The Depot Theatre

Theatre Review: Troilus & Cressida lacking a spark (at the Depot Theatre until 19th May)

Despite being penned by arguably the world’s greatest playwright, the convoluted storyline of Troilus & Cressida can prove a significant challenge for even the best theatre practitioners. Secret House have tackled this problem play with their usual gusto, gaining many ticks from this reviewer, but unfortunately the source material proves a difficult sell and, as…

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Review: Alison’s House is as relevant today as when it was written – perhaps more so (Sydney’s Depot Theatre to 21 April)

In a society where the literary works of men are frequently performed on the Sydney stage, it was refreshing to see a play by an esteemed female writer grace The Depot Theatre. Inspired by the life and work of American poet Emily Dickinson, Susan Glaspell wrote Alison’s House in the 1930s, creating a world full…

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Theatre Review: Secret House’s The Seagull is beautiful, edgy and raw (at The Depot Theatre until 16 December)

The Depot Theatre and Secret House have once again worked their magic on a classic, this time bringing Anton Chekov’s The Seagull into the modern era. Stripped back to its heart, this is a compelling tale of the frailty of the mind. Cleverly adapted, beautifully designed and expertly cast, there is nothing to fear from…

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Theatre Review: There are more than a few laughs to be had with Violent Extremism and Other Adult Party Games (until 25 November)

With a title like Violent Extremism and Other Adult Party Games you can’t help but expect a few controversial laughs. But this new play by Sydney-based writer Richie Black is a cut above and a genuinely funny piece of work. Supported by a very good cast and strong production values, this is yet another triumph…

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Theatre Review: The Big Meal is a satisfying event (playing until 4th November)

In an average restaurant, somewhere in America, a guy and girl meet. What follows is a familiar story, told in a not so average way; a lifetime condensed into just over an hour. The Depot Theatre’s latest production, The Big Meal, is an epic tale shrunk to fit a tiny stage. It is big on…

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Theatre Review: Modern Jesus is a real conversation starter (at the Depot Theatre until 2nd September)

Modern Jesus is an intriguing new play that reminds us that you only need a tiny spark to start a raging inferno. It is thought-provoking look at what it means to be 20-something in Australia today, although the themes would resonate with audiences anywhere in the West. But a couple of things hold it back…

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Theatre Review: Educating Rita provides its own educational experience (Performances at Sydney’s Depot Theatre until 20 May)

The Depot Theatre’s staging of Educating Rita is particularly timely for students studying HSC English; the opportunity to see a required text performed live should never be overlooked. For this reason, I encourage all parents and their teens to get out and see this play. This production has great heart, and it’s wonderful to see…

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Theatre Review: Sex Object gives audiences more than a happy ending (Shows until 29 April)

Charlie Falkner wants to talk about sex. Specifically, the kind of sex tech-savvy, self-obsessed Millennials are having (or not having). His latest play, Sex Object, produced by JackRabbit Theatre Company and showing at The Depot Theatre, is a fast-paced, uber-real, laugh-a-minute look at what makes people tick in the modern age. And it is furiously…

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New Works to Dominate The Depot Theatre’s 2017 Season

The Depot Theatre has announced its 2017 season, promising another exciting year of Australian firsts, new writing and innovative interpretations of much-loved classics. Based in the historic Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville, in Sydney’s inner west, The Depot Theatre aims to give a home to independent theatre-makers and creatives. In 2017, the Depot will…

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Theatre Review: My Father’s Left Testicle – The Depot Theatre (until 12th November)

Murray Lambert’s new Australian play, My Father’s Left Testicle, is a triumph. Funny, thought-provoking, challenging and engaging – this is independent theatre (and thinking) at its best. My Father’s Left Testicle is a play about travellers from a land across the sea. Persecuted for their beliefs, they seek refuge in a ‘lucky’ country, where they…

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Theatre Review: The Days Are as Grass, The Depot Theatre (until 29th October)

The Days Are as Grass is a delightful series of short plays that sheds light on the lives and experiences of the older members of our community. Performed by a stellar cast, this production is sure to have you thinking deeply about your own life and making the most of the time that you have….

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Theatre Review: Cymbeline – The Depot Theatre, Sydney (until 15th October)

Excellent direction and inspired design make Secret House’s production of Cymbeline a surprisingly entertaining night out. One of Shakespeare’s least-known works, Cymbeline reads like a bingo card of the Bard’s favourite devices: gruesome murder, adventures in the woods, cross-dressing, a confused King, banishment, star-crossed lovers and war. Tick, tick, tick, Bingo! At nearly 4,000 lines,…

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Theatre Review: The Women (Sydney Fringe Festival, until 17th September)

A great play and strong visual design set Edgewise Production’s The Women up for success, but inconsistent performances mean it falls just short of its potential. The Women was written in 1936 by Clare Boothe Luce. Described as a comedy of manners, with dialogue purportedly taken from conversations overheard in Manhattan powder rooms, the story…

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Review: Christina in the Cupboard – The Depot Theatre, Sydney (Performances until 30 July)

The Depot Theatre’s production of Christina in the Cupboard, by Paul Gilchrist, is bewildering at first, but eventually gets to a thought-provoking point which will have you pondering long into the night. The play, first performed at the Tap Gallery in 2013, is an exploration of one young woman’s retreat inwards as she struggles to…

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Theatre Review: Flame Trees, The Depot Theatre, Sydney (Performances until 2 July)

You’ll be guaranteed to be singing the Cold Chisel classic after attending this production, but sadly the theatrical version doesn’t quite rise to the heights of its musical namesake. Written and produced by Aussie dramatist Wayne Tunks, Flame Trees is a story about the unforgiving nature of country towns. Past actions are not easily forgotten, as…

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Theatre Review: Dirty People, The Depot Theatre, Sydney (performances until 8 May)

In this period of YouTube celebrities, reality TV starlets and Kardashians, it can be challenging to relate to theatrical characters. Audiences are regularly plated-up a plethora of classics, complete with over-the-top performances and melodious, fruity language contrasted against edgy, overly dark interpretations of long-lost fables. Presented on stark stages that we struggle to comprehend (but…

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Theatre Review: The Maids – The Depot Theatre (Performances until 30 April)

It’s hard to be critical of non-professional productions, because they are the training ground for so many working in the industry. Certainly, newcomers should be congratulated for sticking out their proverbial necks and adding to Sydney’s ever-expanding theatrical quilt. But unfortunately, some productions just don’t work, no matter how much effort the creatives put in….

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