Twelve Angry’s Bachelorette is a solid production hindered by its own devotion to the text, but nonetheless prompts hearty laughs and reflection on what it means to grow up. The play is about a bunch of deplorable fuck-ups in their late 20s, coming together the night before Becky’s wedding to get wasted and complain about Becky. Sort of. The three leads, Gena (Rebekah Robertson), Katie … Continue reading Playing It Safe
Born from the lyrics of Australian band Benny and the Dukes, Raffles on Capri is sure to delight audiences when fully realised in their six-show extravaganza in November. In all honesty big, traditional show tunes have never captivated my interest, which is why this contemporary musical – albeit still in the works – has pleasantly surprised me so much. Attending audiences to the Raffles on … Continue reading Raffles on Capri
In the running history of UMMTA shows, The Hatpin stands alone, quite unique for being both Australian and somewhat contemporary (written in 2008, with revisions as recent as 2011). It is distinctive for its predominantly female lead-cast, and its deliberate focus on the experiences of these women. Written by James Millar and Peter Rutherford, The Hatpin follows the story of Amber Murray, played by Eleanor Davey. Set … Continue reading UMMTA Gets Political
From the minute the audience walked into the Guild Theatre, DisColourNation’s ‘The Unbearable Whiteness of Being’ made an impact. Each audience member was stopped and asked if they identified as a person of colour. Those who said yes got a Freddo chocolate; the rest sat down empty handed. It was clever, allowing the audience to experience the marginalisation that was explored throughout the piece. Without … Continue reading A Taste That Leaves You Wanting More
First-time director Jordan Peters has hit the ground running with UMMTA’s The Hatpin, a story surrounding motherhood and friendship in the midst of a terrible tragedy. With a powerful ensemble, succinct direction and the perfect balance of comedy and poignancy, the production exceeded my expectations, and delivered what is surely one of the most impressive productions of the year. The performances in The Hatpin were … Continue reading Hats Off
The Dialog 