Adventures in the Fame school are nothing short of excitement and drama. Talented performers take us on the journey through adolescence, highlighting that anyone can achieve what they want with just a little “Hard Work”. International House staged a musical that brought laughs and sheer enjoyment to their audience. All characters were performed with a good understanding of their intentions and aspirations. A special mention … Continue reading Hard Work Pays Off

Funny. Oddly charming. Ayu Maylinda is a gem of sass. Sally Kingsford is the strongest actor, injecting realism and sincerity into the bizarre world of the show. She makes a good foil for the larger than life hosts. I did want to see more of Rudi – it seems Rubi was fleshed out as a character at the cost of her partner. Needed stronger direction. … Continue reading Mudfest: Rudi & Rubi

Great soundtrack with many high school feels. There may have been too many costume changes, but listening to Teenage Dirtbag made everything okay. Interactions between Lo and Hum were compelling, but the narration of the three women was impeccable. April Garreffa, Emma Caldwell and Esther Myles mixed humour and emotional rawness with a skill that brought the show to life. The comedy throughout helped make … Continue reading Mudfest: Sparkle Tits and Glitter Nips

The Shakespearean language is well handled by the actors, but even more impressively by the writer. Kim Ho succeeds in his mammoth quest to reuse and reshape the language of the Bard. Comedy and villainy are well balanced from an antagonistic politician to a sensitive nobleman. You’ll be angry, and then you’ll laugh. And then you’ll be sort of angry at the dude you laughed … Continue reading Mudfest: Athens Reborn

The story of Bonnie and Clyde, like most tales of infamy, is incredibly complex. The truth, never fully known, has been muddied by time and lost to the legend. We’re left with fragments of these outlaws from which we can build our own narrative. Whitley College and the WARTS team should be commended for taking on the task of this musical adaptation of the Burrow … Continue reading Just Kids

Esoteric and at times abstruse, though it begins to unfold to you. Ambitious. Visually arresting. The spectacle alone made it worth seeing. Sound design a definitive strength, complemented by the eerie beauty of the lighting. Usa’s costume is wonderfully designed. Said a lot of interesting things about religion, conformity, guilt, entitlement. Jai Leeworthy’s writing offers no easy answers or resolutions. This is strangely satisfying. Overlong. … Continue reading Mudfest: Dogshrine

Rory Dempsey is brilliant. Incredibly natural, believable – you hurt with him. Deftly directed – a tight show, well-paced. Purposeful transitions. Christensen is sure of himself and his instincts. Strong cast and commitment to the themes and ideas explored. These people are hurting and there is no easy way out. Features poignant and compelling writing about mental illness. You’re torn between conflicting realities and uncomfortable … Continue reading Mudfest: The Inevitable Death of Cassie Summers

Relationsh*t is a show that you’ve definitely seen before. Two characters trapped in a space overnight, while being forced to confront each other on something that neither of them wants to talk about, is not by any measure a new concept, although it is a reliable one. This iteration of such a universal model however, is done in Melbourne University’s underground car park, and thus … Continue reading Mudfest: Relationsh*t

Steph Crowe is adorable. Charming. Utterly devoted to the task at hand. A Greek Tragedy is dumb in the most wonderful, glorious way. The absurdity provoked many laughs. I was expecting silly, but I didn’t expect to FEEL THINGS. I don’t think I’ve connected with an actor that much in a long time. It brought us joy, and then, sadness. Just like eating food. Kate … Continue reading Mudfest: A Greek Tragedy