Reviews

Recreating animated characters as living beings is difficult enough if the characters are human. But animals? Big, upright, talking, singing and dancing animals! That calls for a great deal of talent and imagination – but costume maker Robert Allsopp and puppet designer Max Humphries had just that creative skill. Their original designs are stunning replicas of the movie characters and bring the caged animals of the New York Zoo to life in a production that is big, colourful, hoof-tapping fun!

After the current bombardment of consumerism, it’s nice to immerse yourself in what this time of year should ideally be about – taking a step back to recount the past months, as well as reconnect with, and contribute to, our community.

If the sight of festive green and red is giving you blurred vision and you’re already crazed with the ear-worms of merry musak, go full Grinch and release your inner Scrooge – but do so with like-minded people as you hum along to an alternative Christmas list as the Babushka Cabaret team take to the stage. Babushka performers and writers, Alicia Cush, Laura Coutts and Judy Hainsworth are gorgeously be-sequined – with some cheeky costume changes throughout.

The calibre of non-professional theatre in Melbourne continues to soar with OSMaD’s lavish production of The Scarlet Pimpernel.  This much underrated and rarely performed musical echoes the romance of Phantom, the drama of Les Misérables and the cheeky humour of a Gilbert & Sullivan opera.