Reviews

The Grapes of Wrath

By John Steinbeck. Adapted by Frank Galati. Canberra REP, directed by Chris Baldock. Canberra REP Theatre. 13–29 February 2020.

Using an amazing array of props on a set that’s a work of art, REP’s production of The Grapes of Wrath does justice to a masterpiece of writing and of adaptation that, set without compromise in a prolonged drought in the midwestern United States during the Great Depression, reveals, with finesse and genuine compassion, the best and the worst of humanity.

 

Summer Shorts

By Alice Gerstenberg, Noel O’Neill, Suzannah Churchman and Bob Charteris. Directed by Carmen Dohle, Noel O’Neill, Suzannah Churchman and Bob Charteris. Melville Theatre, Stock Rd, Palmyra, WA. Feb 13-22, 2020

Summer Shorts is a series of four very different one act plays, three with local authors, playing at Melville Theatre. A good night of variety and entertainment.

Lennon Through a Glass Onion

John Waters with Stewart D’Arrietta. Adelaide Fringe. Star Theatre. February 14 & 15, 2020

Actor John Waters has been a part of the Australian theatre and television industry since 1969. His longevity in his chosen field is testament to his enormous talent. Born in London, he played in a blues band in his youth, before moving to Australia where he landed a lead role in the musical Hair. Not content with being just a character actor, he is also a skilled musician and singer.

Bubble Show for Adults Only

Adelaide Fringe Festival. Empire Theatre – Gluttony. February 18th – March 14th, 2020

If you thought playing with bubbles was just for kids, then think again. ‘Bubbleology’ is a new genre and it is being performed in a late night-time slot for good reason.

Performers Kurt Murray and Iulia Benze have concocted a mixture of cabaret, burlesque, slapstick and absurd antics to bring a new twist to the art of blowing bubbles. Not for the prudish, this show has more sexual innuendo than a Carry-On film.

Idris Stanton – Wham Glam Circus Man!

Adelaide Fringe Festival 2020. Wonderland Spiegeltent at Gluttony. Feb 15 to March 15, 2020

‘Triple Threat - a person, especially a performer or sports player, who is proficient in three important skills within their particular field.’ Not many performers have it, but when they have, their work is a joy to watch!

Idris Stanton in Wham Glam Circus Man! has it in buckets. When you think of circuses, one of the last things that comes to mind is Glam Rock. Idris seamlessly blends them into one and creates a show that delights adults and children alike.

Granny Get Your Gun

By Tony Nicholls. Directed by Carole Dhu. Pinjarra Civic Centre, WA. Feb 14-15, 2020

If there was a World Record for most dad jokes and bad puns in a theatrical work, Granny Get Your Gun would hold the title, and the youth cast performing this punny little pantomime-like play were having a ball with the jokes - even if some of them seemed to pass over some of their heads. Well led, and given solid theatrical technique by director Carole Dhu, this young team are a delight to watch.

Isaac Lomman - Hypnotised

Adelaide Fringe. The May Wirth, Gluttony. 16 February - 15 March, 2020

Isaac Lomman is not your ordinary Adelaide local. How would you like to live next door to someone who with a click of his fingers can put you to sleep and make you do the most ridiculous things?

The packed house on the night I attended was testament to his popularity and skill. Lomman, as well as being an actual hypnotherapist, is a talented comic and his slick show Hypnotised is a little gem in the Fringe.

No Pay? No Way!

By Dario Fo. A new adaptation by Marieke Hardy. Sydney Theatre Company. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. Feb 10 – Apr 4, 2020.

The audience was greeted by the exterior of a non-descript double storey apartment block in Italy in the 1970’s. What happened to the façade, to bring us inside the working class abode was positively thrilling – especially for those sitting near the front. 

Cassie and the Lights

By Alex Howarth. Adelaide Fringe. Patch of Blue. Little Theatre, RCC,.14 February – 15 March 2020

When Cassie’s mum leaves them, the teenager wants to care for her younger sisters, who believe their mum is just “on holiday” – but can she really be the right person to be “mum”, or should she let foster parents create a new family?

Bette and Joan

By Anton Burge. Directed by Lynne Devenish. Garrick Theatre, Meadow St, Guildford, WA. Feb 13-29, 2020

Bette and Joan is a play about two strong mature actresses, and is a great vehicle for two strong, mature actresses. Garrick Theatre, and director Lynne Devenish, have chosen fine performers for this two-hander, in the form of Siobhan Vincent and Sarah House.

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