Reviews

The Almighty Sometimes

By Kendall Feaver. Presented by Q The Locals and Off the Ledge Theatre. Directed by Lachlan Houen. The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre. 19-22 November 2025

With superlative performances and precision direction, Off the Ledge’s rendition of The Almighty Sometimes is an empathic portrait of how mental illness can complicate the business of becoming an independent adult. While it doesn’t sugar-coat the trials, Kendall Feaver’s internationally celebrated script contains all the ambiguities, quandaries and strange genius of disordered thought.

Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare. Presented by Melbourne Theatre Company. Directed by Mark Wilson. The Sumner, Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Blvd, Southbank, Melbourne. 14 November - 19 December 2025.

Director Mark Wilson presents a vision of this play that pushes the boundaries of its humour by accentuating the visual and physical gags inherent in the text frequently beyond their usual limits. This produces a play which is full of rollicking fun, non-stop laughter with a very satirical perspective. Wilson provides a very unconventional interpretation of the play and works through both the romance and the comedy with unrelenting boldness.  

Proud

Written & directed by James Watson. The Motley Bauhaus. 18 – 22 November 2025

When we enter the theatre that sentimental and self-serving song, ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ is playing – setting up the question, what is home these days?

Jack (James Starbuck) is a naïve young man in the suburbs.  He is our Narrator, and he brings all other characters to life in this monologue.

Shrek The Musical

By David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori. Directed by Christopher Alvaro. Koorliny Arts Centre, Kwinana, WA. Nov 14 - 22, 2025

Koorliny Arts Centre’s Shrek is a fabulous looking big production, playing to capacity crowds. Joyful and vibrant with a large, energetic cast, this is a well-acted and sung production that leaves its audience smiling.

Shotgun Karaoke Vol. II

Performed by Carla Geneve and Paul Dempsey. Presented by QPAC, Winterman & Goldstein and Cornershop Agency. QPAC Concert Hall, 14 November, 2025

There is a particular thrill that comes from watching an artist with decades of influence walk onstage carrying nothing but a guitar and the absolute conviction that this is all he needs. At QPAC’s Concert Hall, Paul Dempsey proves again and again that this stripped back format is not a limitation but a liberation. But before he takes the room on a tour through the collective nostalgia of several decades of beloved songs, the night opens with an intimate performance from his chosen support act.

Bloodpaths and Orpheus

Conceptualised and directed by Alex Raineri. Presented by Brisbane Music Festival. Fourth Wall Arts, 16 November, 2025

In a cultural landscape where “multidisciplinary” is often shorthand for vaguely related art forms co-existing politely, Brisbane Music Festival’s double bill bloodpaths and Orpheus proves the term can still mean something muscular, imaginative and deeply integrated. Across two richly contrasting halves, Artistic Director Alex Raineri and his collaborators offer a fiercely contemporary evening that sits somewhere between meditation, provocation and tectonic shift in how sound, movement and image can co author meaning.

Drinking Habits

By Tom Smith. Hunters Hill Theatre Co. Director: Chrissie McIntyre. Club Ryde Ex. 14 Nov – 7 Dec, 2025

The world seems to be full of situations we once thought improbable. Unfortunately, they are far from ludicrous. This play by American playwright Tom Smith is also full of improbable, situations. Thankfully they are ludicrous … and become even more so!

Big Fish

By John August, Andrew Lippa ad Daniel Wallace. Murray Music and Drama Club. Directed by Tammy Peckover. Pinjarra Civic Centre, WA. Nov 14 - 22, 2026

Big Fish is a story about stories and a lovely blend of fantasy and reality, well understood by Director Tammy Peckover. Will Bloom’s father is a consummate storyteller. As he faces his final illness, Edward sets out to find the truth behind his tall tales. Murray Music and Drama Club’s production is full of warmth.

Brilliant Broadway

Writer: Doug Williams. Various composers and lyricists. Tweed Theatre Company. Tweed Heads Civic Centre Auditorium. Nov 14 – 30, 2025

I have a confession to make – this reviewer is a Broadway Baby. What a joy to be treated to such a wide variety of wonderful Broadway song choices (decisions made by writer Doug Williams) encompassing something for everyone.

Things I Know To Be True

By Andrew Bovell. Wyong Drama Group. Red Tree Theatre. Nov 14 – 22, 2025

Every time I see a Wyong Drama Group production I am always immediately struck by the attention to detail with the scenery.  When I walked in to see this play however, I noticed very quickly that there was clearly less decoration on the stage.  Apart from the fact that this play is mainly set in the backyard, the reason for the relatively pared back scenery soon becomes very apparent:  it simply isn’t necessary.  The quality of the performances in this dramatic production is so high that any superfluous decoration would only be a potential distraction. 

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