JULY 16
Mamma Mia, there's plenty happening

I thought I would this week continue my series on a young writer and his explorations into the world of Sydney Theatre. Okay, so I’m not that young anymore. And I’m not really exploring, didn’t get to see a play this week, but go with me on this people!

After doing a few back to back shows, I did need a break from some theatre, so I saw a film instead! It had been a while for me at the cinema. It’s gone up since I was there last, it seems like it goes up everytime I go. It’s like petrol, it just keeps sneaking up! But I took my mother to see Mamma Mia. I had bought her tickets for the stage show one Christmas and we loved it, so it seemed the perfect time to go see the movie. After a slow start, the film really takes off with some great performances and stunning views (which we could never get in the stage show). Brosnan is charming, but can’t really sing, Firth steals scenes as usual, and Streep was wonderful. Her performance of 'The Winner Takes It All' was the highlight of the film. What a beautiful and moving performance. And Mum loved it, she fell asleep in Moulin Rouge (both in the cinema and at home), so it must be good!

Tonight I have my first rehearsal for the Short and Sweet One Act play I am directing. It’s a fun little piece called Muh Is For Murder by Grant Woolley. Set in London in the 1800’s, it is a murder mystery spoof. With an amazing cast including Bruce Glen, Scott Grimley, Jacinta Moses and Emily Beale, I am gonna have some fun. The whole premise behind Short & Sweet One Act is the same as the normal brand, just longer. These are 20 to 30 minute plays. It’s like getting that little bit extra in your cereal pack, 50% more free. Sounds like a bargain to me. It starts next week at the Newtown Theatre, and my pick for week one is definitely the all star team behind Hold ‘em. Written by Alex Broun, directed by Victor Kline and starring two of my favourite actresses Emma Harris and Renee Lim; this is definitely what I’ll be seeing next week. My piece is in week 4, Aug 11 to 16. New shows are on every week.

I’m on the promo roll now, so I can’t stop myself even if I tried. The Alex & Eve gauntlet continues. It’s a fun little romantic comedy, and after two huge seasons at the Sidetrack, they’re moving to the spanking new Factory Theatre. Running from July 31 to August 10, is a feel good show with a great cast. Just on board are Logie Nominee Zoe Ventura, my good mate Barbara Gouskos and Mr Salvatore Coco, who was just in my last show. I’ll be heading there for sure. Too much to see, but I’ll be there!

Then there’s some Tasmanian theatre I wanted to rave on about, but may just save that for another column. But July is definitely a good month to go the theatre, as August, September’s always been good, and October, theatre central. But you get the hint!


Read Last Week's Wayne's World