Ghosts challenged nineteenth-century societal norms by exploring topics of religion, incest, euthanasia, and venereal disease; subjects that caused great controversy in its time. Ibsen’s theatrical realism, while less shell-shocking today, still certainly creates intense and engaging theatre. Continue reading Ibsen’s Ghosts Are Still Haunting
It is interesting to retrospectively consider the humour and gender politics of this performance in 2020. Fleabag, now almost inseparable from Waller-Bridge herself, was championed as an anti-heroine of the 21st century, who shifted the boundaries of what women were allowed to say about their own sexuality and biology. It was transgressive and taboo-smashing; a shocking revision of the female voice that was unapologetically vulgar, vulnerable and, crucially, unvictimised. Continue reading Fleabag: Sexy, Scathing and… Sad?
In these dark times, viewing Berlin’s production will most definitely be successful in lifting the spirits of even the most Scrooge-like viewer. This musical will remind you of the spirit of Christmas – and that even though this year may be lasting a lifetime, there’s still something to look forward to. Continue reading Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn – Has Christmas Come Early?
What do you find when you ferment all the mystique of the Harry Potter series with underbudget student theatre and absurdist American college humour? A Very Potter Musical. It’s a totally awesome, light-hearted, and strangely moving production that will have you laughing from lights up to curtain close. Continue reading A Very Potter Musical: (Re)finding Magic
Peter Pan is sweet, nostalgic, moving, and magically impressive. The production is more true to James Matthew Barrie’s book than the film – amongst the friendships and warmth, there is a stronger sense of danger and fear in the face of adventure. Continue reading Peter Pan: Flying Back to Neverland
You’re on a flight from Uganda to England. One after another, your co-passengers all break into tears. Everyone except you. Five years after its initial run, British theatre artiste Daniel Bye’s Going Viral perfectly resonates with the paranoiac and alienating nature of our current times – afflicted as we are today with COVID-19. Continue reading Going Viral: Catch It While You Can
Howard Davies’ direction of this highly successful play does justice to Miller’s writing and accurately conveys the complex layers that make a father and son relationship unique. This is not only for dedicated supporters of Miller – even newcomers will enjoy the witty conversation between family and neighbours that are contrasted with scenes of raw truth, delivered by a strong ensemble cast. Continue reading All My Sons: Can Blood Ties Be Broken?
Without one word of dialogue, actors playing bears lay a tablecloth, put on deodorant, and eat foods wrapped in plastic. Unlike most other climate change art out there, Bears resembles a physical comedy with a dystopian tilt. Continue reading Bears: Peculiar and Non-Preachy, but Purposeless
Times may change, but the surreal voyeurism that Hamlet offers remains a constant source of entertainment for generations. Even then, this production stands out in its rawness, stripping Hamlet down – figuratively and literally – to its dirty, bloody, bones. Front row audience beware, blood splatter imminent. Continue reading Hamlet: The Madness of Isolation
Omigod, you guys. Legally Blonde, the blockbuster musical adaptation of the 2001 film, has been a steady choice for uni and college productions across the last few years. Most recent addition to the party is the University of Melbourne Music Theatre Association (UMMTA), with a strong rendition of the classic that proves the adage; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Performing in Union House’s … Continue reading Legally Blonde: Couldn’t get (So) Much Better
The Dialog 