Reviews

A Few Good Men

Written by Aaron Sorkin. Directed by Daniel Evans. Presented by Queensland Theatre in association with QPAC. Playhouse QPAC, 22 November - 7 December, 2025

Aaron Sorkin’s courtroom juggernaut has invaded QPAC’s Playhouse with all the controlled force of a well-drilled platoon. Under Daniel Evans’ meticulously calibrated direction, A Few Good Men becomes less a nostalgia piece from the ’80s and more a full-throated study of power, loyalty, and the brittle machinery of institutional honour. It is also, quite thrillingly, a rare opportunity to see a cast of this size take on dramatic text on a scale usually reserved for musical ensembles. QTC - you’ve spoiled us and we love it!

The Glass Menagerie

By Tennessee Williams. State Theatre Company South Australia (STCSA). Odeon Theatre, Norwood, Adelaide. 15 Nov – 7 Dec 2025

One approaches yet another production of The Glass Menagerie with the same cautious optimism one reserves for blind dates and “experimental” cocktails. Thus, it is a pleasure, an almost indecent relief, to report that the State Theatre Company of South Australia’s latest outing, under the direction of Shannon Rush, is not only admirable but often downright enchanting. For $60, one may sit in the Odeon Theatre and feel that this modern classic has, for the most part, been treated with the kindness and respect it deserves.

Nihilistic Optimism on Trampolines

Written & directed by Kasey Barratt with text from Frankenstein and Mary Shelley’s personal journals. Theatre Works. 26 November – 6 December 2025

It’s a slow day at the Trampoline World store.  An unlikely competition is suggested to wake up the bored, disaffected, fractious and listless staff: everyone is to write a ‘ghost story’.  Such is the premise – or set-up – of Kasey Barrett’s ingenious, insightful, but sometimes contrived play.

Jaws: For Kids!

Written and Performed by Ellen Hardisty and Natalie Bochenski. Presented by Act/React for Toucan Club Festival. PIP Theatre, 29 November - 13 December, 2025

How do you take one of cinema’s most terrifying thrillers and turn it into a feel-good romp for little humans? If you’re the team behind Jaws: For Kids!, the answer lies in clever writing, sharp comic instincts, and an abundance of heart. Presented by Act/React at PIP Theatre as part of the Toucan Club Festival, this bite-sized adaptation proves that even the most fearsome great white can learn to play nice, and make a roomful of children giggle themselves silly.

A Musical Odyssey

Daniel Müller-Schott with Konstantin Shamray. Melbourne Recital Centre. 31 Sturt Street, Southbank. 25 November, 2025

One might expect a Tuesday evening recital to be sparsely attended. This Tuesday, one would have been surprised. Elisabeth Murdoch Hall was filled with concert-goers of all ages, ready to hear two internationally acclaimed musicians: cellist Daniel Müller-Schott and concert pianist Konstantin Shamray.

Snow White and the Seven Tradies: the pantomime

Written and directed by Cath Willacy. Cairns Little Theatre. November 28th to December 13th, 2025.

Just when you have seen about every version of the Snow White ,story along comes another one. But this version, written and directed by Cath Willacy, is a cracker!

The seven dwarfs have been retired and in their place come seven tradies who spend a lot of time dancing, singing and handling tools but doing very little work. But without Indiana Jones (Chippy), Lila Bordujenko (Sparky), Caden Sintome (Bricky), Emrys Birkbeck-McKay (Lou), Oberon Birbeck-McKay (Gofer), Alice Macdonald (Arty) and Michelle Andrews (Noodles), Snow White would be toast.

Born on a Thursday

By Jack Kearney. New Ghosts Theatre Company. Directed by Lucy Clements. Old Fitz Theatre, Woolloomooloo, Sydney. 28 November – 14 December 2025

It has been a while. Here’s a full-length new Sydney play delivering its tough message to an audience that’s holding its breath watching a truly excellent 5-strong cast at work. Nothing can stop the magic, not even loud noise from a team of bellowers in the room above. Jack Kearney’s great drama, expertly directed by Lucy Clements, proved to be the winner.

Corporel

Various composers. Performed by Alex Raineri. Brisbane Music Festival. FourthWall Arts. November 28, 2025

A lot of performances are called ‘unforgettable’ by us hyperbole-prone reviewer types, yet few truly are written in indelible ink on one’s hippocampus. There’s not even a smidgeon of hyperbole in the following statement: I will never forget Corporel.

Seasons

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Adelaide Town Hall, King William St, Adelaide. Nov 28-29, 2025

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra round off their highly successful 2025 season with a feast of English composers; Frank Bridge, Edward Elgar and William Walton!

Conducted by Mark Wigglesworth, whose ability seems to know no bounds, the concert is in expert hands.

Three in the Bed

By Alex Broun, Scott McAteer and Owen Tubb. Unknown Creative. Rosny Barn and Calverton Hall. Tasmania. November 27-9 and December 6th, 2025.

If these three plays are indicative of the state of modern relationships, then the world has become a better place. People are still acting like people; they do strange and ill-advised things but do them with respect, dignity, humour and above all, informed consent.

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