Reviews

Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries are a surefire way to fill theatre seats.  For this reason, some companies continue to stage them, despite the fact the plays are not exactly groundbreaking theatre. Opening night for Therry Dramatic Society’s production of Christie’s A Murder Is Announced was testament to the perennial popularity of the late playwright’s work, with almost a full house at the Arts Theatre in Adelaide.

Living on the other side of town, I haven’t encountered an MLOC production for some time, but this was the best. The direction was tight, the chorus energetic and the drama confronting.

In the title role Ben Paine had the open, happy face that made him ideal for this role. The fact that he could sing and do the pathos as well was a bonus. The whisper quiet opening to “Gethsemane” was imbued with impending tragedy.

Someone Like Thomas Banks is a wonderful unique opportunity to be offered insight into the complex life of an earnest, intelligent and astute young man with Cerebral Palsy.  It is a moving and joyful work that celebrates difference and highlights the need for more disability friendly Theatre.

It may be a bit tricky to understand exactly what Thomas Banks is saying, at times, when he is talking, but he kindly suggests that we don’t worry too much because most of what he is trying to communicate will be made clear - and it is.

If only Australian plays were revived more often. This production of Good Works, written by Nick Enright in 1995, proves the value of our own storytelling on stage. It’s not the most powerful play in dramatic terms but it resonates strongly. The story is completely engaging throughout, even though it’s complicated, fast and sometimes difficult to follow.