Yentl comes to the Australian stage
The story based on the original Yiddish short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer is a must see.
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Category: THEATRE
Royal Shakespeare Company tells the story of Pericles
Get ready for an unforgettable theatrical voyage as the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) sets the stage for its latest production, Pericles, a tale of love, hope, and the miracles that bind us. Directed by Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey, this production marks her directorial debut with the RSC, infusing Shakespeare’s poignant work with a fresh and vibrant perspective. Prepare to be swept into a world of intrigue as Prince Pericles faces a life-threatening dilemma. After solving a perilous riddle set by a king, Pericles finds himself on the run, embarking on an epic voyage that will test his courage and resilience. This journey sees him battling princes, marrying his true love, and embracing fatherhood. Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing—Pericles must also navigate the treacherous waters of storms, shipwrecks, abduction, and devastating loss. Adrift in an ocean of grief, the pressing question remains: will Pericles ever see his family again? The curtains will rise at the iconic Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, where audiences can immerse themselves in this stirring narrative from July 26 to September 21. Leading the cast is the versatile Alfred Enoch, recognized for his captivating performances in both television—like How to Get Away With Murder—and on stage, including roles in Red and Romeo and Juliet. Joining Enoch is an impressive ensemble featuring Rachelle Diedericks as Marina, Leah Haile as Thaisa, Chukwuma Omambala as Cleon, Christian Patterson as Simonides, and Gabby Wong as Dionyza. Together, they are set to breathe life into a tale that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. The RSC is renowned… Read More
Reimagine history with the voices of strong women in SIX
Divorced, bearded, slayed! SIX the musical is on in Melbourne and must not be missed.
See Shakespeare, “In a Nutshell: the poetry of violence”
It’s Shakespeare, but not as you know it.
Lord of the Rings musical tries for a comeback
In its previous on stage versions, it received a mixed review. Can the latest iteration of LOTR on stage cut through the last legacies? The enchanting world of Middle-earth is making its way to Australia in a spectacular fashion with “The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale.” This ain’t your regular run-of-the-mill musical; it’s got elves, dwarves, and hobbits. The adventure kicks off with Bilbo Baggins’ eleventy-first birthday bash in the Shire, where he gifts his nephew Frodo a seemingly innocent gold ring. Little does Frodo know, this shiny trinket is about to launch him on an epic and perilous journey across Middle-earth to the darkest depths of Mordor. With his loyal Fellowship by his side, Frodo sets out to vanquish the evil threatening their world. Now, you might be wondering, “A musical, really?” Oh yes, and it’s not just any musical. Picture this: a dynamic folk-inspired score performed live on stage, weaving together original music and storytelling in a way that would make even the sternest of dwarves tap their feet. The auditions have already kicked off in Australia to find the next generation’s Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, Gollum, Galadriel, Gandalf, Arwen, and Aragorn. If you’ve always dreamt of being a part of this legendary tale, now’s your chance. Torben Brookman, on behalf of Australian co-producer GWB Entertainment, couldn’t contain his excitement. “This is a production that will delight The Lord of the Rings fans of all ages, whether you are 8 or 80, there is something for everyone in this brilliant… Read More
Shakespeare’s Coriolanus coming to National Theatre London
Excitement is building at the National Theatre as rehearsals begin for the upcoming production of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus.
Sweeney Todd on stage in Melbourne this September
Following critical acclaim across the country, Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical thriller is coming to Melbourne this Spring with Victorian Opera’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street A Musical Thriller. The performances will take place at the iconic Arts Centre Melbourne Playhouse from 14-21 September, with an extra show on the 16th just added. Sweeney Todd tells the gruesome story of a man living life by the razor’s edge. This spine-chilling musical thriller will transport audiences to the dark heart of London’s Fleet Street, where betrayal, vengeance and dark comedy intertwine. Starring Ben Mingay (Shrek the Musical, Frayed, Pirates of Penzance, Packed to the Rafters) and Antoinette Halloran (Mary and Max, Macbeth, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll), and directed by celebrated Australian opera and musical theatre director Stuart Maunder AM, this is a masterpiece of musical theatre not to be missed. Once, there was a barber who had it all — a happy life, a beautiful wife. But it all ended in a savage act of betrayal. Enter Sweeney Todd. From the haunting melodies of Stephen Sondheim to the chilling narrative crafted by Hugh Wheeler, this production explores the transformation of a once-content barber into the infamous “demon barber”, a suave and perilous figure with a rising desire for vengeance. Alongside the beguiling and eccentric Mrs Lovett, they hatch a twisted plan — equal parts genius and ghastly. Mrs Lovett’s reputation for serving the best pies in town may be short-lived as Sweeney’s thirst for vengeance teeters on the knife’s edge. From Stuart… Read More
Bell Shakespeare presents King Lear, starring Robert Menzies
For the first time since 2010, Bell Shakespeare presents King Lear, starring veteran stage actor Robert Menzies in the titular role. The production stages Shakespeare’s epic of the imagination in an intimate setting as Australian audiences won’t have seen it before.
East London Shakespeare Festival (ELSF) brings Much Ado About Nothing to London
There are lots of events in London parks throughout the summer, but few are so purposeful in their mission in injecting the wholesome feeling that comes from community theatre as the East London Shakespeare Festival. In parks dotted all around London this summer, the Shakespeare theatre company will be showing one of the bard’s most popular plays, Much Ado About Nothing. And if you’ve got kids, bring them along! The group is keen on getting kids involved to plant those seeds of interest and enjoyment of Shakespeare’s work from a young age. They put on some crafty options that kids go wild for. It’s the kind of thing that just makes you smile. And the cast do a truly excellent job of blending contemporary reality with Shakespearean whimsy that you can very easily get into. Throw in a little crowd participation and dance choreography that is as funny as it is engaging, there really is something for everyone. If you’re not a theatre or community theatre-goer particularly, my suggestion is to throw off your preconceptions, go and surprise yourself. In Shakespeare’s delightful comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, audiences are transported to the enchanting setting of a modern-day Messina where sun-soaked mischief and romance intertwine under the Mediterranean stars. Filled with witty banter, clever trickery, and heartwarming moments, this opulent tale showcases the triumph of love amidst playful deceptions, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of human emotions and relationships set against a backdrop of timeless charm and laughter. The East London Shakespeare Festival is known for its… Read More
Theatre review: Sunset Boulevard, Melbourne
The latest production of Sunset Boulevard at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre is a mixed bag, encapsulating both the brilliance and pitfalls of adapting a classic film into a stage musical. The much-anticipated lavish new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece, SUNSET BOULEVARD, starring musical theatre and international superstar Sarah Brightman, is now playing in Melbourne. Audiences have been offering standing ovations for the spectacular show, currently gracing the stage at the Princess Theatre. A season at the Sydney Opera House will follow from August 28. Tickets are on sale at sunsetmusical.com.au. Marking her return to the theatre after more than three decades, Sarah Brightman stars as Norma Desmond, the iconic role that catapulted Glenn Close to Broadway stardom and recently earned Nicole Scherzinger an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in the West End. Alongside her will be critically acclaimed Australian actor and performer Tim Draxl in the role of Joe Gillis, a role last played on stage in Australia by Hugh Jackman in 1996. Joining Sarah and Tim on stage in the role of Max Von Mayerling is stage and screen veteran Robert Grubb, with the role of Betty Schaefer brought to life by emerging leading lady Ashleigh Rubenach. Musical theatre performer Jarrod Draper takes on the role of Artie Green, while established theatre actors Paul Hanlon and Troy Sussman play the roles of Cecil B. DeMille and Sheldrake, respectively. At select performances, the remarkable Silvie Paladino will assume the role of Norma Desmond. The extremely talented ensemble cast includes… Read More