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| Blasted |
I will link to reviews if I wrote one.
TOP TEN (alphabetical order)
The Almighty Sometimes – Griffin Theatre, Sydney
Kendall Feaver’s extraordinary debut play is about Anna,
dealing with mood disorders and medication and the complicated relationship she
has with the treatments and her mother. Superb cast and beautifully directed by
Lee Lewis
Blackie Blackie Brown – Malthouse Theatre
Nakkiah Lui’s work is always amazing but this production,
directed by Declan Green, was another step up for her – the satire sharper and
bleaker and more hilarious than ever before.
Sarah Kane’s debut play from 1990s London is a tricky beast
tackling difficult subjects but Anne-Louise Sarks nailed it with a superb
production.
I had heard amazing things about this Griffin Theatre production
over the last few years and was so glad it finally made it to Melbourne. An exquisite
piece of theatre.
Calamity Jane – Arts Centre Melbourne
Another production from Sydney I’d heard amazing things
about, only to miss it on its Melbourne debut earlier this year. Glad I finally
got to see it from on-stage seating. Last show of the year, in my top ten. As I
described it on Twitter – “Like the Doris Day movie, but gayer.”
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| Calamity Jane |
An exceptional piece of queer theatre at Red Stitch;
challenging and hilarious. Daniel Clarke’s production was superb.
Prize Fighter - Northcote Town Hall, Melbourne Festival
Yet another show that has travelled the country and I am
glad to have finally seen. A tale of immigration that was about physical and
emotional toughness. Unforgettable.
A musical comedy about romance, sexuality, narrative
convenience and the “dead lesbian trope”. I hope this has a long life. I’d love
to see it again.
Daniel Lammin’s treatment of Tommy Murphy’s play was subtle,
nuanced and deeply moving. Superb.
An important story of people from the Torres Strait, a joyous
celebration of family. Beautiful.
THE NEXT TEN (alphabetical order)
Little Ones took to the MTC stage and turned it upside.
Incredible design, stunning cast, excellent production.
The Harp in the South, Parts 1 and 2 – Sydney Theatre Company
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| Abigail's Party |
An epic Sydney story given the epic Kip Williams/STC
treatment. A day to remember. The classic novel is set to be a classic stage play.
The House of Bernarda Alba – Melbourne Theatre Company
Patricia Cornelius did a wonderful job adapting Lorca’s
classic play. Beautifully realised by director Letitia Caceres with an unforgettable
cast of women.
post performed themselves and years of recorded conversations
were elevated into something profound.
Trying to adapt this film to stage seemed like an impossible
task but leave it to Matt Lutton and Declan Greene to pull it off with a
performance for the ages by Eryn Jean Norville.
The Mission – Arts House, Melbourne Fringe
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| Melancholia |
Tom Molyneux’s ode to his uncle and his ancestry was
insightful and vital and very touching.
The Nightingale and the Rose - Little Ones, Theatre Works
Little Ones simple, effective adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s
short story.
Prehistoric – Elbow Room, Meat Market
Elbow Room’s rocking work on Brisbane’s punk scene and the oppressive
Bjelke-Peterson government.
Sneakyville – 45 Downstairs
Christopher Bryant and Daniel Lammin’s complex take on
Charles Manson, his followers and the public’s decade-long obsession with the
cult leader. Seared into my mind.
In the midst of despair, Rawcus’ moving work found hope in
darkness.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
John Barrowman - Arts Centre Melbourne
Wild – Melbourne Theatre Company
Cock – Meat Market, directed by Beng Oh
An Ideal Husband – Melbourne Theatre Company
The Children – Melbourne Theatre Company
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