Reviews

DIVAS

Created by Simon Phillips and Bernadette Robinson. Directed by Simon Phillips QPAC Playhouse 20th-23rd July, 2023, then Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne.

If you find it impossible to conceive of the idea of Miley Cyrus side by side on stage with opera’s Maria Callas, then you are clearly not a devotee of the amazing Bernadette Robinson. Ms Robinson launched her new show Divas in Brisbane prior to upcoming seasons at Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne, and, as always, awed her audience with her astounding vocal talents.

Beginning

By David Eldridge. Moonspark Productions. Pip Theatre, Milton, Brisbane. July 13 – 29, 2923

Step into the cozy and intimate world of Beginning by David Eldridge, a heartwarming play that takes place in the aftermath of a housewarming party. Presented at Pip Theatre, Milton, this two-hander one-act play provides a realistic and surprisingly touching inside view of the awkward first steps of new love. With Crystal Arons as the confident and captivating Laura and Jesse Blachut as the awkward yet endearing Danny, the show explores the vulnerability and hopes of seeking a real connection amidst life's baggage and the world of online dating.

Garage Girls

By Candace Miles, Madelaine Nunn and Anna Rodway in collaboration with Carolyn Bock and Helen Hopkins. Presented by Three Birds Theatre and Shift Theatre. Directed by Janice Muller. La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton. 19 – 30 July 2023.

Garage Girls is a fun, feisty and fantastical story about trailblazing feminist figure Alice Anderson (Madelaine Nunn). Set in the 1920s with the backdrop of a recent world war and the Spanish Flu pandemic, the play brings to life the obstacles that Anderson faced in forging a career as a mechanic and pursuing her outback adventures. Interestingly, despite its historical setting, the story has some uncanny resemblance to the present.

Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare. Darlington Theatre Players. Directed by Siobhan Vincent. Marloo Theatre, Greenmount, WA. July 7-22, 2023

Much Ado About Nothing is one of the most often performed Shakespeare plays in Perth in recent years, and it is interesting to ponder its popularity. Is it the familiarity of an outdoor lifestyle in rural Italy, or its strong female heroine? Darlington Theatre Players’ production makes the most of both of these elements, in an intelligent production with strong production values.

Perceptions

FORM Dance Projects. Dance Bites 2023. Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres Parramatta. 20 -22 July, 2023

Spanish-Australian dancer Pepa Molina returns to Riverside in this fascinating performance based on interviews with the elderly Spanish community at a Spanish speaking aged care facility in Sydney.  That research revealed a range of perceptions about Flamenco that involved “superstitions and cliches that are traditionally linked to the artform and that are common to everyday life in Andalusia, Spain”.

The Hero Leaves One Tooth

By Erica J. Brennan. Ratcatch Theatre, in association with Bakehouse Theatre Company, at KXT On Broadway. Directed by Cam Turnbull. 14-29 July, 2023

‘It’s really hard to be a good guy these days.’ So says one of the male friends in this new play from Ratcatch Theatre. And who could blame him? If having two fingers completely chewed off is part of the deal then I think I’ll give being ‘a good guy’ a pass.

Girl Shut Your Mouth

By Gita Bezard. Presented by Deadset Theatre. The Mill, Adelaide. 19-23 July, 2023

Four young women are talking in a teenage bedroom, walking the tightrope between schoolgirl and womanhood – trying to be grown-up packing a suitcase, but clinging to a childhood toy that won’t get left behind. Each asserts themselves, takes a joke as an insult – it’s a great study in adolescent conversation, until Katie almost screams at the others ‘So then where is your bullet?’

Shakespeare in Love

Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall. Presented by the Shepherd’s Purse Theatre Company. Flutterbies Café and Gardens -Tyalgum NSW. Jul 13 – 15, 2023

Before even beginning to review this extraordinary pro-am production of this brilliant hit play, based on the movie of the same name, one must get one’s head around the country town in which it is performed - Tyalgum. A tiny town buried deep in the hinterland of the Tweed Valley, dominated by the mighty peak of Mount Warning, there is something unique that is happening and has been happening in this town in the last few years.

Forgetting Tim Minchin

By Jules Orcullo. Belvoir St Theatre. Directed by Amy Sole. 12-29 July, 2023.

Jules Orcullo’s musical play Forgetting Tim Minchin is a moving, hilarious, and heartbreaking story of failure and hope. Catchy, creative songs combined with fun movement and punchy dialogue make Forgetting Tim Minchin an absolute delight to watch—just be sure to bring some tissues along.

Les Misérables

Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg. Lyrics: Herbert Kretzmer. Original French text by Alain Boublil & Jean Marc Natel. Directed by Adam Salathiel. Koorliny Arts Centre, Kwinana, WA. July 7-15, 2023

Les Misérables is indubitably Laughing Horse Productions’ most successful show to date, with the entire season in the good sized Koorliny Art Centre completely sold out. Well-presented and nicely performed, it was clear that the audience was not disappointed. It is difficult to argue with standing ovations and rousing applause, and this production was a great way to celebrate the company's 10th anniversary.

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.