Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival - Review

I was given tickets to check out this show by the great people at Cavanagh PR. All opinions are my own.

Last week I borrowed a child (and her mother, and another of my friends) and we headed to Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne to see Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival! We had a great time!




Before the show we were lucky enough to be invited into the VIP room. There was colouring in, and balloons and face painting.

Despite what you may think, face painting is NOT just for the kids!



We got to meet MICKEY MOUSE!



 
After gathering our supplies of fairy floss, it was time to head into the arena. The ice stage was set!

We sat back and relaxed and let the world of Disney entertain us. After a strange start where they did some Vogue-ing under the sea, we saw the story of The Little Mermaid. After that was Tangled, complete with Maximus the Horse! (How someone skates as the back end of a horse is beyond me)





After a short interval it was a Tale As Old As Time, Beauty And The Beast! The attention to detail was wonderful, with props being slid onto the ice and also popping down from the scaffold above. The lighting was also great and really helped to set the scene.

The finale was, of course, Frozen! The audience was mainly kids, and even though you could tell when they realised what the other stories were, when they realised it was time for Frozen, they almost raised the roof! Seriously, they were SO excited. Especially the girl behind me who had spend the first three quarters of the show loudly asking 'Where's Elsa?'

I took only one picture of the Frozen sequence, it's the one above and I took it mainly because there are BEES! (Look closely, you'll see them, I promise!) The rest of this bit had all the best bits from the movie, snow, ice, Sven, Olaf. The way they did the part where Anna gets frozen and re-warmed was really clever. There was even more spectacular lighting and pyrotechnics too.

The bad news is that Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival has already melted down the stage and left Melbourne, but the great news is that they are going to be freezing things up at Newcastle and Sydney next! Go with your kids, go with your grandparents, just GO!

Tickets are available here. What are you waiting for?

*Newcastle Entertainment Centre 8 – 10 July (Fri - Sun)

* Sydney- Allphones Arena 13 – 17 July (Wed - Sun)

*denotes school holidays

Tickets from $34.50*

*When tickets are purchased with cash at the box office. Ticket price includes GST & Booking/Inside Fee. Additional Transaction & Credit Card Fees may apply. Additional discounts apply on select performances.

For more information and to view a clip from the show visit www.DisneyOnIce.com.au



You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown - Review

I was given tickets to check out this show by the lovely people at Cavanagh PR. All opinions are my own.

I gathered a few of my favourite people and we headed to the Alex Theatre in St Kilda to see You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown on Wednesday.

The verdict? We loved it!

Seriously, what a fun show! Slick choreography, a beautiful set and clever costumes made for a top night out.

I had never seen it before, and aside from knowing it was based on the Peanuts comic strip I had no idea what to expect. What we got was a great show full of energy, catchy songs and wonderful performers. I think my favourite song was Suppertime, but I also really loved 'My Blanket and Me'. My only criticism is that there was no live band in the theatre, although the cast had spot on timing to the backing tracks.

There's no real storyline, but it whizzes along at such a pace that it seems that it doesn't need one. Lots of adorable little scenes. The set is very clever too, basic, but with a Schulz signature! Stairs up the back that convert into things like pianos. Two screens with loads of different pull down curtains to make school buses and music rooms. There was wonderful choreography that made use of the whole stage, and the cast popped in and out from different spots when you least expected it. And the costuming? It was awesome! They made it look like they were WEARING cartoon outfits!

Charlie Brown was played by Cameron MacDonald, Lucy by Courtney Glass, Schroeder was Joshua Robson, Linus portrayed by Adam Porter, Charlie's sister Sally was played by Sarah Morrison. It was Luigi Lucente who stole the show though, he played Snoopy.

I saw the show with a contingent of adults, but there were lots of kids there and they all seemed to love it as much as we did! Given that tickets start from just $25, I reckon you would be mad not to grab your Linus blanket and take your family these school holidays!

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown is playing at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda (it's right across the road from the tram/light rail that comes from the city, so it's super easy to get to) until July 2nd. (There's heaps of matinees!) Tickets are available from Ticketek.

Jurassic Creatures - Review

We were given a family pass to check out Jurassic Creatures by the wonderful people at Cavanagh PR.

All opinions and photographs are our own.

When I was contacted about going to see this, I was pretty excited. I mean, who doesn't love dinosaurs? When the day arrived I was unfortunately unwell and couldn't go, but Chyken rounded up some kids we know and off they went!  Here's what he has to say about it...

Firstly, let me clarify that this is NOT the dinosaur thing currently on at the Museum, it's a different one, it's at Docklands just near the Southern Star wheel, and it closes THIS SUNDAY (April 10th)

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when we arrived to see Jurassic Creatures. My first impression came from the ample signage from the Docklands tram stop and right the way through Harbour Town.  The ticketing staff were efficient and friendly, and with three eager kids in tow, we lined up for the promptly-opening 10am session. 

From the outset, this is really engaging both visually and aurally.  The family loved hearing the loud roars and seeing the animatronic dinosaurs from outside the tent. Upon entering the tent, the camera got a workout! This place has lots of photo opportunities of the kids interacting with both static and animated dinosaurs, with great lighting. Whilst there was lots of looking skywards to see the pterodactyls, mammoths and the ferocious T-rex, the display is designed for kids, with the vast majority of displays (and information plaques) at head height for littlies.

Jurassic Creatures is clever – not only is it a display-based attraction, it provides other activities designed to engage and peak curiosity. The kids could join in the songs and dance right in front of the stage where your host has the kids right in the palm of her hand with her dinosaur pals, Buddy and Tiny. The kids enjoyed becoming a palaeontologist and discovering different fossils which they could keep. A big winner though, was the art and craft, where kids could make their very own colourful dinosaur sand art to take home!

After being a bit dinoed-out, we stepped outside into the park’s amusement section, where the kids could go on unlimited rides on trains, jumping volcano, pirate ship and cup ride.

Whilst there are food and merchandise stands throughout the facility, these are incredibly reasonably-priced! The icing on the cake was the voucher we were handed, giving us $15 tickets for the Melbourne Star, right next door, upon presentation of our Jurassic Creatures ticket.

Jurassic Creatures must close on Sunday 10 April, which gives parents an opportunity to give the kids a very cool experience in the remainder of these holidays.  We loved it, and hope you will too!

Tickets for Jurassic Creatures start at just $22 each. A family pass is $105. They can be booked online here.

Silvers Circus in New Gisborne - Review

I was given a double pass to roll up and see Silvers Circus by the good people at Cavanagh PR. All opinions are my own.

 

It's been quite warm around these parts for October, so warm that there's been a bushfire burning not far from here the last couple of weeks. It was a warm night when we headed to see Silvers Circus.

I've been to lots of circuses (circusi?) in my time, and I can honestly say that Silvers Circus is the best Australian one I've ever seen. I said that when I saw them last year and paid for it myself, this is not the free tickets talking, I promise.

The acts are world class. During some of the aerial stuff I actually thought I might vomit with fear. Even though logically I know they wouldn't be up there doing it if it wasn't safe, it really doesn't look like that a lot of the time.

There's a little something for everyone here, not too much clown (I know there are lots of people who don't like clowns), there's enough, but not too much, and the use of audience volunteers is funny without making people step too far out of their comfort zone. 

Lots of different sorts of juggling (including a woman who juggles fire with her FEET!) and the woman on the roman rings had me on the edge of my seat. Likewise the tightrope walker.  There's no net!  How are they allowed to do that?!

I'm still trying to work out how Simon the magician pulled off some of the magic tricks, maybe it is REAL magic?!

There are two main stand outs though and they are the Wheel Of Death and the Double Wheel of Steel, the Wheel of Death is a metal globe that crazy talented men roar around inside on motorbikes.  I mean, have you ever? And just when you think it's too much they put a woman in there and ride within inches of her! Insane!

However, the absolute highlight for me was the Double Wheel of Steel. Two men spin around at stupid speeds balancing each other and if that's not enough they get on the outside and seem to almost touch the top of the tent. I have no idea how it works, but it is marvellous to watch. (This is where I actually thought I might throw up!)

Silvers Circus is in New Gisborne until Sunday. It's not often that such world class entertainment lands right on our doorstep, so we should be taking advantage of it so they come back!

For all the details and to buy tickets, go to their website.

Canvas Factory Review

I was given a voucher to use at the Canvas Factory website. All opinions in this review are mine.

We got married in 2008.  We spent a fair amount of our wedding budget on a photographer, with the idea that one day we would actually do something with the wonderful photos he took. A couple of years after the wedding I popped some into an album, by way of one of those companies that let you design your own online and then they print it. It turned out really well, but by the time I included all the photos I wanted it turned out to be pretty expensive.  I always had plans to get one blown up to put on the wall, but life got in the way and it never happened.

Enter, the Canvas Factory!

I was approached recently to see if I wanted to review their products and seeing an opportunity to beat my procrastination at its own game, I jumped at the chance!

The process is simple, you jump onto their easy to navigate website, choose a photo (or photos!) you want to work with and upload it following the instructions. Then you choose what you want your photo printed on (they do canvas (der!) acrylic glass and also aluminum) make a decision about what size, pay the very reasonable price and then they post it to you! Shipping is capped at $14.95, but if you order over $100 worth, they'll send it to you free!

Mine arrived a few weeks ago, and whenever I walk by it, I can't help but smile. I've seen canvas prints that my friends have had done via other online means that shall remain nameless, and in my opinion, the quality of Canvas Factory is much better. The colours seem richer, the image sharper. The only problem I'm having is that I can't decide where in my house to put it. I'm currently trialling several different spots.

This is a bad photo of a GREAT print. Apologies!

If you head over to the Canvas Factory site now, you can get 70% off, just because you are buying direct. Give them a go, you won't be sorry!

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - Alice Fraser

 

 

One does not go to a comedy festival show expecting to cry.

 

I cried during Alice's show and I'm not afraid to admit it.

 

This show is brave and beautiful.  I don't want to reveal too much, but Alice had some horrible things happen to her while she was writing this show, and the way she has weaved them in and out of the show is wonderful.

 

Please don't think that it's all sad, there are a lot of really funny parts. There are accents and there are banjo songs. 

 

This is not conventional 'comedy', but I really loved it.

 

4.5/5 stars

 

There are only two shows left in Melbourne, but then Alice is Sydney bound.  Get tickets for Melbourne here!

 

 





Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - David Williams

I first saw this guy years and years ago, I think at Stagetime and then definitely in a few comedy festival shows. I've looked for his name in the comedy festival guide every year since, but he hasn't been there and I've been really disappointed. David informs us at the start that he hasn't done a comedy festival show in eight years. I'm glad he's back!

Cool Genes Man is mainly about David being a sperm donor for some friends of his, but it has lots of other bits in it as well. I loved the section on cruise ships and even though I had heard it before, I really enjoyed the story about the party in Adelaide, it's one of my favourite comedy routines, so to hear it again was wonderful.

This show was worth it for the cockatoo impression alone.  There's two shows left, go see it!

4/5 stars

He's at Trades Hall, tickets here.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - Em Rusciano

This is a show for anyone who has ever been, or ever had, a mother.

I had a really great time at this show. Em mixes comedy and music seamlessly. Her re-writes of songs from Frozen and The Sound of Music were a highlight for me. I loved her tales of motherhood, and of growing up in the 90's.  I especially enjoyed the John Farnham medley.

There was an Auslan interpreter at the show I saw, and I will confess that I spent a lot of time watching her just to see what the sign was for all the swearing Em was doing on the stage.

I've seen Em's shows at the last couple of Comedy Festivals and she only gets better and better.

4/5 stars

There are no tickets left for this season, but if you're lucky you might get tickets to her encore show in Yarraville.  Details here.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - The Shelf (Part Three)

It's entirely possible that I'm too tired to accurately review this show.

On the Comedy Festival website, The Shelf is listed as having a running time of 120 minutes.  Tonight's show went for over 4 hours. It was ridiculously good. However, I am too tired to accurately remember exactly what went on. The Shelf really is one of those 'you just had to be there' type shows. So, next time, be there, eh?

 

 

The Shelf is finished for this season. If you want tickets to the next one later in the year, check out their website

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - Le Noir

I don't why this is billed as part of the comedy festival, just extra advertising maybe?  In any case, it wasn't very funny.

It was expensive and I'm not sure where my money went. It didn't go on fabric for costumes (the majority of the cast spent most of their time in some kind of underwear) and it certainly didn't go on the chairs.  I paid extra for premium seating on the stage at the State Theatre. I was sitting behind the small circular stage where most of the action happened. Almost all the show was performed to those people sitting in the stalls of the actual theatre.

The ringmaster/clown person had no microphone, so I couldn't hear a word he said. His attempts at humour by getting people up from their seats to do things on the stage were long, drawn out and painful. There were a lot of acts that seemed the same. How many times can acrobats throw someone up and pretend they aren't going to catch them before it gets boring? I was over it by the third act to do the same thing.

The music was annoying and far too loud. However, I did like the lighting effects. And the performers themselves were very clever at what they do.

The Wheel Of Death thing at the end was great, but not worth the money I paid for the whole thing.

It would be fair to say that I was really disappointed in Le Noir. I really wanted to like it, but I just didn't. I've had much better nights at travelling circuses (circusi?) where I paid a quarter of what the ticket cost for this one.  And those ones have fairy floss!

1/5 stars

Tickets can be found here.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - Rod Quantock & Fiona Scott-Norman

This show is called 'Drivetime with Two Leggy Redheads' and that's exactly what it is. There are different guests each time.  When we went it was loosely 'musical comedy' themed, with Casey Bennetto, Gilliam Cosgriff, Tripod, Dave Callan and Jonestown on the bill.

It's a mix of performances and chats. Oh, and cake!

It's the perfect start to a night of comedy,

4/5 stars

Only on weekends - tickets here.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - Festival Club - Comedy Up Late

The line up at the Festival Club is always different.  We had these guys and gals:

MC DeAnne Smith

Josie Long

Rohan Ganju (RAW Comedy Runner Up)

David Quirk

Joel Creasey

Mark Watson

Beau Heartbreaker

Ivan Aristeguieta

The night we went it was filmed for ABC, it will be on the TV and iView and is well worth a look.

Great spots by all involved.  Highlights for me were DeAnne Smith and Ivan Aristeguieta.

For $20, if you're still up, it's a great way to finish off a night at the Comedy Festival.

Tickets and upcoming line ups available here.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - Gillian Cosgriff

I've seen Gill do bit and pieces on other shows (and on YouTube) over the years, but this was the first time I'd seen a whole show. I am kicking myself that I haven't been before.

Her opening song (that is NOT part of the show) tells us that she has been compared with Tim Minchin, and that she's OK with that. I think it is a fair comparison. If you like musical comedy at all (and let's face it, why wouldn't you?), then you really should go and see Whelmed!

Filled to the brim with clever songs and really funny anecdotes, Whelmed was a really great show.

Go see it!!!

4.5/5 stars

Whelmed is at Trades Hall. You can get tickets here.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - The Narelles

I loved this show.  Loved it.

The premise is that this is a reunion concert of a great band you've never heard of. Mainly because they don't exist. But that doesn't stop Alan Brough and Casey Bennetto reminiscing. Filled to the brim with great music and hilarious lyrics, you should not miss this show!

4.5/5 stars

They're playing at Trades Hall.  Tickets here.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - Dolly Diamond

I could see the potential in this show.  I think with a bit more focus and direction it could be great.  As it is now though, it's pretty average. Dolly's show is all about how she desperately wants to be the Queen of Moomba, but how the powers at be keep choosing other people for the job.

Unfortunately, Dolly's singing was far overshadowed by the singing of her piano playing accompanist. She was the highlight for me.

1/5 stars

Dolly is playing at Trades Hall. Tickets available here.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - Adam Hills

I really enjoyed Adam's show. It was full of the Adam Hills we all know and love, there was audience interaction (if you don't want him to talk to you, then you should get there on time), there was poignant bits about kicking cancer in the dick and there was even a song.

Nothing ground-breaking here, and I think there were some parts that didn't need to be there, but over all I had a good time. 

4/5 stars. 

Tickets here: http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2015/season/shows/clown-heart-adam-hills

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - Nina Conti

I am amazed by ventriloquists. Always have been. Nina Conti is a damn good one. Her show is completely improvised, so is different each night. 

Tonight's show wasn't great. It's not Nina's fault. She started out really well. But a fuckwit audience member ruined the night for everyone. Why do people go to comedy and think people want to hear the shit they say instead of the person they have paid to hear? I will never understand it. 

Had Nina not already had two people and a monkey on stage (and therefore was doing three voices and her own!) at the time, she would have taken the dickhead down.  It's a real shame, because the first half of the show as brilliant! Please don't let this review put you off seeing her.

3/5 stars. 

You can get tickets here... http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2015/season/shows/in-your-face-nina-conti

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - The Shelf (Part Two)

 

Just home from another fantastic night at The Shelf. Just look at the line up above and tell me that's not a recipe for success?

Everyone was in fine form, highlights for me were Celia Pacquola, Cal Wilson and Aunty Donna. Puddles was terrifyingly great and I loved Susie Youseff.

If you haven't been to The Shelf yet, what the hell are you waiting for?

Tickets here. They also usually release a limited amount on the door a couple of hours before it starts.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - Ali McGregor's Late-Nite Variety-Nite Night

 

I've seen this show in the Famous Spiegeltent for the past few years and it has NEVER disappointed me. If you're a first timer to the festival, get tickets to this show.

Ali chooses her guests and only has people on she likes. They are always good. Even some microphone problems on the night I was there couldn't stop the good.

In between the four comedy acts (we had EastEnd Cabaret, Tony Law, Asher Treleavan and Nina Conti), Ali sings. And man can the woman sing. There were mash ups, there was opera.  It was divine.

It's easy to see why this show has been going for nine years, here's hoping it goes for at least ninety more!

Tickets can be purchased here.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2015 Review - James Acaster

 

James Acaster is another comic I first saw at The Shelf. His show did not disappoint. 

He used the story of being on a jury to tell the tales of various characters in his show. I thought this was really clever. He spent the hour strutting about the stage, his show was sharp and filled to the brim with jokes that I found hilarious. He talked about growing up in London, being in a gang and how he always wanted to do jury duty.

This show is really worth seeing.

3.5/5 stars

Tickets available here.