The Playhouse presents “The Grand Old Playhouse Music Hall”
Saturday, June 13
Review by Brenda Harwood
Dunedin’s Playhouse Theatre leaned into its historic nature during high-spirited performances of Victorian and Edwardian music hall songs and skits at the weekend.
“The Grand Old Playhouse Music Hall” was both a warm-hearted celebration of the Playhouse Theatre’s 150th anniversary and a joyful means of raising funds towards its major renovation project.
Directed by Jemma Adams, led by “The Chairman” — a dapper and in-form Brent Caldwell, and accompanied in jaunty style from the piano by “The Maestro” Tobias Devereux, the show was a delightful walk down music-hall memory lane.
"Celebrated Guest Artists” James Adams, Arlie McCormick, Bridget Telfer-Milne, Harriet Moir, Darrel Read, Charlotte McKay, Clare Lewis, Jack Archibald, and Christopher Hinch made the most of their comic and musical opportunities throughout.
Providing sterling support were “The Illustrious Ensemble”, comprising Caroline Murray, Grant Paris, Sophie Uden, Sam Roadley, Genevieve Scanlan, and Leo Douglas.
In a show filled with highlights, favourites for this reviewer included Adams’ On Mother Kelly’s Doorstep, Archibald’s Don’t Do it Again Matilda; McKay’s Why am I always the bridesmaid, Telfer-Milne’s I want to sing in opera, Moir’s You’d be surprised, Telfer-Milne and McCormick’s I don’t want to play in your yard, and Adams’ With my little wigger-wagger in my hand.
There were also plenty of opportunities for the audience to get involved, singing along in fun songs such as Don’t Dilly Dally on the way, Hinch’s I’m Henery the Eighth, and more.
Funny skits also abounded throughout the show, with a particular highlight being a clever and very funny live “cinematograph” sequence.
Performers worked on a simple, but effective set, and were clothed in a spectacular array of period costumes arranged by the wardrobe team of Adams, Anna Little and Christina Douglas.
All in all, The Grand Old Playhouse Music Hall was a delightful tribute to a grand old lady of Dunedin theatre.
