Reviews

The Top Secret Violin Case

By Sofia Chapman. Outside eye, Görkem Acaroglu. Presented by La Mama, 349 Drummond Street Carlton. 21-26 January, 2020.

This show is an extraordinary gleeful exploration of some dark political events that besieged Eastern European countries under communist regimes. This light-hearted approach does not belittle the issues but allows the audience to see how suspicion and paranoia pervaded all aspects of life in countries like Romania. In this show the formation of a Romanian folkloristic music ensemble becomes fraught with obstacles fuelled by political machinations and corrupt bureaucracies.

Eyes Wide Woke

By Katherine Atkins. Bitten By Productions. The Courthouse Hotel, North Melbourne. 21 January – 1 February 2020

Very ‘woke’ – or she imagines she is – opinionated and confrontational Valorie (Ashleigh Clarke) invites sex worker Jasmine (Emma Drysdale) to join her fiancée, nervous, timid Sara (Ashley Tardy), former lover and pants man Noah (Luke Jacka) and old school mate, very camp, very loud Angelo (Joshua White) for an intimate dinner.  This will demonstrate – if not prove - just how ‘woke’ Valorie is.  During dinner (delivered by Uber Eats), there will be a full and frank discussion of Jasmine’s profession, feelings and choices.&nbsp

Impromptunes - Tune Your Own Adventure

Fringe World. Teatro, The Woodside Pleasure Gardens, Russel Square, Northbridge WA. Jan 18-21, 2020

Impromptunes - Completely Improvised Musical is one of the most popular regular visitors to Fringe World. As a long term fan of that show, i decided to check out their show for kids - Impromptunes - Tune Your Own Adventure.

Unlike its older sibling, Tune Your Own Adventure’s last show was not a sell-out, but the response to this production from its young audience would indicate that it should be - with complete involvement from everyone in the audience with this high energy improvised show.

Waterloo

Written and directed by Bron Batten. Fringe World. The Studio, The Blue Room, James St, Perth. Jan 17-25, 2020

Bron Batten’s one woman show Waterloo explores what happens when a green voting, almost vegan theatre practitioner falls in love with a Tory voting, high ranked English soldier. How can Bron reconcile the relationship with her own beliefs and values?

The Circle

Written and Directed by Jack O’Brien. Presented by La Mama, 349 Drummond Street Carlton. 21-26 January, 2020.

The circle aims to capture the oeuvre of Lovecraftian horror and the text pays clear homage to the famous writer. The play is aptly named The Circle, which refers to the wider body of authors whose writing operated in the Lovecraft realm. O’Brien explores the ways in which their apocalyptic themes are transferred into the gaming world. This is shown as a sphere which easily absorbs the violence and doom suggested by the wholesale destruction that is anticipated by such dismal views of humanity. 

Crookie! A Mystery Musical

Directed by Alice Chaney, with musical direction by Lachlan Obst. Don Russell Performing Arts Centre. Jan 19-21, 2020

Crookie! A Mystery Musical is a vibrant, effervescent new musical with a young cast and the feel of a Disney Channel TV presentation - slightly heightened, always optimistic and suitable for all ages, 

Crookie! played for several performances at Thornlie’s Don Russell Performing Arts Centre (wonderful to have some good quality shows out in the suburbs) before continuing its run at Subiaco Arts Centre.

Brassy Broads

Perth Cabaret Collective. Fringe World (WA). The Ellington Jazz Club. Jan 17-19, 2020

Perth Cabaret Collective’s Brassy Broads played to sell-out crowds at the Ellington Jazz Club, featuring the music of some of history’s most stunning female jazz singers.

The music is top notch, with the nine piece jazz ensemble, led by Jess Herbert, a pleasure to listen to, even without the singers. Special mention to trumpeter Matt Smith, who on the evening I attended suffered from a bleeding nose mid-show and continued to play.

Françoise and Friends

Written and directed by Sylvia Cornes. Ellington Jazz Club, Perth. Jan 20-21, 2020

Sylvia Cornes takes an Ellington Jazz Club audience back to Paris in the 1960s with Françoise and Friends, a tribute to Françoise Hardy and her contemporaries. Playing to capacity audience, Sylvia and her band create the feel (and look) of the era in a warm, nicely polished show.

Death in the Golden Triangle

By Courtney Lee and Dylan Lee. Directed by Courtney Lee. Performing Arts Alumni Society. Jan 19-27, 2020

Death in the Golden Triangle is a new, locally written comedy set in one of Perth’s most salubrious suburbs, that explores power and ambition.

Cleverly written, with some beautifully drawn characters - very nicely brought to life by a hard working cast, I am loathe to reveal too much of the plot, which includes at least one twist that elicits an audible gasp from the audience. Death in the Golden Triangle deals with power shuffles and deals among a fictional version of the Liberal Party, after the death of leading powerbroker Peter Kenklemont.

Pre-Hysterical

By Head First Acrobats. Teatro at Woodside Pleasure Gardens, Russel Square Northbridge, WA. Jan 19 - Feb 16, 2020.

Pre-Hysterical was selected as one of the showpiece items for FringeWorld’s media launch, which was perhaps a vote of confidence in the calibre of this fun and physical romp designed for children and families.

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