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- REVIEW: The Two Tenors - Vavachi Entertainment
The Two Tenors Presented by: Vavachi Entertainment Venue: SunPAC Starring: Roger Davy and Matthew Leigh Guest Soprano: Tashana Hardy Photography: Freddie Klein Date Attended: 28 October 2026 Josh Groban has recorded an awful lot of music. Narrowing his catalogue down to a single concert must be the musical equivalent of packing for a month-long holiday with hand luggage only. Fortunately, The Two Tenors squeezes in a generous helping of Groban favourites (and then some), taking audiences on journey where musical worlds collide. Roger Davy and Matthew Leigh have two distinct voices, beautifully matched. Opening with the underrated 'Anthem' from Chess, the gentlemen immediately establish their vocal credentials with gorgeous harmonies. Roger Davy's formidable upper range appears completely unbothered by the passing decades. Matthew Leigh, meanwhile, is something of a vocal chameleon, adapting his style to suit each genre. His solo passages have a velvety richness, his upper notes soar, and he slips into any harmony with precision and balance. Both have decades of performing behind them, and their voices remain in excellent shape. And they are dressed rather suavely too! The programme is a feast for musical theatre lovers, drawing heavily from Groban's Stages album alongside pop classics, operatic favourites, and selections from classical eras and languages. Roger's unexpected rendition of 'If I Can't Love Her' from Beauty and the Beast suits his voice beautifully, while Matthew's 'Nights in White Satin' is an inspired pairing of singer and song. There's even room for an original Groban number among the familiar favourites. Speaking of favourites, my personal pick is 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. Roger opens the familiar ballad before Matthew introduces his soulful flavour, slipping through intricate melismas with no trouble whatsoever. Their voices eventually unite for a rousing, gospel-style finale. A terrific arrangement that celebrates the individuality of both singers. The setlist also travels between languages, with Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' and Robbie Williams' 'Angels' incorporating both English and Italian. There's certainly no shortage of variety here! Guest soprano Tashana Hardy is a vision in red, appearing throughout the show to add a welcome third voice to the proceedings. Tash joins the gentlemen for 'What I Did for Love' from A Chorus Line (another fave of mine, thank you!), while her duet with Matthew on 'All I Ask of You' from The Phantom of the Opera is a beautiful vocal pairing. She also takes the spotlight with a famous Puccini aria, giving the lads a momentary breather, before rejoining them for several glorious trios. For anyone who hasn't had the privilege of hearing this music performed live before, what an introduction! With a Queensland tour planned for 2027, the use of backing tracks is understandable from a practical perspective. Still, I can't help imagining how magnificent these arrangements could sound with live piano and strings, particularly 'You Raise Me Up'. I'd also love to hear more from the gentlemen themselves between songs. With no programme to guide us, a few personal anecdotes, career highlights, or stories behind their song choices would help us get to know the performers beyond their voices. The audience responded audibly whenever Roger announced a familiar favourite, so a little more conversation could build on that enthusiasm. The predominantly older audience was clearly having a marvellous time, and a grand trio rendition of 'Nessun dorma' brought the concert to a close with all three voices in full flight. I thoroughly enjoyed these musical detours, and would eagerly hear what else these gentlemen have tucked away in their tenor repertoire.
- REVIEW: Constellations - Allentertainment
Constellations Presented by: Allentertainment Venue: Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium Written by: Nick Payne Directed by: Harrison Allen Cast B: Anna-Rose van der Wiel (Marianne), Kyle Fenlon (Roland) Intimacy Coordinator: Heidi Gledhill Date Attended: 23 October 2026 Photography: Allentertainment "We have all the time we've always had." In Nick Payne's Constellations, that line turns out to be a rather complicated premise. This play keeps handing its characters entirely different versions of a lifetime. We follow two people through the infinite possibilities of a relationship. Allentertainment has found the perfect venue for it, too. Where better to explore parallel universes than beneath the enormous dome of the Brisbane Planetarium? Marianne (Anna-Rose van der Wiel) is a cosmologist at Cambridge University, fascinated by quantum mechanics and the enigmas of existence. Roland (Kyle Fenlon) is a beekeeper. She's interested in the universe; he's all about honeycombs. They don't have an awful lot in common. But at a barbecue, Marianne attempts to break the ice with an unusual conversation starter. It goes rather well. Or disastrously. Or somewhere in between... We witness multiple versions of their first meeting, with Marianne trying the same unconventional approach each time and receiving wildly different responses from Roland. Nick Payne's writing is fascinating. Thanks to Marianne's crash course on string theory and the multiverse, we come to understand that we're peeping into alternate realities. It's like watching a cosmic game of "Choose Your Own Adventure," where the same duo makes different choices based on different circumstances. Every time we hear that distinctive whooshing sound, it's as if the universe is signaling: "REWIND!" And suddenly, we're back at the start of a conversation, eager to see what outcome will emerge this time around. The differences can be remarkably subtle. A shift in tone, an awkward pause, or a change in mood can completely alter the direction of a scene. We're gradually piecing together who Marianne and Roland are through these glimpses of their lives; assembling a relationship from fragments that don't always align. Each repeated scene gives us another piece of the puzzle, and the overall picture gets more complex as the possibilities multiply. And not only that, but it doesn't play out in chronological order either! I really admire the cleverness of this writing, and I can imagine how exciting it must have been for Harrison Allen to direct. I can't even fathom the brain gymnastics those two performers must do. With all those nearly identical conversations, each with just a sprinkle of difference, I'd be terrified of accidentally jumping into the wrong universe! Fortunately, Anna-Rose van der Wiel and Kyle Fenlon (Cast B) navigate this script like pros. Both have gorgeous accents (English and Scottish, respectively) that hit the ear nicely. Their performances cover an large range of emotional scenarios. One moment, Marianne and Roland could be nervously flirting, furious, heartbroken, confused, or overwhelmed with joy. Mostly, they're so adorably goofy together that I kept finding myself hoping we'd landed in a universe where everything works out for them. Anna-Rose van der Wiel, returning for her second production with Allentertainment, brings a lovely warmth to Marianne. Her curiosity is infectious as she throws herself into explaining some mind-bending scientific concepts. There's a sincere sweetness to her portrayal that makes the character instantly endearing. This makes her later struggles with communication all the more heartbreaking. As her character develops aphasia, Anna-Rose captures the gutting frustration of knowing exactly what she wants to say but being unable to find the words. Language, once her greatest asset for explaining the inexplicable, is now failing her. Kyle Fenlon is equally engaging as Roland, bringing an beautiful naturalism to the many versions of this beekeeper whose world is considerably more grounded than Marianne's (pun intended). He wears his heart on his sleeve, always trying to fix whatever has gone wrong, even when the situation is beyond his control. He shifts between affection, embarrassment, anger, and anxiety (often in quick succession) as repeated conversations take different turns. I particularly love his marriage proposal/s, each delivered with the same hilariously terrible speech. Together, Anna-Rose and Kyle capture the messiness of romantic relationships, from bashful flirtations to infidelity, uncomfortable run-ins as exes, and arguments that unfold differently across each universe. There's even a version of their relationship performed entirely through sign language, drawing our attention to their facial expressions, gestures, and physical interactions instead. It's these little variations that make their performances so entertaining and endearing. Harrison Allen's direction takes full advantage of the Planetarium's unique space. The 'stage' is situated in the centre of the room, with the audience encircling the action. The actors are in constant motion, moving around and across the space - approaching, retreating, chasing, dancing, or circling one another. Their positioning ensures the action can be enjoyed from every angle, without any section of the audience spending too long staring at the backs of their heads. And then there's the dome overhead. The Planetarium's curved ceiling becomes a canvas for some spectacular projections. Galaxies swirl in a cosmic dance while psychedelic bursts of colour explode overhead. At other times, we're surrounded by towering trees or sitting in the couple's apartment like unexpected guests. The imagery creates an ever-changing environment that captivates the senses. I particularly love the contrast between the vast cosmos overhead and the intimate heart-to-hearts below. There's an entire universe of possibilities to marvel at, yet it's the lives of just two people that command our attention. The play explores the highs and lows of doing life with a romantic partner by your side. As Marianne's illness enters the picture, the story takes on a slightly more confronting dimension. Her diagnosis raises profound questions about autonomy, mortality, and the choices surrounding a life-altering prognosis - though there is limited room to explore these themes in depth. Against this backdrop, the lighter, more playful versions of Marianne and Roland feel all the more precious, reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing time together. What makes Constellations so compelling is that there's no single version of events we're asked to believe in. We watch Marianne and Roland find, lose, and rediscover each other across different realities, each conversation offering a new interpretation. It's imaginative storytelling that encourages us to reflect on our own choices, relationships, and the lives we might have led. Constellations is an inventive and intimate piece of theatre, well worth your time. Just don't be surprised if you have a bit of an existential crisis on the way home!
- REVIEW: Shrek the Musical - Communication in Action
Shrek the Musical Communication in Action Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre Directed: Tim Hill Music Director: Jacqui Devereux Choreography: Justin Anderson Photography: By Brit Creative Walking into a completely full Talbot Theatre is always a promising sign, and Shrek the Musical wasted no time proving why every seat was taken! The show leaned fully into what makes Shrek so much fun: outrageous characters, bold humour, and joyful theatrical silliness. The musical honours the film while giving the comedy a fresh stage twist, with plenty of jokes that flew straight over the kids’ heads and landed squarely with the adults. Henry Marsh as Shrek brought warmth, humour, and a very solid accent to the role. Vocally, he handled the demands of the score with confidence, as did the other boys across the cast. “Who I’d Be” was a lovely, sincere solo that showed the gentler side of the character. I would have loved to see Shrek lean even further into that fed-up frustration at times, but overall his performance of this tremendous role was incredible. Hamish Treweeke as Donkey was an absolute highlight. Donkey has to be a speedy talker, crystal clear, and relentlessly energetic, and Hamish delivered all of that with sass to spare. He was a walking encyclopaedia of pop culture references, a constant ball of energy, and absolutely nailed “Don’t Let Me Go,” cementing the Shrek-and-Donkey dynamic as the strongest duo on stage. Murphy O’Connor as Princess Fiona was a complete standout. She played Fiona as the glorious crackpot she is, with bold physicality, dramatic gestures, and excellent comic timing. Vocally, Murphy was fantastic, switching effortlessly from a bright musical theatre belt to a sweet, delicate classical tone. (“the waiting!!!!!” moment was chef’s kiss.) “I Know It’s Today,” shared with Aria McGregor (Young Fiona) and Dottie Reisener (Teen Fiona), was beautifully layered, confident, with harmonies that blended seamlessly. Archer Grounds’ Lord Farquaad was iconic, from the sparkly outfit and sassy attitude to the impressive knee-sprinting across that enormous stage (no small feat... pun fully intended). Henry Woodward as Thelonius added to the laughs and was the perfect sidekick in Farquaad's scenes. Ella Reynolds as Gingy was a joy. I loved that she didn’t lean into the overly squeaky voice we so often hear. Her natural voice was divine and gave the character warmth and sympathy. Ariella Meehan’s Pinocchio was full of personality, and the nose effect was a very fun visual gag for the audience! Alessia Lily Monteverde as Dragon brought serious funky energy to “Forever” complete with spotlights, a killer outfit, and strong support from the Knights. Without the option of a giant dragon puppet, the moment relied entirely on Alessia, and she delivered vocally in a big way! I would have loved to see that sass shared with the audience a little more (face us more cause we want to see you!), as the blocking had her chasing Donkey all over the stage in her stilettos. “Story of My Life” was a delightful explosion of fairytale chaos, with an absurd number of characters filling the stage! It was cleverly cast to spread featured moments among the more senior performers. The fairytale creatures truly shone in “Freak Flag,” which completely blew me away. The commitment to character was fantastic, the choreography was high-energy, and the whole number felt joyfully unhinged. Standouts included Bella Pietrobon’s Wicked Witch, Saana Chang’s Ugly Duckling, Neil Marco Il Aballe’s Big Bad Wolf, and Stephanie Dortolina-George as Mama Bear. Visually, this production was stunning. The massive digital backdrop looked like storybook paintings brought to life, and the lighting on this stage was, as always, fabulous. The designer made excellent use of patterned lights to add texture without overwhelming the action. I also loved how the audience walkway was used during the travel sequences, giving the staging scale and helping the world feel bigger than the stage. “Welcome to Duloc” was a fun ensemble moment, full of bright energy and costumes. I would have loved to see even more plastered grins and crisper articulation to really lean into that aggressively cheerful dystopia. “Morning Person” was a crowd-pleaser, with strong choreography, though I couldn’t help wishing the tap sections had been performed in actual tap shoes. Let those rhythms sing! “I Think I Got You Beat” was a standout musical moment between Fiona and Shrek, with great chemistry and comic timing. Donkey observing from further upstage meant some of his reactions were lost, and I think perching him closer to the stage edge would make that moment even stronger. The ensemble as a whole was a real strength of this production. Their commitment, energy, and character work lifted every scene. Bonus points as well for the Princess Bride reference at the wedding, which absolutely tickled me. Under the direction of Tim Hill, with choreography by Justin Anderson and music direction by Jacqui Devereux, Shrek the Musical was fun, fast-moving, and full of heart. It embraced the ridiculous, celebrated its performers, and left the audience smiling.
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- MUSICAL: Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure - BYTES Youth Theatre | Stage Buzz Brisbane
< Back MUSICAL: Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure - BYTES Youth Theatre 20 Nov 2026 Season: November 20th - 22nd, 2026 Title: Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure Presented By: BYTES Youth Theatre (Buderim Youth Theatre of Excellence) Genre: Musical Theatre, Fantasy, Adventure, Family Synopsis: Close your eyes and imagine a world where you never have to grow up! J.M. Barrie's timeless tale comes to life in this enchanting musical adaptation, featuring music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe, with a book by Willis Hall. Join Peter Pan, Wendy, John and Michael Darling as they fly beyond the stars to Neverland, where they encounter the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell, mischievous pirates and the villainous Captain Hook. Filled with adventure, imagination and magical music, Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure celebrates childhood, friendship and the wonder of believing in the impossible. Performance Dates: Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November 2026 Performance Times: Friday 20 November: 6:00pm–8:00pm (Blue Cast) Saturday 21 November: 11:00am–1:00pm (Green Cast) Saturday 21 November: 3:00pm–5:00pm (Blue Cast) Saturday 21 November: 7:00pm–9:00pm (Red Cast) Sunday 22 November: 11:00am–1:00pm (Green Cast) Sunday 22 November: 4:00pm–6:00pm (Red Cast) Performance Location and Address: Buderim War Memorial Hall, 1 Main Street, Buderim QLD 4556 Ticket Costs: $25 - $35 Ticket Link: https://bytesyouththeatre.com/performances/65tgp68wtn84txrcr4ewjay5s8k7ml-fxrgk Recommended Age: Family-friendly Duration: 2 hours Production Website: https://bytesyouththeatre.com/performances/65tgp68wtn84txrcr4ewjay5s8k7ml-fxrgk Other information: Features three alternating casts across six performances. Accessibility: BYTES Youth Theatre describes its youth theatre as fully accessible. Specific accessibility arrangements for this production have not been separately detailed Previous Next
- THEATRE: Radio Roo: Stories Unplugged - Radio Roo Theatre Company | Stage Buzz Brisbane
< Back THEATRE: Radio Roo: Stories Unplugged - Radio Roo Theatre Company 13 Nov 2026 Season: November 13th - 14th, 2026 Title: Radio Roo: Stories Unplugged Presented By: Blue Roo Theatre Company Inc. Genre: Theatre, Radio Drama, Comedy, Community Theatre Synopsis: Step back into the golden age of radio drama with Radio Roo: Stories Unplugged ! Set inside a live radio studio, this playful and heartfelt production brings a series of scripted stories to life through voice acting, sound effects and performance, all created in full view of the audience. Inspired by the lived experiences of the Blue Roo Ensemble, the production combines humour, heart and old-fashioned theatrical magic. Each performance concludes with an interactive Q&A, inviting audiences to connect with the cast and crew behind the stories. Performance Dates: Friday 13 – Saturday 14 November 2026 Performance Times: Friday 13 November: 6:30pm–7:30pm Saturday 14 November: 2:30pm–3:30pm Performance Location and Address: Queensland Multicultural Centre, Room 10, Level 2, 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169 Ticket Costs: General Admission: $15.50 + $0.89 booking fee Concession/Student: $12.00 + $0.80 booking fee Ticket Link: https://events.humanitix.com/radio-roo-stories-unplugged Recommended Age: All ages Duration: 60 minutes (advertised session duration, including any post-show Q&A). Production Website: https://bluerootheatrecompany.com/whats-on/ Other information: The production draws upon the lived experiences of its ensemble, combining original storytelling, humour and disability advocacy. An interactive Q&A with the cast and crew follows each performance. A separate school and student performance is scheduled for Thursday 12 November, with student tickets priced at $5.00 and complimentary admission for teachers, parents and support staff. Blue Roo's Pass It On Campaign allows audiences to donate tickets for people who may otherwise be unable to attend. Donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Free parking information is available through the Queensland Multicultural Centre. Wheelchair Access: Wheelchair-accessible seating and parking are available. Auslan: Performances are Auslan interpreted. Quiet Space: A quiet area is available throughout each performance. Assistance Animals: Assistance dogs are welcome, with appropriate seating arrangements available. Tactile Tours: Pre-show tactile tours are available on request for patrons who are blind or have low vision, allowing them to explore the scenery, props and costumes. Audio Description: Individual audio description can be arranged on request through Blue Roo staff. Accessibility Enquiries: Patrons requiring specific arrangements are encouraged to contact Blue Roo Theatre Company in advance at info@bluerootheatre.org.au or 0412 231 085. Refund requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Humanitix booking fees are non-refundable. Previous Next
- CHORAL CONCERT: Handel's Messiah - Brisbane Chamber Choir | Stage Buzz Brisbane
< Back CHORAL CONCERT: Handel's Messiah - Brisbane Chamber Choir 30 Nov 2026 Season: November 30th, 2026 Title: Handel's Messiah Presented By: Brisbane Chamber Choir Genre: Classical Music, Choral Music, Oratorio Synopsis: Celebrate the beginning of the festive season with one of classical music's most treasured masterpieces, Handel's Messiah . Under the direction of Dr Graeme Morton AM, the Brisbane Chamber Choir and Brisbane Chamber Players are joined by four distinguished soloists and more than 200 young choristers for a spectacular performance of this beloved work. From its soaring arias and tender moments of reflection to the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus , this magnificent concert brings Handel's timeless music to life in a celebration of hope, joy and the human spirit. Performance Dates: Monday 30 November 2026 Performance Times: 7:00pm Performance Location and Address: Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Corner of Melbourne and Grey Streets, South Brisbane QLD 4101 Ticket Costs: $95.00–$250.00 A $7.90 transaction fee applies. Concession discounts are available for valid concession card holders. Ticket Link: https://qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/handels-messiah Recommended Age: Not specified. Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, including interval. Production Website: https://qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/handels-messiah Other information: VIP tickets include premium seating, one complimentary interval drink and access to a catered post-concert function with invited guests and artists. Concession discounts are available for eligible card holders. Group and school bookings can be arranged through QTIX. Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seating and dedicated seating options for patrons requiring mobility assistance are available. Bookings can be made by contacting QTIX on 136 246 or info@qtix.com.au . Companion Cards: Companion Card bookings are supported. Complimentary companion tickets associated with VIP purchases do not include all VIP benefits. Visual and Sensory Guide: A Concert Hall Visual and Sensory Guide is available on the QPAC website to help patrons prepare for their visit. Previous Next



