Not enough reviews...

C'mon guys, why aren't there more reviews on this page? I would have thought if there's any group of people who like the sound of their own voice and opinions, it would be theatre people!

I've seen people attacked on these pages for daring to mention anything non-theatrical, but at the risk of getting shot down in flames (like that's never happened) I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I saw "Memento" the other night and it was the best movie I'd seen in ages (it's also the first movie I'd seen in about two months, but that's beside the point).

To anyone who likes to use their brain - not an exercise often required in today's cinemas - "Memento" is non-linear film-making at its best. Obviously too intelligent for the general public, I think it's only screening at three locations - so be quick.

And if I don't see more theatre reviews here soon, I shall be forced to see more movies. Trust me - you don't want to read mine and Dean's review of "Tomcats".

;-)

JB

C'mon Jarrod! Give us a break- some of us have our faces buries in a script trying to memorise something the size of the Mahabarata!

I WILL be reviewing Playing Sinatra on Friday. Expect my bouquet or brickbat on Saturday.

You've been warned.

Eliot

Gosh, El, that means we'll see each other for the second time in a week! I will be seeking a promotion to Pres. of your fan club if this continues! Look forward to seeing you and all the other KADS fans at the show - _and_ to your review.

Jenni C

D'oh! And, of course, to the show itself. Very much.

Jenni

Hee hee Jen- methinks you'd better consult the OTHER Jen about that! I ain't getting involved in THIS one....

Good to see you for the second time in a week BTW.....

Eliot

When one is told that Two tonne Budgie's production 'Welcome to paradise' is about life on a sheep station, the desire to see the show is less than positive - but how wrong can one be? The superb script by Helen Miller, her debut, is both funny and serious. She has captured the characters of the people and bush life beautifully.

Director Cara Sutcliffe has then gathered a talented team of technicians to create the station atmosphere. Bryan Woltjen's set is simple yet very adaptable, but when combined with Ian Boase's lighting most effective.

When one sees a slide or video projector on the set, the automatic reaction is to cringe before the curtain is even raised - but this video 'background' of the bush, by Caroline Przibilla, is appropriate and well done.

The actors, Paul Goddard and Chris Sansoni, who I first saw together about three years ago, were then using the Mike Leigh method of acting, which helped develop their immense talents. they are both born comedians and in this show give us a multitude of laughs. Sutcliffe has Goddard playing about a dozen characters, changing rapidly and convicingly between them. Her direction shows she has put a lot of thought into minor expressions and movements, which the often pan-faced actors carry out successfully.

The show moves to Kulcha in Fremantle next week, before going to the Edinburgh Festival in August - they will love it. Good luck with a great show.

Saw Welcome to Paradise last night at Kulcha and was astounded at the atmosphere created by a minimal set, simple and unobtrusive sound and visual effects, which was backed up by excellent acting. Set on a sheep station in the middle of nowhere, I got the sense of the laid back surroundings and people without ever getting restless, which I feel was attributed to the energy and pace of the acting, as well as the structure of the play.

Well done to the actors and writers (hope to see more of your plays Helen & Paul).

Congratulations to Cara (director) for creating a wonderfully balanced piece of theatre and for not being afraid of disregarding theatre conventions relating to set and continuity. I must admit that at first I twinged at the actors finishing their bus/car journey, then walking into what would have been the engine area while continuing their dialogue, but I soon realized that it took nothing from the play, it was I who was stuck in "deadly theatre" mode.

Thanks cast, crew and writers for a very enjoyable evening.

Lucy Eyre