Reviews

Handel’s Messiah

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Concert Hall Sydney Opera House. 8, 10 and 11 December, 2022

What a sound! The Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and Orchestra led by the inimitable Brett Weymark bringing Handel’s magnificent Messiah back to the Concert Hall of the Opera House!

What a sight! The shining, intent faces of 523 choristers and 27 musicians following the Weymark baton!  What a thrill to hear soprano Lorina Gore, mezzo soprano Ashlyn Tymms, tenor Nicholas Jones and baritone Morgan Pearse sing the arias and duets – and smile as the choirs rise to sing the choruses.

Dick Whittington

By Stephen Quinn. GRADS. Directed by Stephen Lee. New Fortune Theatre, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA. Nov 18 - Dec 3, 2022

I’m not sure that outdoor pantomime is a tradition anywhere in the world, but it probably should be - as GRADS’ Christmas Pantomime, Dick Whittington, sits very well in UWA’s open topped New Fortune Theatre, and is a great way to enjoy a summer’s evening. This pantomime, written by Stephen Quinn, and directed by Stephen Lee (who happen to be the same person) is very much of the British tradition, but adjusts to the warm weather and includes some great local references.

Summer Soirée

Queensland Ballet Academy. Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre, Brisbane. 8 to 10 December 2022

The extraordinary talent pipeline in the Queensland Ballet Academy is on show for a few performances only at the new Talbot Theatre at the Thomas Dixon Centre. The Summer Soirée is a colourful, intense, sophisticated and fun mix of styles, inspired by works in the visual arts realm by Tim Storrier AM in conjunction with Philip Bacon Galleries.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile

By Steve Martin. Castle Hill Players. Pavilion Theatre, Castle Hill. November 23 – December 10, 2023

An artist, a scientist and an inventor walk into a bar in 1904 and debate the value of art, science and commercialism in the 20th Century, exploring the creative processes behind each (as well as a duel with weapon of choice; a pencil). That sets the scene for the traffic of our stage. 

Little Eyolf

By Henrik Ibsen. Burning House and Heartstring. Director: Robert Johnson. The Explosives Factory. 2-10 December, 2022

Henrik Ibsen wrote plays which throw relationships into stark relief by applying a blowtorch of intensity to family circumstances. Little Eyolf explores how change impacts difficult parenting, marriage and brother-sister relationships by pulling them apart and giving very articulate voice to the nuances of desire, guilt and pain revealed.

The Flower That Fell From the Sky

By Heloise Wilson. Feet First Collective and Little Y. Directed by Teresa Izzard. The Blue Room Theatre, Perth Cultural Centre, WA. December 6-10, 2022

Presented by Feet First Collective and Little Y, this world premiere production was produced collaboratively with the company, and is an interesting blend of post-apocalyptic drama, an exploration of the strength of family and an examination of the power of self-belief.

Rose and Walsh

By Neil Simon. Stirling Players. Directed by Carryn McLean. Stirling Theatre, Innaloo, WA. Nov 25-Dec 10, 2022

Stirling Players’ Rose and Walsh is a tender, gentle comedy about the relationship between award winning writer Rose, and her departed partner Walsh McLaren, who appears in her mind.

Cock

By Mike Bartlett. Boyslikeme Productions. Holden Street Theatres, SA. 30 November – 10 December 2022

‘To be or not to be, that is the question’ – Hamlet’s famous speech about choice, action/in-action, conscience, and mortality in many ways encapsulates Mike Bartlett’s Cock. Described as a modern ‘metrosexual play’, Cock premiered at London’s Royal Court Theatre in 2009, and subsequently has been performed in many parts of the world including New York, Vancouver, and Sydney. It has always attracted a fair bit of controversy, starting with the original poster being banned by London Transport.

The Merry Wives of Windsor

By William Shakespeare. Directed by Emma Austin & Kate Weston. Melbourne Shakespeare Company. The Rose Garden, St Kilda Botanical Gardens. 2 – 24 December 2022.

Melbourne Shakespeare Company has distinguished itself as an ensemble that produces lively and engaging versions of Shakespeare’s plays. Each production continues to consolidate the qualities that define them as an organisation. They are determined to produce environmentally friendly and sustainable theatre. This is clearly evident in their very inventive and pragmatic use of props and costumes. The production design shows a great deal of thought and imagination in bringing both characters and setting to life. 

The Nutcracker

Choreographed by Ben Stevenson, Queensland Ballet, Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane, 2 to 23 December 2022

At Queensland Ballet’s newly renovated Thomas Dixon Centre, the work of the wardrobe department is gloriously on show through glass walls. On a recent visit to the centre, I noticed the magic elves at work on horses and mice costumes and there was a sense of excitement in the air – The Nutcracker was coming!

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