Reviews

London Calling

By Paul Dabek (Paul Dabek Presents) and Matt Tarrant (MindBlown Productions). The Moa at Gluttony. Adelaide Fringe Festival. 20 February – 22 March 2026.

London Calling is a joyous whirlwind of cabaret, circus, magic and comedy that lives up to its ‘Pick of the Fringe’ reputation. Over a fluid and thoroughly entertaining 60-minutes this British-themed variety spectacular delivers laughter, skill and spectacle in equal measure.

A magician with comedic panache hosted the show with charm and a sharp wit making London Calling feel like a guided tour through a wonderfully madcap London night out. This set the tone from the outset, effortlessly blending audience interaction, magic and comic flair.

The Nirvana Unplugged Experience

Nick Deegan and Band. The Garage International @ Dom Polski. Adelaide Fringe 2026. February 21st - March 20th, 2026

MTV officially launched their unplugged series in 1989. Artists from all musical genres were asked to perform a stripped back set of songs of their choosing for 60 minutes. No feedback from imposing amps or deafening audio coming from speakers, just an intimate hour of music. It is an understatement to say that it was a success. The series clocked up millions of views as well as huge record sales.

Calendar Girls

By Tim Firth. Lane Cove Theatre Company. Director: Kathy Petrakis. The Pottery Lane Performance Space. 20 Feb – 1 Mar, 2026

In her director’s notes for this production Kathy Petrakis commends the “genuine positive spirit” of the rehearsal room and the “honesty, humour and passion” embraced by the cast.

It Is Well With My Soul

Written by D. P. K. Maegraith, adapted by A. Broadbent and A. Gum, music by A. Lymn. Presented by Maytide Theatre Company. World Premiere Musical, Adelaide Fringe 2026. Blackwood Memorial Hall and The Parks Theatre. February 21st to March 14th, 2026

Inspired by the famous hymn "It Is Well with My Soul", written by Horatio Spafford, this musical is based on a true story of hope, hardship, resilience, and healing. A recent novella, of the same title, by Adelaide based, veteran Australian Christian Media identity, David Maegraith, has been adapted for the stage by locals Andrew Broadbent and Ally Gum, with original music arranged by Alana Lymn.

Hotel Sorrento

By Hannie Rayson, Ad Astra, Brisbane. 19 February to 14 March 2026

Hannie Rayson’s Hotel Sorrento may have premiered more than 30 years ago, but with a family reunion at the story’s heart, it has lost none of its relevance or resonance. And, in Ad Astra’s intimate theatre space, Pluto, the characters are brought to life by a fabulous company of perfectly cast performers – many making their Ad Astra debut – who all give strong ensemble performances.

Bedroom Farce

By Sir Alan Ayckbourn. Canberra Repertory, directed by Aarne Neeme. Canberra REP Theatre, Acton, A.C.T., 19 February to 7 March 2026.

In Bedroom Farce, playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn makes light of the foibles through which we find the capacity to complicate

& Juliet

Music and lyrics by Max Martin and friends, book by David West Read. Stage Artz Theatre Company. Zenith Theatre, Chatswood. Feb 20 – 28, 2026

Electrifying, Jaw-dropping, Must-see. With chart-topping music, stellar vocals, and a captivating visual smorgasbord, this musical is pure, unmissable theatre magic. Stage Artz Theatre Company know the recipe for a great production – bring together a cracker production team who are experts in musical theatre, an incredibly talented cast and technical geniuses and let them be. This production of &Juliet is proof that this recipe works.

FLOP! The Best Songs from the Worst Musicals

Presented by Arthur Hill. Produced by James Seabright. Adelaide Fringe. Spiegel Zelt at The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Rundle Road, Adelaide. Feb 13 – March 8, 2026

Every now and again a Fringe show comes up that is captivating from start to finish and FLOP! The Best Songs from the Worst Musicals is one of those shows!

Gleaned from seemingly hours of research and lived experience, Arthur Hull takes us on a tour of some of Broadway and the West End’s lows, and finds the gem in each show that didn’t quite make it, or was a total flop!

Living in the ‘70s by The 60 Four

Adelaide Fringe. The Flamingo at Gluttony - Rymill Park. Fri, 20 Feb - Sun, 01 Mar, 2026

It was March 2nd, 2019 at the Arkaba Hotel when I first saw a very entertaining group of young men who created a Franki Valli sound with style, energy and great harmonies. I had accidentally sat at a table of proud parents: theirs, and it was then that I learned the story of four local boys whose music teacher encouraged and nurtured their talent and potential, ultimately becoming The 60 Four.

The Giant’s Garden: A Concise Compendium of Wonder

By Ursula Dubosarsky. Slingsby Theatre Company. The Wandering Hall of Possibility, Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Directed by Andy Paker. Selected Dates, 18 February – 14 March 2026

Nothing short of theatre magic in motion, Slingsby’s The Giant’s Garden, part of the Adelaide Festival is performed as one component of an immersive theatrical triptych - A Concise Compendium of Wonder. Set within the enchanting The Wandering Hall of Possibility, a wooden theatre nestled on Plane Tree Lawn in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, this production welcomed audiences into a world where imagination and emotion intertwine seamlessly. From start to finish, it is a breathtaking testament to Slingsby’s creative mastery.

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