REVIEWS
“LIFE IMITATING ART”
A review by Nathan Crowther
This was a very curious, clever and professional evening at the theatre. It was a stylised black comedy that exposed the human predicament - a potent mix of irony, humour, song and drama culminating in an inspiring experience of intelligent theatre - and a bloody good laugh as well. Scattered amongst the flaming torch and the linking sketches of hope, madness and despair there is the glue that holds it together - humour. This is a superbly crafted bittersweet comedy that would have Bertolt Brecht and Edith Piaf turning in their graves. I can see why the show in many of its different guises has wowed discerning audiences in South East Queensland.
Kabaret Hits the High Notes
A review by Frank Wilkie (Sunshine Coast Daily)
The Suncoast Repertory Theatre opened last weekend at the Caloundra Civic Centre with their Kabaret - “Life Imitating Art”. It was extremely well received, considering there were no sequins and no Englebert Humperdink numbers on offer. There were however, some thought provoking pieces like the Ritual, the Affair and the Chooks. One European sounding gentleman was heard congratulating director Simon Denver saying “Very European, beyond belief” and “We’re coming back again”. This gem is on for another two weekends.
Opening on an Odd Note
A review by Ian Austin (Sunshine Coast Daily)
As the inaugural production for a new theatre group at the Caloundra Civic Centre was an odd and disappointing choice. Being purposely reminiscent of the pre World War II Berlin Cabaret scene, this milieu, where angst and anger were displayed openly in sketch and song seem to hold an ongoing fascination for writer / Director Simon Denver. However, it was a little too esoteric for modern audiences to enjoy as accessible entertainment. Apart from that, I enjoyed many of the performances and the diversity of songs including Weill and Brel and the Brechtian stylisation. Even though it had a top cast the angst became a little to obtuse at times, as I said an odd choice to launch a new theatre company looking for a commercially bright future.
“DONS PARTY”
A review by Ian Austin (Sunshine Coast Daily)
That the greater percentage of the audience was teenaged, when I saw Suncoast Repertory Theatre’s production of David Williamson’s “Don’s Party” on Thursday night, reminded me how actually timeless it is. Director Simon Denver has minimised the reason for the party (the 1969 Federal Election) and concentrated on the reason for the play; a vicious look at Australian middle class infidelity in all its chauvinistic ugliness. From the outset the conflict is bitter, agonisingly honest, relentless and yet very funny – timeless in that this could have been last week’s party, or next weeks, or next years, the basic character flaws are inbred and will never change.
As the play proceeds, the actions and arguments get more out of hand, but not the disciplined and well-rehearsed production. The second act is short, but relationship time bombs lit earlier start exploding at an alarming rate.
Giving one of this year’s top performances, Brad Thomson heads an excellent cast; their work under Denver’s tight direction is admirable. Final night tonight at Caloundra, but it tours Noosa Arts Theatre next week, then to Maleny. Highly recommended.
“ACCIDENTALLY MAPLE STREET”
A review by Scrutarius (The Range News)
Saturday and Sunday August 7 – 8 saw full houses in the Maleny Community Centre crackling with good humour and laughter. The point is we were laughing at ourselves! Months of increasingly bitter and divisive debate simply melted away thanks to Simon Denver’s brilliant staging of his “Accidentally Maple Street” revue. No turn was left unstoned in this revue type evening. All targets of satire copped bullseyes. Fast paced, a huge cast had the audience rolling in the aisles. The depth of talent displayed must have surprised many. All local sacred cows got a pasting and highlights included a filmed segment loosely based on a David Attenborough’s Wildlife Research story. That the wildlife consisted of a “ferals” shooting safari said it all! Another segment fired a broadside at a recently departed (read “defeated”) politician. A feature of the filmed episodes was the professionalism of the production. Lighting, grouping, and camera work were outstanding. The stated aim of this revue was to re-unite the community. It did – in spades!
“BULLSHOT CRUMMOND”
Fun and Nonsense Quite Impressive
A review by Ian Austin (Sunshine Coast Daily)
Bullshot Crummond is a comedy that not only audiences love, but so do the actors, as it gives them a chance to “let down their hair” with gusto! Written by five aficionados of theatrical nonsense, this version was directed by one of them – Ron House, who flew out from California to do so. I caught it during its Maleny Season – it transfers to Noosa Arts Theatre this coming Saturday – and was thoroughly impressed, not necessarily by the script, but certainly by the madcap ensemble performances. Although I relished every moment of this whacky stupidity, I was impressed by two factors. The first was Brad Thomson, playing a two handed scene by himself (very clever and polished) and the general acting of Peter Moore in a variety of roles. This young and talented actor is also amazingly athletic; to him a pratt-fall or a sudden somersault over furniture is virtually no more than (if you’ll pardon the pun) a throw away line. With so much happening, it has to be and is, a fast moving show. As an audience member remarked “It’s a show you don’t have to think about. Its nice to sit back and enjoy the fun”.
Bullshot Revisited
A review by Ian Austin (Sunshine Coast Daily)
When I reviewed Bullshot Crummond in Maleny a few weeks ago, I vowed to see it again. It was such a fine example of fast paced ensemble acting and I could see where it was heading. Thus, I was not disappointed when I went along to the opening of their Lind Lane season. The polish and timing were exemplary. Again, the audience responded well to the superb nonsense by a confident and classy cast. Final night is tonight, and I believe the full house sign is up. All those that have seen it agree, its certainly been one for the books.
“ACCIDENTALLY BUNYA STREET”
Accidentally Bunya Street unites community in Laughter
A review by Simon Roper (The Range News)
Given the scything wit of its predecessor, Accidentally Maple Street, there were a few worried faces out there on the opening night of Simon Denver’s latest satirical offering, including mine. But with Cameo appearances by Jon Woodlands and Harvey Bryce it was obvious that all facets of the community had got behind Simon Denver’s SRT’s performance of “Accidentally Bunya Street” and its take on the Maleny-Woolworths saga. Be you business man or councillor, protestor or pro-woolies, Montville “snob” or “Tree Hugger” in Maleny, all copped some gentle body shots from this production. Except Hutchinson Builders boss, Greg Quinn, who, as expected, suffered a K.O!
And with constant belly-laughs emanating from an attentive full house, it was evident that humour was the tonic we all needed… Over three nights “ABS” united a community in laughter, over issues that had divided it for many years. And after all, as Tiger Woods recently said in his autobiography, “If you can’t laugh at yourself who can you laugh at?”. Then again, in his auto biography he also said: “Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed as black pimps!”. Anyway, I digress…
Opening with a gentle snipe at the “comic headline genius” of the Range News, the play proceeded to send up all that is the Hinterland human condition. It was well scripted and delivered, while the audio visual sequences facilitated by technical director Bernard Bisshop added an extra dimension of enjoyment and, at times, poignancy to the proceedings. Among the edits shown were moving photographic montages compiles by Melanie Merrill and Aggi Goulter, while conversely Fergus Reilly’s stills, charts and graphs gave us all a few laughs. I particularly enjoyed Mr Denver’s personal location report from a Platypus burrow by the Obi Obi Creek, where a disgruntled animal was complaining and brandishing propaganda aimed at a burgeoning Platypus population near the site. Under protestor surveys, Platypus burrow numbers there have mushroomed from several to fifty, but Simon’s interviewee was certainly one mammal against progress. The work-deprived check out girls were also cause for more mirth in a post Woolworths Maleny, where the supermarket’s aisles remained woefully empty as Maleny proved it “Won’t Shop There”.
As well as some great performances from a stellar local cast, Simon allowed his latest brainchild to become a platform for some protest members to vocalise their own “unique” musical offerings. These off-piste musical departures were definitely a time to swing your pants, and maybe even stuff some material temporarily in your ears…only joking Maleny! And as a Sci-Fi fan, I was very pleased to see ABS transcending many genres, spoofing both Gene Rodenberry’s seminal Star Trek, where Spock’s Vulcan mind meld with Mr Bryce produced vacuous results. Later the cast assumed a puppet like mentality for a delicious parody of Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds, which really proved that anything can happen in the next half hour! Even my fiancé who hates Sci-fi, was giggling away happily. Together with his excellent co-compare Peter Moore, Simon and cast guided us through a farcical comic romp that brought audiences from all walks of community life together again.
Well done Simon! In his closing speech, Simon delivered wisdom that we all should heed. To paraphrase he said; “We live in a time and a place where people have rights of protest, rights of silence, rights of action and inaction. But most importantly, and above our individual rights, we have a duty as a community to keep each other safe and not let personal beliefs come in the way”.
“Macbeth”
A review by Joan Benson, OAM
“A clear understanding of the text and background, by all cast members, was one of the rewarding factors that made this Macbeth easy to follow especially for those audience members who didn’t know the play. Audience response during and after the performance supported this view. This cast used the text and the rhythm, they were not bound by the language. As a whole they found the right energy to convey the Shakespearean text. Even in modern plays, the actor does not always succeed in this. Overall, the Macbeth cast got inside the words they “used”, so the audience was treated to the rich language, sincere emotion and clarity that helped the character development throughout the play.
Director Simon Denver always delivers unexpected casting that works, and always interesting improvised editions that enhance the action. Here we were given not just three witches, but a whole chorus, beautifully choreographed that helped build the air of mystery and prediction, so important for Macbeth’s entrance. Witch leaders – Jane Rivers, Rachel Fentiman & Jenny McCaul created just the right balance of concentrated evil pleasure and sincerity to make us feel uneasy and expectant.
Another clever piece of direction included scenes where the low life characters provided a background – without distracting – to the nobles with Clan distinction as seen in the 11th century.
Staging – set and costumes – were simple allowing space for vigorous action, and movement within the garments. Again, cast was not bound by an elaborate set and costumes. Delivery of the lines was made even more important. Soundscape and sound by Bernard Bisshop and lighting by Fergus Reilly pin pointed action and mood and contributed much to the show.
For a large group, the overall standard was very good indeed and suitably cast. Brett, as Macbeth, gave a fine performance, as he always does. I should have liked his greeting to Lady Macbeth to be more passionate. “My dearest love…” he greets her, at that moment we need to know the relationship, who leads whom. Lady Macbeth soon established that balance but the vital moment was lost – the only disappointing moment in the performance for me. Throughout, the emotions were understated, that is, they were believable, and we were treated to genuine delivery of dialogue.
Main roles – Peter Moore as MacDuff, Matt Warren as Banquo, Shane Cassidy as Malcolm and Brad Thomson as King Duncan all gave fine performances. In fact for a pro-am show, one couldn’t ask for a more evenly cast presentation than this MacBeth delivers.
The surprise performance of the night was that of Ruby Drewery as Lady Macbeth. Ruby is a competent and creative actress, but I found it difficult pre show to see her as Lady Macbeth. What a stunning character development she gave us. I have played Lady Macbeth, directed it, and seen top overseas productions, but never have I felt so deeply the agony of Ruby’s convincing portrayal in the difficult sleepwalking scene. Her whole performance had thought behind it and the thoughts gave rise to emotion and movement that changed and developed to the crucial climax. A skillful and moving portrayal.
This production, with excellent direction by Simon Denver and great support staff, was truly a tragedy not only of Macbeth, but very much that of Lady Macbeth. Well done Suncoast Rep!”
In praise of Simon Denver’s production of Macbeth
Ian Austin - Theatre Critic and Playwright
Here was a bold and robust production of Shakespeare’s immortal drama. Blessed by intelligent interpretation for modern audiences, with daring visualisation in staging and lighting and powerful sound accompaniment of effects and music. Obviously realising that modern audiences need a fresh transcendence of the traditionally ponderous disclaiming associated with “Shakespeare acting”, director Simon Denver gave us a cast whose understanding and delivery of the subtleties and nuances in the Bard’s prose, and in the intense psychology of the characters, subsequently gave the audience a better understanding of what was afoot in this complex drama. Usually, at interval, an audience’s dialogues are about unrelated and personal social matters. However, with Macbeth, I discovered all the audience talk was about this exceptional and often confrontational production. For me, that is a true indication of their complete involvement, which of course is the bottom line for any show’s success. Denver has a deft touch, indeed, for presenting praiseworthy theatre.
Outstanding cast brings classic tale to life
Frank Wilkie (Sunshine Coast Daily / Noosa News)
The spine-chilling reek of deceit and murder most foul surged from the Noosa Arts stage last week on opening night of the Suncoast Repertory Theatre’s production of Macbeth. Director Simon Denver’s version of William Shakespeare’s tragedy was a worthy vehicle for the powerful material. With ambience created by a penetrating soundtrack, minimalist set and rich mood lighting this classic tragedy was carried off by a cast of well chosen actors. A credit to the director and themselves, all spoke as if the multi-layered and antiquated language of Shakespeare was their native tongue, and were thus readily able to transport the audience back to Scotland in the year 1040. Arguably the Coast’s most prolific and versatile actor Brett Klease fearlessly crash-tackled the mighty role of Macbeth and laid bare the murderous Scottish nobleman’s tortured soul. Frighteningly venomous was Ruby Drewery as Macbeth’s unhinged ball-breaker of a wife whose lust for power helps bring to fruition the prophecies of the dentally handicapped supernatural hags played to perfection by Jane Rivers, Jenny McCaul and Rachel Fentiman.
And finally the most succinct review of Macbeth – ever! (our italics)
Dick Newman. The Range News. April 2006
“…and to our performance artists. Thanks also to Simon Denver who directed and brought us a rather fantastic play. It was about a couple of Scottish social climbers who invite their boss for dinner and then murder him. The players were given a basic set to work with, but the combination of light and sound gave a very atmospheric feel. Local actor Peter Moore turned in a very strong performance as the hard man. Thanks Simon, I am looking forward to your next treat.”
The following comments have been reproduced exactly from the audience comment book which was left in the foyer of every performance.
“Excellent” - Nola Brennon
“Extraordinary and fabulous” - Susan Brown
“Great production” - Diane Dalton
“Absolutely wonderful” - Mary Anne Rose
“Wow!!! Words escape me!” - Katie Cullen
“My first Shakespeare and I loved it!!!” - Fiona MacDonald
“Yay” - Donald Banham
“Glad I missed the opera for this! Play on MacDuff” - Christine Feirar & son
“Professional. I loved the concept” - Patricia Waterson
“So far so good!! Congratulations Brett” - Vikki Smart
“Huge! Inspirational!” - Suzanne Nicholson
“Big stuff! Wonderful! Fab sound as well” - Elle James
“In my 90 years I have seen many interpretations of the Scottish Play. This will be my most memorable!!” - Grace Craddock
“Excellent!” - Angie Peterson
“That was fantastic! Utterly mesmerising! Well done!!” - Melody White
“Loved the witches, the mood, the whole performance” - Kay Goatham
“How hot were the witches. Nice work girls! Best show I’ve ever seen. My fourth visit, it gets better every time!!!!” - Sharon Lollback
“Looking forward to Hamlet” - Jack Harvey
“Looks Great” - David and Kaye Kent
“Third time is the charm. Wonderful” - Isis Coleman
“Brett was great as always” - Glenda O’Sullivan
“Hurray to SRT & NAT. A very professional production” - Carmel Knight
“Loved the production!” - Mary Anne Wood
“Lost for words!” - Emma MaGill / Jess Dodds
“Impressed. Classic done to perfection. Second viewing that good” – Rhiannon Coleman
“Well done SRT.” - Emma Robertson
“Congratulations! Brilliant!” - Barbara
“Wonderful. Come again” - George Everett
“Excellent! Congratulations!” - Christina Nelson
“Wonderful production, more please!!!” - Ross/Daphne/Thomas Bimrose
“Great work! Very evocative, loved it” - Jan & James Glasscock
“Brilliant production. Particularly character of MacBeth!” - Lynne Cadell
“Saw it in Noosa and was so impressed I came again!!!” - Agi Goulter
“Very impressive, well done to all” - Ann White
“Adaptation good, MacBeth’s acting as well as dialogue delivery exceptional! Congratulations”- Rema Raja
“Ambitious, innovative, eminently effective. Bravo!!” - Kath Ashworth
“A powerful performance. Loved the filmic soundtrack, MacBeth and Lady MacBeth impressive. MacDuff stole the show. Many thanks for a marvellous performance” - Jacinta Elks
“Go the boys” - Julie Morahan / George Soady
“Fabulous!! Scary!!” - Carly Parridge
“They just get better and beyond” - Vikki Judge
“Actor for MacBeth excellent” - David
“MacBeth was hot” - V Dogga
“Enriches your sluggish mind” - Harold Fluwelln
“Really enjoyed” - Sharon Botch
“Great job” - Alex Park (USA)
“So brilliant!” - ???????
“First play been to and best exp!” - Krista Shelley
“Outstanding performance so back again” - Vernon Burke
“Brilliant acting” - Barbara Barr
“Spellbinding!” - Marguerite Alford
“Great!!!” - ???????
“Great story. Well told” - Patrick Lawler
“Very much like being back in High School” - Lisa Buntain
“Loved you all, great debut Morgan xx” - Leana Kirby
“Awesome. It blew me away” - ???????
“Excellent. Very real, really enjoyed it” - Briony Ingleton
“Some hot actors, quite interesting altogether. Teaching needed” - Maddy / Nicole & Linsay
“Stunning!” - Sylvia & John Gollan
“There was nothing I could hate. Absolutely fantasgreat!” - Halley Martin
“As awesome as we expected!” - Sue White and Kevin Meredith
“Unfortunately the cast suffers from a case of cottonmouth. Sibilence syndrome. A breathing and palette problem. Visue Viva. Go long prosper with this” - Masewlly
“Excellent performance. One of the best Shakespeare I’ve see and I’ve seen a lot at Stratford UK” - Alison Phillips
“Wow Guys!” - Amanda Turlik
“Far out Brussel Sprout. The blue lights will give me nightmares”- Kate Redward
“Brilliant, Soundscape made me tremble” - Livio Regano
“I love it” - Vivienne Coleman
“Well done Simon and team” - Mike Middleton
Copyright SRT inc 2003-2009
Our body of Work so far includes;
“KABARET - LIFE IMITATING ART”
(Group Devised)
Co Production with Caloundra Civic Centre
Caloundra Civic Centre
October 2003
“DON’S PARTY”
(by David Williamson)
Co Production with the Caloundra Civic Centre
Caloundra Civic Centre, Noosa Arts Theatre & Maleny
March 2004
“ACCIDENTALLY MAPLE STREET”
(by Simon Denver)
Co-Production with the Maleny Arts Council
Maleny
August 2004
“BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS”
(“Job’s Right” by Brett Klease &
“The Rack” by Jane Neilson)
Maleny
September 2004
“BULLSHOT CRUMMOND”
(by Ron House, Diz White et al)
Maleny, Noosa Arts Theatre & Nambour Lind Lane
April / June 2005
“ACCIDENTALLY BUNYA STREET”
(by Simon Denver)
Maleny
August 2005
“MACBETH”
(by William Shakespeare)
Co Production with Noosa Arts Theatre
Noosa Arts Theatre & Lake Kawana Community Centre
March / April 2006
