Reviews

When the Rain Stops Falling

By Andrew Bovell. Iron Lung Theatre. Theatre Works, St Kilda. 2 – 18 March 2023

I was fortunate to see this moving, ambitious play at its Melbourne premiere performance at Theatre Works in July 2021. The next day, lockdown bit, theatres were closed, and the rest of the season was cancelled.  Now it returns with exactly the same fine cast, director, designers, and set – an achievement in itself.  Seeing the play a second time, I have little reason to amend my review.

The Party

Strut & Fret. Adelaide Fringe Festival 2023. Feb 17th – Mar 19th, 2023

Strap yourself in, because you are about to attend the party of the century and the first rule is…there are no rules. Nothing is off-limits in this risqué comedy circus cabaret. Founding director of Strut & Fret and director of this latest extravaganza Scott Maidment has assembled an incredibly talented and versatile cast; along with comedy direction by Spencer Novich and choreography by Kevin Maher they have produced a high-octane two hours of adult fun.

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

By Robert Louis Stevenson, adapted by Kip Williams. Adelaide Festival. Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide. 3-12 March 2023

Gabriel Utterson is a lawyer drawn into a mystery of horrific brutality from an unknown man known as Mr Hyde, that is inextricably wrapped up with his old friends, particularly the well-regarded Doctor Henry Jekyll. Even if you haven’t read the original Robert Louis Stevenson story, it’s likely you’re familiar with the concept – and I wish I didn’t know the story, because the twists of this clever adaptation would have hit home even harder.

Slip

By Rebecca Jensen. FRAME: A biennial of dance. Darebin Arts Speakeasy. Northcote Town Hall. 1 – 4 March 2023

Split is a not an ‘easy’ show: difficult to describe, even more difficult to sum up.  The creator is Rebecca Jensen.  The show is both abstract and concrete; it reaches for wider meaning and it mixes in down-to-earth comedy and slapstick.  It is about sound and images and movement.  Jensen says in her program note, ‘Sound and movement separate, loop and return to each other, asking us to be attentive to new ways of seeing and relating to our environments, amplifying what is less perceptible.’  Split is then about paying atte

I Sat and Waited But you Were Gone too Long. The Grief Trilogy: Part One

By Liv Satchell with Emily Tomlins and Chanella Macri. Directed by Liv Satchell. La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton. 1-5 March 2023.

This first of three instalments of The Grief Trilogy sets a sombre and intense tone for these plays. These are dark themes which are treated with unapologetic directness and honesty. The expectation is, therefore, that the experience will not be easy. The production, in fact, depicts some very difficult and raw emotions. Some moments in the play will test the audience and their willingness, or even their ability, to ponder the recesses of the mind.

Escolania de Montserrat

Adelaide Festival. Adelaide Town Hall. 3 — 5 March 2023

Within the glorious acoustic setting of the Adelaide Town Hall, this all-boys choir completely captivated the full house at their opening night performance. 

Dogs of Europe

Adelaide Festival. Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre. Australian exclusive. March 2 – 6, 2023

Performed in Belarusian with English surtitles and based on the novel by Alhierd Bacharevič, banned in Belarus, Dogs of Europe is particularly befitting on more than one level. Whilst dystopian works are very much the ‘flavour’ of the moment, the chilling realisation that Dogs of Europe underlines is that much of what is portrayed is not of the future, but is already here.

Where To From Here?

By Tracy Crisp, Adelaide Fringe. Studio 166, Goodwood Theatres. 2-12 March 2023

‘Excuse me,’ is the common introduction to Tracy Crisps’s encounters through this wonderful monologue of Gen Xs looking back on their world. On the surface, her story is about a train trip from here to somewhere, and about the people she meets – but goes much deeper: it’s not just the baggage she’s shoving into a locker, it’s that which remains in her head and heart.

Made In China 2.0

By Wang Chong. Directed by Wang Chong and Emma Valente. Malthouse Theatre. 28 February - 19 March 2023.

This is a deeply personal and touching performance even though it is structured like a lecture and employs some basic digital technology. Nonetheless, the show is fully and profoundly immersed in theatrical traditions, and Wang Chong’s performance is as brave as it is daring in its play with form. The content is an extremely poignant expression of an implacable desire to speak freely. This gives the show quite an edge and makes it all the more remarkable. 

Nickyboy & Queen Fee: Fiona O’Loughlin

Top of the Ark (Arkaba Hotel). Adelaide Fringe Festival 2023. Thurs 2nd March, 2023

With two comics hitting the stage, there was bound to be chaos and just a few belly laughs. Honest and raw humour, with the odd expletives and a karaoke mix, the rowdy audience were showered with two hours of unique storytelling. This comedy duo goes way back and clearly have an affection for each-other. This performance was all about fun and yarns.

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