Tag: Theatre Review

Limelight Review: Trophy Boys

Emmanuelle Mattana’s hit play exposes the roots of male privilege as private school boys gather to debate the merits of feminism.

London Theatre Diaries: Part One

16 shows is far too many for me to review with my usual depth, however I’d like to introduce a new segment: London Theatre Diaries. Here I will attempt to briefly review every single play I saw in my two months there. I’ll write these diaries chronologically, and today’s post covers show 1-3: The Human Body at the Donmar Warehouse, Witness for the Prosecution at London County Hall and Foam at the Finborough Theatre.

Review: Summer of Harold at Ensemble Theatre

Summer of Harold, written by Hilary Bell and directed by Francesca Savige, is a triptych of three short comedic plays performed by two actors (Berynn Schwerdt and Hannah Waterman)—two monologues and one duologue. It’s ostensibly an ode to the nostalgia and memories that come from household objects. Watching it (before reading the program), I was a little confused about what these three plays had in common. It’s not the most obvious triple bill, but after sleeping on the show and starting to write this review, I realised how these audiences are connected: four older characters reflecting and obsessing over their past: the good, the bad and the ugly.

Review: Expiration Date at Meraki

Although obviously the work of a playwright who is still finding her voice, I think it is an admirable debut play that discusses important feminist issues. I’m sure that many couples in their twenties and thirties will find Expiration Date relatable in its exploration of the difficult conversations regarding having or not having kids.
The one-location storytelling and brilliantly simple set were perfectly engineered for indie theatre, and the creative team should be applauded for achieving more with less.

Review: For The Time Being at Flow Studios

“It’s always refreshing to see contemporary australian work that takes the elitism out of theatre and brings in a young, new audience. I went with friends that aren’t ‘theatre people’ who really enjoyed it, and found the depiction of the twentysomething sharehouse experience amusing and relatable. It’s the theatrical equivalent of a well-written TV sitcom (in a good way).”

Review: CAMP at the Seymour Centre

As a young person in my twenties, many of my peers see Mardi Gras as another excuse to party. It was powerful to be reminded of Mardi Gras’ origin as a protest, particularly considering I saw the matinee show on the day of Mardi Gras. As a piece of theatre, CAMP isn’t particularly groundbreaking, but it is an important story that everyone should watch to learn about this crucial piece of Australia’s history.

Review: Choir Boy at Riverside Theatres

The talented directing team of Dimitriadis and Okenyo have taken McCraney’s writing and delivered a tender and moving story that reckons with masculinity, sexuality and spirituality amongst young black men. As the cast took their bows to a standing ovation on opening night, many a tear was shed in the audience.

Review: Hubris and Humiliation at STC

Treston’s writing is witty and intelligent, paying homage to Austen while also creating a fun, campy story that stands on its own. Director Dean Bryant has delivered an energetic laugh-out-loud production—Hubris and Humiliation is a joy— a sparkly, fizzy delight.

Review: Australian Theatre Live & Emerald City

Australian Theatre Live has arrived and it’s the perfect compromise if you find yourself unable to go to the theatre for whatever reason (geographic, financial, Covid-19, etc). The new theatrical streaming service takes it inspiration from the success of National Theatre Live in the UK, offering high quality video recordings of mainstage theatrical performances. The…

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Review: The Dazzle at Meraki Arts Bar

I left the theatre unsure of what I was supposed to get out of The Dazzle.

Maybe this is a simple matter of personal taste, and maybe I’m just not amenable to Greenberg’s style, but this production didn’t click for me.

I struggle with writing reviews of plays I don’t like, especially when those plays are created by indie companies because I know how hard it is to be an indie artist, and I know how much love is poured into these productions. However, I can’t pretend to be objective as a reviewer, I can only interpret and critique art by drawing on my own experiences and tastes.

Review: The Italians at Belvoir 25A

The Italians is a farce that thrives on chaos and silliness. It’s not the most coherent script, but that haphazard quality is what makes it so charming.

The Italians has the energy of a university revue or high school play. It doesn’t always make a lot of sense, but everyone’s having so much fun that you don’t really care.