Book by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce. Original songs: Eddie Perfect and other collaborators. Footlight Productions Vic. Producers: Margaret & Peter Wills. Director: Alister Smith. Vocal & Musical Director: Phil Kearney. Choreographer: Ashley Boyd. The Story House, Geelong Arts Centre. January 19 - February 3, 2024.
As the first instalment of Baz Luhrmann's 'Red Curtain Trilogy' (alongside Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!) the 1992 movie Strictly Ballroom (earning over $80 million worldwide) has become one of Australia's most successful and loved film musicals. All of Luhrmann's projects (including Australia, Gatsby, Elvis & La Boheme for Opera Australia) are synonymous for their unique storytelling style and extravagant visuals.
GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, Sydney Festival. Roslyn Packer Theatre. January 23 – 28, 2024
Dancers have flocked to Sweden from more than 20 countries to work with its contemporary dance company in Gothenburg. For the Sydney Festival they’re bringing two super-stylish, hypnotic and slightly chilling works, which are now signatures for Goteborgsoperans.
Written and directed by Emma Krause. Fringe World. Ivy and Jack, Hay St, Perth WA. 19 Jan - 17 Feb, 2024
40+ Fabulous is a solo comedy show presented by Emma Krause. Possibly best known as Sue Finley from the AusLotto ad series (which also star her dog Molly), the schoolteacher and Mum was also a finalist on Australia’s Got Talent. Playing at a variety of venues throughout Perth during FringeWorld, the Monday night performance that I saw was completely sold out.
By Amy Fortnum with music by Ashlee Clapp. Bright Side Productions / Fringe World. Directed by Any Fortnum. Amphitheatre, Yagan Square Perth, WA. Jan 21-27, 2024
Filter Fun Park is a fun, educational musical for kids that teaches the importance of healthy eating and making good, balanced food choices. Performed by Bright Side Productions from a commission by Filter Your Future, this allegorical tale is performed out of doors, allowing families to bring a picnic and relax.
By Courtney McManus, Bec Price and Ana Ferreira Manhoso. Crash Theatre. FringeWorld. Directed by Bec Price. Fantasia at Perth Town Hall, WA. Jan 19-28, 2024
Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence may well be the best piece of theatre about girls in sport since Sarah DeLappe’s The Wolves. Based on the Scottish play, the machinations, quest for power and underhand dealings now take place within a Year Eleven netball team. Clever writing and some outstanding musical theatre performances make this an excellent FringeWorld choice.
Written and Directed by Sylvia Cornes. FringeWorld. The Ellington Jazz Club, Northbridge, WA Jan 20-24, 2024
Yé-yé Yeah! is a cabaret tribute to the Yé-Yé movement that peaked in France during the 1960s. Written and lead by Sylvia Cornes, it is a “kind of” sequel to her previous show Francois and Friends, but this production features even more performers and a broader look at the musical style.
Written and directed by Dr Ahmed Kazmi. FringeWorld. Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WA. Jan 19-28, 2024
Some years ago, at FringeWorld, an obviously nervous local GP made a stand-up comedy debut in the back room of The Moon Cafe. Since then, Dr Ahmed Kazmi has gone from strength to strength, playing increasingly larger venues with highly successful and award-winning cabaret style shows including Cabaret Consultations and Dr Ahmed Gets Hitched (an absolutely gorgeous show which plays again in this FringeWorld season).
Written and directed by Millicent Sarre. FringeWorld. The Recabites, Perth, WA. Jan 19-28, 2023
Millicent Sarre is Opinionated is a cabaret show that smashes the patriarchy with some very cute boots. Performed by Millicent Sarre - cabaret artist, singer-songwriter, vocal coach, musical theatre performer, law graduate and "professional feminist”, Millicent is perhaps best known in Perth for the podcast Feminism Ruins Everything.
By Star Kids. Book - Jeff Blim, Nick Lang, Matt Lang. Music - Jeff Blim. A Big Job Production. The Hidden Theatre, Hobart. Bailey Finch and Inigo Wadsley (Directors). Adam Bowden (Musical Director). 17-21 January 2024
Big Job Productions is associated with the Isabella Rose Stage company. Principal, Isabella Briffa, is a young woman of vision and passion who has moved into the largely dormant void of Amateur Musical Theatre which is Hobart. Mostly working with young people, this is the first adult production she has brought to the Tasmanian public.
Written and directed by DivaLicious. FringeWorld. Lotterywest De Parel Spiegeltent at the Pleasure Garden, Northbridge WA. Jan 19-21, 2024
Perth’s most preferred pair of sopranos, DivaLicious, perform at De Parel Spiegeltent at FringeWorld for a very short season, before they jet off to the Pacific to play on the Princess Grand cruise ship. The impending gig gives rise to a nautical (and occasionally naughty) theme of the show, which works just as well on dry land as it will on the high seas.
