1995
Festival Theatre
Adelaide
Murray Bramwell
It was once just a Lennon and McCartney throwaway. With a Little Help from My Friends, a Ringo song that George Formby might have written. Then, out of nowhere , came a version that transformed it into a soul gospel classic. Joe Cocker, gas fitter from Sheffield, had discovered some serious pipes of his own and was being hailed as the rival of Ray Charles and Otis Redding.
Celebrating twenty five years in …
Continue Reading Back to topMoby Dick
Adaptation by Nigel Triffitt
State Theatre
Space
Reviewed by Murray Bramwell
This production first surfaced at the Melbourne Festival in 1990 and now State has refitted it for its current season. Nigel Triffitt has always been full of bright ideas and this adaptation of Moby Dick is among his best. Melville’s sprawling novel, part metaphysics, part ripping yarn, has ample theatrical potential and time has only added to its curiosity and appeal.
The account of Captain Ahab’s pursuit …
Continue Reading Back to top1995
Matisse Exhibition
National Gallery of Victoria
Melbourne
Reviewed by Murray Bramwell
It is around half past nine and there are people pouring out of Flinders Street station, some heading across the Swanston Street intersection, others, like me, heading into town for a salubrious bite to eat. There we all are- ordering our number one breakfasts, McBottomless coffee and bacon McMuffin. Several armies are about to march on their stomachs. The Magpies fans, in their black and white Nikes and …
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