Reviews

This special screening of this iconic film was created by Backyard Cinema in the UK and has been selling out shows in London for over ten years. Now it has debuted in Australia and is electrifying audiences at an equally iconic Melbourne venue: The Astor Theatre. Unlike other live musical accompaniments Order of Service takes a different approach and frames the film with hit songs associated with the film. A prelude, which includes a fabulous rendition of ‘Young Hearts’ and a fervent and energetic narration by Nadine Garner, sets the scene for the screening.

In 2023 this project was created for MONA FOMA and combined two contrasting and beautiful musical traditions to create enormously delicate and mystical sounds.

This is the Australian première of one of prolific British playwright Simon Stephens’ earliest plays – and the inaugural production of December Theatre Company. Two firsts, both impressive. Stephens’ play is visceral and fiery. DTC meets it head on a tight, gutsy production that augurs well for the company’s future.

Adding flair to an already eclectic festival program, this Dutch-based collective of ten performers portraying a fusion of urban sports and dance against a background of pre-recorded electronic music combined with a live violinist and cellist, burst onto the stage last night as the final opening-night performance of the festival.