Reviews

C. J. Dennis was credited with shaping the Anzac legend so it’s appropriate that his work forms the basis of Villanova’s Gallipoli centenary entry. Dennis’ book, The Moods of Ginger Mick, was the springboard for this piece of Australiana which incorporated his original prose, songs of the period and images from the battlefront, using a bare stage, boxes, armchair, and props. It was a little like an Australian Oh, What a Lovely War, but not nearly as effective or vivid.

Dark, massive sets, moved by the backstage crew in costume, allow the action to flow in this spectacular production. Steep staircases on both sides provide multiple levels and entrances. The lighting is effective.

For me the highlight was the Mrs. Lovett of Antoinette Halloran. Though the role is often played by an older woman, there is no reason why it should be, as she should be of similar age to Sweeney, though his hard life would mean he could look much older. She was very funny and sexy, but was also tender in her scenes with Tobias.

Red Stitch gives us its most exquisite offering of the year with this new production.

Always ready to look for new ways to tell stories, the actors ensemble has taken Simon Stephens agonisingly beautiful one act monologue, and commissioned a second one act piece by Tom Holloway that runs parallel to it. For maximum enjoyment, do NOT read the director’s notes beforehand, discover the link for yourselves and it will take your breath away.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, with The Gilbert and Sullivan Society performing, in a smaller auditorium in outer suburban Melbourne, a work I’d never heard of and a verismo opera well outside their usual fare with a keyboard and string quartet. It was surprisingly good.

The Contrabandista is a farce by Burnard and Sullivan, who wrote Cox and Box. It was not an undiscovered masterpiece, but under the expert direction of Adrian Glaubert, highly entertaining. This was mainly to do with the strength of the performers.