Natalie Rees - Whats The Show

Magic Dale’s FUNTASTIC Family Show

02/02/2026 Natalie Rees🥉

Magic Dale’s FUNTASTIC Family Show Rating

★★★★★

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This year my 10 year old son got his first magic kit for Christmas and since then he has been obsessed with magic. Every morning he gets up and meticulously practices magic tricks – so you can imagine my (and his) delight when Magic Dale’s Funtastic Family Show landed in my email box as part of Perth’s Fringe’s Line-Up.

We got to the venue a little early and Magic Dale was there to welcome us and the rest of the waiting audience with his great big smile and friendly wave. Instantly I knew the tone of this show – welcoming, friendly, heartfelt and inclusive. This isn’t a slimy magician show but a warm and FUNtastic show that is suitable for the whole family; you just can’t help but love Dale, he is so endearing.

I actually didn’t know that Magic Dale existed (clearly I’m out of the loop) but this is what Fringe is all about – discovering acts that you might not otherwise hear about. It turns out that Magic Dale is in fact very popular in Perth, so much so that his show was sold out with his loyal fan base. After chatting to an old high school friend who I happened to sit next to – she told me that he tours all over Perth doing school shows and as the show was about to start she lent over and whispered to me, “you’ll really LOVE it!”

And love it I did!

The show had a plethora of tricks – spanning cards, illusions, levitation, mind-reading and even Rubik’s cubes. The show is highly interactive, with constant audience participation that keeps the energy buzzing. My own son was lucky enough to be chosen to help on stage, a moment that he won’t forget and maybe even a start to his own magic career indeed.

To end – I absolutely loved the message that he left us all with. He told us a story that just like my son he received a magic kit for his 8th birthday and ever since then he has had a passion for magic. He’s never let that flame die and now manages to make his passion a career working full-time as a magician. He encouraged children and adults alike to do the same – follow your passion; it’s never too late.

Unfortunately Magic Dale’s shows were all SOLD OUT this year so make sure you get in early for next year or if you can’t wait more can be found about him here: https://magicdale.com/

To book tickets to Magic Dale’s FUNTASTIC Family Show, please visit https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/magic-dale-s-funtastic-family-show-fw2026
.

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Ro Dahl’s Drag Race

30/01/2026 Natalie Rees🥉

Ro Dahl’s Drag Race Rating

★★★★★

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Ever since I lived a stone’s throw away from Sydney’s infamous Stonewall Hotel on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst, I’ve had a fascination with drag queens. Their makeup, their costumes, and the way they move has always mesmerised me.

So when I got the opportunity to review Ro Dahl’s Drag Show, I was curious to see if Perth’s drag scene could bring it like their Sydney sisters—and bring it they did.

As I sat down in Perth’s iconic Connection Nightclub, I was whisked back to some blurry memories of visiting here as a younger woman. The audience was a diverse mix of ages, sexes, and ethnicities—everyone was welcome.

The show opened with our host for the night, the beautiful and elegant Moxie Heart as the glamorous Fantastic Mr Fox, instantly creating a warm and fun atmosphere. I must commend her impeccable drag queen voice—sweet, smooth, and polished. She treated us to an introductory dance flanked by the fantastic Peach Pit Crew; I felt like I was watching a Backstreet Boys music video from the ’90s—so much fun!

From that moment on, the smile was pasted on my face and didn’t leave for the entirety of this fabulous show. The joy the performers clearly exuded was contagious, with the audience clapping along throughout.

This group of showgirls is incredibly talented and endlessly entertaining. From watching Charlie Bucket (Jaxon Coke) twirl across the stage, flipping with outstanding acrobatics, to Veruca Salt (Veruca Sour) gracing us with her award-winning burlesque moves, the entertainment never stopped rolling.

The standout performance had to go to Sassie Cassie as the Witch. Her commitment to character is paramount, and she was definitely the performer who made me smile the most—nearly falling off my chair as she waltzed down the aisle during her act. Her makeup and costume were phenomenal. Knowing it can take her up to five hours to paint that beautiful face, I am in total awe of the dedication involved.

Special mention must also go to Beau Pash as Roly Poly Bird, a clearly seasoned drag queen who had the audience in fits of laughter. Brenda Wee as Matilda was absolutely adorable with clever costume reveals, and Bush Rat as Willy Wonka proved to be a highly talented dancer.

There is so much to love about this show—the energy, the extraordinary lip-syncing, the humour. It will leave you wanting more.

My 60-year-old mother, whom I took along, summed it up perfectly with her first comment: “When can we go again?” She truly enjoyed it immensely.

I implore you to get out of the house and see this Fringe show before you miss it. The art of drag is completely underrated, and I can guarantee you won’t go home disappointed—you’ll go home buzzing and wanting more.

To book tickets to Ro Dahl’s Drag Race, please visit https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/ro-dahl-s-drag-race-fw2026.

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#Since1994

24/01/2026 Natalie Rees🥉

Since 1994 Rating

★★★★★

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As Perth Fringe opened this week I was incredibly excited to see this international contemporary circus act from Taiwan. To be honest – I was a little unsure what to expect from the description of the show but my expectations were well exceeded.

Part circus, part physical theatre, this show is definitely the best kind of off beat and for those looking for something different. All I could think of what how interesting, thought provoking and expressive this show is.

How and where did these women train? What is their background? And what made them want perform this rebellious circus act that differs so drastically from any traditional circus?

A little research about performer and creator of #since1994 Mei Chih-ling reveals that she studied at the prestigious National Taiwan College of Performing Arts which undoubtably informs her art today and maybe not for the reasons we would first think. Chih-Ling shares that “In school, female students would be punished if they gained 0.1 kilogram, so we were afraid to even drink water before weighing ourselves.” These kinds of experiences transfer to the stage and comment not only on industry expectations but what it means to be a woman today. How do we allow ourselves to be treated? How do we feel? What is our purpose? What are we capable of?

Rated PG I tentatively took my 7 year old daughter (who is a bit of an acrobat herself) along to this show not 100% sure if it would be appropriate. What I learnt was, that it was 100% the perfect show for us and we both loved it! It also lead to a great discussion point with her. Did she ever want to create her own work? While my daughter loves her calisthenics classes – would it be freeing for her to use her skills she has learnt to tell her own stories in the future rather than just be instructed what to tell? It was something I had thought about in the past but seeing these powerful women (both physically and mentally) in the flesh perform this was a real inspiration.

The show is as impressive with its thought provoking nature as it is with it’s circus acts itself. The strength, talent and cohesion of this all female troupe was outstanding. We saw human towers, table spinning on feet at speeds I’d never seen, contortion, hula hooping, aerial acts and juggling.

They didn’t miss the comedy of circus either and both my daughter and myself were giggling along to some sillier and more playful moments of the show. She especially loved the audience participation when she got to draw on the artists with lipstick.

This show has all the feels and takes you on an unexpected emotional journey. It’s beautifully poetic and spectacle to watch. By the end it had me with tears in my eyes; I wasn’t quite sure why, but it was something to do with the unity of women, our struggles, experiences and possibilities we all have combined.

#Since1994 runs Wednesday the 21st of January till Sunday the 1st of February at The Gold at The Pleasure Garden.

To book tickets to Since 1994, please visit https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/since1994-fw2026.

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The Wizard of Oz – A Traditional Christmas Pantomime

14/12/2025 Natalie Rees🥉

The Wizard of Oz – A Traditional Christmas Pantomime Rating

★★★★★

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Zealous Productions yearly pantomime must be Perth’s best kept secret and this year’s The Wizard of Oz is no exception. Housed at Subiaco’s Regal Theatre and in their fifth year – I’m surprised that this show is not getting more press!

I can’t sing high enough praises for this team who are all West Australians; seeing a show like this makes my job easy as a theatre reviewer. It made me proud to be a West Australian and see the home grown, grass roots creativity they are bringing to our stages. What I also loved while reading the 16 strong casts biographies was that many themselves are also creating their own work, which I believe is a must as a performer. They are not merely pawns who are part of an industry but passionate performers who are creating with their heart and soul.

As the curtains raised, I knew that the show was going to be good when I heard the claps and shouts from their loyal and yearly returning audience. It was clear that the audience knew what was coming and they were just as excited as the performers to be part of this year’s pantomime. We were encouraged to cheer for goodies and boo for the baddies and oh was it fun!

Audience involvement in a pantomime is such a necessity and Zealous Productions nailed this. There was a point in the production that they had literally everyone (yes everyone!) in the audience on their feet dancing to the Time Warp. It felt like I was at a family party yet I was really in a theatre with over 500 other strangers. There is nothing like the energy and connectivity cultivated by artisan performers and it leaves you so invigorated and buzzing.

Their cast was truly a strong cohesive team not to mentioned incredibly professional and talented. With most graduates of NIDA, WAAPA, VCA or with substantial experience, it was unsurprising how perfect this production was. Director Brendan Hanson had a talented team to work with but there was no doubt he is just as talented with a spectacular final product.

Special mentions go to Maree Cole as the awful Wicked Witch. I know Maree’s work and as someone who has been around for years – she is like a fine wine – she keeps getting better with age!

In her professional theatre debut Jayda D’Agostino was impeccable as Dorothy. Vocally beautiful to listen to, she was equally mesmerising to watch with her bright and sunny characterisation.

My seven year old daughter’s favourite character was the Scarecrow played by Noah Connelly. I can see why – with his amazing physicality; cartwheeling, jumping and flopping across the stage he was a spectacle to be watched.

Of course a favourite of all pantomimes is when we have a cross dressing character. Aunty Em/Glinda played by Chris Gerrish did not let us down. Incredibly quick witted and sharp with his jokes, I loved his hilarious vocalisation and overall big stage presence.

Another highlight was the tap dancing ensemble – how wonderful to see this on stage. Something you rarely see these days – especially not in Perth! It made me want to take up tap lessons again and maybe I just will!

Overall this production exceeded my expectation again and again. They really were at such a high and professional level with everything from the sets (the use of projection was really clever and visually very pleasing), use of a live band (this always tops a production for me) and the bright and fun costuming.

Zealous’ pantomime really should be apart of your yearly Christmas tradition, because if it’s not your missing out!

The Wizard of Oz runs from December 12 – 24th 2025 at the Regal Theatre in Subiaco.

To book tickets to The Wizard of Oz – A Traditional Christmas Pantomime, please visit https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=OZXMAS25.

Photographer: Stephen Heath Photography

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