Reviews

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

By Agatha Christie, adapted by Philip Grecian. Genesian Theatre Company. Director: Ali Bendall. 17 Jan – 28 Feb, 2026

Murder mysteries continue to be the mainstay of many theatre companies. And why not? Audiences love them so they boost the budget. Designers love them because they are often set in different periods so the set and costumes can be a little extravagant, there are usually interesting sound and lighting effects. Actors love them because they usually have a big cast and quirky character … and if they were written by someone like Agatha Christie there lots of twists and turns and even a little bit of comedy.

Wake

THISISPOPBABY. Sydney Festival. Directed by Jennifer Jennings and Phillip McMahon. Carriageworks – Bay 17. January 14 – 25, 2026

A young man in the buzzy foyer said to me as he was leaving that it was the best show he had ever seen.

Maybe he doesn’t see a lot of theatre, but it certainly was a thrilling night of entertainment - even an audience participant was so good I thought she was a plant. 

Set at an Irish wake, there was not much mourning taking place – think more like Riverdance on speed.

The creators tapped into the Irish tradition of having a raucous time at a traditional farewell.

Save The Last Dance For Me

Alessandro Sciarroni, Italy. Sydney Festival. Sydney Town Hall, Jan 17 to 20 and Leichhardt Town Hall, Jan 22 & 23, 2026

Polka Chinata is a fast Italian courtship dance for two men, originating from Bologna only a hundred year ago, then almost forgotten until 2018 when choreographer Alessandro Sciarroni revived the tradition. 

His dancers, Gianmaria Borzillo and Gianfrancesco Giannini, learnt the traditional moves of this physically demanding polka, and they’re currently performing it, for just 20 minutes, at locations around the Sydney Festival.

Mamma Mia!

Music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and some songs with Stig Anderson. Book by Catherine Johnson. Townsville Choral Society. Directed by Lindsay Nobile. Musical Director Paul Neilson. Choreographer Katie Grice. Vocal director Claire Davies. Townsville Civic Theatre, 15 – 24 January 2026.

THERE ARE very few contemporary musicals that engender such consistent affection from audiences and this has got to be the best of them.

Essentially, you have to love Abba to really get your maximum enjoyment out of it. But even if you don’t, there’s plenty to appreciate in this silly, fun, and frivolous show - filled with Abba-solutely fun music that everyone knows.

Bad Hand

Natalie Abbott. Sydney Festival. Wharf Theatre. Jan 15 and 17, 2025

Natalie Abbott’s career has flourished since being plucked as an unknown artist to take the lead in the second tour of Muriel’s Wedding the Musical.

The singer is now a go-to performer for any new Australian musical, having scored leads in Zombies, The Lovers and The Deb – which is making its overdue cinema release in a few months.

Natalie’s acting skills have also seen her make regular TV drama appearances (Aftertaste ABC) giving her a further national profile.

Turandot

By Giacomo Puccini. Opera Australia. Director and Choreographer Ann Yee. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. 15 Jan – 27 Mar, 2026

Written in 1924, Turandot was Giacomo Puccini’s very last opera. Set in China, it tells of the icy princess Turandot who seeks to avenge the barbaric humiliation of her ancestor Lou-Ling by cruelly executing any suitors that cannot answer three esoteric riddles. And Calaf, the exiled Mongolian prince, who falls in love with her, and despite all advice, determines to win her.

Once Upon a One More Time

Based on the music performed by Britney Spears, book by Jon Hartmere. Playlovers. Directed by Alex McLennan. The Tricycle Theatre, Mt Lawley Senior High School, WA. Jan 13 -24, 2026

Playlovers kicked off Community Theatre’s 2026 offerings with this vibrant, well-performed Youth Production, the WA Premiere of Once Upon a One More Time. Performed in the borrowed Tricycle Theatre at Mt Lawley (Playlovers home of over 50 years was demolished late last year), Opening Night saw a healthy and enthusiastic audience. Once Upon a One More Time is a jukebox musical based on songs sung by Brittney Spears.

A Promenade of Shorts: Season 3

Presented by Red Phoenix Theatre, Goodwood Theatre & Studios, SA. 15-24 January 2026

Nine plays in one night? I thought Adelaide Fringe was next month? Red Phoenix have returned from their fallow year with a festival of theatre starring almost thirty of Adelaide’s best actors. Ninety minutes of drama, comedy, and a homage to Beckett filled three distinct spaces at Goodwood Theatre and Studios, the venue buzzing with people as if it was Fringe opening weekend.

Sugar

By Ro Bright. Performed by Tomáš Kantor. Midsumma Festival & Bullet Heart Club. Melbourne Arts Centre, The Showroom. 13 – 25 January 2026

The amazing Tomáš Kantor here plays a madly ambitious young cabaret performer – charming, witty, engaging and quite, quite gorgeous.  They are developing their own cabaret show but they do need some financial help.  So, they are quite prepared to be or become whatever works. 

A poster for Pretty Woman is prominent on Bethany J Fellows’ clever, allusive, pink ‘n’ pretty set, and Julia Roberts is a sort of role model, shining ideal and inspiration for Sugar – both as star and as hooker makes good. 

Bigmouth Strikes Again (The Smiths Show)

Salty Brine and Sydney Festival. Wharf 1. Feb 14, 2026

Salty Brine is a cyclone of talent who whirls together music, memoir and literary history in a way which almost defies description.  It’s a heady mix of out their camp cabaret, humour and serious anecdote.

Resplendent in a fur lined cape, Brine sheds one glittering layer after another – prowling into the audience to eyeball individuals.

For ninety minute he is at full throttle only stopping for a brief sip from a wine glass.

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