Reviews

A Few Good Men

Written by Aaron Sorkin. Directed by Daniel Evans. Presented by Queensland Theatre in association with QPAC. Playhouse QPAC, 22 November - 7 December, 2025

Aaron Sorkin’s courtroom juggernaut has invaded QPAC’s Playhouse with all the controlled force of a well-drilled platoon. Under Daniel Evans’ meticulously calibrated direction, A Few Good Men becomes less a nostalgia piece from the ’80s and more a full-throated study of power, loyalty, and the brittle machinery of institutional honour. It is also, quite thrillingly, a rare opportunity to see a cast of this size take on dramatic text on a scale usually reserved for musical ensembles. QTC - you’ve spoiled us and we love it!

The Glass Menagerie

By Tennessee Williams. State Theatre Company South Australia (STCSA). Odeon Theatre, Norwood, Adelaide. 15 Nov – 7 Dec 2025

One approaches yet another production of The Glass Menagerie with the same cautious optimism one reserves for blind dates and “experimental” cocktails. Thus, it is a pleasure, an almost indecent relief, to report that the State Theatre Company of South Australia’s latest outing, under the direction of Shannon Rush, is not only admirable but often downright enchanting. For $60, one may sit in the Odeon Theatre and feel that this modern classic has, for the most part, been treated with the kindness and respect it deserves.

Born on a Thursday

By Jack Kearney. New Ghosts Theatre Company. Directed by Lucy Clements. Old Fitz Theatre, Woolloomooloo, Sydney. 28 November – 14 December 2025

It has been a while. Here’s a full-length new Sydney play delivering its tough message to an audience that’s holding its breath watching a truly excellent 5-strong cast at work. Nothing can stop the magic, not even loud noise from a team of bellowers in the room above. Jack Kearney’s great drama, expertly directed by Lucy Clements, proved to be the winner.

Corporel

Various composers. Performed by Alex Raineri. Brisbane Music Festival. FourthWall Arts. November 28, 2025

A lot of performances are called ‘unforgettable’ by us hyperbole-prone reviewer types, yet few truly are written in indelible ink on one’s hippocampus. There’s not even a smidgeon of hyperbole in the following statement: I will never forget Corporel.

Seasons

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Adelaide Town Hall, King William St, Adelaide. Nov 28-29, 2025

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra round off their highly successful 2025 season with a feast of English composers; Frank Bridge, Edward Elgar and William Walton!

Conducted by Mark Wigglesworth, whose ability seems to know no bounds, the concert is in expert hands.

Three in the Bed

By Alex Broun, Scott McAteer and Owen Tubb. Unknown Creative. Rosny Barn and Calverton Hall. Tasmania. November 27-9 and December 6th, 2025.

If these three plays are indicative of the state of modern relationships, then the world has become a better place. People are still acting like people; they do strange and ill-advised things but do them with respect, dignity, humour and above all, informed consent.

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Simone Young. Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. November 26, 2025

William Barton’s inventive mastery teaming his didgeridoo with classical musicians has been applauded since he was guest soloist in Peter Sculthorpe’s new Requiem 20 years ago.

Now Simone Young, with the SSO and 180 Sydney Philharmonia choristers, present the world premiere of Barton’s own composition Ayatku Muruu (One Country). The meditative 15 minute work is sung in English and his Kalkadungu language, from his country around Mount Isa in Queensland.

Carol

By Andrea Gibbs. Black Swan State Theatre Company. Directed by Adam Mitchell. Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WA, Perth, WA. Nov 22 - Dec 14, 2025

Black Swan State Theatre Company’s Carol is, at its heart, a tender and moving story of homelessness and resilience - especially at Christmas. This tender tale is wrapped up in some very gaudy, albeit expensive wrapping. leaving a show that grows on its audience, despite its strangeness.

Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.

By Alice Birch. Wit Incorporated. Directed by Emily O’Brien Brown. 25-29 November, 2025, Bluestone Church Arts Space & 13 December, 2025 The Bowery Theatre

Wit Incorporated is turning into the little theatre company that could with their latest production. British playwright Alice Birch created Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again as a commission for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2014. She was given the prompt, “well-behaved women seldom make history”. From this flowed the confronting, hilarious and thought-provoking play which has now been staged by Wit and directed by Emily O’Brien Brown.

The Seagull

Based on Anton Chekhov’s play. Adapted and Directed by Saro Lusty-Cavallari. Presented by Montague Basement in association with Bakehouse Theatre, at KXT On Broadway, Sydney. 21 November – 6 December, 2025

I must have seen Chekhov’s brilliant play half a dozen times and each time his elusive, guileless style of writing – no matter how adapted or tangled – wins through. First performed in 1896 Russia, and now in a full-on Australian adaptation by Saro Lusty-Cavallari set in 2020, the early days of the recent COVID experience, The Seagull remains outstandingly witty and lively. Directed lustily by its adapter, this 9-character play has come to the little Broadway space in Sydney for a two-week stay, which I fully recommend.

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