Anywhere Reviews
Every year Anywhere Festival invites people to write reviews of performances at the festival. We do this because we believe it is vital that people can read about shows, that performance makers can start a conversation with someone who has taken the time to write about the work and to celebrate the art of critiquing performances.
Along with a number of established writers, this year we are also running a workshop with Nadia Jade of Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane aimed at new writers to help develop their skills and provide guidance around reviews written for Anywhere Festival shows.
You will find those reviews as they are written below.
Anywhere Reviews.
Awards A Plenty for performers across South East Queensland
Awards A Plenty for performers across South East Queensland at 2022 Anywhere Awards
Review by Theatre Haus of ‘Planets, Pianos and Projections’, presented by Betty Nicholson & Lyn Panetta
‘Planets, Pianos and Projections’ was intergalactic.
Review by Rebecca Lynne of “Servitude” Presented by Pigasus Productions
Pigasus Productions brings West End an easy-going afternoon of funny and familiar customer service stories.
Review by Elise Lawrence of Master of Delusions: False Profits presented by Master of Delusions and Anywhere Festival
A humorous hour of misdirection, miracles, and magic.
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘Friends of Dorothy’, presented by Ghostlight Theatre Co.
Presented by Ghostlight Theatre Co, Friends of Dorothy is a proud trip through the history of queer culture. Set at the Bray Hall in Petrie, this rainbow cabaret was a…
Review by Rebecca Lynne of “Murder on the ‘Not-So’ Orient Express”, Presented by Mystify Events
Presented by Mystify Events, an event planning and entertainment group, Murder on the ‘Not-So’ Orient Express is a murder mystery set in an alternate 1920’s Brisbane. With heavy references to…
Review by Catherine Lawrence of Silver Sircus: Home/Truth, presented by Silver Sircus
Silver Sircus has a musical style that is as eclectic and individual as Shaw’s compelling dark cabaret performance.
Review by Theatre Haus of ‘Gutenberg! The Musical’, presented by Springboard Productions
Springboard Productions opened their first Anywhere Festival show last Thursday with a lesser-known musical theatre piece quite unlike any other.
Review by Theatre Haus of ‘The Girl on the Moon’ presented by Aoife Kissane and Matias Nunez
Steeped in the magical city that is Brisbane, ‘The Girl on the Moon’ is the coming-of-age story that Brisbanites need.
Review by Catherine Lawrence of 7 Mortal Sinners, presented by Glitter Martini
7 Mortal Sinners has to be one of the most unusual events I have ever attended in a church.
Review by Elise Lawrence of Putting On The Mask, presented by Haus of Beaver Productions
Claire Fitzpatrick presented a moving one-woman performance exploring the wide-ranging emotional impacts of loss. Seated at a small table facing the audience, Fitzpatrick performed the rituals of getting ready in…
Review by Catherine Lawrence of Murder on the ‘Not-So’ Orient Express, presented by Mystify
Mystify’s ‘Murder on the ‘Not-So Orient Express’ promised to be an entertaining 80 minutes of mayhem, mystery, intrigue and entertainment—and certainly had all the hallmarks of popular interactive murder mysteries. A 1930s journey on a train, a body, a cast of apparent strangers (but are they?), and a mystery or two to be solved. But this particular mystery had a few too many twists, turns and revelations for a show that ran for 80+ minutes.
Review by Elise Lawrence of Oberon 11 presented by Inscape Assembly
Put on your detective hat for intergalactic immersive theatre by InScape Assembly Oberon 11 is an intergalactic prison, verging on purgatory, which houses four prisoners: a 19th century French socialite,…
Review by Rebecca Lynne of “This Way For A Fireside Chat With Lucifer” presented by Lightning Bolt Creative
Are you prepared to dance with a devil in the pale moonlight? How about spend 7 minutes in Hell with Lucifer? Be sure to make an appointment, as they’re in…
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘Disappearing Acts’, presented by Vulcana Circus
Disappearing Acts sees Vulcana deliver circus into green spaces throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast region for Anywhere Festival. There are two shows in disappearing acts: I saw consignment 2…
Review by Catherine Lawrence of Wind of Wall Street, presented by Corporate Dancers
Wind of Wall Street was perfectly located in the UQ GCI, as a fabulous stage for a dance work that questions traditional ways of working, and the toll the ‘Wall Street’ lifestyle takes on participants. Just as the UQ GCI building is designed to encourage a rethinking of office design, Wind of Wall Street asks whether the winds of change might ‘blow through’ the ways of office-work-lives.
Review by Theatre Haus of ‘Oberon 11’, presented by Inscape Assemble
‘Oberon 11’ was mystifying. Is Captain Albatross guilty of stealing all the birds? Or is Desiree Iris responsible for trafficking human organs? Presented as part of Anywhere Festival at The…
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘The Politics of Vodka Lime Soda’, presented by T!ts Akimbo
Watching the Politics of Vodka Lime and Soda was a nice change of pace from a usual night out in the Valley. The raucous, colourful and entertaining show took place…
Review by Theatre Haus of ‘Little Shop of Horros’, presented by Cope Creative & de Jager Productions
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was bloodthirsty.
Review by Theatre Haus of ‘Friends of Dorothy’, presented by Ghostlight Theatre Co.
‘Friends of Dorothy’ was joyous.
Review by Eleanor Surtees of Almost, Maine presented by Company ‘22 QCGU and Anywhere Festival
Almost, Maine is unlike anything I’ve watched before. The play focuses on the short stories of nine loosely connected couples in the fictional, almost-town of Almost. The awkwardness, hilarity, hope,…
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘7 Mortal Sins’, presented by Glitter Martini
On a drizzly Saturday night, I found myself in a stunning church with steep gabled roof, stained glass windows and brickwork that is 119 years old, celebrating what it is…
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘Oberon 11’, presented by Inscape Assembly
Have you ever wanted to visit an intergalactic prison for the deceased? Have you ever fantasised about being a detective who will find the one inoccent soul in this den…
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘Gutenberg! the Musical!’, presented by Springboard Productions
I had never heard of Gutenberg! the Musical! before I stumbled across it whilst looking through the program for Anywhere Festival. Full disclosure: I am a tragic musical addict and…
Review by Theatre Haus of ‘Tainted’, presented by Zara Chandler
‘Tainted’ was efflorescent.
Review by Theatre Haus of ‘Detox’, presented by Bourke & Heather.
‘Detox’ was nurturing.
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘If You Build It’, presented by High Tide Circus
On a muggy Sunday afternoon in Vulcana Circus’s headquarters in Morningside, High Tide Circus premiered their latest work, If You Build It, a high energy circus cabaret inspired by the…
Review by Catherine Lawrence of If You Build It…, presented by High Tide Circus
The world premiere of ‘If You Build It’ was an entertaining way to spend a damp Sunday evening. The show was a veritable toolbox of delights: from creative calisthenics and amazing acrobatics, through to lyrical lyra, unicycle-riding, fun hula, and impressive juggling. Plus a couple of entertaining audience participation interludes.
Review by Theatre Haus of Parasocial Parallex, presented by Andrew Gillanders
‘Parasocial Parallax’ was addictive. Andrew Gillanders and the creative team behind ‘Parasocial Parallax’ have driven headfirst into a new age of theatre. ‘Immersive theatre’ is taking Australia by storm whereby…
Review by Elise Lawrence of The Crash presented by Dugald Lowis
A poignant one act play by Dugald Lowis, following one family in the aftermath of a tragic car accident. Two teenage boys have been killed in a horrific car crash.…
Review by Rebecca Lynne of Bad Love, Presented by H.E.L.L.A Productions
Emm Watkins’ tragically beautiful cabaret tells the story of how she fell in love with and eventually left an abusive partner, told with the deeply stirring music she created while…
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘Hello, Stranger!’, presented by The Drawer Productions
After dazzling punters last year with their stellar debut production Shelter, The Drawer Productions (TDP) returns to the Anywhere Festival with their equally impressive sophomore effort, Hello, Stranger. Created in…
Review by Catherine Lawrence of The Rise of Suzi Quatro, presented by Georgie Neilsen
Four great musicians, celebrating the trail-blazing impact of Suzi Quatro. The 14 May world premiere of Georgie Neilsen’s showcase of Suzi Quatro’s 1970s hits was a memorable addition to the special list of Australian Modern events. It was also a house first—what Chris Osborne described as ‘Australian Modern’s first full-on rock-n-roll gig.’
Review by Nothing Ever Happens In Brisbane of ASK, presented by Tristan Niemi
Highly provocative and original, this show is a wild ride, so if you get to see it, I suggest you strap on your seatbelt. On arrival at the door of…
Review by Catherine Lawrence of Hello Stranger, presented by The Drawer Productions
Hello Stranger is a thought-provoking show about memory, loss, and love; a funny, sad, educational, clever, and thought-provoking work of immersive theatre.
Review by Catherine Lawrence of Speakeasy, presented by Candy Shop Show Australia
The Candy Shop Show Australia has a winning formula: ‘dancing girls’ who can sing, tap, high-kick and Charleston through a variety of numbers and fast facts.
Review by Theatre Haus of The Virtuous Burglar, presented by Xth Act
‘The Virtuous Burglar’ was madness. Dario Fo’s absurd comedy ‘The Virtuous Burglar’ at Anywhere Festival Brisbane was not what I was expecting. What a delight and a surprise! Tucked away…
Review by Rebecca Lynne of Oberon 11 presented by Inscape Assembly
This interactive experience showcases the budding talent and creativity of the Brisbane performing arts sector.
Review by Theatre Haus of Throne, presented by Virgo Nash
‘Throne’ was mutinous. Stepping down the rabbit hole of the heritage-listed Spring Hill reservoir is like entering Alice’s Wonderland, and the last thing you’d expect to be sitting in the…
Review by Chris G. of Parasocial Parallax
Henry Jenkins would love Parasocial Parallax. For those of you unfamiliar with his work, Jenkins, a professor of media studies at the University of California, developed a theory of convergence…
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘Murder at the Bowlo’, presented by Impro Mafia
We’re welcomed into the Rural Party of Queensland’s fundraiser of 1987 for Grame Pintzer MP, by the man of the hour himself and event organiser, Gabby Bennet. Graeme lets us…
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘In Melodiam’, presented by Here + There Productions
“Oh, you can hear me!” And with that perfectly mysterious introduction, our group is thrust into the world of In Melodiam by Here + There Productions . Our Hero, (Clare…
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘The Virtuous Burglar’, presented by Xth Act
The Virtuous Burglar, one of Dario Fo’s famous farces, depicts the aftermath of a burglary and what happens when the situation worsened. Six characters are entangled in a web of…
Julie Barns reviews Trichotomy + Black Square String Quartet
Housed in the gorgeous brick and stone heritage listed Holy Trinity Church in Fortitude Valley, I enter the performance space for Trichotomy + Black Square String Quartet via a pair…
Review by Rebecca Lynne of The Crash presented by Dugald Lowis
Presented as a collection of reflective monologues that blend into short interactions, this heartbreaking tale explores the complexities of love, life, and loss. Staged as a verbatim piece, the story…
Review by Catherine Lawrence of The Last Laugh, presented by Fini
Last Laugh is a thought-provoking work of contrasts and questions
Argonautika Review by Kathryn Barnes
Argonautika is an adaptation by Mary Zimmerman of the Greek classic Jason and the Argonauts, where Jason, the mythological hero sets sail on his ship Argo with his crew in…
Review by Manna Marvel – Argonautika presented by BYTES
It may just be that BYTES harnessed the ability to perform, as well as an epic theatrical event, the power of *meteorokinesis this evening. Perhaps it was an invocation of…
Review by Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane of ‘This Way to a Fireside Chat with Lucifer’, presented by Lightning Bolt Collective
My consultation with Lucifer was booked for 6:00 pm sharp, and being late did not seem wise. So, with only a general idea of where I would face my sins,…
Review by Fiona Davy of In Melodiam
Hidden away in the basement of a West End café (Cinnamon and Co.) you will meet Edith (Claire Alcock), if you can see her – she is a ghost. On…
Review by Fiona Davy of Colourless: A Collection of Poems
Arriving at Mappin’s Nursery and Aquarian I was really taken by the uniqueness of the venue, a blend of rock ‘n roll and pot plants, and an appropriately bold backdrop…
Review by Catherine Lawrence of ‘Girl on the Moon’, presented by Aoife Kissane and Matias Nuñez
It’s great to see new drama on stage—particularly when the ‘stage’ is one of the expansive nooks and crannies of the Yeronga Paint Factory (a former factory for the manufacture…
Olivia Watkins reviews IN MELODIAM
Co in West End.
Julie Barns reviews Murder at the Bowlo by ImproMafia and Anywhere Festival
It’s 1987. I know this because I am enthusiastically greeted at the door to the Rural Party Fundraiser by an effervescent admin assistant whose dress style has been heavily influenced…
Review by Rebecca Lynne of The Girl On The Moon presented by Aoife Kissane and Matias Nuñez
A bittersweet coming-of-age story of Robyn (Aoife Kissane), the daughter of a heartbroken painter, and Pluto (Matias Nuñez), her kind neighbour. Calling out over the balcony or secretly in the…
Manna Marvel reviews There’s Something About Dara presented by Peta O’Hara (The Butiner Studio) and Red Chair Events Management
Arriving at The Butiner Studio in Coolum at dusk, we were greeted by a lustrous sunset lake-view. The curated projections were just starting to bathe the tree line in light. …
Pete Goodlet reviews Speakeasy by the Candy Shop Show
Bejewelled, bedazzled and beguiling the Anywhere Festival bought the 1920’s Speakeasy to life in a toe tapping, boa twirling, cocktail swigging, extravaganza.
Review by Sarah Brady of Little Shop of Horrors presented by COPE Creative and deJager Productions
A bizarre masterpiece about an experimental, carnivorous plant that brings fame and fortune to Seymour, a young botanical genius from skid row.
Review by Joy Hinckley of Caprichos by D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective
Caprichos digs deep into ancient myths, rituals, and modern vanities, stirring potions from the subconcious.
The Velvet Lounge Spectacle
Ultimately it went off like an eighties rocket… or maybe even a drawing by Mr. Squiggle.
