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In the years I have spent seeing various theatre productions across the world, my fondest memories are always of seeing shows that just click. From the second the house lights go down the audience are taken on a journey that above all else, is fun . Fun can be a scary word for performers to see in a review, often worrying that it masks criticisms that the reviewer is too kind to give. However, in the case of Holroyd Musical and Dramatic Society’s latest theatrical endeavour,

I was so excited on Friday, 7 November to be attending the opening night of The Hunchback of Notre Dame , produced by the Hills Musical Theatre Company. It is my favourite musical because of the amazing score by Alan Menken and the heartfelt lyrics by Stephen Schwartz — and who doesn’t love a Disney film adaptation? But the main reason is that while I have been in the show, I have never seen it live. Photos courtesy of Grant Leslie With fingers crossed that it would be as bri

A wonderful blast of nostalgia from when we grew up; You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown presented by Beacon Musical Society, previously Eastwood Uniting Church Musical Society, is sure to delight the young and the young at heart with a production full of heart and love.               Utilising a larger cast then traditional, director Penny Wilson, has shown a clear adoration for the original comic strip by Charles M. Schulz by incorporating a whole range of characters not in th

I have always wanted to see Greece in the summer time. Going on a beautiful Mediterranean holiday has always been something I have dreamed of doing but could never afford. However, with the current state the economy is in, I have come to the realisation I may not get a euro summer vacation any time soon… Photography courtesy of Grant Leslie To satiate this wanderlust while on a budget I have instead taken a staycation in my backyard and have found the perfect substitute to ca

Los Angeles, the land of glitz, glamour and greed. City of Angela is jazzy and wonderful. It tells the story of a film writer, woven together with a few love stories along the way. You can tell that Aiden Smith, the musical director, has worked hard with this cast because the singing was absolutely brilliant and pitch-perfect. I didn’t hear a single wrong note from any of the cast members. Starting off the show was great choreography planned out by Lauren Oxenham. Throughout

Stephen Sondheim’s Company is a targeted reflection on love, commitment and what it really means to be “alive”. It’s an intriguing story but, in the lead up to opening night, I couldn’t help but wonder whether its origins within a 1970s Manhattancontext would translate well to the interests and perspectives of an Australian audience in 2025. And while I’m always excited to see a young director’s debut, my Gen X brain was curious as to how the experiences of a single person t

Tick Tick…Boom, originally created as a solo work, tells the story of an aspiring composer named Jon, (Jonathan Larson) the Broadway...

As an English teacher, I’ve spent many  lessons wading through Romeo and Juliet with my students, trying (and often failing) to summon...

I believe there is a three-point criterion that must be met before a musical can be called iconic: cultural relevance, memorable music,...

There’s something undeniably magical about seeing a beloved classic brought to life on stage, especially when it’s done with heart,...

In every culture we have used storytelling to teach children about the world. These fables teach lessons about morality or ethics and...

My Fair Lady has always been one of my favourite classic musicals, so for me it was worth a long train ride to see Normanhurst Uniting...

I attended the opening night of School of Rock at the Q Theatre, Penrith, with no preconceptions whatsoever. I did not look to see who...

CODA’s production of Little Women is a heartfelt and vibrant retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, brought to life with...

Images courtesy of Jessie Jay Photography LittleBig Theatre Co’s We Aren’t Kids Anymore , presented at Qtopia, is nothing short of a...

If there was ever a show to get your heart racing and your feet tapping, PACA’s Footloose is it. Bursting onto The Concourse stage with...

There are so many things that performers do that people assume are easy, particularly when those things are connected with entertaining...

Jukebox musicals are FAR from my favourite piece of theatre to watch as there is often a ‘cringe’ factor when it comes to the music...

Imagine an island not bound by geography, but woven from story, song, and the beating hearts of many cultures. It is a place where...

Sometimes writing reviews can be hard because you need to work against your own biases. I find it difficult, for example, to review a...