Theatre & Musicals in Perth

Presented by Life on Hold Productions and directed by Sarah Christiner, Not About Nightingales is based on the true story of a prison scandal that shocked the US in the mid-1930s.

Inmates went on a hunger strike due to poor conditions and were locked in steam-heated cells as punishment.

The focus is on the politics of prison life, told through a love story, compelling dialogue, power-corrupted officials and the human condition.

Playwright Williams is most famous for A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Glass Menagerie, among his more than 100 plays.

Originally written in 1938, the first performance of Not About Nightingales wasn’t until 1998 in London after actress Vanessa Redgrave tracked it down.

It moved to Broadway a year later and picked up six Tony Awards, including best play.

“The play is episodic and bounces between locations in the prison with each scene announced as if it was a newspaper article,” Christiner said.

“It’s not a happy story but I believe it ends with hope – it’s open to interpretation what happens to the characters at the end.

“Conclusions are not certain and that’s something I really enjoy about the text.”

The main challenges, according to Christiner, are some of the surreal scenes in the show.

“They’re not like anything I’ve worked with before and I particularly wanted to do them justice,” she said.

“This has involved some musical direction and choreography to draw the audience into the prison space and life, actively bringing them in what’s going on.

“Not About Nightingales was Tennessee Williams’ first full-length play and it doesn’t have the mature editing of his more well-known later works.

“Working with the script to create a production that wasn’t too long, but also didn’t omit anything quintessentially Williams or relevant to the main storyline, was a challenge.”

Involved in theatre since 2003, Christiner has performed in a plethora of productions and has also done extensive tech work and stage-managing, recently extending her love of the performing arts to directing and setting up Life on Hold Productions.

In 2018, her company debuted with a production of A Clockwork Orange, followed by Animal Farm and The Other Side last year.

“I was stuck for inspiration on what show to produce in 2020 so I went to the State Library and randomly selected several plays to read,” Christiner said.

“Tennessee Williams is one of my favourite playwrights and I hadn’t heard of Not About Nightingales before.

“It had the classic Williams lyricism and interplay of realistic action with surrealist scenes but it was so much more visceral and violent than usual.

“The idea of trying to bring this prison experience, based on real events, to life excited me and offered new creative opportunities.”

Tennessee Williams’ Not About Nightingales plays at 7.30pm September 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25 and 26. Tickets are $25, $20 concession – book at www.TAZTix.com.au or call TAZTix on 9255 3336.

The Last Drop Canning Vale is at 507 Nicholson Road.

GET ready to laugh, sigh and cry a little as four retired opera singers take you into the bittersweet world of facing up to age and mortality.

Written by Ronald Harwood and directed by Gwen Browning at Limelight Theatre, Quartet is set in an aged care home with Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred ready to celebrate Verdi’s birthday with an annual concert.

Reggie’s ex-wife Jean arrives and upsets the balance, continuing to act like a diva and refusing to sing – but the show must go on.

In 2012, a film adaptation was directed by Dustin Hoffman and starred Billy Connolly, Maggie Smith, Pauline Collins and Tom Courtenay.

“I loved the film,” Browning said. “For those of us in their 60s and above, the situation and state the characters are in is all too familiar. 

“I felt the play would appeal to our more mature patrons while also providing a good laugh for everyone.”

Involved with Limelight Theatre since 1983, Browning has performed – as she puts it – in “too many productions to remember”.

She was named best actress at Limelight Theatre in 1992, 1996, 2004 and 2006, also scoring the accolade at the 1995 State Drama Festival.

Browning has directed the plays Hotel Sorrento, Whose Life Is It Anyway?, Life x 3 and Talking Heads, winner of best production in 2012.

The main challenge with Quartet, she says, is working with a cast of only four.

“It goes without saying that a group of strong actors is essential,” Browning said.

“The actors must also be able to bounce off each other and work well as an ensemble.”

Quartet plays at 8pm September 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, October 1, 2 and 3 with a 2pm matinee September 26. Tickets are $21, $18 concession – email bookings@limelighttheatre.com.au or call 0499 954 016 between 9am and 12pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday (or leave a clear message).

Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.

SUSPENSE, mystery and murder come together at Stirling Theatre in The Small Hours, a thriller with international intrigue.

Written by Francis Durbridge and directed by Janet Brandwood, the play follows Sussex hotel owner Carl Houston who saves a passenger when their plane is hijacked after leaving Australia.

Houston nearly dies as he tries to learn why his travel bag is of interest to the police while also attempting to find out what a toy koala, his devious chef and the hijacking have in common.

Playwright Durbridge is an English author, best known for creating the character Paul Temple.

Janet has chosen to update the play from its 1980s setting to the present day.

“What directly inspired me was finding a copy of the script when I was in the theatre office,” she said.

“I previously directed Durbridge’s A Touch of Danger in 2011 and was familiar with his style. 

“My husband Tom also directed two of his plays at the old Stirling Theatre in Cedric Street. 

“I am a big fan of crime stories and have Agatha Christie’s entire collection of books, her biography and many of her plays – I have directed six of them.”

The main challenge with The Small Hours, according to Janet, is the set.

“The first scene is aboard an aircraft and we’ve been lucky enough to find two genuine airline seats,” she said.

“They’re on a small thrust stage, right in front of the proscenium, with the remaining scenes in the living room of a hotel.”

The Small Hours plays at 8pm September 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, October 1, 2 and 3 with 2pm matinees September 20 and 27. Tickets are $22, $20 concession – book through Morris News on 9446 9120 or at www.trybooking.com/BHPJF.

Stirling Theatre is on Morris Place, Innaloo.

SINISTER undercurrents and gothic themes flow throughout Harbour Theatre’s latest show, as part of a dark coming-of-age story.

Based on the Swedish novel and film by John Ajvide Lindqvist and adapted for stage by Jack Thorne, Let The Right One In focuses on the bullied teenage boy Oskar who finds a friend in Eli, after she moves in next door.

Both are from dysfunctional families and support each other during a frightening time in Oskar’s life, as a spate of disturbing killings rock the neighbourhood.

But Eli has a hidden secret – she doesn’t go to school and never leaves her flat during the day.

Let The Right One In was published in 2004 and adapted into a film in 2008, followed by an English language adaptation in 2010 under the title Let Me In.

“The story proves that as long as you have someone to support you, you can survive anything,” director Jo Sterkenburg said.

“There are several underlying themes that many people will identify with and enjoy exploring.”

Sterkenburg said she saw the film several years ago and was captivated by its dark undertones and relatable story.

“After reading the book, I looked for the screenplay and, to my delight, discovered it was available to be performed,” she said.

“I have always been attracted to dark, gothic themes and have wanted to do something like this at Harbour Theatre for many years.

“I wanted a challenge, instead of the usual sort of play with a square set and lots of furniture.

“Let The Right One In is an opportunity for the audience to imagine the horror through atmosphere, sound and lighting effects and, of course, good acting.”

First becoming involved in theatre more than 40 years ago in Quairading, Sterkenburg joined Harbour Theatre in 1981 and has been involved as an actor, director, stage manager, lighting and sound operator and make-up artist in a plethora of productions.

She has also performed at Melville Theatre and has numerous best actor and supporting actor awards to her credit.

Most recently, Sterkenburg directed the bittersweet comedy Sex Cells and the short drama Early Frost.

Her latest show hasn’t been without its challenges, including COVID-19.

“We were two weeks into rehearsal and then everything went into lockdown,” Sterkenburg said.

“But my cast and crew have been amazing, still wanting to be involved months later, and are coming along to rehearsals with enthusiasm.”

Let The Right One In plays at 7.30pm September 18, 19, 23, 25, 26, 30, October 2 and 3 with 2pm matinees September 20, 27 avnd October 4. Tickets are $25.50, $23.50 concession and $20.50 students – book at www.TAZTix.com.au or call TAZTix on 9255 3336.

Note: the play contains strong language and supernatural themes and is not suitable for children under 14.

Harbour Theatre is located at 16 Lochee Street, Mosman Park.

BREC showcases local talent with musical theatre production, Cascades, Saturday 26^th September at 7.30pm.

Written by Harvey local Don Marshall, directed by his daughter and choreographed by granddaughter, Cascades The Musical is a true celebration of grassroots performing arts.

With a cast of 24 local children, five adults and backed by the Harvey Community Choir, this production tells the story of seven convict women who were incarcerated at Cascades Female Factory, a former convict workhouse in Tasmania. 

This is the last show in BRECs Reboot series - pay what you can for tickets - prices start at just $5, on sale now from BREC website.

Presented by AWESOME Festival in association with PICA, this show is designed for families and children (6+).

The story of a clown learning what it means to love. Valentine is a clown who loves her Grandpa, but his heart is running out of time. Valentine is determined to be strong, but in doing so she loses her heart. With a big empty world ahead of her, come and help Valentine on the journey to search for her heart. Like a story book that comes to life before your eyes, Valentine combines shadow puppetry, animation and physical theatre.

Adult/ Child $17.50, Family +4 $62.00, Group +8 $14.50 each

Whoosh! is a new interactive multi-sensory adventure that puts children with disabilities in the Captain’s Chair! Created by pioneering theatre makers Sensorium Theatre and presented as part of the AWESOME Festival 2020, this unique performance is suitable for children 6+ with a broad range of access needs, including those with multiple and complex needs and those on the autism spectrum.

Calling all budding astronauts! Become a pilot, engineer or navigator as we whoosh across the galaxy for an interstellar adventure for the whole family. Join the crew to explore outer space, taste space food, experience hyperspace and travel all the way to the mysterious Planet X. We'll have to work as a team to repair the ship and return to Earth.

In an exciting and unique collaboration between five companies, West Australian Opera is proud to present this new work with Co:3 Australia, WA Young Voices, WA Youth Orchestra and as part of the AWESOME Festival. 

Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen the opera tells of an Emperor who is enchanted by the singing of a nightingale in his garden. The Emperor convinces the nightingale to sing for him but when gifted with a new mechanical nightingale, he becomes obsessed with his toy and the real nightingale flies away. Struck down by illness and with his mechanical nightingale now broken, the Emperor begs the nightingale to return and sing for him again. She agrees, but on the condition that she is allowed to sing for all the people, both the high and low born. 

The Workshops will be held in a dedicated theatre setting at the Casey Drama Centre, Perth Modern School, 90 Roberts Rd, Subiaco. Workshops will begin at 9am each day (drop off available from 8.30am) and end at 5pm.

Places in this workshop are limited and all participants are expected to follow the COVID Safety Plan guidelines.

They have a strong focus on team work and confidence building as well as keeping students engaged and igniting their curiosity about the performing arts. Scripts are age appropriate and students are encouraged to explore their imagination and creativity through improvisation and character building.

All workshops are taught by one of Perth's most successful Theatre professionals Ian Toyne who has extensive experience in professional Theatre, film and TV acting and has over 10 years of teaching experience. Ian has successfully designed and facilitated youth workshops Internationally. All staff are experienced performers and hold current Working With Children Checks and Infection Control Certificates.

On Days 1 and 3 there will be a free performance starting at 5pm. Due to physical distancing requirements each participant may bring only 2 people to attend the performance. Students will remain at the premise from 9am through to 5pm for the performance which will run for approximately 30 minutes.

The Workshops will be held in a dedicated theatre setting at the Casey Drama Centre, Perth Modern School, 90 Roberts Rd, Subiaco. The workshop will begin at 9am (drop off available from 8.30am) and end at 5pm with a short showcase performance.

Places in this workshop are limited and all participants are expected to follow their COVID Safety Plan guidelines. They have a strong focus on team work and confidence building as well as keeping students engaged and igniting their curiosity about the performing arts.

All workshops are taught by one of Perth's most successful Theatre professionals Ian Toyne who has extensive experience in professional Theatre, film and TV acting and has over 10 years of teaching experience. Ian has successfully designed and facilitated youth workshops Internationally. All staff are experienced performers and hold current Working With Children Checks and Infection Control Certificates.

The Workshops will be held in a dedicated theatre setting at the Casey Drama Centre, Perth Modern School, 90 Roberts Rd, Subiaco. Workshops will begin at 9am each day (drop off available from 8.30am) and end at 5pm.

Places in this workshop are limited and all participants are expected to follow our COVID Safety Plan guidelines.

They have a strong focus on team work and confidence building as well as keeping students engaged and igniting their curiosity about the performing arts. Scripts are age appropriate and students are encouraged to explore their imagination and creativity through improvisation and character building.

All workshops are taught by one of Perth's most successful Theatre professionals Ian Toyne who has extensive experience in professional Theatre, film and TV acting and has over 10 years of teaching experience. Ian has successfully designed and facilitated youth workshops Internationally. All staff are experienced performers and hold current Working With Children Checks and Infection Control Certificates.

On Day 2 there will be a free performance starting at 5pm. Students will remain at the premise from 9am through to 5pm for the performance which will run for approximately 40 minutes.

CDP Kids, producers of high quality children’s theatre such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom etc. are returning to Perth in the October school holidays.

Alison Lester AM’s classic book, Magic Beach,comes to life on stage in a wonderful world of text, song, light, shadow and movement for children aged 3 - 8 and their adults.  

Every year, an everyday family go on a beach holiday.  This isn’t just any beach - it’s Magic Beach, where everything you can imagine becomes real. But this year is different.  As the eldest child begins to grow up, does she have to leave the magic behind? 

This new Australian adaptation from multi-award winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer is a celebration of the power of the imagination and the differences that make every child special.

Running concurrently with Magic Beach will be the latest instalment of the wild, weird and wonderful world of Andy Grifffiths’ bestselling series - The 91-Storey Treehouse.

In this adaptation Andy and Terry are going to be challenged like never before! Mr Big Nose has sent his grandchildren to the Treehouse, and they don’t want to just sit quietly.  Can Andy, Terry and Jill master this extreme babysitting challenge: What does mysterious fortune teller Madam Know-It-All really want? And will the Big Red Button really destroy the world?   

Starring Gold Logie winner John Wood as the Wizard himself, and featuring all of the songs and characters you adore from the classic film, this lavish new arena production uses state-of-the-art LED screen technology to bring the land of Oz to life before your eyes. With over 3,000 individual costumes, 2,000 wigs, a stage the size of 3 basketball courts, and over 500 performers, this is the largest production of Oz ever staged.

Take your whole family somewhere over the rainbow and join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion for an unforgettable journey down the Yellow Brick Road!

Straight from the score and onto the stage, the man known as Mozart appears amid a storm of powder, tumbling and twirling, as musical mayhem and movement fuse in this family show with a circus twist.

To those who know him, he is Wolfgang, the dart-playing ratbag. To those who are watching and listening, he is the wigged genius Mozart. Come and discover his irrepressible spirit and vibrant compositions through physical comedy and mischievous antics.

Designed to amaze people from the age of three and upwards, Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus reinvents the composer’s magical music in a skilful and illuminating show featuring Circa’s dexterous daredevil artists and a live accordionist. Watch as the notes are physically lifted off the page as performers bring the renowned compositions to life amidst a storm of powder, tumbles and crashes, all under the eccentric swirl of the conductor’s baton.