I have found some time to reflect on the many highs and the odd low in theatreland this year. My listicle includes some I reviewed and others I regret missing. In keeping with a positive approach there is no space to itemise those I had hoped for more or those I wish I had been “too busy to see”.
Theatre Excellence (in no particular order):
Gloria
Table
Cyprus Ave
Pygmalion
The Last Wife
The Happy Prince
Nine
Coram Boy
Herringbone
First Love is the Revolution
Prime Facie
Dismissal (The Musical)
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Sensitive Guys
Muriel’s Wedding.
Wish I’d seen it:
Jess & Jo Forever – I was late to the party in getting down to Belvoir’s 25A program. I heard great things about this little show.
Barrie Kosky’s The Magic Flute at The Adelaide Festival, in collaboration with UK visual artist/theatre-maker 1927. Check it out online – looks breathtaking from this Aussie ex-pat internationally revered opera director.
Mosquitos (STC)– a friend sees everything and saw this 3 times. I was directing a play myself so never got there….
Counting & Cracking – certainly didn’t sound great as an idea but was a huge success and so suddenly tickets were as scarce as hen’s teeth. Je regrette beaucoup!!
Anatomy of a Suicide – describes as dense and full of puzzles, the audience needs to work to extract all the details and meaning within the narrative. Just my thing.
Mary Stuart – STC. Great actors in a great play.
Mark G Nagle. Theatre Now
