Reviews

This absolutely sumptuous production is the most lavish musical to hit Perth in recent years. Beautifully presented, it is exquisitely acted and the singing is just wonderful.

Matt Kinley's sets, inspired by the artwork of Victor Hugo, give an epic quality to this classic novel turned musical - and are a key part of why those who think that they have seen Les Mis should take a look at this new production - which has a different feel to the previous tours.

In Kit Williams’ book Masquerade, the Moon, who has fallen in love with the Sun, sends her special messengers, Jack Hare and the frog, with a jeweled amulet and a riddle to tell him of her love. The Hare’s journey must be completed in a day, and is fraught with many obstacles. The story, interspersed with beautifully wrought illustrations, riddles and messages about life, and love, and loss, has been special to many children around the world.

Louis Nowra’s great Australian play, first staged at the Belvoir in 1982, here gets a fiercely acted revival starring and directed by Leah Purcell. You’d think that would be a tough gig for Purcell: it’s a three-hander, after all. But this is fine work, beautifully set and lit, and a tribute to the depth and intensity of Nowra’s writing.

Many years ago I remember seeing an old historical documentary tracing the incredible talents of the fast fading performers of the Vaudeville era. Fortunately the silent era of film was already in the making and able to capture some of these artists’ talents before being lost forever. Ironically, though, it was the film industry that gradually dissolved their world, as producers started to cash in on the benefits of transforming their venues into movie houses.