LIA LOVES... THEATRE. DANCE. CULTURE. EVENTS.
Follow her adventures as Adelaide's premier theatre buff, arts contributor, educator and ambassador!
February 21, 2019
I like seeing a show without expectation, so I do minimal research beforehand and be led purely by what I see on the stage. And what I saw this evening, By a Thread presented by One Fell Swoop Circus, was nothing short of magical. A thick, white rope strung between 2 large pulleys suspended from the top of The Peacock in a spotlight, greeted the audience as we took our seats. Soon, there were bodies clad in jeans and white tank tops entering the arena to take turns in pulling one end of the rope to unravel it upwards. Our attention is then drawn to a scream as a young woman, Ellen, swings on the other end into the crowd. This performer astounds me. She looks as graceful as a gazelle and delicate as a rose, but the strength her body has is incredible! All the performers are spectacularly powerful, agile, elegant and athletic. And there is no prejudice between the roles the performers play. Women being lifters and the base at times, while the […]
February 20, 2019
As a mother of 3, with 2 jobs and 1 husband, I love a night off to have a good belly laugh. So while my huz looks after the kids, I take my dad to see Eddie Ifft Walking on Eggshells. I can hear some of you chortle right about now…I have a cool dad who is not easily shocked or offended, so he was the perfect date. The US comedian has performed to sold out crowds around the world, hosts the successful Talkin’ Shit podcast and has released 3 DVDs, including one titled ‘I Love Pussy’, and 3 CDs with songs such as The Vagina Room and Freeze Enough Sperm, this guy is not afraid of a little over sharing [when I say a little, I mean a lot] or shock value. Ifft lives up to his reputation as a boundary pusher, being politically incorrect at the same time as being super funny. I found myself laughing at jokes and face palming at the same time. This is Eddie’s thing. Making ‘people laugh at […]
February 19, 2019
All Change [Phrase/British/Spoken] – Used for telling people on a train or a bus that they must leave it because it is not going any further. This is quite the metaphor for this play in so many ways. The fact that the train symbolises the end of the road for both our main characters, Ivor and his daughter Lily. That trains occupied a huge part of Ivor’s life, the notion of one’s train of thought and how dementia breaks this and the fact that no one actually likes change. Smokescreen Productions starts the conversation with their affecting and sentimental work, All Change. Produced with support of new Adelaide company, STARC Productions, All Change first began as a project based on a family experience of writer and actor, Tim Marriott. It had a limited but very well received run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2018 and this reception encouraged the team to reinvigorate and adapt to this year’s Fringe. Director Nicholas Collett was very lucky indeed to have the talented Stefanie Rossi and Tim Marriott as his […]
February 17, 2019
Blackrock and Nick Enright have been customary with drama school auditions around the country since the mid 90s, and with good reason. Inspired by the true events of a young girls murder on Newcastle’s Stockton Beach in 1989, Enright was asked to write an education piece that examines the world of adolescence, mateship, violence, and relationships. He was then commissioned by Sydney Theatre Company to expand the play into a full length work, and Blackrock was debuted in 1995 to critical acclaim. The town of Blackrock is shook when the body of a teenage girl is found the morning after a party, raped and murdered. The play does not depict the murder itself. Instead, the focus is on a teenager, Jared Kirby, torn between the choking culture of mateship and misogyny and the effect of Tracy’s death on her friends, the parents of those involved and the town. Although the play is now over 30 years old, Enright’s depiction of Australian youth culture is still front and centre today. The objectification of young women, binge […]
February 17, 2019
Cabaret is not like anything else. Packed in like sardines, up close and personal, audience interaction. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you want to experience cabaret, there is no better introduction than Michael Griffiths. A seasoned performer, musical theatre trained, Helpmann Award winner, Michael brings his vivacious personality and captivating voice to Le Cascadeur at The Garden of Unearthly Delights with his show, Michael Griffiths: By Request. He delighted us with Sweet Dreams, In Vogue, Adolescent and Lucky. Blew us away with his Cole Porter tribute show and now brings all his favourites back for a rollicking rendition, this time with a band (the very talented Felicity on bass and Josh on drums). A casual but exuberant atmosphere, we are taken back to the 70’s and ABBA with Knowing Me, Knowing You, and here Michael explains his love affair with music began. He talks about his very first concert experience with his dad, seeing A-ha, which was the segue to Take on Me. Other favourites from Peter Allen, Barry Manilow, Queen (so […]
February 16, 2019
On a balmy Saturday night, we packed ourselves into Le Cascadeur at the Garden of Unearthly Delights to see cabaret darling Amelia Ryan’s new show, Simply the Breast. Accompanied by Michael Griffiths, she takes you on a journey – an emotional, captivating, hilarious and honest one at that- through her life and the ‘breast’ of her previous shows, Storm in a D Cup, Lady Liberty and The Breast is Yet to Come. To set the scene, she waltzed onstage with a breast pump (my poor husband was mortified when tasked with holding it for her), and immediately broke the fourth wall with candid satire and jest. Taking us from her unique childhood in small town Bombo, to her stripper university days, meeting the love of her life and bringing her son into the world, Amelia lays all her cards on the table and leaves no stone unturned. And what a show this makes. I cry laughed (yes, there was bladder leakage) and got teary, I gasped at her honesty, I was gobsmacked at her life […]
February 16, 2019
The buzz and excitement of opening night at the Adelaide Fringe was palpable tonight. The Garden of Unearthly Delights was its usual vibrant, eclectic self, host to some of the best Fringe acts the world has to offer. With a full house at the Corona, Circus Oz’s Neon delivered on all the promised trashy, glitzy, gaudy and tragic celebration of the 80’s. Starting with John Farnham’s You’re the Voice blaring out of the sound system (which inspired an audience sing a long while taking our seats), followed by some Spandau Ballet Gold , we were taken on a glorious ride through a decade of music, bad dancing and some incredible feats of fancy. From the opening number, we knew we were in for a treat of serious proportions.These guys and gals have talent. And of course they do. Circus Oz have been creating extraordinary shows for 40 years – touring successfully nationally and internationally. Circus Oz celebrate breathtaking stunts, Aussie humour, and an all human ensemble. I especially adore their motto of promoting the best […]
January 27, 2019
Walking into the Bakehouse Theatre this evening was a burst of fresh air. No, literally. It was 45 degrees outside. And fittingly, I was going in to see Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers. This offering is the fourth for Starc Productions, Adelaide’s newest full-time professional theatre company, a collaboration between Marc Clement, Stefanie Rossi and theatre gem Tony Knight. Starc’s sentiment is to produce plays with minimal set design, thus allowing the actors to take, for lack of a better phrase, centre stage. This was evident upon entering the theatre – a clean, classic set in white and red. Stylised as such that the key timekeepers – the clock and telephone – were in bold red, while the couch and table were white. I liked the addition of the apples on the table; a suggestion of sexual seduction perhaps? Set in 1969, to the tunes of Bacharach, Barney Cashman, a middle aged, married, fish restaurateur, wishes to join the sexual revolution. Unbeknownst to him, it’s not that easy. In three acts we […]
January 18, 2019
Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, written in 1879, is a significant play in the way it deals with the awakening of a middle class wife and mother in a male-dominated world, one not too dissimilar to what we are experiencing in current day society. As you can imagine, the play caused great controversy at the time, and continues to speak powerfully more than 100 years after it first hit the stage. Ipskip Productions brings a new adaptation to life under the cultivating eye of director Nathan Quadrio and dramaturge Miriam Fietz, set in London in 1959. Nora Helmer, the innocent (or not so innocent) self serving wife, was played beautifully by Allison Scharber. She portrayed the complexities of Nora’s character with charm, at times submissive and manic. She struggles with juggling kids, her house, husband, a secret debt, a terminally ill best friend and the arrival of an old school friend who brings much chaos through the door with her. Georgia Stockham’s Christine Linde, the chaotic old friend, has the perfect blend of forcefulness and amiability […]
July 6, 2017
It’s that time of year again… cold, wet and school holidays! If your kids are anything like mine, the first day is fine, then they get antsy, cabin fever, and are forever saying things like ‘I’m bored!’ or ‘I’m hungry!’ Never fear, I’ve got my fave holiday activities all sorted for you in one spot! And best of all, they are either super cheap or free! CITY It is so easy to have a cheap day out in the city. Catch a tram in, stroll down the mall to marvel at the copper pigs and the Mall’s Balls (seriously, who doesn’t remember saying ‘meet you at the balls!’ when you were 15..), and the array of new mall art and laneways. Then hit up my top 3 – Migration Museum, Art Gallery and the SA Museum. All are free, and will keep the kiddies entertained for the entire day! Also check out the fab play, Emil and the Detectives, presented by Slingsby Theatre Company, at the Myer Centre. A great way to get the little […]
May 5, 2017
Is it just me, or has Mother’s Day crept up on us this year? Maybe because I’ve been overseas for nearly 4 weeks (ahem, bragging rights!!) but I’m not ready yet! Lucky for you (and me!), Harbour Town has everything, any mum could want on her special day. I’ve whittled it down to the top 5, but there are PLENTY more to choose from… ONE. Now is the time to pick up some gorgeous autumn/winter boots in colours that are so on trend. Navy, grey, burgundy, snake print… you name it, Nine West have them. And with an additional 30% off, you’ll not only make mums day, but you’ll kinda make a profit too (because you’re saving money, you’re actually making money – amIright??!!) Navy boots were $199.95 now $90.96, Snake/multi print were $219.95 now just $62.96, burgundy boots were $210 now $90.96 and black boots were $220 now only $97.95. TWO. Looking for something in the kids budget? Head to Cosmetics Fragrance Direct and pick up one of their pre packaged bundles for $30 […]
December 7, 2016
Oh deer! It’s Christmas already?! But I haven’t even started thinking about my present list?! Yes, I can hear your cries of help, so never fear, yule love my Chrissie gift guide – something for every budget and awesome bounties that all the family will love! FOR HER Who doesn’t love a shoe and bag coordinating combo? At Nine West, these turquoise flats will set you back $20 (gasp!) while the new season woven clutch is only $39.95… that’s mum sorted! Perhaps the lady in your life would appreciate some new arm candy? I’m talking bracelets… Shiels have some super sales at the moment, and you can pick up these wrap bands for $29… did I mention the tan one is leather and only $9.99…!! Perfect for the stocking! Care to get sexy? Bendon have a massive $20 sale going on… yep, nearly everything is $20 a piece – brands from Pleasure State to Heidi Klum… $20 each. Looking for a gorgeous dress to take you from Christmas brunch, all the way to dinner, […]
October 14, 2016
So, it’s taken a while, but Spring is finally here! And I’ve picked the top 5 wardrobe updates to try now… Bold florals The easy update for Spring – plus it makes you feel fresh, clean and well, in the season! Go for a skirt with a simple top, or take it to the next level with a top and skirt combo or jumpsuit. Pleat floral skirt, from BNKR was $169.95 now just $75 Floral top and skirt set from Miss Poem, $110 Navy floral jumpsuit from Miss Poem, $90 Cold shoulder Off the shoulder tops are so hot right now! Whether it is a little cut-out or total décolletage you can’t go wrong. Paired with skinny jeans or cut-offs, floaty skirts, this look screams on trend. Off the shoulder top, Empty Hanger, was $99.99 now $80 Sneaking around Trainers as everyday fashion shoes? No, I’m not talking about the Jerry Seinfeld look, but a bright, suede trainer, paired with a shift dress, or skinny jeans or harem pants, will update your look, […]
September 1, 2016
Top 5 gifts for dad! If you are anything like me, Fathers Day creeps up on you EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. So I tend to do last minute shopping for the huz and my dad and I figured I’d help y’all out with my top 5 gift ideas for dad… This time of year, a new pair of sunnies is a great gift, so check out the new fit out at Sunglass Hut and the awesome deals they have at the moment with big brands such as Prada and Carrera. These Prada classic sports are now $308 from $440! And these hot Carrera’s just $101.50 from $145. You’ll be dad fave for sure…. A fresh pair of Connies is always a top pick, and you can grab him 2 for $100! Score! Looking for something for the classic dad? Daniel Hechter is the place to go for style and class. This cord sports jacket was $399, now just $199! Pair with a bone pair of chinos and stripe shirt for weekend casual cool… […]
July 29, 2016
There are always new bargains to find at Harbour Town, but I especially love checking out the new stores! Here are the new kids to H-Town over the last couple of months… Miss Poem Australia This store is the brand’s first concept shop in Australia! Dedicated to bringing you high quality, affordable and fashionable clothing for all occasions under one roof! You’ll find basics, denim, knitwear and casual wear all at Harbour Town bargain prices! These fabbo basic longline tops are just $38.64, gorgeous navy quilted bomber is down to $89.60 from $153 and this faux leather midi skater skirt now only $67.20, from $96! My fave look at the moment is a loose, casual top with distressed skinny jeans and this outfit will set you back $180.60, saving you $77.40. Yep, get into Miss Poem, you’ll love it! Oakley This iconic sports brand comes to H-Town with a huge range of surf, ski and lifestyle accessories that we’ve all come to love. Mens and womens sunglasses, tees, jumpers, hats, snow goggles and […]
June 17, 2016
Hold the door! It’s freezing out there! Time to layer with cool coats and I’ve found some gorgeous pieces to take you and your bloke through the next few months… at bargain prices mind you! I am loving this moto leather look jacket with jersey hood for my huz from YD… only $99 down from $199. How about this awesome, camo puffa with removable hood and internal pockets for just $90. Yep, you see, at Esprit Harbour Town everything is always 50% off… crazy I know! Does your guy pull off the English gent peacoat look? Then head to Tarocash where this charcoal, wool blend is $149 down from $199. Groovy baby… For a serious classy coverup, this navy, wool coat from Daniel Hechter, with removable collar goes from casual to dressy in a zippy, is down to $199 from $599!! No, this is not a typo! More colours to choose from too.. Now, ladies, I haven’t forgotten about you… Jacqui E have some super stunning double breasted coats with $100 off – […]
April 27, 2016
“Sweet lady, don’tcha know we love ya? But my plan is to show you that I understand you are appreciated” See, even Tupac loved his mummy but I bet he didn’t shop at H-Town for the best pressie! I’ve sourced the best deals under $60 for ya’ll, so just drop this under the nose of your significant other, child or anyone who is doing the Mothers Day shopping this year (yes, you can even spoil yourself!) Let’s start with a fabbo trio of bracelets from Mimco. Who doesn’t love a little arm candy? From only $29, everyone’s a winner… Typo have a huge range of Mothers Day gift ideas in store, including this combo of eye mask and bed socks pack for only $19.99, a Lean on Me convertible neck pillow for $24.99 and ‘Come dry with me’ tea towel declaring your love for granny, is only $5 with any purchase! Many more designs to choose from too… If, like me, keeping your tootsies dry but looking funky during the soccer/footy season is an […]
April 11, 2016
The mornings are dark and chilly, but the days are still warm. Must be Autumn! The best way to layer up is with a tran-seasonal vest. So here’s my pick of the best from my faves at HTown… Wool and leather shearling vest from Seed was $599.95, down to $300 plus another 30% off…. makes this beauty $210. That’s a saving of 65%! Pair with jeans, tan boots and shirt underneath for effortless style. Fashion BNKR are always on point and their light grey vest hits the mark. Wear open over a tube dress, or closed as a dress you can’t go wrong! And at $100, you save $139.95! You could buy another one in black! Perfectly on trend and perfect for work. I love a fluffy, furry vest and at Rivalry, this baby ticks all my boxes! $99.99 and it’s all yours to add another level of cool to your outfit! If you can’t go past a classic puffer vest, then head to Esprit. You can pick up this neutral, feather down, super […]
March 18, 2016
Easter is the time to celebrate the change in season, indulge in way too much chocolate and revel in the long weekend. But it’s also an egg-cellent excuse to shop, so here’s my cracking good list for an egg-ceptional Easter (too many puns? Never!) DECORATIONS Let’s get the decorations and the table ready for lunch at General Trader and Bed Bath N’ Table. These sweet egg cups are just $2.99 and will be used not just for decorating the table (egg soldiers on Easter Monday anyone?). Follow that up with cute egg cosys for $5.99 and pop this LED porcelain bunny ($19.95) in the middle of the table as your centrepiece, and voila, table sorted! For even more sweet deals hop into General Trader for 30% off all Easter product right now. At Bed Bath N’ Table, they have a huge range of decorations including table bunnies ($12.95) and chickens in white, green fuzzy and rose gold. Egg ornaments (any excuse to pull out my wooden tree), little baskets from $6.95 can be hung like bunting […]
January 25, 2016
Yes, I’m referencing the B-grade sequel to Grease… but you gotta admit, the songs were pretty catchy… Grease 2 aside, yes, it is back to school already! Gah! Where did my summer holidays go?? Oh, that’s right, entertaining my kiddies so they wouldn’t complain to me about being bored (which they did anyway!!). Seriously, schools hols are so expensive…. Which is why I’ve put together my budget friendly, outlet loving back to school shopping guide. Let’s go… BACKPACKS Where do I start? Strandbags, Victoria Station Clearance, Bags and Luggage Direct all have a great range of kids kindy or school backpacks, but when I spotted Ben and Holly at Bags to Go for under $15, I knew my daughter would lose the plot. Done deal… They also had a super cute Play School backpack with educational features on it for under $25…awesome! For the tweens, JT Surf has them covered. A wall of Billabong, Roxy and Santa Cruz starting from $35 (down from $70) just waiting to be slung over the shoulder of the […]
March 17, 2019
Knowing nothing more than the title and its origins prior to the performance, Hofesh Shechter Company’s Grand Finale is a spectacular blend of electronic soundscape, live classical musicians, evocative lighting and choreography that is part contemporary, part trance and part traditional. We open to a bleak, dark stage, where huge black blocks, which resemble tombstones, shadow the musicians playing in the background. Ten culturally and artistically diverse dancers portray the survivors, if you will, of the sinking Titanic; while the quintet of musicians continue to play in sweet harmony, oblivious to the disaster that surrounds them. The mini orchestra is seamless as they move around the stage, inconspicuously and almost magically, with as much grace as the dancers themselves. The dancers. Oh the dancers. I’ve never seen an ensemble interpret the idiosyncrasies, nuances and manic silence of choreography quite like these incredible artists. Their language of movement, authenticity of storytelling through their bodies..it is quite the experience. One I’ve not felt like this before. While Shechter’s choreography has repetitive phrasing, it never feels monotonous. Quite […]
March 17, 2019
Theatre. The area in which something happens. And by god does it happen. Opening night buzz of the most talked about, and shocking, Ulster American was palpable; excited theatre goers packed Dunstan Playhouse to the sounds of 70s funk music, ready, or not so ready, to take in David Ireland’s extraordinary satire. Set in an apartment in London, an English director, an Oscar-winning American actor and a Northern Irish playwright meet to rehearse a West End play. Sounds like the beginnings of a good old fashioned joke, right? Well, the joke is on us. As the three converge to discuss the play’s challenges they will face when rehearsals begin the following morning; historical accuracies, national identity, politics, misogyny, feminism, Princess Diana and Brexit become the topic of debate in this contemporary, yet classic three-hander. No sooner do the actors hit the stage, one would not dispute their undeniable talent to hold the audience in the palm of their hand. Jay Conway (Darrell D’Silva) the boisterous, egotistical, contentious American box-office movie star, is equal parts intimidating, […]
March 4, 2019
Palmyra. A desecrated but still majestic city in Syria that was once one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world. Destroyed by ISIS soldiers during their first occupation in 2015, the locals stood in disbelief, clapping their hands to their mouth when they saw the rubble, an act intended to terrorise the Syrian people. Look what they’ve done. And this is how we are introduced to Palmyra, the inventive oeuvre conceived, created and performed by Bertrand Lesca and Nasi Voutsas. Lesca and Voutsas are quite the pair. Working together since 2015, it is difficult to draw the line between reality and theatre; and this is what makes Palmyra so thrilling, applaudable, palpable, captivating and at times, uncomfortable. Performance art at its best. The stage is set with two black chairs, each with a plate by the legs. Except one plate is broken into pieces. ‘Llook what they’ve done’ to ‘they have really gone for it’ Voutsas utters. At the start, their relationship is playful; waltzing and spinning, dashing around the stage on […]
March 3, 2019
Blaas. Where does one begin? Quite simply, it is an experience like no other, one in which words cannot do it justice. Schweigman& present their Australian exclusive performance of Blaas, and it will delight, confuse, charm and ignite intense thought long after you’ve left the space. Blaas means ‘blow’, ‘breath’, ‘bubble’ and ‘bladder’ in Dutch and is a concept devised from the minds of award-winning director Boukje Schweigman, fashion designer turned visual artist Cocky Eek and performer Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti. A study of space and time, wind and air and movement; this is theatre never encountered before. We are asked to leave our shoes and belongings at the door, and put scrub slippers over our feet. Already some theatre goers are uneasy. Upon walking into the stark, white room we sit on the white bench, and look out onto the large mass of white fabric at the back of the stage. Static noise is played through the speaker; an edgy sound that can be interpreted as almost cicada sounding. Slowly, we see the fabric rise […]
March 2, 2019
Looking for a night out to celebrate all things women in a man’s world through the storytelling of cabaret? Then head on over and catch Woman by the vocally talented chanteuse, Jodie Stubbs. She will take you on a historical journey through time; from the Garden of Eden, to the turn of the 20th century to modern day motherhood explored through song, story and comedy. Using music from Broadway, 60s classics, R&B, pop; you’ll enjoy this one-woman show as she navigates what it’s like to ‘have it all’. Jodie makes her grand entrance with strong opening vocals, before walking us through the long history of female oppression, beginning with the story of Florence Nightingale. She first sings ‘What’s Up?’ by 4 Non Blondes, and this becomes her theme song for the night…before she is interrupted by her ‘ringing’ phone – the babysitter. She then strives to get through her one hour show recounting how you can be a mum, cabaret star, wife and career woman – without having to check on the kids! The systematic […]
March 1, 2019
Tonight’s Fortuna Spiegeltent, the most elaborate and superbly air conditioned tent at The Garden of Unearthly Delights is the home of Paul McDermott and Steven Gates’ Go Solo (Together, as they say) for the next ten days. McDermott and Gates became friends in 1999 after meeting at the ARIAs, but this marks the beginning of their musical duo, after singing together privately for 5 years. Two of Australia’s most adored and revered comedic singer-songwriters, McDermott, from cult musical comedy group Doug Anthony All Stars and Good News Week (my fave) and Gates, one third of Tripod, bring Adelaide a show of old friend barneys, reminiscing, witty banter and spontaneous drivel scattered amongst their genius lyricism and songbook catalogue. We begin with Shopping Mall, Paul’s tongue in cheek ode to finally understanding common life after his high roller times with DAAS, followed by a rock, Chilli-Pepper-feel rendition of White Man Prison (loved it!). A beautiful Be My Queen, by Gatesy, with comical vocals by McDermott lead into an impromptu heckle of a 13 year old audience […]
February 28, 2019
Walking into Treasury 1860 on a hot Adelaide night, a Cosmopolitan was just what I needed to cool me down. And the cosmos were indeed flowing, in this perfect venue for Sex and the Musical. Taking our seats to the theme music that took me back, it’s hard to think that the show actually ended in 2004. But with 2 movies and reruns still going, this iconic and cult series still has a huge following. We are taken back before the action starts, a prequel, when Carrie’s boss tells her she’s losing her edge, so she goes on the hunt for a posse of friends ‘sweet, smart, sassy and sexy’ to help her get her mojo to write her successful columns again. Carrie’s opening song, The most interesting woman, is a hilarious send up introducing us to the main character, but also questioning how she affords her luxurious lifestyle on a columnists wage. A question we have all asked ourselves! Stefanie Rossi has the hair, the body, the look and the tutu to bring musical […]
February 23, 2019
Tonight’s sold out, highly anticipated, award winning show, Djuki Mala are quirky, high-voltage, compelling, cheeky and joyous. And that is just the crowd warmer! Direct from Elcho Island, Djuki Mala (meaning bird mob) perform an incredible fusion of traditional Yolngu culture, contemporary dance and storytelling. They achieved overnight success when Frank Djirrimbilpilwuy (Big Frank) uploaded a clip of the ‘Chooky’ boys dancing to Zorba the Greek back in 2012. Lionel, Big Frank’s son, created this special video as a thank you to the Greek nurse, Liliane, who cared for his sister while she was sick. From the success of the video, which has had over 2.5 million views on YouTube, they have toured all over the world with their exuberant and effervescent interpretation of dance, song-lines and pop culture. Beginning with a history of colonisation, we see an opening of the four dancers in traditional costumes and ochre, with Gara (spears) and Galpu (spear thrower) and are introduced to Margaret, Big Frank’s wife, via the multimedia projection on stage. She tells us about Big Frank, […]
February 21, 2019
I like seeing a show without expectation, so I do minimal research beforehand and be led purely by what I see on the stage. And what I saw this evening, By a Thread presented by One Fell Swoop Circus, was nothing short of magical. A thick, white rope strung between 2 large pulleys suspended from the top of The Peacock in a spotlight, greeted the audience as we took our seats. Soon, there were bodies clad in jeans and white tank tops entering the arena to take turns in pulling one end of the rope to unravel it upwards. Our attention is then drawn to a scream as a young woman, Ellen, swings on the other end into the crowd. This performer astounds me. She looks as graceful as a gazelle and delicate as a rose, but the strength her body has is incredible! All the performers are spectacularly powerful, agile, elegant and athletic. And there is no prejudice between the roles the performers play. Women being lifters and the base at times, while the […]
February 20, 2019
As a mother of 3, with 2 jobs and 1 husband, I love a night off to have a good belly laugh. So while my huz looks after the kids, I take my dad to see Eddie Ifft Walking on Eggshells. I can hear some of you chortle right about now…I have a cool dad who is not easily shocked or offended, so he was the perfect date. The US comedian has performed to sold out crowds around the world, hosts the successful Talkin’ Shit podcast and has released 3 DVDs, including one titled ‘I Love Pussy’, and 3 CDs with songs such as The Vagina Room and Freeze Enough Sperm, this guy is not afraid of a little over sharing [when I say a little, I mean a lot] or shock value. Ifft lives up to his reputation as a boundary pusher, being politically incorrect at the same time as being super funny. I found myself laughing at jokes and face palming at the same time. This is Eddie’s thing. Making ‘people laugh at […]
February 19, 2019
All Change [Phrase/British/Spoken] – Used for telling people on a train or a bus that they must leave it because it is not going any further. This is quite the metaphor for this play in so many ways. The fact that the train symbolises the end of the road for both our main characters, Ivor and his daughter Lily. That trains occupied a huge part of Ivor’s life, the notion of one’s train of thought and how dementia breaks this and the fact that no one actually likes change. Smokescreen Productions starts the conversation with their affecting and sentimental work, All Change. Produced with support of new Adelaide company, STARC Productions, All Change first began as a project based on a family experience of writer and actor, Tim Marriott. It had a limited but very well received run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2018 and this reception encouraged the team to reinvigorate and adapt to this year’s Fringe. Director Nicholas Collett was very lucky indeed to have the talented Stefanie Rossi and Tim Marriott as his […]
February 17, 2019
Blackrock and Nick Enright have been customary with drama school auditions around the country since the mid 90s, and with good reason. Inspired by the true events of a young girls murder on Newcastle’s Stockton Beach in 1989, Enright was asked to write an education piece that examines the world of adolescence, mateship, violence, and relationships. He was then commissioned by Sydney Theatre Company to expand the play into a full length work, and Blackrock was debuted in 1995 to critical acclaim. The town of Blackrock is shook when the body of a teenage girl is found the morning after a party, raped and murdered. The play does not depict the murder itself. Instead, the focus is on a teenager, Jared Kirby, torn between the choking culture of mateship and misogyny and the effect of Tracy’s death on her friends, the parents of those involved and the town. Although the play is now over 30 years old, Enright’s depiction of Australian youth culture is still front and centre today. The objectification of young women, binge […]
February 17, 2019
Cabaret is not like anything else. Packed in like sardines, up close and personal, audience interaction. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you want to experience cabaret, there is no better introduction than Michael Griffiths. A seasoned performer, musical theatre trained, Helpmann Award winner, Michael brings his vivacious personality and captivating voice to Le Cascadeur at The Garden of Unearthly Delights with his show, Michael Griffiths: By Request. He delighted us with Sweet Dreams, In Vogue, Adolescent and Lucky. Blew us away with his Cole Porter tribute show and now brings all his favourites back for a rollicking rendition, this time with a band (the very talented Felicity on bass and Josh on drums). A casual but exuberant atmosphere, we are taken back to the 70’s and ABBA with Knowing Me, Knowing You, and here Michael explains his love affair with music began. He talks about his very first concert experience with his dad, seeing A-ha, which was the segue to Take on Me. Other favourites from Peter Allen, Barry Manilow, Queen (so […]
February 16, 2019
On a balmy Saturday night, we packed ourselves into Le Cascadeur at the Garden of Unearthly Delights to see cabaret darling Amelia Ryan’s new show, Simply the Breast. Accompanied by Michael Griffiths, she takes you on a journey – an emotional, captivating, hilarious and honest one at that- through her life and the ‘breast’ of her previous shows, Storm in a D Cup, Lady Liberty and The Breast is Yet to Come. To set the scene, she waltzed onstage with a breast pump (my poor husband was mortified when tasked with holding it for her), and immediately broke the fourth wall with candid satire and jest. Taking us from her unique childhood in small town Bombo, to her stripper university days, meeting the love of her life and bringing her son into the world, Amelia lays all her cards on the table and leaves no stone unturned. And what a show this makes. I cry laughed (yes, there was bladder leakage) and got teary, I gasped at her honesty, I was gobsmacked at her life […]
February 16, 2019
The buzz and excitement of opening night at the Adelaide Fringe was palpable tonight. The Garden of Unearthly Delights was its usual vibrant, eclectic self, host to some of the best Fringe acts the world has to offer. With a full house at the Corona, Circus Oz’s Neon delivered on all the promised trashy, glitzy, gaudy and tragic celebration of the 80’s. Starting with John Farnham’s You’re the Voice blaring out of the sound system (which inspired an audience sing a long while taking our seats), followed by some Spandau Ballet Gold , we were taken on a glorious ride through a decade of music, bad dancing and some incredible feats of fancy. From the opening number, we knew we were in for a treat of serious proportions.These guys and gals have talent. And of course they do. Circus Oz have been creating extraordinary shows for 40 years – touring successfully nationally and internationally. Circus Oz celebrate breathtaking stunts, Aussie humour, and an all human ensemble. I especially adore their motto of promoting the best […]