From the Queensland Ballet to Vin Diesel to two very different takes on theatre in one weekend. If I did this for a living it would never get old, I’ve been living in a dream this past month or two and I don’t want to wake up. I remain grateful for the opportunity to work for Scenestr.
On Friday I attended Beenleigh Theatre Group’s production of the classic Australian play Cosi which boasts some real laughs and heart. On Saturday I was in the Brisbane CBD to experience England by Tim Crouch. This was a play with a difference experimenting with how an audience fills a space, interacts with the performers and take in their surroundings. It is Crouch’s words and rule breaking that leave an impression, that and two central performances by Barbara Lowing and Steven Tandy. Both have a wealth of experience and true acting chops. More is the shame that I recognised Tandy from a sex scene in the Aussie crime flick Gettin’ Square more than any of his more revered theatre and television work. No matter I will always remember him for his great work here now.
You can read my review of Cosi http://scenestr.com.au/news/arts/cosi-beenleigh-theatre-group-review-20170424 and my review of England at http://scenestr.com.au/arts/england-metro-arts-review-20170424 I thank you all for taking the time to click on the links.
Tomorrow is ANZAC Day in Australia. Lest We Forget.
Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years of publishing history they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They also publish Scene magazine in print every month focussed mostly on music gigs, festivals, stand-up comics, fashion and interviews with local and international bands. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts and fortunately for me I have had some reviews published on their online website.
-Lloyd Marken
Back to the Drawing Board Productions 
I envy you “living in a dream.” Long may it continue!
Well I got to make a living in the mean time but hopefully I’m learning and getting better.
Thank you Paul, I wish the same for you.
Good reviews, Lloyd. I don’t know of either play, but ‘England’ sounds like an unusual theatrical experience.
(I think your links are the wrong way around, by the way.)
Best wishes, Pete.
Oops thanks Pete. Tim Crouch plays maybe get done more around your neck of the woods so check them out.
What a weekend though, eh?
I had a wonderful time.
In your review of England I noted your comment about the art that was present. I don’t know whose art was present, but I wonder if it wasn’t selected purposefully to fit in with the underlying theme of the production rather than for its intrinsic beauty?
You’re absolutely right Allen. While never explicity stated I believe that was the case. For example there is a heart drawn in one picture and the character has a heart disease. The rest reflects time and seasons, etc. A lot was abstract and was referred to by the actors during the performance as various different things hence I think they were abstract intentionally. Thanks for diving back into this older post. I really enjoyed England.