By Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, and Phillip Scott. Seymour Centre, Sydney. 17 November – 23 December, 2022
It’s still called the Wharf Revue, but after two decades it’s moved inland – and sits happily in the York Theatre, Seymour Centre. The familiar foursome has the same winning formula, spoiling us with over 90 minutes of political satire, which this year seems energised by a new PM on the block.
By Neil Simon. The Adelaide Rep. Angas Street, Adelaide. 17th - 26th November, 2022
Writer of more than 30 plays and screenplays, Neil Simon received more combined Oscar and Tony nominations than any other writer, and his 27th play, Laughter on the 23rd Floor was written in 1993. Simon is renowned for his comedy writing, but we should remember that he also won a Pulitzer Prize for drama with Lost in Yonkers, a follow up to his autobiographical trilogy about being born and raised in a poor Jewish home in the Bronx.
By Glen Shea. La Mama Courthouse. Nov 15 – 27, 2022.
Peter was an Aboriginal juvenile justice worker from the Stolen Generation, burnt out and defeated by a flawed system - that was in Act One. In Masterpiece, Peter has now retreated to the desert, living a hermit life as an artist, where his life is governed by nature and sandstorms. The second act of An Indigenous Trilogy is an astounding singular play by Glen Shea, an acclaimed award-winning writer, performer, and director.
A version by Jack Thorne. Conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus. Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne. 18 November – 29 December 2022.
This is a unique version of the classic Dickens tale. David Wenham makes a delightful transformation from the grumbling cantankerous Scrooge into a warm-hearted caring person. The show keeps its focus on the need for those who are able to amass wealth to share their good fortune and the message could not be more apt in the current global political and economic climate. The performance closes with an acknowledgement of the important work of charities such as foodbanks, which are often especially sought out during the Christmas period.
By Peter Quilter. Theatre on Chester, Epping, NSW. Directed by Tracey Okeby Lucan. 4-26 November, 2022
Florence Foster Jenkins. The name may in itself create images in your mind of a woman with big dreams; delusional dreams, pure, utter enthusiasm and self-belief and a voice that made the hair on the back of your neck stand on end…. for all the wrong reasons.
Lyrics: Tim Rice. Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber. Tim Lawson in association with Michael Harrison and The Really Useful Group. Director: Laurence Connor. Regent Theatre, Melbourne. November 16, 2022 - January 15, 2023. Capitol Theatre, Sydney. February 11 - April 9, 2023.
Back in 1968 lyricist Tim Rice and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber could never have conceived that their 15 minute 'pop cantata' commissioned for a London school would be the hottest ticket in the West End over fifty years later. Joseph has been performed globally by over 20,000 schools and amateur groups and seen by more than 200 million people. However, there's been a 30 year famine in Australia to see a professional production.
By Counterpilot. Presented by Metro Arts. New Benner Theatre. Brisbane, 9 to 19 November 2022
Adrift is a great introduction to interactive theatre. Developed by Company in Residence, Counterpilot, the award-winning creators in the immersive space, the aim is to put the audience at the centre of the performance experience. And Adrift certainly succeeds at that, but in a non-threatening and enjoyable way. For a start, you are immersed in the dark with a fabulous lighting design to tune you in to your imaginative powers.
By Ray Cooney. The Guild Theatre Rockdale. Nov 11 – Dec 10, 2022
The Guild Theatre Rockdale's production of Ray Cooney's Chase Me, Comrade had the audience laughing from the moment it started to the end. The energy and timing was right on the mark throughout the play with usage of doors, windows, stairs and walkway perfectly choreographed and directed by Glenda Kenyon.
