musical - Whats The Show

A Campy, Quirky, Delightful Emotional Rollercoaster Ride That Will Delight

03/06/2025 Chantal Harrison Writer🥉

Madame Martha’s Parisian Cabaret Rating

★★★★★

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Madame Martha’s Parisian Cabaret is a campy, quirky, delightful emotional roller-coaster ride, that will hit you in all of the feels, over a truly captivating hour of queer joy.

What better place for my first theatre review than my beloved Old Fitz, which I fell in love with with “Cut Chilli”, and have since frequented as a viewer, and even performed in their “Senseless & Fitz” Shakespeare night. The vibe is funky and atmospheric. The bartender very accommodating of requests for a “lemonade top up” when I realised that Negronis may look cool, but taste rather vile.

The welcome is warm as we enter the theatre. The set is very much in line with Parisian cabaret. Deep burgundies and mixed glass lampshades, doorways adorned with “show lights”. I sit in the second row, knowing all spots in this delightfully intimate theatre are a winner.

Then our beautiful trio enter; graceful, careful, flowing and enchanting as they fill they space with their bodies and soon their harmonic voices. With Meg Hickey having absolutely no limits to what can be achieved with those vocal pipes… and an accordion to boot. Their costumes are gorgeous and each artist moves with their own unique elegance as they dance and sing a rendition of “Bad Guy”.

It becomes clear their physical freedom, poetic exploration and musical gifts feed off the shared talent of the trio and their reverie is only broken by the omnipresent, fearsome watchful eye of “Madame Martha”.

The choreography is stunning. Every movement is full-bodied and intentional. There is a collective heart between this troupe that keeps you captivated, entranced and SAFE as deep themes are tackled through the many facets and layers of “cabaret” with a touch of Vaudeville. Be prepared for tits and tips (well, more than that, but I couldn’t resist the alliteration). The actors bare themselves both literally and figuratively on the stage with full abandon and celebration of their forms.

My eyes filled with tears as Iva Rosebud delivered a deeply moving “What Makes A Man A Man” taking us on a heartfelt musical journey.

Jens Radda is giving “Mother” energy and keeping the three of them connected and intertwined throughout.

The crowd favourite was clearly the extraordinary “Pink Pony Club” where the harmonies slayed, and the audience were ready and rearing when it became clear we could now sing and clap along.

This show lets you all the way in and touches you in deep places. It was a delight!

To book tickets to Madame Martha’s Parisian Cabaret, please visit https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/madame-marthas.

Photographer: Solitude & Co

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Chicago: Tall & Short Theatre Co

27/05/202527/05/2025 Melissa Marsh🥉

Chicago Rating

★★★★★

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This production of Chicago by Tall and Short Theatre Co delivers the show’s signature sharp cynicism with an especially bold edge, amplified by a small, versatile cast playing multiple roles as well as minimal costumes and set. These choices not only showcases the actors’ range but also deepens the show’s inherent themes of duplicity and moral ambiguity, underscoring the story’s cynical view of fame, justice, and human nature.

Michael Astill’s portrayal of Billy Flynn is a highlight, delightfully sleazy and utterly captivating. His numbers sparkle, particularly the brilliantly coordinated and high-energy “We Both Reached for the Gun” with Katie Wallis as Roxie. Astill’s commanding presence during the trial scene truly owns the stage, driving the drama with a magnetic intensity that resonated strongly with the audience.

Katie Vials shines with her singing, especially in “Roxie” and “Funny Honey,” bringing depth and nuance to her roles. Amelia Smith’s quiet tragedy as Hunyak adds a poignant contrast, while Willow Twine’s bold and wild energy as Velma injects thrilling dynamism into the dance sequences.

Elizabeth Ellis gives a memorable performance as Matron Mama Morton, skillfully capturing the character’s dual nature. On one hand, Morton is as calculating and transactional as Billy Flynn. But Ellis also brings genuine warmth to her interactions with Velma and, most touchingly, with Hunyak—moments that suggest real affection and loyalty beneath the surface. It’s the duet Class with Velma that truly reveals the character’s vulnerability.

Nathaniel Lawson brings a gentle sincerity to the role of Amos Hart, providing a much-needed emotional anchor amidst the show’s swirling satire. Apparently playing against type, Lawson’s portrayal is refreshingly understated, allowing Amos’s quiet dignity and hurt to shine through. His rendition of Mister Cellophane is performed with real heart — not played for laughs, but as a sincere, aching moment of loneliness and invisibility.

The choreography is exceptional — not only skillful and vibrant but notably inclusive, featuring Liam Liff performing in a wheelchair, marking a powerful and inspiring first for this production. The ensemble’s tight coordination and spirited movement bring the show’s biting satire to life.

Overall, Tall and Short Theatre Co’s Chicago is a compelling, razor-sharp musical experience that balances cynicism and spectacle, buoyed by standout performances and inventive staging.

To book tickets to Chicago, please visit https://www.tstheatreco.com/productions/.

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The Drowsy Chaperone: Presented by UON Musos

17/05/2025 Cherelle Flemming🥈

The Drowsy Chaperone Rating

★★★★★

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The Drowsy Chaperone presented by UON MUSOS at the Civic Theatre Playhouse Newcastle “does what it’s supposed to do and takes you to another world.” The entertaining musical satire was Directed by Louise Barcan and the Production Manager/Music Director was Dean Selem.

The Drowsy Chaperone is set in 1928 and is a parody of 1920s musical theatre. It has a completely nonsensical plot filled with oodles of drama and slapstick comedy. The opening night audience lapped up every comedic line and gave accolades of warm appreciation.

The Choreography by Lilly Grant was perfectly on theme, with great inclusion of famous 1920s dance moves, including the energetic Charleston and plenty of jazzy hands.

To my great delight there was 1920s inspired tap dancing choreography for the musical number “Cold Feets”, which starred Joshua Davies who played ‘the groom to hopefully be,’ Robert Martin. He delighted the audience with his enthusiastic and vivacious tap dancing, as well as his highly entertaining blindfolded roller-blading.

The lighting throughout the performance was timed meticulously and showed great creativity by Michael Conry. It was melodramatic in itself mirroring elements in the musical. The lighting provided cohesion to the plot utilising simple effective techniques for full and elaborate lighting on the ‘imagined musical parts’ and then centring spotlights on Eamon Mahon who performed marvellously as ‘The Man In The Chair.’

Eamon’s acting was absolutely astounding and unwavering throughout, he performed with the greatest of sincerity and pure honesty to his character. His steadfast natural presence and dry comedic responses elevated and unified the entire show.

Vocal director (Rachael Sebastian) produced wonderful harmonies with the ensemble and gave great direction to the lead vocalists as well. A particularly commendable job on the final number “I Do I Do In The Sky,” with a special mention to Trinity Young for her strong melodic vocals.

The leading lady character Janet Van De Graff was delightfully portrayed by Shanaya Budden who rocked the stage with her sultry tunes and dance performances throughout the entire show. I especially loved her vocal performance in “Bride’s Lament.”

Olivia Leathley danced and sang with great finesse as the “Laissez faire” Drowsy Chaperone character. She gave a very enjoyable and admirable performance and portrayed great comedic acting skills. Olivia’s romantic scenes with Aldolpho were definitely some of the highlights of the production. Raphael Teixeira displayed an absolutely hilarious rendition of his zany, romantic character Aldolpho. Raphael showed wonderful comedic acting skills and vocal delivery in his solo number “I Am Aldolpho.”

The quote from the musical “I just want to be entertained, and that’s the point, isn’t it?” is perfectly fitting for The Drowsy Chaperone musical. The abundance of adult humour and witty one-liners, combined with all the flair of the 1920s, ensure an enjoyable evening for all theatre goers.

To book tickets to The Drowsy Chaperone , please visit https://tickets.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/WEBPAGES/EntaWebShow/ShowPerformance.aspx.

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Alice By Heart: Limelight Theatre

12/05/2025 Natalie Rees🥉

Alice By Heart Rating

★★★★★

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Originally presented at London’s National Theatre in 2012, Alice By Heart is an incredibly ambitious musical for Limelight Theatre to take on, but unsurprisingly, with a massive and dedicated team behind them, they manage to pull it off!

The story itself is quite ‘curious’ to put it simply. Set in the London Blitz of World War II, Alice tries to escape the devastation by entering back into her beloved story of Alice In Wonderland. The plot switching between the two worlds of the reality of the London blitz and the dream-like world of Alice In Wonderland is at times confusing. It also assumes you have an intimate knowledge of the story of Alice in Wonderland, and I would definitely recommend refreshing your knowledge of it before you go! The songs, though, are catchy and entertaining, and the jokes are flying fast (if you manage to catch them).

Keeley Roper’s choreography was incredibly professional, inventive, fascinating and always had you guessing what was coming next.

The ‘wearable art’ or costumes created by an enormous team of eight was also impressive, and I loved how creative and surprising the costumes were – they had a life of their own. There is one moment in particular that the reveal of a costume will surprise you!

This cast is strewn with WAAPA graduates, and after reading the program after the performance, this wasn’t surprising for me as the talent was apparent. Ella McCaughey has the voice of an angel, and she seems to hit every note effortlessly. I would have liked to see a stronger opinion of who Alice is from her, although this may be a limitation of the script. Blair Price-Morgan as Alfred was a great match vocally for Ella and I loved hearing their duets – so romantic! I would say that Price-Morgan’s dictation could have been clearer at times.

Zoe Violet’s singing voice as the Cheshire Cat was impeccable, although some more power behind it could have been nice. Brittany Isaia as the Red Queen/ Red Cross Nurse started off a little wobbly, but by the end, she really held her own in her solo, giving us some good laughs too. Alicia Lorie as The Hatter/Harold Pudding also is worth a mention for her characterisation and commitment. The rest of the ensemble were incredibly hardworking, and their dedication was clear.

The live band was a joy to hear and I am absolutely astounded at the professional and talented team that Limelight Theatre always seem to get behind them – it really is a credit to the whole extended community.

Overall this production is fabulous and a spectacle for your eyes! This kind of musical is rarely (if ever) done in Perth and I commend the director Naomi M. Capon for branching out and doing something different. If you want to see some unique theatre, this is not one to miss, and I recommend booking your tickets urgently before the rest of Perth gets wind!

To book tickets to Alice By Heart, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/limelight/.

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