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Shakespeare Under The Stars Townsville N.Q. |
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This is where you the audience member can let us know what you thought of the show that we have put on for you. Reviews and audience feedback are always welcomed. |
It does not have to be the current production, but any of the Shakespeare Under The Stars Shows. For the full list of shows click here. |
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Wow, school Shakespeare was never like this! This production was so funky and funny, I ached from laughing. Brendan and Terri are a joy to watch with their superb comic talent but they are backed up by a wonderful cast, including of course the stunningly seductive Serviettes! That slo-mo duel was probably the most brilliant moment of the night - and perfectly executed- but there was so much more. Even the wildlife seems to get it right, because whereas last year the calls of curlews and flying foxes added to the macabre atmosphere of Richard III, this year it was flying mangoes and possum pee adding to the farce. (PS Am sure Jonathon Brown will soon be snapped up by the Queensland Ballet) ******************* Hi Terri and all the cast, this was a brilliant show, I enjoyed every minute.
Well done. *******************
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In his day, Shakespeare was considered a creator of popular culture, an artist catering to the masses whose talent lay in a unique insight into human nature. This legacy makes the current version of his Merry Wives of Windsor, performed in Queens Gardens in Townsville, both a tribute to the Bard and a triumph for our local Shakespeare company, Shakespeare Under the Stars. Drawing influences from a vast tapestry of contemporary artists including, believe it or not, Beyonce and the Spice Girls, plus film legends like Brando and Eastwood, this is a rollicking, well-performed production which makes the 400-year-old comedy accessible to a modern audience. Click here for the full review ******************* Another sterling show - love the modernity mixed in with the classic - a huge thank you to all the participants *******************
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"Kulcha" is certainly alive and kicking in Townsville, thanks to the Shakey Bill crew. Those of us massed in Queen's Gardens on Saturday laughed uproariously at the wonderful farce that is The Merry Wives of Windsor. Once again, spot on casting, fantastic costumes, absolutely brilliant melding of old and new music and lyrics, tongues firmly in cheek and sly wit galore. Boy, do we have some talent in this town or what?! The set was very clever and particularly enjoyed the between scenes entertainment cum set movement. Loved, loved, loved it all! See you again next year! ******************* If Toad of Toad Hall and Dame Edna Everidge had a love child, it would be Sir John Falstaff! Throw in the Andrew Sisters (now in quintuplet), the Godfather, and a touch of Will's and Kate's wedding, and you start to get the feel for this year's multi-era, multi-talented gourmet of song, dance and laughter from the eternally great Bard, Bill Shakespeare. It's also a Townsvillian tradition now, so don't miss it! |
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"Being forced to read King Henry V in highschool put me off Shakespeare for life, so I thought BUT Shakespeare Under the Stars is a great concept - I've been the last 3 years - I love sitting under the stars on a balmy night so close to actors like Brendan and Terri who deliver powerful performances, together with many other very good local performances, with the flying foxes, barking owls, curlews, possums providing background atmosphere. The music is the icing on the cake and I'll be back next year." ******************* A fantastic evening of entertainment! Such a well crafted and organised event, complete down to the finest detail. And those "child stars" - amazing! See you all next year! ******************* "Eth and I went to opening night and thought it was amazing! We've only just moved up here and feel that we are definately going to make Shakespeare Under the Stars an annual event!!!!" ******************* "Thank for an excellent production - Brendon was cast perfectly. Please next year can we have Julius Caesar - begging you!" ******************* "Richard was a huge success and a great team to work with. Everywhere I go people are talking about it. It certainly has made an impact again. A very senior JCU staff member was raving about it yesterday." ******************* "This was the best night out I have had in a long time - great food, wine and company and the most incredible entertainment. The show was so intimate it was as if we had travelled back in time and were watching a performance in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. The children were enthusiastic, and the rest of the cast were simply spectacular. I will certainly be booking early for 2011." ******************* "A wonderful performance by all. Loved it! The barking owls and curlews added to the eerie atmosphere. A great interpreation. Well done, can't wait for next year!" |
"You've really done it this time!! How can you top that for passion, style, performance and editing? Just gets better not only from year to year but even from night to night. Next year? Julius Caesar, Coriolanus, or Antony and Cleopatra (now that would be a vehicle for your stars) or even Midsummer Night's Dream--I can't wait. Think what we would pay to see work of your quality in Sydney or Melbourne we are very lucky people." ******************* "The performance of Richard's descent into madness by Brendan O'Connor is spectacularly terrifying and Beth Honeycombe makes her Duchess of York completely spine-chilling. It's the best Shakespeare Under the Stars yet." "Just got home from your Saturday night performance of Richard III. We haven't had such a fabulous night out for some time - thank you! All of the actors were brilliant, Brendan was incredible! Please pass on our thanks for a lively and inspired performance!" ******************* "A wonderful performance.All the cast were very good. I loved the venue under the trees in our lovely gardens. We` ll be back next year." ******************* "This is the second year I have bought my two children age 10 and 14 to see Shakesphere. As I love the playwright so much I was keen to introduce him to my own children. We pre-read the play before the performance so they wouldn't be too lost. At the end of the performance I asked if they had understood it and enjoyed it and they both gave a resounding YES. They loved Brendon O'Connor and the Mad Queen Margaret and the Ghosts. We discussed Richard for days after and why he was soo Bad. Thank you for keeping alive the spirit of Shakesphere for the new generation. Next year hopefully a comedy after two years of intense plays. Just thinking about next year under the stars get's us excited. Thank you for creating wonderful memories" |
"Wow, what a 'bloody' fantastic performance: as good, if not better, than a John Bell production I saw many years ago. Our friends from WA were also gushing with compliments, and said they were simply amazed at witnessing this standard of production "in Townsville." Nevertheless, even though my partner said the low lighting created atmosphere, I thought a slightly brighter (or more focused) level of lighting would have highlighted the actors' facial features, particularly Richard, adding to the dramatic impact of the wonderful cast of performers. 9.5 out of 10." ******************* "I thought that this performance was the best performance that I have seen all year. It was clear that all of the cast and crew have worked on this thoroughly and put a huge amount of effort into this play. Really great job to everyone involved!" ******************* "Congratulations to every last person involved in the recent Shakespeare-under-the-stars production of Richard III. A great play, a magical setting, bold and imaginative direction, superb choice of music, and individual performances that brought out the goose-bumps. Who could ask for more? Even the chorus of curlews, the calls of the barking owls and the occasional squabble among the flying foxes only enhanced the atmosphere. I could easily have gone back the next night and watched it all over again but, unsurprisingly, it was sold out. Over the weekend I was able to enjoy the celebratory programme which brought home what a treasure you "Shakey Billsters" are, with your exceptional talent, enthusiasm and sheer persistence in the face of many adversities. I find myself almost salivating at future prospects. Just imagine Brendan O'Connor as the villainous Macbeth, with Terri Brabon as his truly terrifying Lady, or picture Queen's Gardens infused with the enchantment of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." One thing is for certain - we must do whatever is necessary to keep this wonderful tradition alive and well in our city. Can't wait for 2011!" |
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"The stand-out performance without doubt was Brendan O’Connor as Henry V. He was engaging and believable as a king and as a soldier. Two of his ‘big’ speeches—‘Saint Crispin’s day’ and ‘Once more unto the breach’—were excellent, with the latter generating so much enthusiasm that not only did the soldiers on stage cheer but so did the woman in front of me." |
"This production, directed by Terri Brabon, absolutely flouts the popular perception that Shakespeare's history plays are boring. The story is full of drama, action, comedy, romance and tragedy, and each of these elements have been expertly interpreted for the maximum audience entertainment." |
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"Terri Brabon's attention to detail really brought the show to the next level. The French girls' costumes were fantastic; they had three or four changes from funky to glam to classic, all in red, white and blue. The modern music, the witty choreography, the simple but effective set; it all worked together seamlessly. Tropic Sun's Love's Labour's Lost is a clever, slick and fun performance. And watch for the dance off between Armado and Costard, the gardener... absolutely hilarious!" |
Here are some comments from people who are new to theatre in Townsville. "Excellent experience" "Keep doing what your doing .... the best thing was the talent of the actors" "The best thing was the production itself - particularly the music and choreography" "It was all good! The passion, joy and teamwork of the performers. Clever artistic direction." |
"A wonderful night and a great experience. Townsville needs more of this!!! ******************* "I have just returned home from this evenings performance, What a GREAT Show. Congratulations to all concerned for an entertaining evening." |
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"Not being a real Shakespeare fan, I was astonished with my delight in Othello. I actually understood what was going on AND being said! So inspired, I went straight out and bought the boxed set of the BBC Shakespeare series, recently aired on the ABC. A Shakespeare fan is born. Thank you." Jo Ann R. |
"On behalf of the Zonta Club of Townsville Metro, I would like to extend my thanks to you for allowing our club to attend a performance of Othello as a club fundraiser. I think our members enjoyed the evening imensley. Othello was a powerful piece, and the whole cast and crew involved should be congratulated on their excellent work. It is wonderfull to know that such talent exists in Townsville. We look forward to attending further Tropic Sun performances in the future." Zonta Club of Townsville Metro |
"A Good actor evokes strong feelings in the audience. And I was ready to punch Othello's villian Iago if I got close enough. He was played by Andrew Hale, and I hated the man with a passion. That's when I realised what a good actor he was...... Hale was fantasically manipulative as traitorous Iago, and veteran actor, musician and film-maker Tom E. Lewis was compelling as the play's namesake." Leonie Johnson The Townsville Bulletin 29/06/07. |
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