John Shand Posts

May 29, 2025 / Theatre Reviews

Old Fitz Theatre, May 25 9/10 Although Alex never appears, Tenkei, a Buddhist nun, speaks for us when she tells Mary Jane, Alex’s mother, “I see him very clearly.” Alex, two-and-a-half years old, has been riddled with critical medical conditions since birth. Mary Jane has split with the father, and…

May 27, 2025 / Theatre Reviews

Hayes Theatre, May 14 7/10 When, during the first half, Pepa, the protagonist, accidentally set fire to her bed (as in Pedro Almodovar’s film on which this is based), the fire blazed up so dramatically that I glanced at the emergency exits. Pepa duly put it out, but I doubt…

May 22, 2025 / Concert Reviews

The Soda Factory, May 13 8/10 Imagine if those trying to sell Newcastle as a tourist destination had sent silverchair overseas, or those selling Sydney sent Midnight Oil, or those selling Melbourne used Hiatus Kaiyote right now. That would be much too radical when we have beaches, reefs, a rock…