OPERA'S BAD GIRL: ANNA BISHOP, THE WORLD'S FIRST DARINGLY DEFIANT DIVA (MUSICAL PLAY)

Written by Sarahlouise Owens

Sarahlouise Owens, soprano

Lucus Allerton, piano

Directed by Tony Turner

A Cantaviva presentation

Canberra REP Theatre to 5 April 2025

 

Reviewed by Len Power 4 April 2025

 

Opera diva, Anna Bishop, born in London in 1810, performed in many countries, including Australia, survived a shipwreck, various husbands and scandals. She made and lost fortunes and was considered one of the finest operatic sopranos of her day.

Recreating a recital in the style of the times, soprano Sarahlouise Owens’ takes us on a musical journey through the fascinating life and career of this 19^th century opera diva.

Surrounded by various items from her career and travels, Anna Bishop appears with her accompanist at the piano in a time warp to entertain us, not only singing arias and songs she made famous in her day but also relating stories from her long and colourful career.

Owens presents a rich program of songs associated with Bishop. Opening with Handel’s “Let the Bright Seraphim”, she sings other well-known arias by Balfe, Rossini and Donizetti, but also includes songs by her second husband, Nicolas-Charles Bochsa, and others. “Home Sweet Home” by her first husband, Henry Bishop, and the song she sang at her final concert in 1883 when she was 73 years old, is used to touching effect at the end of the show.

As well as being in fine voice with the many songs, Owens gives a portrait of considerable depth of a strong woman who lived life on her terms, despite the difficulties of doing so in those times.

Her accompanist is played by Lucus Allerton, who is not only a superb pianist, but also gives a sharp character sketch of a stiffly formal young performer of the time. There is a hilarious moment in the show where his over-enthusiastic accompanying is quickly squashed by the demanding diva.

As Bishop toured Australia twice, it would have been interesting to hear of more incidents from those tours, if possible. Otherwise, the level of detail in the show about her life and travels is constantly interesting and the music is delightful.

Director, Tony Turner, has ensured that the show moves at the right pace with a good balance between songs and dialogue.

Anna Bishop may be a diva of the past, but this show brings her to life, giving her the opportunity to entertain once more.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.

 

 

 

 

  

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (MUSICAL)

Music by Arthur Sullivan

Lyrics by W.S. Gilbert

Directed by Richard Carroll

Co-Arranger and Musical Supervisor: Victoria Falconer

Musical Director and Co-Arranger: Trevor Jones

Hayes Theatre Co. production

The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre to 6 April

 

Reviewed by Len Power 3 April 2025

 

When a show is over 140 years old, especially an operetta, you’d think it might not have much appeal any more for a modern audience, but “The Pirates Of Penzance or, The Slave To Duty” remains perennially popular.

It was the fifth collaboration of the English team of Gilbert and Sullivan. Surprisingly, it opened in New York in 1879, a year before it opened in London. It has remained popular ever since and, now that it’s out of copyright, it’s fair game for revision and non-traditional presentations.

Hayes Theatre Co. of Sydney have come up with a winner of a show with their current touring production. Gone are the expected large choruses and huge orchestra - this production has a cast of five and a piano or two. That it works so well is a triumph for this production’s creators.

Jay Laga'aia (centre) with (from left) Trevor Jones, Maxwell Simon, Billie Palin and Brittany Shipway

Jay Laga’aia is an excellent Pirate King, singing and swashbuckling his way through the show. He turns up unexpectedly and delightfully as other characters, too.

Brittany Shipway plays both Ruth and Mabel, giving a distinctive performance for each character. This fine comedienne sings very well, also popping up as other characters.

Maxwell Simon and Brittany Shipway

Maxwell Simon gives the role of the young Frederic a classic innocence that is very appealing. Also in fine voice, he makes the most of his songs. Billie Palin busily and cleverly plays the characters of Isabel and Barry as well as several others.

 

Trevor Jones

Trevor Jones is the pianist, Fishcake, and steals the show with his performance of the Major-General. Singing his tongue-twister of a song and accompanying himself on piano is a hilarious highlight of the show. Make sure you listen carefully to the lyrics!

The quality of the singing from this small cast is very high. Particularly memorable was the power and clarity of their harmony singing. Everything about this production works – the sets, costumes, lighting and sound – making this an evening of rollicking good fun.

From left: Billie Palin, Trevor Jones, Jay Laga'aia and Brittany Shipway

There is seating onstage for a number of fearless audience members. One of these, Peter McDonald, well-known Canberra musician, suddenly found himself briefly centre-stage as part of the action. He gave a performance that will be long remembered!

 

Photos supplied by the production.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.