John Shand Posts

November 16, 2025 / Theatre Reviews

Roslyn Packer Theatre, November 11 9/10 “I do not bray!” brays Martha, responding to George’s gibe that she does. What other play than Edward Albee’s 1962 masterpiece is so funny while being so savage? Precious few are blessed with a character as venomous as Martha who – miraculously – makes…

November 14, 2025 / Theatre Reviews

Theatre Royal, November 5 5/10 What a shame. Given that A Midsummer Night’s Dream was Shakespeare’s first masterwork, you’d think that even when bastardised into pop musical, it had half a chance of being better than this. At the very least you might expect it to improve upon Bell Shakespeare’s…

November 3, 2025 / Concert Reviews

Richard Bonynge Concert Hall, October 23 8/10 Samara Joy came out and told us that although she was recovering from a cold, she’d rather sing a few notes for us than none. Compromised she was, in range, volume and breath control. She avoided introducing songs or band members, and only…