Reviews

One of the joys of reviewing good community theatre is the exhilaration of seeing companies with miniscule budgets present full blown multi million dollar musicals, and sharing the passion that they imbue each show with.

Mel (Natalie Carr) and Leo (Matthew Molony) are a suburban couple alienated from each other.  He plays with Lego; she does crossword puzzles on her computer.  They talk past each other.  He wants a dog; she doesn’t.  There’s talk of getting away somewhere, but it’s just talk.  Suddenly, they are confronted with ‘Johno’ (Samuel Russo) – a man-child – who claims to have been in a bike accident just outside, but asks if they can make him some toast.  Who is this guy?  ‘You know who I am,’ says Johno. 

Real Womenis an hilarious new mini-musical comedy from Brisbane duo Jacqueline Ozorio and Matthew Samer. Filled with real life stories sourced from women on social media, the musical is presented as a series of character driven vignettes. The show pokes fun at the double standards facing us every day, and is about the way our minds and bodies are shaped, and how that affects our relationships to each other and to ourselves. With no real set, costumes or props to speak of, this work manages to stand on its own, entirely on the strength of the music, script and lyrics.

The key to children’s theatre is simplicity; words and concepts that are easily understood. Bear with Me is a delightful introduction to theatre for the young ones in the family. Songs that are easily learnt encourage the audience to join in, thereby promoting confidence in their abilities. Creative play works their young minds and the faces of the many children is testament to the fact the show is working. Add to the mix the security of everyone’s favourite teddy bear and you have an interactive production that is both challenging and entertaining.