"Spamalot"- Northern Light Theatre Company- Shedley Theatre, Elizabeth

It's obvious from the outset that there is a lot of love in this production. Director Mike Pole (whose brother directed the professional version), choreographer Sue Pole and Musical Director Peter Johns have put together an outstanding production.

Northern Light has taken some big risks in recent years but the packed house on the night I saw it shows that Monty Python will always bring the fans out. And I'm certain they weren't disappointed.

A top notch cast has taken the rather disjointed script by Eric Idle and turned it from an attempt at a cohesive plot to a series of funny sketches joined together with a loose thread or two (and some sparkling music).

There's really not a lot to tell if you've seen "Monty Python And The Holy Grail" you'll have pretty much seen Spamalot. The show sticks pretty rigidly to the film until the end when it's clear that Idle has no idea how to end the show (much in the same vein the comedy troupe had no idea how to end the original film).

None of this is the fault of Northern Light who make do with what they've got and they do it very well.

Nick Setchell and Megan Humpries sing up a storm as King Arthur and the Lady Of The Lake, both having memorable turns throughout the course of the night. Humphries is adorned is some outstanding costumes (and some that have to be seen to be believed).

They are joined by an outstanding array of talent including Omkar Nagesh (in several small but pivotal roles), Jason Ferguson, Steven Rudd Jethro Pidd, Michael Papps and Glenn Vallen- all who play numerous roles to perfection.

The rest of the ensemble join in the hilarity and dance and sing with great gusto.

The sets are practical and well lit and the costumes are all exceptional.

My biggest complaint is with Northern's ridiculous habit of miking the orchestra. As good as the band is, when it drowns out the chorus it's pointless. You either mic everyone on stage (including the chorus) or you do what other amateur groups do, which is only mic the principals. I've seen far too many Northern shows recently where the sound mix has ruined a good evening, and it's a shame when it's obvious that a lot of care and work has gone into putting on an outstanding show. It's something that needs to be addressed if Northern are to present the truly outstanding nights of entertainment that they are capable of.

Having said all that though, it was still a great night out with many laughs.

Sydney (Part One)

It's hard to believe I have been here in Sydney for a little over five days. When I arrived it was hot and humid. It stayed that way all weekend and for the majority of Monday as well. The weather here has been so interchangable. I think I've possibly experienced all four seasons this week. Mind you, at least it stayed the same for the whole day, unlike in Melbourne where the weather has more mood swings than a woman with PMS!

While I've been here I have been incredibly fortunate to stay with two of the nicest people I could have imagined. Bronwyn and I go way back (in fact I believe I took her to her first orchestral concert). Although we reconnected a couple years ago, we hadn't seen each other face to face for at least 15 years. When she said I could stay with and her fiancee, Ben, I was totally stoked. They have been wonderful hosts, allowing me to eat, sleep and come and go at all times of the day and night. The fact that they have opened up their hearts as well as their home will never be forgotten by me.

Of course, the reason I'm in Sydney is to perform in the Mahler 8th Symphony with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy. Mahler's music has been the soundtrack to my life for the better part of twenty years now and to sing in this monumental work, with the SSO and Ashkenazy at the Opera House was an opportunity I would not pass up. The rehearsals have been great (although the backstage area is like a labyrinth- I'm sure there have been more than one or two Spinal Tap moments from visiting artists). The singing has been first class and I can't wait for the performances tonight and on Saturday. That has definitely been the highlight for me.

Sadly it hasn't been quite the sightseeing adventure I had planned. The major thing I wanted to do was visit Martin Place and see Sunrise being filmed. That I did! I even met Mel, Kochie and Nat. Kochie's first to question to me after he found out I was from Adelaide was whether I barracked for Port Power. Sorry mate, no I don't. It's interesting to see the actual size of the studio in real life. It's a lot smaller than I imagined it was. And the fun thing about seeing into the studio was being able to see the hosts do things like scratch their bums and wash their glasses when they think nobody is looking.

The reason it hasn't been quite as glorious a trip as I had planned was that on Monday, after a LOT of walking around Sydney, I developed rather bad blisters on my feet, not to mention that the pollution and humidity has played havoc with my voice. I think also the fact that the touring party is basically split up into two groups- the over 55's and the under 25's (of which I am neither)- has meant that I really didn't fit into any group activities which meant that I am pretty much on my own when it comes to sightseeing. It has been a little depressing but I am refusing to let these setbacks bring me down. I will continue to bathe in the sunshine Mahler's music brings me.

Anyway, I shall finish my ruminations on the sydney trip once I get back to Adelaide.

Until next time blogrollers!

Ace Frehley- HQ Feb 2010

If there is one thing the Kiss Army is, it's loyal- especially to the four original members of Kiss. So when Ace Frehley originally announced only an east coast tour of Australia to promote his new album "Anomaly" the fans elsewhere kicked up a stink. Ace relented, and not only added new dates for other cities, but also cancelled the earlier tour so he could do it all in one fell swoop.
The Kiss faithful were not disappointed when the original Space Ace took the stage to the strains of his instrumental "Fractured Mirror" and then launched into "Rocket Ride" from "Alive 2". Over the next ninety minutes he let his music do the bulk of the talking (save the usual thank yous and the odd off-colour Michael Jackson joke). The bulk of the show was made up of songs from his days in Kiss and included such rarities as "Hard Times" and "Talk To Me" as well as a number of songs sung by other members of Kiss. Frehley had no qualms in letting his exceptional backing band do the singing either- his drummer doing an excellent impersonation of Gene Simmons on "Shout It Out Loud" and "Deuce". Frehley also let loose some songs from his earlier solo records including his self-titled debut. Although only a handful of numbers from "Anomaly" were played, they were received with as much warmth and love as any of the others. It also showed that Frehley still has the ability to write great riffs and powerful hooks. The relatively small but vocal crowd walked away feeling that they had seen something quite special.

On Australia Day ambushes, Courtesy and Facebook...

Well I'm a little bored tonight so I thought I would espouse my views yet again.

Firstly, thank you to the people who are following my blog and to those who have left comments. It's nice to know I'm getting through to people in a nerdy, geeky kind of way.

So on Australia Day the Premier of South Australia, Mike Rann, was due to show up and open an art exhibition on Greenhill Road. Who should show up but the woman who has accused the Premier of having an affair with her (a claim he has denied). Now here is where things get interesting. Somebody alerted the media that she would show up so naturally a huge gaggle of press showed up. This tipped off the Premier's people and they told him. Suddenly Mr. Rann became too busy. Now poor Russell Starke (and I use the term loosely as his reviews of both shows I've been involved in and others have been absolutely horrid at times) got all flappy and ordered this woman and her mother out of his gallery. You couldn't write a better script for "Home And Away" if you tried.

Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind sticking the boot into pollies when they deserve it but in this instance I don't see that Mr. Rann had any choice. It would have been a spectacle. Although the lady in question swears she wasn't going to do anything, just her mere presence there would have ruined the day for Starke, his gallery and the other guests who wanted to see the exhibition. If this lady wants to keep stymying the Premiers plans and his outings then she's going to need some serious tread on her shoes before March 10. And in the end it will only serve the Premier as the public will get sick of her showing up everywhere like a crazed stalker.

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Rehearsing for the Mahler 8 has been interesting to say the least. It bothers me that some (and I'm only talking a small handful here) seem to have lost their manners. You're there to rehearse. That means you sing, you listen to what the chorus master has to say and you apply it to what you're doing. But it seems to me that some people think that rehearsing means checking Facebook every 5 seconds (I love Facebook but even I can stay off it for an hour and a half), sending text messages, playing Nintendo DS or even knitting! For crying out loud. It's driving me nuts. Even if it's not your section that's rehearsing, show some respect to the people around you or to the section that IS rehearsing, and the funny thing about choir rehearsals is that what is said to one section can often be carried over to another.
To me it's all about the learning. Working with top people and enjoying the experience. It's sad that others just see it as another gig and they just can't be bothered. Well buddy, there's the door- don't let your butt hit it on the way out...

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Everyone seems to be telling me what I can and can't say on my status update so I may as well return the favour. Here's some things I DON'T want to see on a status update...


- Poor spelling. Seriously, there are plenty of sites to help you spell. Use them. You look ignorant and stupid.

- Rhetorical conversations with a person who won't read it ("Hey smelly lady next to me on the bus- TAKE A SHOWER!")

- Incessant plugs for shows you're doing. I don't mind event pages. I don't mind you plugging it a couple times but just LEAVE IT AT THAT!!!

- Over affectionate status to your partner. Ok, you love them. Great. You want to share it with the world. Awesome. BUT NOT EVERY STATUS UPDATE!!!

- Random Quotes. Nothing wrong with quoting a favourite line from a film or tv show. Please let us know though where it's from. Or do you just want people to ask you where it's from....?

- Bowel movements. It's bad enough when we get your diet plan everyday but I really don't need to know about the belch that rattled the windows or the fart that blew a whole in the wall and killed the cat.

and finally....

- Abbreviations. Not all of us speak in netspeak. Take the extra 5 seconds out of your day and write it out fully. Please

BTW- I'm probably guilty of at least 3 of the above but I have learnt my lesson. I think... naaaaaaaah.....

Until next time campers!

25 random things about me....thanks Kelly

I have been tagged by Kellyansapansa to share 25 random things about myself. Now I've got to think...

1. I am at a crossroads in my life right now. Part of me wants to stay with the status quo but a big part of me realises I can't stay where I am and that I need to move cities if I am ever to be successful in what I truly love doing.
2. My first car was a 1986 White Gemini hatch. Gorgeous car. 0-60 in about 3 days and faster to push up a hill than actually drive it up.
3. There are times when I just sit at the piano and play. I must confess to not having done any serious practice in a long time- my sight-reading is pretty good so it gets me by. However I realise that if I am to succeed at my goals that will have to change.
4. I hate being alone. I hate waking up alone.
5. I have always wanted to try my hand at standup comedy. I've always felt I could do a solid 10-20 minute bracket- maybe incorporating some of the parody songs I have written over the years.
6. Last year was the first time I had cried in a very long time. It was brought on by someone pushing me to the edge and nobody believing me. That complete frustration, coupled with lack of sleep just wrecked me.
7. The most amazing night of theatre I have ever been to was Wagner's "Parsifal" in 2002. Despite its near 6 hour running time at the end I felt like I could have watched it all over again.
8. If I don't have a cup of coffee in the morning I get really cranky.
9. 9 times out of ten when I remember dreams it's about me going back to either High School or Flinders Street and me always feeling out of place.
10. My party trick? Playing the piano from underneath.
11. I refuse to watch or read the Twilight series. The tweenies can drool over team whoever. I just don't care.
12. Last year was probably one of the worst years of my life- despite some bright rays of sunshine at the end.
13. I have well over 1000 cd's (originals- not burnt) and nearly 300 dvds in my collection.
14. When I was a kid I went to see Glenelg play Port Adelaide at Footy Park. In front of me were a family of Port supporters. When a Glenelg player tripped up a Port player the father shouted "Send the f****r off the ground you f*****g useless umpire. It's a f*****g disgrace!" Not one quarter later when a Port player proceeded to clotheline a bays player right in front of us the same man (surrounded by his kids) shouted "Kick his f*****g head in!!! That's it! F*****g kill the b*****d!". From that point on I swore never to support any team with words "Port" and "Adelaide" next to each other.
15. I don't drink much alcohol. Weird I know. My parents were never heavy drinkers (My dad has the great ability to have the same glass of beer in his hand all night aqnd make it look like he's had several) so I guess I never got the taste for it. When I was 18 I took a swig of Fosters and nearly vomited. Never drank the stuff again.
16. I have decided I really like getting photos with celebs. It's a great momento of a fleeting moment when you met someone who made it. Happened just last night.
17. I once saw Bert Newton in his underwear.
18. I love spending time with my niece and nephew. They make me feel young again (and it's a great excuse to see cartoons in the cinema)
19. I am getting tired of people telling me what I can and can't say in my Facebook status update. If my friendship is only worth what I write on my status then quite frankly I wonder why we're friends.
20. I hate the nickname Rod. To me, Rod belongs to either old cricketers or ageing rockstars of which I am neither. People just assume I don't mind being called Rod and I hate telling them I don't like it because I sound so petty.
21. I have an older brother- 4 years older than me.
22. My favourite game of all time would be guitar hero. any of the versions.
23. I tried wearing contact lenses but I hated them so I went back to glasses.
24. One night I will get up at a karaoke bar and sing "Bat Out Of Hell" loudly and proudly- followed by "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad"
25. My dream job? Playing keyboard for Kelly Clarkson.

I now tag Maggie and Miss S!

"Avenue Q"- Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide

“Avenue Q” is one of the most outstanding productions Adelaide has seen in a long, long time. The Robert Lopez/ Jeff Marx musical has been a major hit on Broadway (where it won several major awards including the Tony Award for best musical), the West End and across Australia. It’s easy to see why.
The musical makes a mockery of the Sesame Street style by setting words like “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist” and “The Internet Is For Porn” to melodies that wouldn’t be out of place on the children’s classic. And neither would the puppets. There’s the Bert and Ernie pairing of Rod and Nicky, the cookie monster style Trekkie Monster who are joined by a cast of other puppets and real life humans in their endeavours.
What makes this production outstanding is the hard work and brilliant performances of the cast who manipulate and voice the various puppets in full view of the audience- yet strangely enough, you hardly linger the humans as the puppet characterisations are that good.
Of the cast Natalie Alexopoulos is the highlight in her dual role as the lovable Kate Monster and the incredibly well endowed Lucy T. Slut. Her singing is exceptional and her movements and work with the puppets is top notch. Luke Joslin also is in terrific form as the scene stealing Trekkie Monster and the goofy Nicky. Mitchell Butell caps off a magnificent trio in his dual roles as the “fresh-faced” Princeton and the closeted Nicky.
The human characters are well performed by David James, Christina O’Neill and Leah Howard as Brian, Christmas Eve (his fiancée) and super intendant Gary Coleman (he of Diff’rent Strokes fame).
Jonathan Biggins has directed the show with aplomb making sure the action never drags and the clever use of multimedia adds to a hilarious night- all admirably backed by musical director David Skelton and his band.
The set is a remarkably adept one that changes frequently for different scenes set in and around the area.
Whilst there were some sound issues in the first half and some dialogue that needed a little slowing down, these are minor complaints in what is a must-see show for anyone who needs a good laugh. But be warned, this is no kids show. The language is a tad fresh at times and if you've seen "Team America" and thinkk you've seen the only puppet sex you'll ever see you'll be wrong.
Do not miss this wonderful, witty show.

Classic Doctor Who- The Top Moments From The Original Series

Ok- if you're not a fan of "Doctor Who" then this is probably the post to ignore. The Doctor has been with me for nearly 25 years. I first started watching the show around 1987 when Sylvester McCoy became the seventh actor to play the role. Shortly after- in 1989- the series was cancelled and for 16 years there was nothing except a telelmovie featuring Paul McGann. Of course, since 2005 we have been blessed with new episodes of our favourite timelord and the whole franchise is going from strength to strength. But let's not forget where it all started- the original series- 26 seasons worth! here are some of my highlights. I was actually going to do a top ten but then decided on a different approach...

First Doctor- William Hartnell
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"The Aztecs"- School teacher Barbara Wright- one of the Doctor's companions- is mistaken for an Aztec God. Despite the Doctor's assertion that she shouldn't change history, she tries to stop a ritual sacrifice. The writers don't hold back- she fails and the sacrifice goes ahead.

"The Dalek Invasion Of Earth"- The serial's final moments are the first genuinely touching and emotional spots in the series to date- The Doctor bids farewell to his granddaughter. Hartnell- known for his fluffing of lines- delivers this speech with the most amazing gravitas and sorrow.

"Mission To The Unknown"- the only episode to not feature the Doctor or his companions is a prelude to the serial "The Daleks Masterplan"- itself an outstanding serial spanning 12 episodes with so much death and destruction.

"The Tenth Planet"- our first glimpse at the Cybermen- thank goodness their look changed considerably. It was also the first time that the Doctor would change his appearance...


Second Doctor- Patrick Troughton
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"Evil Of The Daleks"- The final hurrah for the Daleks for nearly 5 years is an absolute cracking tale that crosses timezones and planets and it features a pitch battle between Dalek factions and the Emperor Dalek as well.

"The Enemy Of The World"- Troughton plays both hero and villain in this great little romp. No alien threat, just a madman (played by Troughton) wanting to take over the world. The score utilises the piece "Music for strings, percussion and celeste" by Bartok.

"The War Games"- The final episodes of this 10-part epic reveal the Doctor's origins for the first time. He goes on trial by his own people and is forced to change yet again.


Third Doctor- Jon Pertwee
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"The Silurians"- the Doctor tries to play mediator between the people of Earth and a race of beings who lived here millenia ago. The ending of this story is incredibly powerful with the Doctor actually losing.

"Inferno"- An alternate universe where all the good guys are bad guys and the bad guys are even badder? It's an outstanding tale that is gripping from start to finish.

"The Three Doctors"- Hartnell (in his last ever acting role) and Troughton join the current Doctor to battle a rogue timelord. Don't think about the science too much and you'll love it.

"Planet of The Spiders"- To send off Jon Pertwee, they give him a fairly average story but the final scene has been known to reduce some people to tears. Brilliantly acted and paced.


Fourth Doctor- Tom Baker
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"Genesis Of The Daleks"- A brilliant story that introduces us to Davros, the mad creator of the Daleks. A great tale of political intrigue and- of course- mass exterminations

"The Brain Of Morbius"- A former timelord- now reduced to a brain in a jar- tries his hand at being reborn. An all-time classic

"The Deadly Assassin"- Without a companion and back on Gallifrey, The Doctor must find out who has killed the President. it all climaxes with an amazing episode set entirely in a make believe world known as The Matrix.

"City Of Death"- Running around Paris, a story that stretches across all eras of Earth's past and with an outstanding cast, this was probably Tom's last great story.


Fifth Doctor- Peter Davison
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"Earthshock"- The cybermen return and the unwittingly cause the death of a companion. It's so brilliantly written and performed. One of the series absolute highlights for me.

"The Five Doctors"- Richard Hurndall (replacing Hartnell), Troughton and Pertwee join forces with Davison (Tom Baker had declined) to defeat another rogue timelord (there sure are a lot of them aren't there?). A wonderful story that not only manages to juggle multiple Doctors and companions, but also a number of the Doctor's main enemies too.

"Caves Of Androzani"- One of the most outstanding four episodes in the series history to bring to an end the Peter Davison era. A loathsome villain, the Doctor dying a slow death and some fabulous performances make this 100 remarkable minutes of television. The regeneration itself is the finest to date in my opinion....


Sixth Doctor- Colin Baker
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"Vengeance On Varos"- Predicting reality TV about 15 years before it became a reality- a stunning social commentary on where society was headed.

"The Two Doctors"- although the story is fairly flabby, it marks the final appearance of Troughton as the second Doctor.


Seventh Doctor- Sylvester McCoy
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"Rememberance Of The Daleks"- the final appearance of our favourite pepperpots is a brilliant sendoff to them. Full of battles, guns, death and twists and turns you won't see coming for miles....

"Survival"- the final serial is a good one- not brilliant but ok. It's ending is a fine sendoff to a series that was waiting to be reborn.....