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.
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 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…
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 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.
The Fabulous Melissa Western at Australian Modern
If it’s on at Australian Modern, then book it. You’ll enjoy a memorable evening: fabulous performers, great company, and a warm welcome to an intimate and stylish venue.
The Velvet Lounge Spectacle
Good to see a contemporary variety show, but tweaks definitely needed.
Pop ‘n’ Jazz with the Jindalee Jazz Orchestra
A joyful night of exciting and vibrant big band music with the Jindalee Jazz Orchestra.
An Exact Point In Time
It helped cultivate a sense that life is happening right now, in all of its harsh realities.
101 Ways to Stare at a Wall | Sharmila Nezovic
It was coherent… and yet chaotic.
In the Dark
A fresh and unique concept for sketch improv comedy, In the Dark is an impressive, hilarious audio experience.
I Am Woman, Hear Me | Brigitte Freeme
A compelling combination of thoughtful writing and performance skill.
Archaeopteryx | Nonsemble
Giant extinct birds, violins, and electronica collide.
ILLEGAL UNDERGROUND IMPRO BATTLE
Local improv theatre at its most hardcore!
Dear Adults
A show about the frustrations and musings of under-18s, providing insights as to their thoughts about the adults in their lives. The majority of the cast may be under 18, but they together demonstrate a maturity of thought and performance that impresses.
Campfire Cabaret: The Legend of Deirdre
A subversion of cabaret and tragic tales, Campfire Cabaret presents a distinctly feminist portrayal of the Irish Deirdre myth.
The Fabulous Importance of Being Wasted
Cheers! Oscar Wilde would have approved of The Importance of Being Wasted. Another winning show from the Act/React team.
Transit Tales
A charming peek into local improvisational theatre that will get you from A to B.
Against the Wall | Passion Productions
A beautiful story, cast and space. Don’t miss this world premiere production of Justy Kosek’s Against the Wall.
Listen First, let’s talk
A brief but welcome history lesson from the local owners and caretakers of our land
Transit Tales | Pigasus Productions
Transit Tales is a fun, energetic, short, and easy to digest piece of theatre. It would be perfectly suited to a young family looking for an evening out.
TOME | Freeroam Theatre
Freeroam Theatre were improvisational superstars, and their personal soundscape offerings were second to none.
Louise Winton Sings
Review of Louise Winton Sings Songs from Stage and Screen By Mark Sherry Fans of Broadway and movie musicals (and for that matter, opera) will find a lot to enjoy…
Transit Tales: A Little Improv Gem
Pigasus Productions took the Anywhere Festival spirit to heart, as Transit Tales brings transit-themed improvised comedy to transit stops. A little improv gem.
The Great Grandiosa | Act React
A review by Jaydem Martin for Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane. If you have ever wanted to know what the winning lottery number is going to be, or what riches…
Vasilissa | Sylph Circus & Sirin Ensemble
A review by Nadia Jade for Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane. I hope that Sylph Circus continues this path in future productions, finding other girl-centred stories to tell, to share,…
Much Ado About Nothing in the round
A classic Shakespeare tale of trickery and betrayal, which was performed with well drawn characterisations and some fabulous comic timing.
Tapping fun for the kids
‘Utopia! And the Caravan Calamity’ is an energetic tap-dancing theatrical comedy for the under-eights.
THE SHAZZA SHOW: SO… YOU’VE HIT ROCK BOTTOM
This is the ten word except you ne
Coterie Cabaret | Coterie Sisters
A review by Dr Fed for Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane. If I had only one word to describe Coterie Cabaret, it would undoubtedly be sexy! Coterie is a celebration…
I am King. I am Queen. | Roýmata Holmes & Room to Play
A review by Ads J for Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane. It is still very rare to see the stories of queer people of colour on the stage and screen,…
Elucidation | Belinda Griffin
If words conceal secrets then the music of Elucidation reveals them.
Louise Winton Sings Songs from Stage and Screen
The idea of a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ set list tickled me; the idea that no two versions of this show will ever be the same giving the experience a unique energy.
The Cedar Rose
The Cedar Rose looks like a puppet show for kids. It is. And it’s much more.
Comedy of Errors | Apt.13 Productions
If you are in search of a traditional Shakespearean production, you will certainly be in for a shock with this outrageously fun and camp adaptation of Comedy of Errors.
Fierce Queens
A remarkable display of the talent and dedication of a passionate troupe of performers who seem genuinely excited to share their craft.
The Shelter | Here + There Productions
Will you figure out the many mysteries in time to save you and your group?
