Earnestly Entertaining
There’s nothing quite like the warm, supportive atmosphere of a college-majority crowd at a college play. The opening night audience of Newman’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest fed the energy of the performers, such that an already peppy play was bouncing off the walls in a way that was wonderful to watch. The most prominent stylistic choice in this production is the heavy … Continue reading Earnestly Entertaining
McDonagh Made New
Aotu Theatre’s The Pillowman J: The ease with which McDonagh’s vague police state in The Pillowman was re-contextualised into the setting of communist China was pretty startling, and probably one of the strongest choices made in Aotu Theatre’s production. A legitimate, contextually appropriate police state? Check. A history of police brutality, false accusations, and silencing of artistic expression? Check. Effective, culturally meaningful and politically … Continue reading McDonagh Made New
Cabaret
There were a few things running through my mind when I settled down to watch Cabaret on its third and final night of performance, in what appeared to be a full house at the Union Theatre. The Emcee (Jack Wright) jumped straight into a rendition of “Willkommen”: Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Im Cabaret, au Cabaret, to Cabaret. The first of these was the question: what makes … Continue reading Cabaret
Echo: Review
In her directorial debut for Union House Theatre, Petra Kalive has guided Echo’s strong cast to create a devised work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The performance opens with a brief retelling of the Greek myth of Echo and Narcissus before moving on to a series of self-contained scenes examining narcissism in contemporary culture. From the first scene the actors establish that high energy … Continue reading Echo: Review
Kissing Booth
Kissing Booth trails the debacles of four university-aged adults as they flock together in awkward get-togethers and interpersonal relationships, which culminate in a shocking conclusion. N.U.D.E.’s first ever production is generally well put together, with the set kept minimal but effectively dressed, and set pieces – especially the cumbersome kissing booth – used economically and cleverly. The production’s stronger moments, such as Ingrid (Rosie Yates) … Continue reading Kissing Booth
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Thoroughly Modern Millie takes us on a journey through the Roaring Twenties – a decade characterised by its cultural edge and economic prosperity. From the small town of Kansas, Millie Dillmount sets off on an adventure to find herself a job and marry her rich employer. Although an easy plan in theory, Millie struggles with choosing between wealth and love. Overall UMMTA’s revitalisation of the … Continue reading Thoroughly Modern Millie
The Book of Everything
The Book of Everything is a sweet and thoughtfully devised play that shows post-war Amsterdam through the eyes of an overly imaginative nine-year-old. With a cast of just twelve and a set seemingly made of cardboard boxes, young Thomas’ world is immersive as soon as you step into the theatre. Erin Nicholson was endearing in the lead role and did an impressive job conveying the … Continue reading The Book of Everything
Echo: Interview with Petra Kalive
With UHT’s production of Echo opening next week, Chloe Dallas spoke to director Petra Kalive to discuss the show. The play is inspired by the Greek myth of Echo and Narcissus. Could you explain the story a little? Narcissus was born a gorgeous child. His mother was told that he would grow up to live a long and healthy life as long as he never … Continue reading Echo: Interview with Petra Kalive
Echo: Interview with Sara Bolch
In the lead-up to UHT’s Echo, Jeanette Tong sat down with cast member Sara Bolch to discuss her involvement in the production and gain some insight into the show. What is Echo about, and why is it relevant? The first 10 minutes is based on Ted Hughes’ adaptation of ‘Echo and Narcissus’ – the poetry is beautiful – and a dramatised version, which had some … Continue reading Echo: Interview with Sara Bolch
Review: Antony & Cleopatra
Guided by focused performances, Liam Bellman-Sharpe’s Antony and Cleopatra is an engaging production that seldom slacks in pace as it hurtles towards its tragic conclusion. Genevieve Cassin in particular cuts a powerful Cleopatra, whose remarkable stage presence commands respect. The control she exudes on the stage makes clear that the puppeteer in this game of political intrigue is Cleopatra, and her boundless ambition is absolutely … Continue reading Review: Antony & Cleopatra
The Dialog 