David Bravos

Tis the season, it seems. Whilst your normal Christmas show may gloss over the uglier side of Christmas, CAROL leans into it, allowing the festive season to be anything but. A belligerent Santa, a family that can’t be held together with any amount of wrapping tape, and a life falling apart, all come to the fore, with a backdrop of a Christmas that may not be pretty, but is certainly quite familiar to many. With some cheeky humour and warmth to rival a scorching summer, CAROL is the Christmas present you didn’t know you wanted.

What did our critic think of CATS at Crown Theatre?

Let's face it: a musical about a global water shortage that forces people to pay for the privilege of peeing sounds like a nightmare. Yet URINETOWN, presented by Western Sky Projects is anything but. Western Sky Projects has delivered a production that manages to be simultaneously high-brow social commentary and delightfully low-brow fun. It’s a smart, and unexpectedly joyful theatrical experience that reminds you why we love musical theatre—even when the very theatre is actively mocking itself.

What did our critic think of TIVOLI LOVELY at State Theatre Centre?

MONOPOLY: THE UNAUTHORISED MUSICAL, presented by Roundhouse Theatrical Co, emerges as a delightful and impressive example of local community theatre, driven by a passionate and talented team. Born from a WAAPA student's innovative graduation recital, this production has bloomed into a full-scale musical that wonderfully showcases the depth of musical theatre talent that Perth holds.

Just over 100 years ago, Perth was rocked by a murder that paralleled events happening on the other side of the world that were to become the inspiration for the musical Chicago. Theatre 180 transport us to the Roaring Twenties to illustrate how far the truth can be bent in ARTHUR HAYNES AND THE SMOKING GUN, with a mini-season taking place at the very spot of the crime that shook the city, Government House.

It's a twisted tale of desperation and botany that has been delighting audiences for decades, but few productions of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS have managed to balance its comedic and darker elements as deftly as the new one at Planet Royale. The stage evokes the Skid Row setting of the show, but the performances are what truly elevates it, with a small but truly talented cast hitting every part perfectly. Mixing the classic elements with a world-first digital star, Drew Anthony’s production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS will delight fans who know the show, as well as those only just discovering it.

Andrew Bovell's Speaking in Tongues is less a play and more a masterfully woven tapestry of fractured relationships and chance encounters. Speaking in Tongues​​​​​​​ is at The State Theatre Centre until September 14.

The enchanting tale of Beauty and the Beast has arrived at Perth's Crown Theatre, captivating audiences with its timeless magic and spectacular production.

PLIED AND PREJUDICE, the wildly unhinged adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel, has taken Perth by storm, offering a riotous and liquor-soaked theatrical experience. At the heart of this comedic masterpiece is the extraordinary collective ensemble, a cast of five actors tasked with bringing over twenty characters to life in a mere ninety minutes.

Jonathan Biggins brings his acclaimed one-man show THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL to the State Theatre Centre, offering audiences a captivating and often hilarious journey into the mind of former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating.

Black Swan Theatre Company’s latest offering brings us Deborah Frances-White, celebrated author and host of The Guilty Feminist podcast, making a powerful foray into playwriting with NEVER HAVE I EVER. True to Frances-White’s signature style, the play deftly tackles themes of gender, race, and class, all set against a friendship that beautifully illustrates how, despite our differences, we often share more than we realise. Ture to her comedic style, Frances-White infuses each lesson with a laugh and each laugh with a lesson. Never have I ever left a theatre laughing so loudly but thinking so deeply, until now.

Part tribute act, part concert spectacle, and all entertainment, LIAM COOPER’S KING OF THE KEYS is a tour of some of the biggest piano classics going, with a dash of other hits for good measure. On top of being an excellent pianist and fantastic singer, Cooper shows off his skills as a storyteller, too, adding yet another layer to a brilliant show.

There’s certainly a lot to be said for classics. First published in 1939, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is one of the highest selling books of all time, and one of Christie’s finest works. Since its stage adaptation in 1945, the plot has been tweaked and then returned, but even in 2025, a lot of classic stage techniques are utilised (as well as wonderful acting) to amaze you and keep you guessing until the very end.

BLUE is a captivating experience that truly stands out, immediately grabbing your attention with its evocative atmosphere and originality. Black Swan Theatre Company's latest offering is both deeply effective and refreshingly unique, leaving an impression that lingers long after its conclusion.

When Drew Anthony asked the audiences from the 2024 season of shows what they wanted to see next, the first choice was overwhelming; people wanted to see FOOTLOOSE. Based on the timeless Kevin Bacon movie, the musical delivers plenty at Planet Royale with some simply superb casting and choreography that befits such a dancing spectacle. This excellent production proves that this story still has the power to get people dancing.

Circus cabaret is experiencing quite the boom, and I for one am all for it. The latest addition to Perth’s market finds a fitting home in Crown Nightclub Eve, with LA CLIQUE bringing a mix of amazing acrobatics, wild stunts, and a hefty dose of cheeky humour to heat up these May nights.

What did our critic think of SISTER ACT at Crown Theatre? This musical adaptation of the beloved 1992 film, starring Casey Donovan as Deloris Van Cartier, radiates infectious energy, blending soulful melodies with a hilarious and heartwarming story that's sure to convert you.

With a firm set and staunch fan based long established, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: A MUSICAL TALE already has a sizeable audience to please before the casual theatre goer is catered for. Thanks to a talented cast, an action-packed storyline, and staging as epic as the story itself, the show is sure to please you whether The Lord of the Rings is a part of your life, or you’re simply on the look out for a big show.