Reviews

The Legend of Ned Kelly

Written and compiled by Deirdre Quinn. Upstage Theatre Inc. Adelaide Fringe. The Irish Club. Directed by John Martin. 21 February - 5 March, 2016.

It's terribly frustrating to witness a show begin so promisingly, and to aim so high, only to fall so disappointingly short.

The exploits of the Kelly Gang are virtually second-to-none in terms of genuine historical - yet mythic - figures to emerge from - and endure throughout - Australia's history. There will presumably always be tremendous appeal to the idea of staging a re-telling of the tale, and probably always an audience interested in paying to see one.

Sincerely Yours

By Jason Arrow and Kohan van Sambeeck. Studio 411, Murdoch University, WA. Fringe World. Feb 18-20 2015

Fringe World premiered a number of new musicals and Sincerely Yours, presented by Stray Cats Theatre Co. and Mad Cats Theatre was a top class and worthy offering.

This beautiful and gentle three-hander features book and lyrics by Jason Arrow, music by Kohan van Sambeeck and Jason Arrow, with guitar arrangements by Campbell Ellis.

A lovely story set in the 1970s against the background of the Vietnam War, it centres on artist Sarah and her willingness to take a second chance at love.

Chase The Feeling

By Michael Allen. The Bakehouse Theatre, Adelaide. February 22-27, 2016

Chase The Feeling is a multi-layered, genre-busting theatre piece that defies easy categorisation or explanation. It’s a poignant coming of age drama, that pulls at the heartstrings without watering down the harsh realities of life… it’s also a critical examination of the nature of theatre as an art form, that presents academic concepts to the audience in a manner that is both accessible and humorous.

Rebecca

Radio Play based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier. Director: Dan Lane. New Farm Nash Theatre Inc., Brisbane, 20 Feb – 12 Mar 2016

Nash Theatre New Farm certainly know there way around a radio play, having produced countless during the last few years in their Lux Radio Theater recreations, The Canterville Ghost, The Wizard of Oz, The War of the Worlds, and The 39 Steps to name just a few.

Variation on a Theme

By Terence Rattigan. The Stirling Players. Stirling Community Theatre. 19 February– 5 March 2016.

Terence Rattigan was lauded in his heyday for using understated emotion in his devastatingly accurate plays about the emotional damage wrought by self-denial. Yet reviews slammed his Variation on a Theme when John Gielgud produced the play’s premiere in 1958. Critics believed then that Rattigan had lost his touch in this play and focused too much on the new trend for sexual frankness.

Variation on a Theme wasn’t revived professionally until 2014, with the resultant British production also achieving mixed reviews.

Pippin

Book: Roger O. Hirson, Music and lyrics Stephen Schwartz. Spotlight Theatre, Benowa, Gold Coast. Director: Trent Ivett. February 19th to Mar 12th, 2016

In this age of noise and gimmicks, it’s refreshing to come across a great “old fashioned” show with a great sing-a-long score and a variety of colourful costumes.

Pippin first came to Broadway in 1972 and, since then, has had a number of international tours and revivals.

Spotlight’s staging is around a carnival trailer surrounded by a black stage, which became a trifle boring (considering their last production was also basically black).

Cougar Morrison, RAWWR!

Directed by Clint Strindberg. Connections Nightclub, Fringe World, Northbridge, WA. Feb 17-21, 2016

Cougar Morrison was one of the hottest cabaret productions of Fringe World 2015 and it would seem that word has got out. This year's opening night played to a packed house at Connections, with an eclectic and enthusiastic audience.

Neel Kolhatkar

Arkaba Hotel. Adelaide Fringe. 20-21st Feb, 2016

You-tube and social media sensation Neel Kolhatkar is one of Australia’s favourite comedians at the moment. His millions of views guaranteed him a sold out show and if tonight is anything to go by a successful season.

The Punter’s Siren

By Gina Schien. Blancmange Productions. Blood Moon Theatre, The World Bar, Kings Cross. February 17 – March 5, 2016.

Gina Schien’s short but pithy little play is a crowd pleaser. It’s suggestive, provocative and very funny. Director Stephen Carnell brings his 2012 production back to the stage for Mardi Gras, with his original cast. Together they do the play proud.

Cinderella

Ballet by Alexei Ratmansky. Music: Sergei Prokofiev. Australian Ballet. Lyric Theatre, Brisbane. 19-24 February 2016

Alexei Ratmansky is the most sought-after classical ballet choreographer in the world today. Currently under contract to the American Ballet Theatre until 2023, it was indeed a coupe for the Australian Ballet to secure his services to re-imagine his take on the world’s most popular fairytale, which he originally created for the Marinsky Ballet in 2002.

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