John Shand Posts

April 5, 2025 / Theatre Reviews - Archive

York Theatre, Seymour Centre, March 29 8.5/10 The great wonder of history is that we continue to be surprised by it unfolding in our own lifetimes, as if it were something that only happened in the past. The corollary is that all that happened in the past is our tutor…

March 28, 2025 / Features - Archive

When director Damien Ryan approached actor Liam Gamble to play Richard III, Gamble was unfamiliar with both the historical figure and the Shakespearian character. After investigating him, he was taken by this “badass guy” and duly auditioned. “One of the reasons I cast Liam was the searing honesty of his…

March 27, 2025 / Concert Reviews - Archive

The Lounge, Chatswood Concourse, March 21 8.5/10 Ruthie Foster wasn’t just born to sing, she was probably already singing in the womb. Music pours from her mouth like water from a tap, and when she turns the tap on full, she makes an astounding sound: a huge, church-bred cry that…