LIA LOVES... THEATRE. DANCE. CULTURE. EVENTS.
Follow her adventures as Adelaide's premier theatre buff, arts contributor, educator and ambassador!
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 […]
December 1, 2015
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… no, it IS Christmas, like just around the corner!! But don’t fret, I have your back. You can do everything at Harbour Town (or HTown as like to call it), and I mean EVERYTHING. From mum, grandma, dad, kids, pets…and everyone in between. Let’s get shopping… FOR HER Bags and Luggage Direct have a super sale at the mo, with Tony Bianco bags from $21.50 (these were $99!) and Kardashian Kollection down to $29.50! Pick up a voucher from Centre Management for an additional 15% off until Dec 15. Are you kidding me?! I also love the Shiels Direct leather and stainless steel bracelets for only $30. Slip that in my stocking thanks huz… For the fragrance lover, Cosmetics Fragrance Direct have the gorgeous Elizabeth Arden Green Tea gift pack for just $25… that includes 100ml fragrance, bath gel, body cream and makeup bag. Shopping for the sporty friend? Then check out this hot Lorna Jane combo of tank ($15) and shorts ($30). I think I’ve […]
October 27, 2015
If you are anything like me, where you love the Spring Racing season, but don’t love how much every different outfit costs then you’ll love this. One outfit, 4 ways. I’ve started with the most gorgeous pair of off white culottes from Cue for a bargain price of $67.50 (original price $225 in full price stores) paired with the coolest top from Seed, which set me back only $63.96 (almost 50% off the original price, thanks very much). The best thing about separates? You can wear them again and again, with a different top or bottom for a completely new look. And guess what? Cost per wear becomes totally negligible. So there, husband… Derby Day: Traditionally, black and white, I’ve added some stripes and spots for a little personality. Stunning headpiece from Mimco for only $69, plus another 20% off until November 8. Shoes from Nine West $69.96 (ridic, I know!) Necklace $79.20 Mimco (20% off until Nov 8) Clutch $63.20 Mimco Melbourne Cup Day: This is your day to shine, so dress […]
October 20, 2015
This weeks shopping trip was a bit wet…but armed with my hot coffee, I was raring to go. And with plenty of shelter shops, ahem, I mean stops, along the way, I was never caught in the rain. First, I found onesies at Sparkles for just $6. Yep, you read right. $6. Surely the fabric would cost more than that… one in every colour please. I then thought I better pick something up for the huz, so I popped into Connor, who were having a super sale of 3 items for $50. Any knit, shirt and jean for $50! Say what?! Needless to say, I didn’t walk out empty handed.. Next stop was City Chic… I must admit, this was my first time in this store, and my glob, was I surprised! Gorgeous cocktail dresses in the most flattering shapes, knits, tops..you name it! In sizes from 14, there was something that would suit everyone. A cream knit with leatherette belt caught my eye, and at $50 it caught the attention of my purse too.. I’ve […]
October 13, 2015
After having my kids, not only have my feet grown (please tell me I’m not the only one?!) but my fingers are permanently swollen. Not a great look! So my engagement ring and wedding bands have been safely tucked away until I get them resized…except, I spotted the most gorgeous engagement, wedding and eternity ring set at Shiels today at 70% off! A three ring set for less than $1800! Surely I could convince the huz… It feels like everyone is going on a winter escape at the moment, and when I say everyone, I mean everyone except me… first world problems I know. So I don’t feel left out, I wander to Strandbags to see what special deals they have. And they have plenty. Nearly everything is on sale, with their Flylite brand at $100 off. Mmmm, pristine beaches, blue water…I can dream. Also happening today is the massive Lorna Jane warehouse sale. This is on once a year across all outlets only, Australia wide. Nothing is over $60. You could be forgiven for […]
October 6, 2015
I’m always on the lookout for kids clothes…new season, or end of season that I can purchase a size or two bigger for next year. And my go to place is Cotton On Kids; always on trend, always great prices, and huge stock turnover, so there is always something new. I’ve had a few requests for puffer vests and I knew Cotton On Kids could deliver. Great range of colours and styles from $15 – $20! Happy customer indeed! Next stop was Cheeki Kids, another awesome kids clothing and accessories store I’ve been shopping at for years. I love the big brands like Chloe and Burberry, but they also carry the coolest Aussie labels like Munster and Rock Your Baby too..which was 25% off the already marked price. Hulloo… Just a couple of doors down is Step Footwear, and I needed to buy my little Miss some uggs. Found the cutest panda pair by Emu Uggs for only $39.95! That’s a great buy for this iconic brand. I stopped into Typo because their totally cool […]
September 29, 2015
So today, like most days, I go shopping with an open mind… I start with my usual skim latte [skim? full cream? Does it really matter?] at Coffee Club and their sensational smashed avocado on turkish bread with a side of scrambled eggs. To. Die. For. I decide to wander to Mimco to check out any new stock… and lo and behold. A blue beauty of a cross body bag hits me for six. You see, with 3 young kids, a cross body bag is my equivalent to a bejewelled evening clutch. It’s either a baby bag or cross body…that’s as glamorous as I get these days. This baby will be hitting the outlet store in the next week, so I set my alarm on my phone to EXTRA LOUD so I don’t miss out. I’ve had a few requests for tan ankle boots with a mid heel, so I make my way to Wittner. You want tan boots. Wittner have them a plenty. At 65% off, why not pick up a tan, black and […]
September 2, 2015
Last minute bargain Father’s Day Ideas… With Fathers Day just around the corner, I thought I’d help you all out with some top tips on where to shop for the special blokes in your life. You’re welcome. Harbour Town caters for just about every type of dad there is. For the cool casual dad, I’d be heading to Connor, Gazman, Roger David and Oxford. Ed Harry have a great range of new season shirts at outlet prices and at Tarocash there are chinos and shirts as far as the eye can see. If your dad is more into sweating it out then check out Adidas, Fila Brand Direct, Intersport, Sports Power and Converse. Brooks Factory Direct have a huge sale with their runners at more than 50% off! Where at JT Surf, your skater dad can hold onto his youth a little bit more with big surf brands like Hurley, Rip Curl and Santa Cruz. Perhaps you need to shop a more mature look? We’ve got that covered too. Stafford Ellinson, Rivers and Black Pepper […]
August 19, 2015
I just love wandering Harbour Town, looking for the next bargain, seeing what treasures I can find. As I walked past Millers Fashion, something told me to stop and go in. Call it my bargain instinct. Glad I did, because I found THE softest cargo pant EVER and a navy and white knit all for $31. I repeat, $31 the entire outfit. They have 40% off store wide – even the most reduced stuff. Prices start at a crazy $4…. The huz has specifically asked for work shirts, so I head into Gazman, where racks upon racks of stripe, patterned, plain business shirts are only $29. Done. Now back to me. Nine West have a super sale with 40% off even the sale price…so leather shoes starting at $30? That is so my thing. Designer, cheap, awesome! It’s been a while since I picked something up for the kids, and you can’t go wrong in Smiggle. It’s their go-to whenever we are at H-Town. I love their 3 for $10 tables…something for each of them. […]
August 11, 2015
Big shopping week, so to fuel up, I start at Silvana Cafe where a coffee and cake deal gives me the caffeine and sugar hit required to go the distance. Yummo. Time for nails. Paris Nails and Beauty have this fandagalled product called SNS, which lasts longer than shellac and is better for your nails than acrylic. I love! And only $45. Once a month, add that to my beauty regime.. Speaking of regime, I really need to exercise more, and I can’t do that without the correct undergarments holding everything in place (read: boobs). So I head into Bonds, as I’ve just discovered they stock a massive range of Berlei. And these are my absolute fave sports bras. Oh, and they have 30% off. Bonus!! Another awesome find if you are new to Harbour Town…Union Clothing are a huge stockist for cmeo collective and Finders Keepers The Label…but at a fraction of the cost. And today, they have racks and racks of stuff at $79.99 and $99.99!! Good gawd… For those that know me, […]
August 3, 2015
I still can’t believe Harbour Town has an Oroton outlet. I mean, a minimum of 60% off? That’s just nuts. And we all know how much I love navy. And cross body bags. And sunnies. So when I can pick up both, at under $200, from Oroton, you can imagine my excitement. Squeeee!! I’m also getting organised for Father’s Day, and at Cosmetics Fragrance Direct, they have the most awesome Kenneth Cole gift packs for just $49. Scentsational… If you’re anything like me and have a scatter cushion obsession, then head into Adairs. Bright, fun, stylish and only $9.95 each. Perfect for my daughters room. Next to the other 67 cushions on her bed… I’ve had a few requests for stylish, slim, well made and cut suits. Well, Stafford Ellinson is the place to go. Handstitched, wool, classically made and considering these suits are usually over $1000….you can pick one up from $349. Would you like me to repeat that? $349. Yep, most are 70% off the original retail price. Just don’t tell the big […]
October 27, 2019
On an unexpected wet and windy Adelaide night, Stan Lai’s The Village provided a heart-warming and comforting night at the theatre. Set at the end of the Civil War in 1949, in a Military Dependents Village in Chiayi, Taiwan, the story crosses a span of 50 years and three generations – the Zhao, Zhu and Zhou families. From the first generation fleeing mainland China after the Kuomintang was defeated, yearning to go back home, to building temporary homes which become their permanent homes, The Village traces the lives of these families and explores themes of identity, belonging and community. Drawing from real life stories in such villages, acclaimed legendary director, Stan Lai has captured poignant experiences and crafted an epic and masterful theatre production that depicts a true, touching history of Taiwan. We are introduced to the first generation, who settled into their makeshift village home, Formosa Village One, after fleeing to safety in Taiwan. It was presumed to be a temporary refugee exile, but transformed into a permanent communal melting pot that would vibrantly […]
October 18, 2019
You know you are in for a zany night out when critics have described this show as ‘multi-layered hyperactivity for the stage’. Bringing my 11 year old son as my date/fellow critic, we walk into the theatre to see a parade of audience members having their photos taken on stage in various states of crazy poses. We discover these photos are then used as part of the shows finale. More on that later. Techno Circus is presented by SIRO-A, a group described as ‘Japan’s answer to the Blue Man Group’. Personally, I loved these guys more! SIRO-A are renowned worldwide for their spectacular performances that combine special effects, incredible projections, mime, dance, puppetry, comedy, illusion and high energy techno music. They have wowed audiences of all ages with their Golden Buzzer winning act from America’s Got Talent, attracted millions of views on YouTube, sold out shows across the globe, and now are ready to take Adelaide on a ride as part of the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Oz Asia Festival. This show is a feast for […]
October 13, 2019
When asked to review Adelaide Youth Theatre’s (AYT) production of Hairspray Jnr, I jumped at the opportunity. This ain’t my first AYT rodeo, and most definitely won’t be my last. AYT are widely known to produce world class productions for youth performers, and this show reinforces their reputation. Hairspray is an American musical with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, based on the 1988 John Waters movie of the same name. The songs include 1960s-style dance music (my favourite!) and ‘downtown’ rhythm and blues Set in 1962 Baltimore, generously sized teenager, Tracy Turnblad’s dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, much to the current star Amber Von Tussle’s dismay, she becomes a celebrity overnight, wins the heart of the local teen idol, Link Larkin and leads the town to social change as Tracy campaigns for the show’s integration. I absolutely […]
June 17, 2019
Paul Capsis. The man, the myth, the enigma. I have been a fan of Capsis’ since I watched him explode on the screen in ‘Head On’. Then seeing him as the totally mad, flamboyant reincarnation of Rumpelstiltskin in the State Theatre and Windmill collaboration – I was smitten. An award-winning, versatile, original and seasoned performer, he knows how to turn it on and turn it up. And he has been non stop since. Making a dramatic entrance and belching out the Skyhooks 70s classic ‘Ego is Not a Dirty Word’, we realise that this will be a night full of unexpected eccentricities and rip-roaring, emotion charged entertainment. And not only with Capsis out front, but with the marvellous and musically gifted Jethro Woodward and The Fitzroy Youth Orchestra supporting, we knew we were going to be witnessing something of a rarity. Wrapped in leather, fur and jewels, Capsis informs us he received a call from Julia Zemiro to be part of the Ad Cab Fest in 2019, after a five year absence. However, she had […]
June 15, 2019
Settling into the Dunstan Playhouse on a cold and dreary night, the only thing we needed to warm the cockles was a pint and a good story. Thankfully, we got both. Entering dressed in a kilt to wolf whistles from the crowd, the stage slowly lit up each musician as they joined in the opening song. And what an eclectic mix of musos it was! After learning the correct Irish way to cheer for a song you like (Yeaow!, if you are curious), the audience went wild when the dazzling talents of the fantastic Mr Fox were unveiled. A remarkably charming, charismatic and captivating stage performer, Mr Fox (I enjoy referring to him in this formal manner) brings his distinctive storytelling, song, dance and limericks all wrapped up in his delectable Irish accent, to Adelaide for the first time. If it sounds like I’m crushing on Bobby, you’d be right. What’s not to love about a handsome, blue eyed, tap dancing, kilt wearing Irish man who sings songs about loving Bonnie lasses and his ma’m? […]
June 12, 2019
The scene was established the moment you walked into The Space Theatre. Filled with orchards and peacock feathers strung from the balcony as well as the iconic peacock chairs from the era of the 70s sitting near the front of the stage. A beautiful setting for an incredible show. The crowd was full of baby boomers, and some youngins like myself, ready for the music of the night…a celebration of the music by the women in Australia during the 50s, 60s and 70s. We first saw a projected video of Merle Thornton and Rosalie Bognor who famously chained themselves to the bar at the Regatta Hotel, Brisbane in 1965, not only to gain women’s right to drink at a bar with men, but to bring to light the real issues women were facing at the time – equal pay, equal treatment and a revision of the sexist laws that plagued Australia. The very talented Amelia Ryan, of Simply the Breast and The Breast is Yet to Come fame, cleverly brought to life the unsung women […]
June 10, 2019
When I was a young performing arts student living in Perth, I frequented the jazz bars and underground clubs scouring the city for the hip, sweet sounds of the ragtime blues. My housemate at the time was a jazz muso, so I had big band rehearsals in my house all the time. It’s safe to say, I have a soft spot for this style. Tonight, as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, we were packed like sardines in The Famous Spiegeltent, to see The Hot Sardines. With the house full sign out front, we were ready to be dazzled by this New York based jazz ensemble. Co-led by lead singer Elizabeth Bougerol and pianist Evan Palazzo, she tells the story of how they met at a jazz jam advertised on Craig’s List. She was looking for a piano player, but not just any piano player. One who knew and understood a particular song, Fats Waller ‘Your Feet’s too Big’. She asked Evan if he knew the song and the rest as they say, is history. […]
June 6, 2019
Like most little girls, my first memories of Judy Garland have something to do with a yellow brick road, an emerald city and red slippers. I watched in awe of this young girl skipping and singing her way into my heart and I too wanted to be part of her seemingly magical and perfect life. But End of the Rainbow doesn’t paint a pretty picture of Garland’s last days; instead it rips you through the bright lights and dark pits that tormented her, enabled her, and eventually killed her. The regal, old Royalty Theatre provided the perfect backdrop for The Ritz Hotel London, 1969, where Garland was preparing for a 5 week stint at Talk of the Town nightclub. Orchestrated and managed by her fifth and final husband, Mickey Deans, with her long suffering accompanist, Anthony Chapman, we watch the relationship between the three characters bounce between banter, comedy, hatred, power, joy, pain, love and truth. And bear witness to the mental and physical decline of the world’s darling. Peter Quilter’s worldwide smash brings to […]
May 27, 2019
Bringing my nearly 11 year old son, who has just moved schools and is making new friends, to a one woman show about the trials and tribulations of a young girls journey from childhood to adolescence, seemed very timely and opportune. I remember my twelve year old self as slightly sensitive, hopeful, emotional and enthusiastic and I suspect, after a few personal conversations with my own pre-pubescent son, he feels the same. Internationally acclaimed solo performer, Mary-Frances Doherty gives a remarkable and real performance of 12 year old Katie, who is very happy we all could attend her birthday party. She is disappointed her best friend, Tracy, couldn’t come – she was busy making an appearance at another party. To begin with, Katie is very flippant about Tracy not being able to be there, but by the end, she is openly and visibly upset; the least she could do was answer her calls, like her posts or share her videos! In a vulnerable, exposed and intimate horseshoe setting, we are thrown together to celebrate Katie’s […]
May 27, 2019
If you have children, and perhaps even if you don’t, you have almost definitely read The Gruffalo. A children’s classic by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler which has sold over 13 million copies, won several prizes for children’s literature, has an Oscar nominated animated film, it is now also the play which has had sell out seasons on Broadway and London’s West End. The story of The Gruffalo is based on a Chinese folk tale of a fox that borrows the terror of a tiger, however Donaldson was unable to think of rhymes for ‘tiger’ so instead invented a word that rhymes with ‘know’. And the rest, as they say, is history… The mouse’s tale is one that unfolds in two phases; whereby the mouse uses crafty tricks to circumvent danger. On his way through the deep dark wood, the mouse encounters several dangerous animals (a cunning fox, an eccentric, sergeant-type owl and a maraca wielding snake). Each of these animals, clearly intending to eat the mouse, invite him back to their home for a […]
March 18, 2019
March Productions debut musical offering, Barnum, is a night of triumph, energy and monumental talent. With a perfectly simple, but effective set we are transported to the 1800s, where Anna and Amy Beecher take us on a historical journey with pictures and artefacts of Barnum’s life as we take our seats. P.T Barnum truly was an intriguing man, with a knack for promotion and humbug. This sets the scene for the extravaganza we are about to experience. Our first introduction to Barnum is him running through the audience with gusto, to end up on stage and immediately breaking the 4th wall to narrate his story. I am instantly drawn into Jayden Prelc’s portrayal of Barnum – charismatic, magnetic, dynamic, not to mention his natural comedic timing and prodigious voice. He navigated the wordy script and musical numbers with such relish. A true and rare performer of his age, I anticipate a professional career in his near future. Watch this space. His Charity Barnum, played by Alana Iannace, was sublime. She had steely strength and independence, […]
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 […]