David Bravos

What did our critic think of THE SEED at Subiaco Arts Centre.

Every year, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company brings together emerging indigenous writers to work with experienced First Nations playwrights. In 2020, Bruce Denny used it to turn his own reflection on family and connection to country into a genuinely heartwarming and funny play called OPERATION BOOMERANG that is as funny as it is poignant.

What did our critic think of HAIRSPRAY at Crown Theatre?

Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic LITTLE WOMEN has been made into virtually every form of media imaginable. Whilst the process of condensing a well loved and thematically dense book misses the mark in some places, the creatives from Emergent Academy have put enough into this performance to make for an enjoyable trip to the theatre.

Black Swan Theatre Company’s production of THE CHILDREN at Perth's State Theatre Centre is a thought-provoking exploration of responsibility and legacy. The play balances the weight of its subject matter with many lighter moments, held together by the small cast. The show is emotionally resonant and will leave a lasting impression on the audience.

It may be difficult to explain how a play set 75 years and half a world away can find success today, but DEATH OF A SALESMAN does just that. The play is brought to life by a brilliant cast who hit with their performances, led by an outstanding Anthony LaPaglia. There is enduring relevance, brought forth by this stunning performance.

THE WEDDING SINGER leans into the space it has to make the audience feel like they’re at a wedding as much as they are at a show. Filled with outstanding performances and a catchy 80s soundtrack, THE WEDDING SINGER makes for a perfect night out.

It is a part of growing up that one gets to know Grease. The movie has remained firmly in the public consciousness and on rotation since its release whilst the musical undergoes many varied iterations. The latest performance sees a sharper and brighter update whilst featuring the same songs and energy that allow GREASE THE MUSICAL to endure.

PRIMA FACIE is a powerful one-person play by Suzie Miller that explores the complex perception of sexual assault survivors from the point of view of a lawyer hopelessly dedicated to the law. The play explores the legal system and its impact on sexual assault survivors, and Sophia Forrest’s performance coupled with the minimalist staging gives the audience no choice but fully confront these issues.

RBG: OF MANY, ONE enjoyed a season of runaway success in 2022, coming back this year for a national tour. Perth now has the opportunity to see for itself that the hype is well and truly deserved for this one woman show.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK is a minimalist play, with one foreground for the entirety and just two actors. However, the way it is able to build and maintain tension and fear in a way that few movies manage these days, let alone stage shows. The plot is good and the acting is superb, and combined with this thriller is put together make this a must see.

The term gaslight is likely more well known than its etymology in the 1938 Patrick Hamilton play. Rather than being a play about manipulation, the modern retelling brings a plot and characters rich with tension and drama. The play is a classic, and the modern adaptation maintains the elements whilst thrusting Bella into a more central role.

RENT is a rightful touchstone of musical theatre. A rare example of a musical being set in the time it was shown, it shone light on people and lifestyles that people were often doing their best to avoid. Reimagined in 2024 for an Australian audience, RENT wants you to come and see why it is a major part of the musical theatre landscape.

Shimmying into Crown Theatre this month is ELVIS: A MUSICAL REVOLUTION, celebrating the life and art of the king of rock n roll. Featuring over 40 songs and a talented cast, not to mention choreography that does so much more than just complement the soundtrack, the show has plenty to offer everyone.

What did our critic think of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER at Royale Theatre At Planet Royale?

It’s safe to say that Olga Koch covers a lot of territory in her show PRAWN COCKTAIL. Her stories go from Japan to the UK to New Zealand, all whilst the audience learns more about parasocial relationships, one night stands, Olga herself, and the namesake prawn cocktails than they probably thought they would.

The Perth Comedy Festival is in town, and there is absolutely no better way to see what this week has to offer than to see the PERTH COMEDY FESTIVAL GALA, a chance to see some of the leading comedians in compacted shows before their big shows throughout the week. There is one gala show each week, and there is no better way to get a sneak peak at the biggest and best the festival has to offer.

What has Annabel Crabb, leading journalist, author, comedian and podcaster learn in roughly 50 years? A great deal, and she’s happy to share it with a captive audience in her comedy show 50 ODD YEARS OF CRABB, which graced Perth this week before continuing onto other Comedy Festivals around the country.

In 2022 BARRACKING FOR THE UMPIRE graced the stage, presenting a new perspective on Aussie rules football. Returning in 2024, the world may not have changed much, but with two AFL premiership players forced into early retirement this year by concussion issues, the play puts forth a poignant voice of reason against the passion from the crowd.

It’s Fringe World time again, and doesn’t it come around quickly! Perth and Northbridge have turned into a hive of activity. The show, as always, seems to capture the spirit of Fringe; daring, sexy, humourous, and with a little something for everyone.