Xanadu

If there were an award for campiest show of the year, Art in Motion’s Xanadu would have to be the front runner. This 1980s style musical, with Greek goddesses and roller-skating does not take itself at all seriously and frequently was just downright silly. Paired with a great band and quality singing and dancing, this was a highly entertaining production.

Lys Tickner’s set design featured Grecian columns and a projection screen. Costumes by Lys Tickner with Kylie Clarke-Martin blended influence of Greek robes blended with early 80s fashion. Lighting, designed by Kira Bolitho was bold and colourful.

A four-piece live band was placed in what is often the first few rows of the auditorium and sounded great under the leadership of Musical Director Zac Skelton and conductor Tai Pinker. Interestingly the night I viewed, the show had several deputies but still sounded great. Choreography by Keri-Rose Baker was fun, creative and often comedic.

The lead role of Kira or the muse Clio was played joyfully by Aleisha Archer with broad Australian accent and pink leg warmers. Unapologetically broad stroke in style, like the rest of the cast, her performance was endearing and great fun. Mortal love interest was played by Kieran Smith in what I believe is his biggest role to date. Sporting great hair and impressive roller-skating, this was another likable performance.

The remainder of the cast played at least two roles apiece. Ben Mullins was fun as businessman Danny Maguire and relished playing hard-nosed Dad as Zeus. Clio’s oldest sisters are the villains-of-sorts with Teri Mullings skulking beautifully as Melpomene and Breanna Redhead chewing the scenery (briefly literally) as Calliope.

Great work also from Artorius Emanuel (Thalia and others), Tashlin Church (Euterpe and others), Sara Cleary (Erato and others) and Lukas Perez (Terpsichore and others), with lovely open performances.

Self-described as “Children’s theatre for 40-year-old gay people” this production really embraced that brief, although you didn’t need to be 40 or gay to have a great time.

Kimberley Shaw