Perth Theatre - Whats The Show

Perfect Arrangement

11/08/202510/08/2025 Sarah Schmitt🥉

Perfect Arrangement Rating

★★★★★

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The award-winning Perfect Arrangement makes its Australian debut at the Roxy Lane Theatre, bringing wit, heart and a timely message to the stage.

Set in the 1950s, the play draws on the early days of the American gay rights movement during the “Lavender Scare,” when LGBTQ+ people faced severe persecution. Against the backdrop of the “Red Scare”, when a climate of intense anti-communism and political paranoia had everyone living on a knife’s edge, playwright Topher Payne explores themes of fear and the weaponisation of identity. Themes that are still strikingly relevant today.

Within this unsettled landscape, two gay couples maintain a delicate façade to protect their careers in the U.S. State Department. Bob and Nora appear to be living the picture-perfect suburban dream with their devoted spouses. In truth, they are each married to the other’s partner. As the story unfolds, shifting politics and personal desires collide with the cost of keeping up appearances becoming painfully clear in the play’s heart wrenching climax.

This production marks the directorial debut of Samuel Farr, who has done a wonderful job bringing the story to our stage and stars Kylie Caldwell (Kitty Sunderson), Keri-Anne Mulley (Norma Baxter), Siobhan Fowler (Millie Martindale) Sean Wcislo (Jim Baxter), Cade Smith (Bob Martindale), Greg Hopson (Theodore Sunderson) and Ellie Cee (Barbara Grant).

With an exceptional production team at the helm, the stage design perfectly captures the period, brimming with thoughtful vintage touches that bring the story to life. The clever use of the closet (no spoilers) is a creative touch and integral to the set’s charm.

The play moves at a steady pace, its comedic beats landing with precision. The ensemble cast delivers strong performances full of charm and nuance, engaging the audience from the opening scene. What begins as a sharp rom-com style comedy gradually deepens into something far more poignant, culminating in a haunting final act that lingers long after the curtain falls.

Smart, funny, and unflinchingly human, Perfect Arrangement is both an entertaining period piece and a reminder of the courage it takes to live authentically, in any era.

The Roxy Lane Theatre is an award-winning community theatre tucked away in Maylands, and special mention has to go to the fantastic front-of-house staff. Everyone is fun, friendly and welcoming, creating an atmosphere of friendship and most importantly – community. It is always a pleasure attending shows here.

Perfect Arrangement runs until August 15, 16 21, 22 and 23 at 7.30pm. Sunday matinees held August 10, 17 and 24 at 2pm.

Tickets: $23 Adult, $19 Concession Groups of 10+ $18 each

To book tickets to Perfect Arrangement, please visit https://www.TAZtix.com.au/roxylanetheatre/.

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The Canterbury Tales

03/08/2025 Carmen Jenner🌟🎭

The Canterbury Tales Rating

★★★★★

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When Geoffrey Chaucer published The Canterbury Tales in the 14th century, it’s unlikely he envisioned that a wig would take on a character of its own. Considering he is the father of English literature, he probably didn’t imagine a dream dance sequence featuring the Macarena either. But that’s part of the charm when a classic is reimagined into a modern comedy.

The sheer joy of community theatre not only encourages poetic licence, but it thrives on unhinged creativity, especially when it’s a production put on by the Garrick Theatre Club, Perth’s longest-running community theatre. Directed by Gail Lusted, she carefully selected a large cast that included a mix of seasoned and up-and-coming actors. Not only does the introduction of young actors from Teens at Garrick (TAG) breathe fresh life into this centuries-old classic, but it also exposes them to the techniques of the veterans, as evident from those who have evolved into seasoned performers in this production.

This adaptation by Lindsay Price of Chaucer’s anthology roughly follows the original storyline, where a group of pilgrims travelling from London to Canterbury hold a storytelling contest to pass the time while on the road. Put aside any preconceived ideas if you made it to the end while studying this voluminous classic at school. The rules have been blissfully bent for this interpretation, and regardless of whether you’re a thespian or an audience member, it’s impossible not to delight in the unexpected during this high-energy romp.

Exploring the themes of love, greed, jealousy, patience, betrayal and death through their storytelling, the mishmash of pilgrims form a dysfunctional family as they make their arduous journey.

All seven pilgrims deliver outstanding performances and include The Prioress (Carol Young), The Miller (Jason Robert Lester), The Reeve (Kristine Lockwood), Wife of Bath/Bertha (Ali Louise), The Franklin/Allison (Paris Jenner), The Cook (Juliette Patricia Botha) and The Pardoner (Peter Neaves).

If you’re a fan of the Garrick, you might recognise some of the cast from other productions, including Poe, Dreams of Madness. As each pilgrim acts out a story, the cast’s versatility is impressive as they play multiple roles and genders, while seamlessly transforming on stage or backstage in the blink of an eye, thanks to their clever costuming, props and characterisation.

Much like a drummer in a band, Hostess Erin Shay Horrigan (almost) keeps the raucous cast in line through her cheeky narration.

The equally talented acting troupe features Angus Le Cornu-Brown (Maude/Mary), Catherine Smith (Fox/Joanne), Ender Holt (King shared with Benny/Harold], Zane Holt (Absalon/Simekin/Jacob), Will Afanasiew (Astrologer), Piper Gibson (Dame Pertelote/Allain/Aurelius), Benny Peter Jordan (King shared with Ender), Olivia Keary (Dorigen/Agnes), Kaiden Breen (Chaunticleer), James Scully (Nicholas/Knight), Freda McColgan (Queen/Eveline), Riley Thomas (Auiragus/Waitress) and Eden Flynn–Radcliffe (Hilda/Eve/Aueline).

There wouldn’t be a production without a dedicated crew working tirelessly behind the scenes, that includes Eden Flynn-Radcliffe (Assistant Director/Choreographer and Props Manager), Chelsea Knight (Mentor Stage Manager), Isabella Melbin (Trainee Stage Manager), Virginia Moore-Price (Lighting Design/Bio Box Operator), Connor Barclay (Apprentice Lighting and Sound Operator), Ricky Penrose and Ian Lusted (Stage Crew) and Evelyn Holt (Costume/Wardrobe).

Keep a special eye out for the innovative set design, which features subtle changes between scenes, thanks to Paris Jenner and her set design and construction crew, which includes Ali Louise, Jack Pinder, Breanna Cooke, Ian Lusted, Piper Gibson, Eden Flynn-Radcliffe and other TAG members.

Established in 1932, The Garrick Theatre Club continues to entertain with its year-round performances, accompanied by complimentary tipples, snacks and old-world charm.

Canterbury Tales runs August 1st, 2nd, *3rd, 8th, 9th, *10th, 14th, 15th and 16th , evening shows at 7.30pm and *matinees at 2.00pm

Tickets: under 18s $15, Members $22, Concession $23, Adult $28

Book: https://garricktheatre.com.au/shows/

To book tickets to The Canterbury Tales, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/garricktheatre/.

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Plied and Prejudice

17/10/202526/07/2025 Carmen Jenner🌟🎭

Plied and Prejudice Rating

★★★★★

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The court was certainly aflutter during Plied and Prejudice, a racy adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice.

Featuring five unhinged actors playing 20 characters, this action-packed romp enthrals from start to finish. The night unravels from the moment the characters strut out onto the catwalk stage, running between the audience, perfect for posturing with outrageous innuendo.

Bridget Jones’s Diary fans will relish the parallels to Pride and Prejudice (minus the knickers, huge or otherwise), and Bridgerton, Little Britain, and Rick Astley aficionados will be in for a debauched treat. It’s probably just as well Jane Austen is no longer around to witness this tequila-soaked production.

Written by Matthew Semple with original direction by Dash Kruck, the swoons are aplenty thanks to director Ian Good and producer Alex Woodward from Woodward Productions. The lusty performance is hardly surprising given Mr Darcy’s soaked white shirt and the amount skulled by Elizabeth Bennett whenever there was a mention of tea, or the bell rang.

Certain cast members will be indisposed each night to keep it fresh, as if it could get any livelier. The production stars Ayesha Gibson (Elizabeth Bennet and others), Patrick Gandin (Darcy and others), Rp van der Westhuizen (Collins, Bingley, Wickham and others), Jess Lally (Catherine de Bourgh and others), Lucy Goodrick (Jane Bennet and others) Hanna Harvey (Swing) and Oliver Clare (Swing).

Set and costume designer Penny Challen portrayed Regency-ridiculousness with tongue-in-cheek aplomb. The actors’ performance, with all the grace of a frenetic ballet dancer, can be attributed to the movement direction of Dan Venz. A word of warning, this is not for the conservative or under-18-year-olds, you will be outraged while secretly longing to be invited to the after-party. Pray to Great Britain that you aren’t chosen to become part of the performance.

After sell-out shows in Brisbane and London, the Perth season has already been extended to 28th September 2025. No doubt, the extra tickets will sell quickly to the uninitiated, intrigued by the scandalous reports, and repeat theatre-goers craving more unruly decorum.

So, dust off your fascinators and get dressed (or undressed) for the booziest ball of the century at Pemberley. Mr Darcy’s shirt isn’t the only thing that will be drenched by the end.

Plied and Prejudice runs from 18th July to 28th September at Downstairs at The Maj. If you’re lucky to be invited as Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s honoured guest, tickets are $100 for a plush throne and prosecco. Front-row aristocrat tickets are $70, middle-class cabaret-style seating is $60 and the paupers on high stools will be flogged $30.

To book tickets to Plied and Prejudice, please visit http://artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/his-majestys-theatre/whats-on/plied-and-prejudice/.

Photographer: Caitlin Irving

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Alice In Wonderland

20/07/202520/07/2025 Natalie Rees🌟🎭

Alice In Wonderland Rating

★★★★★

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Stepping into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland has never felt more real than at New City Theatre’s latest production. With tea and cupcakes served upon arrival, the audience was immediately immersed in the delightful atmosphere of the Mad Hatter’s tea party, setting the tone for an evening of charm, creativity, and community spirit.

What made this production truly special was its original music. With beautiful, meaningful lyrics written by the young and talented Hannah, the songs added a fresh and emotional depth to the classic tale. A remarkable feat for such a young composer, the music elevated the production and should be an inspiration for young and old theatre makers alike.

Hannah-Jade Keppler’s performance of one of these original songs was a standout—her voice, clear and emotive and captured the emotional core of the story. Equally impressive was the choreography by Tamara Wolf, whose staging brought a dynamic energy to the production and I love how the fourth wall was crossed with the cast venturing into the audience so we could get up close and personal with them!

Among a 16-strong, cohesive cast, it was evident that age was no barrier and I loved how inclusive this theatre company is.

Danielle Ritchie shone in her debut lead role as Alice, delivering her lines with poise and singing her solo with confidence—a significant achievement for any first-time lead. Kayla Short’s portrayal of the Mad Hatter was another highlight, brimming with charisma and comic flair. Her performance of the Mad Hatter’s song was particularly memorable and confidently delivered.

The Queen of Hearts, played with razor-sharp comedic timing by Eloise Keppler was outstanding and when improvisation was required by a mishap on stage – she handled it like a pro, with grace and compassion. Another special mention goes to Summer who played Dinah the cat with incredibly believable physicality and vocality – the level of commitment to character was impressive.

Adding a heartwarming element to the production were the youngest cast members—Yusra, Bisma, and Rayne—whose presence on stage melted the hearts of everyone in the room.

New City Theatre, which has been active since 2013, continues to nurture young talent and foster community. The fact that three founding members are still performing is a testament to the lasting impact this group has had. I’d also like to acknowledge the invaluable work of the many helpers who served food and drinks and supported behind the scenes—a true community effort in every sense.

Perhaps the most remarkable takeaway from Alice in Wonderland was what it says about the capabilities of young people. Given the space, trust, and encouragement, they created something wholly their own—original, ambitious, and utterly delightful. This show wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement: young people are more creative, intelligent, and capable than we often give them credit for.

A resounding success and a beautiful reminder of the power of youth, imagination, and community.

To book tickets to Alice In Wonderland, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/nct/.

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