Reviews

Kimberley Akimbo

Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori. Presented by Melbourne Theatre Company. Directed by Mitchell Butel, musical direction by Kym Purling. Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank. 26 July - 30 August 2025.

Kimberley Akimbo is based on the play by David Lindsay-Abaire that tells the story of a teenager suffering from a disease that causes her to age four and a half times as fast as normal. It is hard to imagine how such a poignant story could be upbeat, but the music, song and dance in this delightful musical does more than merely tug at the heart strings. Kimberly Levaco (Marina Prior) develops a bond with Seth (Darcy Wain) and they are brought together as misfits. The story is funny, witty and at times subversive. 

The Book of Mormon

Book, Music and Lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Jones Theatrical Group. Capitol Theatre Sydney. Opening Night - July 24, 2025

With their elbows pointed sharply up, the crisp young new group of Mormons carved up the stage of the Capitol Theatre making  the musical  feel fresh and just as shocking as we first remembered it.

The tuneful ding-dong sound of the doorbells of the opening song “Hello” is soothing,  as the recruits innocently rehearse for their missionary positions (double entrende intended) with precision and camp sensibility.

Dear Son

Adapted the book by Thomas Mayo, by Isaac Drandic and John Harvey. State Theatre Company South Australia and Queensland Theatre. Odeon Theatre: Norwood. 26 Jul — 16 Aug 2025

The coldest, bleak winter night came alive at the premiere of the 70-minute State Theatre Company South Australia and Queensland Theatre production of Dear Son. Based on the book by Thomas Mayo and adapted by Isaac Drandic and John Harvey, it is a creative compilation of letters and reflections from 12 invited First Nation fathers and sons.  This groundbreaking celebration of manhood, healing, love and different perspectives is told through real and skilfully creative songs and stories, and delivered by five passionate and proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

The Gospel According to Paul

By Jonathan Biggins. Presented by Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA. A Soft Treat Production. Directed by Aarne Neeme. Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WA, Perth, WA. Jul 23 - August 3, 2025

An evening talking about Paul Keating and his politics might seem an uninspiring choice, but this one-man play, played as an autobiographical performance, is a fascinating historical story that keeps its audience rapt throughout its 90-minute performance.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

By Chrstopher Durang. Presented by Woy Woy Little Theatre. Directed by Terry Collins and Terry Matthews. July 25 – Aug 10, 2024

Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is a delightful mash-up of Chekhovian melancholy and modern absurdity — and this production captures its eccentric heart with warmth, wit, and comic precision.

Lockie Leonard Human Torpedo

By Paige Gibbs from the novel by Tim Winton. Murray Music and Drama. Directed by Ruby Liddelow. Pinjarra Civic Centre, WA. Jul 25 - August 3, 2025

Lockie Leonard Human Torpedo, based on the novel by Tim Winton about a teenage surfer and his family, is set in a fictional town in Southwest Western Australia. Murray Music and Drama’s production is a unique a new interpretation of this fun little show.

Mendoza Tango Quintet

Presented by Red Chair and The Events Centre, Caloundra. 17 July 2025

This superb performance by Mendoza Tango Quintet showcases sassy, fiery tales creatively woven through music and song. Mutual lovers of Argentinian music, dance and wine, the quintet's name Mendoza is inspired by the largest wine-producing region in Latin America.

Multitudes

By Katie Yap. Concert 3 with Mindy Meg Wang. VENTspace, Brisbane. 24–26 July 2025

Brisbane-born, but now Hobart-based Katie Yap has been busy! A Freedman Fellowship in 2022 sparked a wealth of composition, culminating in concerts in Melbourne not so long ago. In the audience was Dots+Loops Executive Director, Connor D’Netto, who vowed he would one day showcase Katie’s work in her home town. Dots+Loops (an artist-led non-profit) has a mission to encourage creative collaboration, combining classical and experimental music and bringing it to a wider community by presenting it in underground club venues and urban spaces.

Spider’s Web.

By Agatha Christie. Canberra Repertory, directed by Ylaria Rogers. Theatre 3, Acton. 24 July to 9 August 2025.

Having become a consistent favourite ever since opening at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal in September 1954 and enjoying a run of 774 performances at the Savoy Theatre, Agatha Christie’s play Spider’s Web is scheduled for a good run at Canberra Repertory’s Theatre 3, and with good reason. This production will give anyone cause to forget the outside world in favour of an atmosphere alive with laughter.

The Watsons

By Laura Wade. Directed by Leah Mercer. Hayman Theatre, Curtin University, Bentley, WA. July 22-

Hayman Theatre’s The Watsons, a theatrical interpretation of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, came as part of an accidental Jane Austen festival, with Plied and Prejudice playing Downstairs at the Maj, and Stirling Players Killing Katie, having Jane Austen as a theme. All three shows are offbeat and irreverent, with The Watsons a great blend of the contemporary and traditional.

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