The Productions That Made A Lasting Impact 2012-2018

Over the last seven years I've seen well over 500 shows. Phew! 

On reflection, these are the ten that have made a lasting impact. 

An oustanding collection of musicals and plays that are personal touchstones for a variety of reasons but most of all for this, the thing I crave every time the lights go down:

A good story well told. 

In no particular order...

Point & Shoot - Holland St Productions (2014-15)

For mine, the best original production originating from WA in the last 7 years. A superb one act comedy musical.

Animal - Upstart Theatre Company (2013)

Brilliantly written and acted, this brutal and provocative play left me gobsmacked, staged at the gritty PSAS in Fremantle.

Urinetown - WAAPA (2015)

I adored the satirical tone of this musical but it was the fierce choreography in the intimate confines of The Roundhouse Theatre that elevated this to memorable status.

The Drowsy Chaperone - WAAPA (2016)

Witty, gorgeous, laugh out loud funny, this was a dazzling musical that was a complete triumph for that year's graduating class.

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Acacia Prison & The Actors Workshop (2015)

An unforgettable theatrical experience that demonstrated the transformative power of theatre. Unique, raw, moving, and damn funny.

Festen - WAAPA (2014)

A gut punch of a play that was a brutal watch but utterly engrossing as the majestic horror unfolded.

Punk Rock - WA Youth Theatre Company (2014)

Featuring an outstanding young ensemble cast that demolished the set in the studio space at the Subiaco Arts Centre in a powerful and spirited performance.

Under Any Old Gum Tree - Noel O'Neill (2014)

Playwright Noel O'Neill may be better known for his comedy franchises but this is by far his best work. A devastating portrayal of a man traumatised by war.

The Day The Sky Turned Black - Ali Kennedy Scott (2012)

A bravura performance as Ali Kennedy Scott played multiple characters with aplomb to tell the heartbreaking story of the Black Saturday bushfires from unexpected angles.

Sunday in the Park with George - WAAPA (2018)

Made me cry. Went home and booked a ticket for the very next night. Cried again. Superb.

Animal - Upstart Theatre Company (June 2013)

This is a brilliantly written play - layered, brutal, provocative, sly, heartbreaking - with every setup paid off to telling effect. Nothing is wasted or misplaced here. It is beautifully acted by Kingsley (Judd), Sally (Bruce) and Patrick (Downes) who clearly relish working with such quality material.

The tale of human drug experimentation in a time of civil unrest is indeed harrowing but there is plenty of dark humour here as well. The chilling conclusion, however, has ramifications far beyond the intimate portrayal of patient, doctor, nurse.

It really is exceptional theatre and highly recommended.

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot - Upstart Theatre Company (6 June 2012)

Congratulations to director Patrick Downes; Desiree Crossing, Zalia Joi, Garreth Bradshaw, Braye Dial and the rest of the excellent cast of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot presented by Upstart Theatre Company.

What a play!!! Absurdist, darkly funny, bursting with ideas, pointed, subversive, dense and intricate dialogue, playful... challenging.

Three highlights (amongst many) - a powerhouse penultimate scene between Braye Dial as Judas Iscariot and Simon Thompson as Jesus; Kingsley Judd takes a beautifully written monologue at least 10 minutes long and hits it out of the ballpark; Desiree Crossing's character breaking down as she damns Satan as a liar.

Get along and catch it - highly recommended!