'The Human Torch' - by Sydney Interactive Theatre

“I’m way too cute to be a murderer” declares the petite brunette, lounging against the wall of the Royal Albert, a public house built in 1927. The group of detectives eye her suspiciously, sipping their house champagne while listening to Edith indulge in tales of marrying her crooked – now dead – husband for his renowned gambling fortune.

After telling the detectives – aka a group of brave Sydney siders who have ventured into a pop up world of theatre and murder - that the victim’s will had mysteriously been changed just before his murder, we stumble across a “clue” that takes us down the back streets of Surry Hills to our next potential suspect.

Sydney Interactive Theatre describes itself as “part game, part theatre, part tour, part bar crawl”, sending the audience on a mission through the streets of the city. The Human Torch pop up dining experience leads us to notice usually overlooked historical landmarks in Surry Hills as we seek to solve the mystery of the murder of Thomas Ivory. A text on the day provides meeting instructions, and we are greeted by the head detective who briefs us on our mission.

After a blind magistrate at the Children’s Court informs us that “it is illegal to wear pink pants on a Saturday”and a street performer impresses us with magic tricks, we follow the hints dropped by each actor to discover a revelationary twist in the tale (you’ll have to do the tour to find out what it is) – and champagne and tapas awaiting.

A shared dinner at a secret location is our reward for cracking the case, as we bond with the other “detectives” over a race well run.

For more information about Sydney Interactive Theatre and Sydney Pop Up Dining visit:

www.sydneyinteractivetheatre.com.au or http://sydneypopupdining.com.au/interactive-street-theatre or call 1300 663 386.

Lifeafterfive* was a guest of Sydney Interactive Theatre.

Drake the Amazing + La Dispute; Darlinghurst Theatre Co

'It is my duty to entertain you'

‘It is my duty to entertain you’ Andrew Johnston solemnly announces, the velvet red curtains framing the stage as he looks forlornly at the audience.  Playing the role of Astor, Johnston opens the first short play featured within a double bill by playwright Andy Hyman.

Drake the Amazing, the dramatic journey of a dramatic monologuist is an engaging, witty and fun enactment of a travelling vaudeville theatre in 1917.  The black and white backdrop sets the scene for the stereotypical comedic characters of the early 1900s.

Spiced with romantic tension, pathos and sharply delivered dialogue, Drake the Amazing is pure fun and entertainment that leaves the audience smiling.  Kate Skinner stands out as the spicy Claudette, the driver of Alden Drake’s quest to challenge the audience and get the girl.  The banter between Drake (Scott Sheridan) and Astor is joyful to watch, and the half-deaf Neilson (Nicholas Papademetriou) has the audience laughing out loud.

Actress Kate Skinner (centre) and friends

La Dispute, the second half of the double bill, has a quirkier, more absurd take on reality.  Raising complex questions about the inherent inclination of the sexes towards fidelity – or lack thereof – it plays out the results of a strange human experiment that provides compelling entertainment. Despite being reasonably well executed and fast-paced, the play was a strange choice to follow the humorous theatrics of Drake the Amazing.

Billed as uproarious comedy, it was amusing and interesting but didn’t go far enough in either direction to be thought provoking or hilarious.  The assumptions of the gender based stereotypes based on the experiment were slightly jarring and lacked depth – with women proving to be bitchy and men ‘matey’.  The script didn’t do justice to the cast full of talented actors, who didn’t seem to be stretched as those in the first bill.

Small and local, the Darlinghurst Theatre Co. has staged over 120 shows since 2001 and prides itself on encouraging people to discover the power of live theatre and its possibilities.  Despite missing some elements in La Dispute, the double bill delivers enjoyable and intimate entertainment that succeeds in taking the audience on a fun journey of discovery.

Sal Giblin and Scott Thomas...'loved both shows'

Drake the Amazing + La Dispute is showing at Darlinghurst Theatre Company until 14 August 2011.

Darlinghurst Theatre Company
19 Greenknowe Avenue
Potts Point 2011
Tickets were provided to Lifeafterfive by OurDeal, who featured an offer for two tickets for $39.

Jersey Boys announces last weeks in Sydney

Jersey Boys - The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons has announced ‘last weeks’ of its successful Aussie run, and will take the toe-tapping, hand-clapping theatre across the ditch to Auckland in April 2012.

Jersey Boys tells the story of how four blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop sensations of all time. Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi joined forces to become The Four Seasons, writing their own hits to sell over 175 million records before age 30.  

Jersey Boys opened in Melbourne in July 2009 and played for 13 months. The show is currently playing to packed houses at Sydney’s Theatre Royal after breaking box office records as the highest grossing show in the theatre’s history. Over 1,000,000 have now seen the show in Melbourne and Sydney.

Book tickets at ticketmaster.com.au or call 1300 723 038.  Prices range from $39 to $165.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

One of my proudest achievements was my role as a tap-dancing penguin in our school’s year three production of Mary Poppins. As one of many who grew up presenting concerts to amused grandparents about supernatural nannies and charming chimney sweeps, I was intrigued as to how Poppins’ famously impossible feats would be achieved on stage.

The Disney and Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre is a visual and aural spectacular that will have audiences of all ages convinced of the power of magic. Superb backdrops change within a blink of an eye, a talented cast doesn’t cease to impress, and the special effects are first class. Combined, they present a seamless and enchanting tale of the mysterious nanny who transforms the dull lives of the Banks family.

Verity Hunt-Ballard, Matt Lee and Marina Prior form part of a stellar cast that delights throughout. An opportunity to immerse yourself in an imaginary world full of happiness, enchantment and magic – no matter how old you are.

Read my full review of Mary Poppins on liveeverylastminute.com.au.

With Verity Hunt-Ballard (centre)

El Circo at Slide

As Water for Elephants has reignited our passion for circuses, El Circo brings the dream of big-tops and sparkles to the dining table, creating a magical performance complete with fantastic acrobatic feats, live singers, and theatrical flair. 

A unique and creative experience which combines a nine course degustation with nine breathtaking circus acts, El Circo at Slide takes French cabaret to distinctly original new heights.   Fabulously buxom hostess Maxi Shield (all natural darrrrrling) introduces each course as though it is an act in itself, with unusual highlights including virtual buttered popcorn (described as food aromatherapy) and chawa muchi – Japanese steamed egg. 

Maxi Shield prepares the Virtual Buttered Popcorn

The nine courses include a range of entrees, a provocatively presented braised lamb shank as main course, and three divinely indulgent desserts. 

In between each course, the crowd is treated to a variety of sensual, dramatic performances, intertwined with an element of comedy.  A juggler dazzles the crowd with his skill, a top-hatted gentleman serenades a pole dancer in a French as she performs gravity defying stunts, and a lady pulled ‘reluctantly’ onto the stage by Maxi Shield bursts into song.

The crowd is spellbound as a double trapeze act twists, splits and dances precariously above our heads, and entertained as a male bellydancer invites some talented brides-to-be to perform with him on stage. 

The audience – “so many new faces of old people” says Maxi Shield – is an eclectic mix of ages and occasions, including hens’ parties, a 50^th birthday, an engagement dinner and a 21^st.  All are wrapt in the interactive experience, which demands participation from the crowd.  The gaiety and entertainment inherent throughout El Circo makes it the ideal night for a memorable celebration. 

Talented bride-to-be impresses the crowd with her bellydancing

Maxi Shield surprises the crowd in a slinky number with the final act – a hilarious rendition of Stars on 54’s “If you could read my mind”, before inviting guests onto the dance floor.   Inspired by a night of poles, silks and circus acts, the stage is soon full of revellers of all ages twirling to ‘Girls just wanna have fun’.

A sensational, mesmerising experience with shimmering performances, El Circo at Slide is a brilliant, one-of-a-kind concept that surprises, entertains and delights.   While Benzini Brothers may have crashed in 1931, the El Circo train is worth jumping one Saturday night.

El Circo is on every Saturday night at Slide - 41 Oxford St.

$99 includes 9 course degustation and 9 circus acts

WIN 2 x tickets to 'Drake the Amazing + La Dispute' at Darlinghurst Theatre Co

This competition has now closed and winners have been contacted.  Thank you for entering!

We are giving away 2 x double passes to see live comedy 'Drake the Amazing + La Dispute' at Darlinghurst Theatre Company, thanks to our friends at OurDeal.

Awarded four stars by TimeOut, Fringe Review and Three Weeks.  Laughter is said to be the best stress release, and this razor sharp comedy will have you laughing off the daily grind from start to finish.

To enter, please add a comment telling us your favourite post-work stress release.

Don't forget to include your email address or twitter name so that we can get in touch to give you your prize!

Entries close at midnight Monday 18 July 2011.

DRAKE THE AMAZING + LA DISPUTE by Andy Hyman

"A tantalising double bill by writer, Andy Hyman; two sharp comedies exploring love, lust and transformation.

Drake The Amazing is a shamelessly comic, fast-paced look at a forgotten age – a love letter to vaudeville theatre. Legend persists that one Autumn night in 1911 Alden Drake, an otherwise unremarkable actor, became the best in the business. How did he get there? And who helped him? A laugh-out-loud tale of love in the wings and one man’s transformation from plain-old Alden into Drake The Amazing.

La Dispute traces a chaotic journey through the joys and devastations of romantic love. Marivaux’s original tale is brilliantly re-told for the 21st century. On the eve of a grand party, a wealthy man invites guests to witness a long-awaited experiment to determine which sex is less faithful, man or woman? Two boys and two girls raised in isolation for twenty years are about to meet for the first time. From the giddiness of first romance to the pangs of betrayal, witness a tantalising experiment in love and desire."

8pm Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm Sunday between 20 July - 3 August.

The Legend of Shangri La

Yang Liping's Spirit of the Peacock

The mythical lost kingdom of Shangri La has become synonymous with a peaceful earthly paradise.  Chinese star Yang Liping believes that it is a fitting reference to the ancient land in South Western China where 42 minority groups live in harmony, where “dancing is like speaking with the gods”.

As the official opening of the Year of Chinese Culture in Australia, The Legend of Shangri La presents a delightfully engaging showcase of traditional folk dance from the remote Yunnan province.  The powerful rhythm, precise movement and elated, joyful dancing creates a dance spectacular that both surprises and captivates the audience.

An announcer tells us that the performances are a series of segments representing the essential elements of nature; the sun, the moon, fire, the homeland and the earth.  All draw on dance and music that has been performed for centuries across the Yunnan province.  The audience is taken on a powerful journey representing all faces of China – from the fierce, determined and acrobatic Earth dance, to the mesmerisingly graceful solo of Yang Liping to the spirited, exuberance of the ‘Stomping Dance’ courtship rituals.

The Legend of Shangri La was the vision of Yang Liping, who plays the role of choreographer, artistic director and lead dancer.  Fearing the loss of indigenous music cultures to the influence of modern lifestyle, she spent over a year visiting every village and rural region in the Yunnan Province to discover and understand the ethnic rituals and traditions practiced in each area.  She recruited natives from the villages to dance, and says that all she had to do was “brush the dust off these precious gems of performers and allow their natural brilliance to shine through”.  Their genuine enthusiasm shines during the performances, and allows the audience to connect with the dancers on a personal level, as well as admiring their considerable talent.

The show also features a range of intricate costumes, many handcrafted by the performers themselves, and 120 unique masks decorated in the styles of the Yunnan minorities.

Strong, exuberant and skillful, The Legend of Shangri La is both original and entertaining.  With the rapid influence of globalisation reaching even the remote corners of the globe, the production is a timely reminder of the importance of embracing and preserving ancient cultures before they fade into ancient history.

The Legend of Shangri La was showing at the State Theatre, Market St, Sydney between 22-26 June 2011.

It was presented by Ausfeng as the official opening of The Year of Chinese Culture in Australia.

Rope by Tamarama Rock Surfers

Culture’ in Bondi conjures images of spectacular surf photography (aka Aquabumps), debate over the best soy flat white (Harry’s gets my current vote), and soft sand running comps, Bondi Rescue and Bondi Vet.

Catering for culture buffs looking for entertainment slightly more edgy than the Miss Bondi Pageant at the Beach Rd Hotel, the Tamarama Rock Surfers (TRS) has delivered the Sydney theatre scene to Bondi. Showcasing the best of Australian artists at the iconic Bondi Pavilion Theatre, discerning art-starved residents no longer have to venture out of the ‘bubble’ for a thespian fix.

The opening night of Patrick Hamilton’s Rope was held on Tuesday 7 May. A brilliantly performed psychological thriller, main actors Anthony Gee and Anthony Gooley managed to keep the audience swinging on an tense emotional pendulum ranging from laughter to mesmerised horror as execution and discussion of ‘the perfect murder’ unfolded.

“Patrick Hamilton is the master of the thriller form and Rope is a genre masterpiece. This production is an exercise in cold stylish terror with lethally perverse sexual undertones" says Iain Sinclair, critically acclaimed director of Our Town, Killer Joe, and Lord of the Flies. Stylish, charming and with the audacious beauty of youth, the pervading evil that lurks beneath the surface of the main protagonists is emphasised with sharp contrast by the innocence of dinner guests Leila Arden (Sarah Snook) and Sir Johnstone Kentley (Bob Baines).

Rope was written in 1929 and later adapted for cinema by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. The first show to be performed at the revamped 230 seat Bondi Pavilion Theatre, the intimate setting leads the audience feel that they are almost in the Mayfair dining room as the macabre dinner party progresses. Josh Quong Tart delivers an honest portrayal of the cynical, courageous and slightly twisted Rupert Cadell, the crippled war veteran who drives the play to its conclusion.

The Tamarama Rock Surfers is Australia’s leading independent theatre company whose aim is to give emerging talent a leg up while showcasing the best of Australian work. They promise that the line up that you see on a TRS season will be the names that fill the main stages of the best theatres in Sydney, Australia and beyond in years to come.

Experience winter chills of the terror variety, wrap yourself in vintage noir gear and see Rope for some deliciously gripping drama.

Presented by Chester Productions in association with Tamarama Rock Surfers at The Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Rope is showing until 25 June 2011.
Prices: Adult $33, Concession $25, Cheap Tuesday: Adult $21