Reviews

Berlin

By Joanna Murray-Smith. Directed by Natasha Boyd. Heidelberg Theatre Company, 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna, Melbourne.19 April - 4 May 2024.

In this text Joanna Murray-Smith weaves serious historical questions with conventional and unconventional notions of love and romance. It appears a tall feat, but this is achieved via an acute observation of the changing nature of intimacy and the way that emotional or psychological baggage can impact this. In doing so Murray-Smith raises some large moral questions that in the current geo-political climate render the play very poignant. 

Brodi Snook – Villain

Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The Greek – Level 1. April 16 – 21, 2024

The thirty something Brodi Snook is a full bag of sardonic wit and cheeky humour; she shifts and shapes a clever narrative around her anxieties while her villainous sub- conscious pulsates between visits to her therapist. Beginning her funny hour with talk of a “shaved pussy”, requesting audiences to show hands for or against, all who were a little reticent to reveal their preference laughed at her brazen feminist humour, while she admonished men and submissive women.

No Pay? No Way!

By Dario Fo and Franca Rame. Adapted by Marieke Hardy. Sydney Theatre Company. Directed by Sarah Giles. Sydney Opera House, Drama Theatre. April 6 – May 11, 2024

We’ve had the Eureka Stockade and that Fascist kerfuffle at the opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge but Australians aren’t really into revolutions.  But what would you do if rents, rates, energy bills and supermarket prices just never stopped leaping upwards?

‘Allo ‘Allo

By Jeremy Lloyd. Esperance Theatre Guild. Directed by Mak Bailye. The Bijou Theatre, Esperance. April 12-27, 2024

I recently had the opportunity to travel a little outside my usual reviewing circuit, to see Esperance Theatre Guild’s warm, well-presented production of ‘Allo ‘Allo, well known from the classic TV series.

The theatre venue is an experience itself. Beautifully appointed inside, with up-to-date facilities, The Bijou Theatre, is the oldest purpose-built theatre still operating in Western Australia and the third oldest nationally. It is picturesque and attractive and filled with friendly and attentive front of house staff and an eager audience.

Broadway Bingo

Presented and created by Outside the Jukebox. Underground Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse. 19-21 April, 2024

After having viewed Outside the Jukebox's previous production Merry Mixology, a set of comedy sketches and songs intertwined in a cabaret setting, I highly anticipated seeing their next production, this time a completely different concept: a selection of Broadway songs interspersed with a bingo game show, including minimal audience participation. Audience members are able to view bingo cards on their phones or with a flyer and mark off any specific traits they see in a performance shouting out Bingo! when they have a full house.

Mary Stuart

By Kate Mulvany, after Friedrich Schiller. Director Heather McGreal. Henry Lawson Theatre. 19 – 27 April, 2024

Friedrich Schiller’s play Mary Stuart was first performed in 1800. Set in 1586, it tells of a plot to assassinate Elizabeth I of England instigated by her cousin Mary Stuart, deposed Queen of Scotland, who claimed the right to the English throne.

Both were strong women who had the following of loyal supporters, but Elizabeth, as the crowned Queen, had the upper hand, and kept Mary in prison in England for 19 years. The plot, carried out by Mary’s Catholic followers, was unsuccessful and led, eventually to Mary’s execution.

A Case for the Existence of God

By Samuel D. Hunter. Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre. 13 April – 12 May 2024

Two men sit across an office desk.  They could not be more different.  We think.  One is Keith (Kevin Hofbauer), a mortgage broker given to financial jargon and acronyms; he’s apparently confident, very definite, wears preppy clothes, has a neat beard.  The other man is Ryan (Darcy Kent): reticent, apologetic, scruffy hair, faded tartan shirt, scuffed Redwing boots.  Ryan wants a loan to buy some land – twelve acres his family owned long ago – for himself and his fifteen-month-old daughter Krista.  We want Ryan to get that land, but w

The Exact Dimensions of Hell

By Bridget Mackey. Presented by Mackey, Darling & Collaborators. Directed by Alice Darling. fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. 18 – 28 April 2024.

Bridget Mackey has penned a very unusual story in that she prioritises the perspective and fantasies of a teenage girl and fully indulges them. Bored by life in mundane Australian suburbs, the fourteen-year-old girl (Matilda Gibbs) has strong fantasies about becoming a witch. While online she finds an older man (Daniel Schlusser) who claims he can teach her how to practice witchcraft. 

Little Women

Book by Allan Key. Music by Jason Howland. Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre. Scott Theatre – University of Adelaide. 18th – 21st April, 2024

Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women was originally published in 1868. The coming-of-age story of the March sisters follows their transition from childhood to womanhood. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the musical adaptation follows our headstrong protagonist Jo March and her passion for storytelling, only rivalled by her love and devotion to her family.

Effie in Upyourselfness

Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Arts Centre Melbourne. April 12 – 21, 2024

 

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