Managing Carmen - Review

Reviewed by Regina Su

It was my privilege to watch a Williamson at The Ensemble, to witness first hand this renowned play-writer’s ability to create slick characters with comic timing and witty repartee, and to watch it be brought to life by a stellar cast. Managing Carmen, a play by David Williamson, explores the perils of personal identity when coming into conflict with the media and stardom. Although this play has a strong sporting context and some dated language, the accessibility of humour, the relevance of social a conscience and powerful performances guarantee a night of entertainment; Williamson deserved his standing ovation he and the players received.  From the page, to the stage, we know Williamson has done something right, when he captivated audiences for the duration of two hours. With the aid of some very potent performers, Williamson held us in the palm of his hand, causing us to roar with laughter, and be gripped by silent tension. Even though I was not the target audience, the infectious laughter of the majority grew on me as the story progressed and we saw characters under pressure, we laughed with them through decisions and we empathised with them through their vulnerabilities. As a vintage Williamson, attending Managing Carmen is a chance to experience first hand the quick wit and polished scenes, especially in par with the adept skills of astute design team; commmendations to the theatricality and execution of stage/lighting design. The actors, many faces of whom you’d recognise from popular Australian film and television, captivate the audience and carry them along a very fast-paced story, giving the audience time to laugh, or even involve themselves in ‘ooh’s and ‘aah’s. When I left the show, I listened to the whoops of congratulations to Williamson, as many ladies commented on a night of “fun” and “hilarious entertainment”. As the storyline grew more comical and fantastical, the more intensity the actors showed and The Ensemble has successfully upped the anti once more with a heart-warming piece from an iconic writer.

GLEN STREET THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2013 SEASON

Glen Street Theatre has announced an exciting line up of entertainment coming to the Glen Street stage in 2013. A diverse and exciting programme of drama, music, satire and comedy, 2013 promises something for everyone.

The season kicks off with Managing Carmen, the brand new comedy by Australia’s most successful playwright David Williamson. A play about football, identity and slingbacks, Managing Carmen is laugh out loud comedy for lovers of football and designer dresses alike. Then, David Denborough’s Sundowner, starring the much-loved Helen Morse, explores the complicated realm of memory through a powerful combination of theatre, dance and physicality in a story of lament and at times, grief and sorrow.

Next in line is Elizabeth Coleman’s deliciously funny and sweetly dark play It’s My Party (And I’ll Die If I Want To). A comedy of anxiety, absurdity and occasionally terror, Henri Szeps stars in what promises to be one of the highlights of the 2013 season. Following this, audiences will be spoilt with a glittering evening of delight, wit, song and dance in the highly entertaining, strangely familiar and surprisingly touching Noël and Gertie, based on the legendary on and off stage partnership of Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence.

Australian legend Uncle Jack Charles offers an insight into his fascinating life as a veteran actor, musician, Koori elder, activist and, until recently, heroin addict and cat-burglar. Nominated for Helpmann Awards for Best Director and Best Male Actor in a Play, Jack Charles v The Crown is a theatrical delight and a celebration of one of the country’s near forgotten treasures.

In 2013 Glen Street is thrilled to be hosting version 1.0 and their hit production The Table of Knowledge - a hilarious and utterly compelling interrogation of power, corruption and good governance in contemporary Australia. The theatre will also host the incomparable Catherine Alcorn, singing the hits of Bette Midler in her critically acclaimed cabaret The Divine Miss Bette. 
Following the overwhelming response they received at Glen Street this year, Australia's leading taiko drumming group, TaikOz returns in 2013, this time with prominent Melbourne DJ/Producer, Max Royce-Hampton in TaikoDeck – a visually spectacular show features more than 20 taiko drums and percussion instruments including traditional Japanese bamboo flutes, bells, gongs and cymbals.
And rounding out a year of phenomenal entertainment are those wizards of satirical comedy, the team from The Wharf Revue. 

In 2013 Glen Street will introduce some exciting new initiatives. Firstly, Tuesday performances will commence at 6.30pm and will be followed by a ‘Meet the Cast’ session where you can engage in discussion about the production with the performers.
Secondly, the theatre will host ‘Quarterly Wine Tastings’ in partnership with Wine Partner, Samuel Smith and Son, where audiences will be able to enjoy a free wine tasting prior to the performance.
Thirdly, if you want to subscribe but can’t yet decide on which plays you’d like to see, make the most of a Flexible 3 Play Package Voucher. This voucher allows you to secure the 3 play subscription discount, while giving you the freedom to take yourtime in choosing which shows you want to see.
Glen Street Theatre invites you to enjoy a year of exciting entertainment that will delight and move you.