Dreamer **** (Puppet Palace until Friday, March 14, 2008)
Black light puppetry is always captivating, especially in the hands of Dreampuppets. This show, Dreamer, is part of the Dreamer trilogy in which a childlike, Leuing-style creature experiences bizarre happenings in a bright, colourful dreamscape. Dreamer encounters strange fish, animated…
DAVID O’DOHERTY – It’s David O’Doherty Time **** (Nova 2 until Saturday, March 15, 2008)
I confess I fall easily for Irish comics. I think it is due to a childhood staple of Dave Allen. However, I am sure I can award four stars with a clean conscience, confident that David has not benefited from…
Frank Woodley – Possessed ***1/2 (Arts Theatre until Sunday, March 16, 2008)
Frank Woodley combines slapstick, stand up, and physical theatre effortlessly. It appears to be as natural to him as breathing. Having worked previously in a trio, then a duo, his venture into solo territory is very pleasing. In Possessed, we…
First She Takes Manhattan ** (The Courthouse until Friday, February 29, 2008)
Full marks to Jordan Roberts (singer) and Simon Koop (guitarist) for deciding to tackle the great master of poetic music, Leonard Cohen. (This is where I need to declare that I am a Leonard Cohen fan) This show left me…
Tomfoolery ***1/2 (La Boheme until Sunday, March 9, 2008)
I think Tom Lehrer will be reasonably happy with this showcase of his satirical songs from the 1950s and 60s. Certainly, all the favourites are there from The Vatican Rag to The Masochism Tango, from Poisoning Pigeons in the Park…
Playing Burton **** – Starring Josh Richards (Holden Street until Sunday, March 16, 2008)
Guy Masterson has directed this one-man show about his uncle, Richard Burton, and he has created a real gem. If you have ever liked Richard Burton, if you enjoy well-rounded vowels and a deep, explosive, male voice, you will find…
Charlie Pickering – Thirteen Ducks ***1/2 (Bosco Theatre until Sunday, March 2, 2008)
Sand up comic, Charlie Pickering is back in town. The curly-haired, baby-faced comic brings his usual collection of observations and his hunger for interacting with the audience. He has also just done a master class in comedy with Bernie Mac…
Goering’s Defence **** (Fringe Factory)
It is intriguing to hear how Hitler’s number two defends the Nazi party’s dismantling of the election process. According to Herr Goering, when the Nazi Party was able to grasp power it “knew” that the needs of the people were…
The Window ****1/2 (Bakehouse until Sunday, March 2, 2008)
This production is the best example of integrating live action with multimedia that I have ever seen. All these elements worked together with a beautiful synergy; the new technology “adding” to the experience, not “dominating”. Julie Eckersley (MTC, The Wedge)…
Puppet Cabarets * (Puppet Palace unitl Sunday, March 9, 2008)
Puppet Cabarets is a nightly showcase of three to five acts by various puppeteers performing at this year’s Fringe. I have been to very few Fringe shows like tonight’s, where audience members have exchanged glances so often, rolling eyes and wondering…