Lilydale Athenaeum theatre
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) (Again)
This is the September play from LAT and there must be something about the Dandenongs,
as your correspondent mentioned recently about the humorous play The 39 Steps put on by The Basin Theatre, this play from LAT is also exceedingly funny and thoroughly enjoyed by the opening night audience.
Three actors introduce themselves to the audience. Two on stage then they question the audience about Shakespeare. A humorous reply was given, and it reinspired that the audience member was actually one of the three. The production began with a parody of Romeo & Juliet, followed by a caricature of Titus Andronicus as a cooking show. The rest of the first act summarises most of the other plays.
The idea is to perform all 37 plays in 97 minutes. This they succeeded in and added some more time explaining the stories to the audience. There was a lot of audience participation including two members taken on stage with a young lady to play Ophelia and a gentleman to run backwards and forwards across the stage.
The three players were Ian Frost, Justin Stephens and Tom Fitzgerald. Each gave excellent performances. From playing gentlemen, ladies and very swift costume changes much to the amusement of the audience. The actors wore normal dress in the first scene but then changed to authentic Shakespeare era for the rest of the evening. A great night of theatre and a fun night out.
CPP Community Theatre
Oliver
From the story by Charles Dickens join Oliver Twist as he navigates all the trials and tribulations that London has to offer, searching for lover, family and – most importantly – a place to belong. Content warning: The production of Oliver touches on themes of Domestic abuse and Violence.
In consideration of other patrons and the cast, children under the age of three will only be admitted to the theatre for the matinee performance.
Season: Friday October 6 – 23.
Venue: Mahon Theatre 46 Great Ryrie st. Ringwood.
Bookings: tickets@cppcommunitythaeatre.com.au
The Bakery @ 1812
Phantom Call
This is a rags to riches tale, which begins with a séance attended by an unsuspecting group of very amateur spiritualists and one very sceptical and unwilling participant.
Imagine receiving horse racing tips from the “other side” which can actually prove to be on the money.
This is an entertaining and very funny romp, which perhaps uncovers a different side to each of their personalities.
Season: October 5 – 28.
Bookings: 9758 3964.
