John Shand Posts

September 28, 2024 / Theatre Reviews

Wharf 2 Theatre, September 21 8.5/10 The magic lies in the mystery. No one – especially children – has to understand all that happens in a story to delight in it. The parts that leave you guessing can often be the best bits. So not only is your brain fully…

September 26, 2024 / Features

When cellist Karen Hall began accompanying two clowns in their performances, she initially struggled to escape the relative stiffness of her classical training, and share the same playful zone. Then she started taking clown classes, herself. “They were life changing,” she says. “‘Clown’ is such a safe space: you get…

September 23, 2024 / Theatre Reviews

New Theatre, September 19 8/10 Just when you’re ready to scream at the endless earnest, predictable, naturalistic plays that clutter our stages, along comes Plenty of Fish in the Sea. It’s a timely reminder that theatre need not be so desperate to fulfil its dull aspiration of merely ticking the…