By David Ireland. JH Productions. The Arch – Holden Street Theatres. 10 – 20 May 2023
David Ireland’s award-winning Ulster American, first seen in Adelaide in the 2019 Adelaide Arts Festival, is one of the most brilliant, provocative, and thrilling plays so far in the 21st century. It is partly based on a ye olde joke, the one involving, ‘There was an American, an Englishman, and an Irishman, etc’.
By Dave Simpson. Directed by Rianna Hartney-Smith. Tugun Theatre Company. 11th-26th May, 2026.
Whilst the Northern end of the Gold Coast boasts a variety of community theatre companies, the Southern end (until you cross the border) is in the capable hands of the Tugun Theatre Company.
Their second offering of the year is Dave Simpson’s Girls’ Night Out. Like most of Simpson’s plays, the sum total is in the title. Don’t expect anything cerebral from the thin plot or awkward multi scene structure … just go for a bloody good Girls’ Night Out.
Composed by Philip Glass, libretto by Philip Glass and Constance De Jong. Presented by Opera Australia with Orchestra Victoria. Directed by Andy Morton. Conducted by Tahu Matheson. Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, Melbourne. 13 May 2023.
Philip Glass’s music style is synonymous with repetition and minimalism. The combination in this hypnotic opera creates a uniquely profound and intense experience. The opera covers the era in which Gandhi spent time in South Africa advancing his non-violent cause against oppressive colonial regimes. The composition captures the incredible rapture and sublime experience of such an important movement, characterised by incredible discipline of the mind.
Book: Terrence McNally. Music: Marc Shaiman. Lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. CLOC Musical Theatre. Director: Richard Perdriau. Musical Director: Tony Toppi. Choreographer: Felicity Bender. The National Theatre, Melbourne. May 12 – 27, 2023.
CLOC is one of Victoria’s largest and most successful non-professional music theatre companies. Since beginning in 1964, they have staged over 100 productions, many of which have been non-professional premieres, including such iconic shows as Sweeney Todd, Annie, Evita, Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera to name a few. CLOC has retained its status as a producer of first-rate theatre with reasonably priced tickets affordable for all.
By Gilbert and Sullivan. State Opera South Australia. Her Majesty’s Theatre, Grote St Adelaide. May 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2023
It is said that Queen Elizabeth II was not amused by HMS Pinafore. This is surprising considering the opera is virtually an homage to her great, great grandmother. I think Her Majesty would definitely be amused by the State Opera South Australia’s G&S Fest’s latest production of this classic!
This production wisely retains all the G&S traditional touches but adds some new perspectives and blends the two together to produce a classy masterpiece!
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T. S. Eliot. Additional material by Trevor Nunn and Richard Stilgoe. Queensland Musical Theatre. Twelfth Night Theatre, Brisbane. 12th May - 21st May, 2023
Despite its demands on the cast and orchestra alike, Cats is a great choice for community theatre with its large cast and colourful, spirited display. QMT and the Twelfth Night Theatre have been around for a long time (just viewing the theatre's auditorium is a show in itself with its elaborate display of theatrical history) and the time, energy and support that has gone into this production is a credit to all concerned.
By Gilbert and Sullivan. State Opera South Australia. Her Majesty’s Theatre, Grote St Adelaide. May 11,13,17, 18 and 20, 2023
I have directed, choreographed and played the Major General in The Pirates of Penzance (at different times), so I was more than excited to see the latest offering from State Opera South Australia’s G&S Fest. I wasn’t disappointed; it was a truly marvellous production and demonstrates that Gilbert & Sullivan still lives and thrives in Adelaide.
By Jack Hibberd. Directed by Denis Moore. La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton. 9 – 21 May 2023.
Jack Hibberd is an Australian theatrical legend with canonical works such as A Stretch of the Imagination and Dimboola which have contributed to creating an enormous theatrical heritage. His work captures a quintessential Australian nature often highlighting the larrikin and the sometimes less refined aspects of Australian culture. His work evokes the style of both Brecht and Beckett and Killing Time is no exception.
Begetter & Auteur William Henderson. Wits’ End Presents. The Eleventh Hour, 170 Leicester Street, Fitzroy. 9 – 21 May 2023
Two expressionless men in dustcoats cycle across the stage on a stretch tandem bike. On the long bar between them, tiny, tiny men in top hats pedal too. They disappear. They return, but now they have reversed positions on the bike, and they go in the opposite direction. They disappear. Off-stage, there is a loud crash and then a heated argument begins. The driver has smashed the bike into a wall that is not supposed to be there. (A metaphor?) Off-stage, sounds of a crowbar and a jackhammer. The argument continues on stage. It is ph
By Lynn Nottage. Ensemble Theatre, Sydney. Directed by Darren Yap. 5 May – 10 June 2023
It’s extremely unusual for the Ensemble to feature an American play that opened on Broadway only 18 months ago. But ever-on-the-alert play selectors for this excellent Sydney venue have certainly hit the jackpot with Clyde’s, a zippy piece by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.
