravity with two spectacular acrobatic routines that had the audience holding its breath more than once.
William conceived the idea for Centre Stage in 2025, and this inaugural performance set a high standard for future productions. By the final curtain, Centre Stage had done exactly what its name promises — giving performers a moment in the spotlight and audiences an afternoon to remember.
