Reviews

The 39 Steps

From the novel by John Buchan, from the movie by Alfred Hitchcock. Adapted by Patrick Barlow. Neil Gooding Productions and Woodward Productions. Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre. Opening Night: August 12, 2025

This production had something for everyone – whether you’re a rare visitor to the theatre or a theatre junkie.

Prepare for entertainment by the train load, physical comedy, sharp acting, visual effects and more funny accents that you can poke a stick at.

The 39 Steps was a serious film by Alfred Hitchcock based on a thrilling novel. Patrick Barlow, one of the world’s leading theatrical cast shrinkers, adapted the epic for four actors.

& Juliet

Music & Lyrics by Max Martin & Friends. Book by David West Read. Directed by Sandra Neal. Musical director Rianta Belford. Choreographer Melissa Land. Vocal director Claire Davies. Townsville Choral Society, Townsville Civic Theatre, Boundary Street, Townsville. 14 – 23 August 2025.

SO INFECTIOUS was the explosion of talent, exuberance and enthusiasm of the cast that I felt as if I had inadvertently stumbled on to the TV set of Glee.

In truth that I did not expect to enjoy - or even like – this musical. Jukebox musicals always present something of a difficulty to me. However, there is a strong contemporary positive message of being true to oneself - on many different levels.

Takács Quartet with Angie Milliken

Presented by Musica Viva. Elisabeth Murdoch Hall Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St, Southbank. 14 August 2025.

This is a concert that inevitably engrosses the audience. Takács Quartet creates an intimate and delicate musical experience that allows each instrument to feature and distinguish itself. The quartet makes this an exceptional event with a lively and passionate performance by each outstanding member: Edward Dusinberre (violin), András Fejér (cello), Richard O’Neill (viola), and Harumi Rhodes (violin). Takács Quartet celebrates is 50th year since forming.

The Dolly and Cher Show

QPAC Chamber Choir with Choirmaster Timothy Sherlock. Presented by QPAC. Concert Hall. 12 August 2025

The Concert Hall at QPAC was buzzing with anticipation on Tuesday night as the QPAC Chamber Choir took the stage for The Dolly and Cher Show, a glitter-sprinkled love letter to two of music’s most enduring icons. It was an evening that mixed pop sparkle with country soul, wrapped in spine-tingling harmonies and buoyed by the choir’s infectious energy. The program covered decades of hits, from the ‘60s right up to more recent releases, with each song given a fresh twist that felt respectful to the originals yet undeniably the choir’s own.

Much Ado About Not(h)ing

By William Shakespeare, adapted and directed by Kelly Wilson. Music by Alex Loveless and Scott Howland. Choreography and Movement by Darren Royston, Kevin Vong and Kelly Wilson. Earl Arts Centre, Launceston, Aug 13-15, 2025 (with more dates in Hobart and Devonport).

This was my first experience with Adaptivity Theatre Company, but having read the company’s mission statement I was curious to say the least.

Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure

By Ken Ludwig. The Genesian Theatre Company, Rozelle, NSW. Directed by Gregory George. August 8 – September 13, 2025

Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty is a whip-smart, laugh-out-loud addition to the Sherlock Holmes canon, blending a classic mystery with the playwright’s trademark wit and fast-paced theatricality. Following the critical success of Baskerville, Ludwig once again brings Holmes and Watson into a whirlwind case—this time revolving around stolen letters from a Bohemian king, international espionage, and a race to thwart the calculating Professor Moriarty.

Keep on Laughing

By Paul Elliot, Directed by Dale James. Old Mill Theatre, South Perth, WA. Aug 8-23, 2025

One of Old Mill Theatre’s most popular and funniest plays of 2024 was comedy Exit Laughing. Directed by Dale James, it featured old friends and bridge partners meeting to play after the death of their friend and fellow bridge player Mary. Audiences fell in love with the trio of Connie, Leona and Millie.

Perfect Arrangement

By Topher Payne. Directed by Samuel Farr. Roxy Lane Theatre, Maylands, WA. Aug 7-24, 2025

Samuel Farr makes his directorial debut with this queer comedy set in the 1950s. Thoughtfully directed, well staged and nicely acted, this show, while funny, also provides plenty of food for thought.

The Art of Song

Featuring Jess Hitchcock, Megan Sarmardin and SOLCHLD, accompanied by Paul Grabowsky. Cremorne Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane. 8 August 2025

What a treat it was to see three amazing First Nations women of song, brought together and accompanied by pianist Paul Grabowsky.

So Many Splintered Parts

By seven playwrights. Diane Cilento Studio, Queensland Theatre, Brisbane. 8 to 23 August 2025

This intriguing commission of seven short plays is directed and produced by Elaine Acworth and Shaun Charles (also writers in the series) with Jess Veurman as Associate Director and Saffron Benner as Dramaturg. The writers’ brief was to deal with today’s personal and political issues in just eight minutes and for only two performers – the brilliant Zoe de Plevitz (Cost of Living, Boy Swallows Universe) and Nick James (A Christmas Carol, Frankenstein).

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