Reviews

The Norman Mailer Anecdote

By Anthony Mullins. Presented by Big Scary Animal and Door 3 Queensland Theatre. Diane Cilento Studio, Queensland Theatre Company. May 3 – 18, 2024

Beneath the veneer of polished wood and designer decor lies the tumultuous world of The Norman Mailer Anecdote, a riveting production that marks the debut of Queensland Theatre's Door 3 program. Stepping into the Diane Cilento Studio, audiences are transported into the lives of an upper-middle-class Brisbane family. Directed by Julian Curtis and written by Anthony Mullins, the play delves into themes of sexual assault, family dynamics, and the consequences of alcohol-fuelled decisions.

Symphonie of the Bicycle

By Hew Parham. State Theatre Company and Brink Productions. The Space, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide. May 14 – 25, 2024

I have a confession, I know almost nothing about competitive cycling, except they wear Lycra and take over Adelaide once a year in the Tour Down Under, so I approached Symphonie of the Bicycle with a certain amount of trepidation!

On entering the Space Theatre, the performing area is dominated by a black monolithic structure reminiscent of the 2001 – A Space Odyssey obelisk. The lights are low and ominous, and shadows lurk at the sides of the space.

Mozart's Mass in C minor

Queensland Symphony Orchestra. St Stephens Cathedral, Brisbane. 10-11 May, 2024

A full house greeted the opening night of QSO's foray into a program of ecclesiastical music, fittingly performed in one of Brisbane's iconic and historical buildings and to celebrate the cathedral's 150th birthday.

Misery Loves Company

By Isabella Reid. Legit Theatre Company. Director: Mathew Lee. KXT on Broadway. 3 -18 May, 2024.

Image: Lib Campbell, Rachel Seeto, Lincoln Elliott, Teale Howie, Annie Stafford, Clay Crighton, Linda Nicholls-Gidley, Paul Grabovac, Mark Langham, Michael Yore. Photographer: Clare Hawley

Sweet Road

By Debra Oswald. Melville Theatre Company. Directed by Vanessa Jensen. Melville Civic Centre, Booragoon, WA. May 10-25, 2024

Melville Theatre’s first full length play in their new (or depending on your interpretation - old) home, at the Melville Civic Centre, might be taken as a good omen for a “sweet road” ahead for Melville Theatre Company. A very successful production, expertly directed, and very well performed, it augers well for a bright future.

Mr Bailey’s Minder

Written by Debra Oswald. Directed by Phil Carney. New Farm Nash Theatre, Brisbane. May 10 – June 1, 2024.

Australian writer Debra Oswald’s play is centred on Leo, a famous artist, who has been ravaged by years and years of alcohol abuse, coupled with self-loathing and indulgent misbehaviour. He desperately needs round-the-clock care and this is to be provided by Therese, who is fresh out of prison and untrained for the task. We follow the changes and effects this has on both of them while one of his daughters attempts to control the situation, while carrying a lot of anger herself at the life Leo created for her.

The Roof Is Caving In

By Matilda Gibbs with Belle Hansen & Jack Burmeister. Frenzy Theatre Company. La Mama Courthouse. 8 – 19 May 2024

‘The roof caved in’ – as in, “everything was fine and then the roof caved in.’  That doesn’t happen immediately in this show.  It’s a process - but we are certainly expecting it from the very start when ill-matched students Hester (Marlena Thomson) and Bronwyn (Bek Schilling) move into a very small – with two trundle beds - flat together - after a ‘welcome’ spiel from the glittering eyed but robotic estate agent (Joanna Halliday) and the signing of the 78 + page contract.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore

By Martin McDonagh. Lane Cove Theatre Company. The Performance Space @ St Aidan's, 1 Christina Street, Longueville. 10-26 May 2024.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh is a dark and comedic tale that takes the audience on a twisted journey through Ireland's chaotic and violent world in the ‘90s. This production, directed by Kathryn Thomas and Mitch Garling, brings this world with its complex characters and intense stories as a perfect balance of humo¯ur and brutality.

Billy Elliot The Musical

Book & Lyrics: Lee Hall. Music: Elton John. Co-Directors: Lynette White & Chris White. Musical Director: David Clausen-Wisken. Choreographer: Lynette White. CLOC Musical Theatre. The National Theatre, Melbourne. May 10 - 25, 2024.

Billy Elliot The Musical danced up a storm in 2005, winning the Best Musical (and a slew of other categories) of Tony, Drama Desk, Olivier and Helpmann Awards.

Parade

Book by Alfred Uhry. Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. Co-conceived and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince. Soundworks Productions. Directed by Mark Taylor. Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre. May 9 – 25, 2024

Based on a notorious miscarriage of justice motivated by prejudice, Parade is a gripping piece of musical drama which is presented by the Melbourne based Soundworks in an outstanding production.

Importing cast and creatives substantially from inter-state with a full ensemble and orchestra is extremely ambitious, and the reward for Sydney audiences is they can enjoy a very well settled performance from a strong cast and team of creatives.

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