Tag Archives: seymour-centre

5 Questions with Darren Mapes

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darrennmapesWhat is your favourite swear word?
The “C” word. Anyone who is offended needs to play the c*nt game. I’ll teach you how to play over a couple of drinks 🙂

What are you wearing?
Bonds. I’m a simple guy.

What is love?
Sister Mary Bruno told me “God is Love” as she beat me with a ruler.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
Carrie the musical, 4. I’ve always wanted to have Kathy Bates over for dinner, but now I’ll just ask Margi de Ferranti instead, her performance was incredible.

Is your new show going to be any good?
It’s gonna be hilarious. The Golden Girls and puppets? How can you go wrong? 🙂

Darren Mapes is performing in Thank You For Being A Friend, part of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2014 festival.
Show dates: 14 – 28 Feb, 2014
Show venue: Seymour Centre

5 Questions with Jeffery Self

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jefferyselfWhat is your favourite swear word?
Mother fucker. Even though I’ve never actually fucked my mother and I have no interest in doing so.

What are you wearing?
It would only depress you to hear.

What is love?
Diane Keaton.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
I saw Beyonce in concert last night and it literally FORCED ME to want to have reckless gay sex.

Is your new show going to be any good?
It won’t be as good as Beyonce but it’ll be better than reckless gay sex.

 

 

Jeffery Self is performing in Desperate Houseboys, part of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2014 festival.
Show dates: 18 – 28 Feb, 2014
Show venue: Seymour Centre

5 Questions with Tom Royce-Hampton

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tomroycehamptonWhat is your favourite swear word?
Bollocks – feels good to whisper or yell, it’s an explosion of emotion and can carry as much venom or comedy as the situation requires.

What are you wearing?
My trusty (and hole ridden) white t-shirt, shorts and bare feet.

What is love?
Indescribable.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
The Andrea Kellar Trio at Bennetts Lane with Tamara Murphy and legendary drummer Allan Browne, out of 5 stars I give it 6!

Is your new show going to be any good?
This is going to be an incredible collaboration uniting the undeniable force of nature that is taiko drumming with the intricate beauty and strength of Indian classical dance. Nearly two and a half years from conception this production has grown into a truly unique feast for the senses.

Tom Royce-Hampton is performing in Chi Udaka, part of Sydney Festival 2014.
Show dates: 16 – 18 Jan, 2014
Show venue: Seymour Centre

Suzy Goes See’s Best Of 2013

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Images from a few 2013 stand-outs: A Sign Of The Times, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, All My Sons, Hamlet, Empire: Terror On The High Seas, Hay Fever, Bodytorque.Technique, Waiting For Godot.

Images from a few 2013 stand-outs: A Sign Of The Times, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, All My Sons, Hamlet, Empire: Terror On The High Seas, Hay Fever, Bodytorque.Technique, Waiting For Godot.

This is a wrap up of special moments since the commencement of Suzy Goes See in April 2013. A personal selection from over 100 productions seen in Sydney. Thank you to artists, companies, publicists and punters who have supported Suzy Goes See in 2013. I cannot wait for more shenanigans with you in the new year!

Update: Click here for the Best Of 2014 list.

Suzy x

♥ Avant Garde Angels
The bravest and most creative experimental works in 2013.

♥ Quirky Questers
The most unusual and colourful characters to appear on our stages in 2013.

♥ Design Doyennes
Outstanding visual design in 2013. Fabulous lights, sets and costumes.

♥ Darlings Of Dance
Breathtaking brilliance in the dance space of 2013.

♥ Musical Marvels
Outstanding performers in cabaret and musicals in 2013.

♥ Second Fiddle Superstars
Scene-stealers of 2013 in supporting roles.

♥ Champs Of Comedy
The cleverest, sharpest, and funniest performances of 2013.

♥ Daredevils Of Drama
Bold and excellent acting in dramatic roles in 2013.

♥ Wise With Words
The most interesting and intelligent scripts of 2013.

♥ Directorial Dominance
The most impressive work in direction for 2013.

♥ Shows Of The Year
Nice coincidence to have different genres represented: drama, musical, dance, comedy and cabaret.

♥ Suzy’s Special Soft Spot
For an exceptional work I saw in Melbourne.

End

Best of 2018 | Best of 2017 | Best of 2016 | Best of 2015 | Best Of 2014

2014 Season Programs In Sydney

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What to go see? Here’s a handy guide to who’s doing what in 2014.

If you’re reading this in 2013 or early 2014, now is a good time to book your generously discounted season tickets and subscriptions! If you’re accessing this page overseas, here’s a good list for planning your theatre experiences in Sydney in 2014.

The Australian Ballet

The Australian Ballet

Bell Shakespeare

Bell Shakespeare

Belvoir St Theatre

Belvoir St Theatre

Carriageworks

Carriageworks

Darlinghurst Theatre Co

Darlinghurst Theatre Co

Ensemble Theatre

Ensemble Theatre

The Genesian Theatre

The Genesian Theatre

Griffin Theatre Co

Griffin Theatre Co

King Street Theatre

King Street Theatre

New Theatre

New Theatre

The Old 505 Theatre

The Old 505 Theatre

Opera Australia

Opera Australia

Reginald Seymour Centre

Reginald Seymour Centre

Riverside Theatres

Riverside Theatres

2014-rocksurfers

Rock Surfers Theatre Co

Sydney Dance Co

Sydney Dance Co

Sydney Theatre Co

Sydney Theatre Co

Sydney Independent Theatre Co

Sydney Independent Theatre Co

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2014 Theatre Highlights

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Here’s a list of theatre productions in the 2014 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras festival season.
These are the most exciting events in the Mardi Gras calendar for me, and I cannot wait to go see them!
Other events including cabaret performances and visual art exhibitions can be seen at www.mardigras.org.au.

Falsettos Darlinghurst Theatre Venue: Eternity Playhouse, Darlinghurst Date: Feb 7 – Mar 16

Falsettos
Darlinghurst Theatre
Venue: Eternity Playhouse, Darlinghurst
Date: Feb 7 – Mar 16

Privates On Parade New Theatre V enue: New Theatre, Newtown Date: Feb 11 – Mar 8

Privates On Parade
New Theatre
Venue: New Theatre, Newtown
Date: Feb 11 – Mar 8

Pinball Duck Duck Goose Theatre Co Venue: TAP Gallery Date: Feb 11 - 28

Pinball
Duck Duck Goose Theatre Co
Venue: TAP Gallery
Date: Feb 11 – 28

The Death Of Kings Adam Deusien Venue: Gingers Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst Date: Feb 13 - 19

The Death Of Kings
Director: Adam Deusien
Venue: Gingers Oxford Hotel, Darlinghurst
Date: Feb 13 – 19

Discovering Eugenia Devisor: Mark Tedeschi QC Venue: Police and Justice Museum, Sydney Date: Feb 13

Discovering Eugenia
Devisor: Mark Tedeschi QC
Venue: Police and Justice Museum, Sydney
Date: Feb 13

Jump For Jordan Griffin Theatre Company Venue: SBW Stables Theatre Date: Feb 14 - Mar 29

Jump For Jordan
Griffin Theatre Company
Venue: SBW Stables Theatre
Date: Feb 14 – Mar 29

The Dead Ones Vitalstatistix Theatre Company Venue: Seymour Centre, Chippendale Date: Feb 18 - 22

The Dead Ones
Vitalstatistix Theatre Company
Venue: Seymour Centre, Chippendale
Date: Feb 18 – 22

Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna Devisor: Wayne Tunks Venue: Old Fitzroy Theatre, Woolloomooloo Date: Feb 18 - 22

Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna
Tunks Productions
Venue: Old Fitzroy Theatre, Woolloomooloo
Date: Feb 18 – 22

Desperate Houseboys Matthew Management & Neil Gooding Productions Venue: Seymour Centre, Chippendale Date: Feb 18 - 28

Desperate Houseboys
Matthew Management & Neil Gooding Productions
Venue: Seymour Centre, Chippendale
Date: Feb 18 – 28

Bata-Me! (Popwitch) Director: Diego Bagagal Venue: TBA Date: Feb 25 - 28

Bata-Me! (Popwitch)
Director: Diego Bagagal
Venue: TBA
Date: Feb 25 – 28

Carrie (Squabbalogic Independent Music Theatre)

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carrieVenue: Seymour Centre (Sydney NSW), Nov 13 – 30, 2013
Music: Michael Gore
Lyrics: Dean Pitchford
Book: Lawrence D. Cohen (based on the novel by Stephen King)
Director: Jay James-Moody
Performers: Hilary Cole, Margi de Ferranti, Adele Parkinson, Rob Johnson, Prudence Holloway, Bridget Keating

Theatre review
Transposing a well-known horror movie into the live musical genre seems a strange concept, but Carrie is mainly about life in an American high school, which is a setting that is no stranger to show tunes and dance sequences.In fact, Jay James-Moody’s direction is confident within that realm of the “high school musical”, and he steers it into family-friendly territory, which is not inappropriate but unfortunately loses the opportunity at creating something darker and edgier for the genre.

The show has a stable of outstanding singers, but casting misses the mark in a couple of cases. Three key characters, Carrie, Sue and Tommy, however, are excellently portrayed, and their work contributes greatly to the success of this production. Hilary Cole as the protagonist is convincing and heart-wrenching. Even though her characterisation of Carrie is slightly underplayed, her singing voice is strong enough to create impact whenever the plot demands drama. The penultimate and iconic scene is handled especially well, which is surprising, considering the pervasiveness of its imagery in pop culture. Cole more than lives up to expectations, and gives us a Carrie who is at once frightening and tragic.

Adele Parkinson is fantastic in her role of Sue. Her creation is the most believable in the show, and crucially, she encourages empathy from the audience with her natural warmth, and the credible affection she musters for the lead character. Rob Johnson is a charming Tommy. He is an eminently watchable actor, who seems to be at ease in any situation, and with any co-star. Johnson has a confident laid-back quality that suits his role perfectly.

This production does not have the same horror and tension that many know from the book and film adaptation, but it stands alone as a fascinating and captivating show. Carrie is an “outsider” classic that speaks to many, despite its implausibilities. We relate to the girl who is left out, and the bullying she experiences is topical for any generation.

www.squabbalogic.com.au

The Sexual Awakening Of Virginia Poppycock (Seymour Centre)

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virginiapoppycock1Venue: Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre (Sydney NSW), Sep 25 – 28, 2013
Playwright: Elena Gabrielle
Director: Carl Whiteside
Performers: Elena Gabrielle, Marco Fusco
Image by 3 Fates Media

Theatre review
Virginia Poppycock is very keen to lose her virginity. Describing her as frustrated would be a gross understatement, but fortunately for us, that frustration manifests itself in a series of uproariously funny songs that come together wonderfully in a cabaret style comedy musical.

Elena Gabrielle is the star of the show, and her performance is a real joy to behold. Her supreme confidence and passion for the stage is met with a stunning singing voice and a keen sense of comic timing, giving rise to a giddily funny show full of entertainment. This is a brave performance that requires the performer to be in contact with the audience constantly, and it is that rapport she is able to maintain that keeps us amused and fascinated. Her counterpart Marco Fusco plays Richard “Dick” Scrotumsberry III, with less effectiveness, but he brings a thoroughly enjoyable campness and has great chemistry with his leading lady. They are a convincing couple but Gabrielle’ energy is difficult to match and there is a sense of unbalance at certain points.

Carl Whiteside directs every number with flair and brilliant humour. Each song is thoroughly choreographed so that no comic opportunities are missed. The overall structure of the show, however, has some imperfections. It starts with a bang, but slightly weakens halfway through, and the conclusion appears somewhat suddenly. Keeping in spirit with the theme of the musical, one would hope instead for a slower build, leading to a grand explosion at the end. Nevertheless, Virginia Poppycock is a delightful character who will speak to audiences everywhere, and Elena Gabrielle’s performance in that role is truly outstanding and should not be missed.

www.facebook.com/VirginiaPoppycock

Keira Daley Vs The 90s (Seymour Centre)

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keiradaley3Venue: Sound Lounge, Seymour Centre (Sydney NSW), Sep 18 – 21, 2013
Writer: Keira Daley
Musical Director: Mark Chamberlain
Performer: Keira Daley

Theatre review
Keira Daley’s last show was entitled Lady Nerd and that has become the moniker which she proudly uses for all her cabaret acts. The connotation of a socially awkward person is amplified on Daley’s stage, and it becomes a starting point for comedy as well as fertile ground for idiosyncratic material.

Daley is a performer bursting with enthusiasm. The passion she brings to the stage proves that theatre is where her heart is, even if she portrays herself as someone who is probably more suited to the accounting or technology industries. In Keira Daley Vs The 90s, she performs a mixture of original songs and hits from the 1990s, from luminaries like Des’ree, Soundgarden, Frente, Jamiroquai, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In between each song, she reminisces about her days in school and teenage life, ensuring an abundance of goose bumps and cringing laughter especially if the audience is between the ages of 30 and 50.

The show ends with a moving original composition, and the slightly sentimental tone works well amongst all the giddy hilarity. In fact, one comes away from the show hoping that the artist’s softer feelings had been allowed to present themselves throughout the show. Daley’s back up band is delightful and contribute a wonderful effervescent energy, even though one does wonder if they had even been conceived when the Friends television show first appeared.

www.facebook.com/ladynerdcabaret
www.seymourcentre.com

5 Questions with Marco Fusco

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marcofusco
What is your favourite swear word?
It’s more a phrase: shit mother fucker fuck shit!!

What are you wearing?
Jeans, Black t-shirt Cardigan and my favourite creepers!!

What is love?
A many splendid thing!!! It lifts us up where we belong.

What was the last show you saw, and how many stars do you give it?
Hot Shoe Shuffle I would give it 5 starts out of 5!! Loved it.

Is your new show going to be any good?
Come see it and you be the judge.

 

Marco Fusco plays Richard “Dick” Scrotumsberry the 3rd in The Sexual Awakening Of Virgina Poppycock, part of Sydney Fringe 2013.
Show dates: 25 – 28 Sep, 2013
Show venue: Seymour Centre
Image by 3 Fates Media.