Blood Moon Theatre was described at their season launch last night as “a gem in the heart of King’s Cross”. And so it is. As venues close and the Sydney Performing Arts scene narrows for independent theatre makers, such an affordable space is certainly a shining light. Not as shiny as host Brandy Alexander’s red high-split, sequinned, evening number but precious just the same.
It’s great to build theatres but can you get audiences to come?! That’s the big question. From the glimpses into the shows which will be playing there, I’m sure there’s enough variety on offer to please most patrons and the intimate nature of the venue is relaxing and friendly. Personally, I am getting a bit tired of seeing shows with hundreds of others and it will be great to go to such an intimate theatre to see IT’S A SIN TO TELL A LIE (SCM Theatre Company ) which is the first show in.
There is also RUBY MOON (Second Circle Media) which was an HSC text a few years ago and still one of my favourites. A mystery wrapped in a heartbreak.
BULLY BOY (A Night of Play T C) written by well-known British radio and TV host, Sandi Toksvig, looks at the war on terror as a way to explore the relationship of two men in crisis.
There is also THE NAKED TRUTH (Act IV TC) which is a presented by a company formed to celebrate women’s work. The play is funnier than its themes, we are told, and is about pole dancing for a breast cancer charity. Coronation Street crossed with The Full Monty is the tagline.
ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD will be presented by Furies Theatre Company who take the classics and like to do them differently. Gender swapping is involved.
Off the Avenue are presenting three shows in the season and from the quality of their presentation on the night they are well into rehearsals. The company is dedicated to showcasing and paying tribute to New Zealand playwrights and this includes introducing new works.
Their offerings begin with … A MAN WALKS INTO A BAR and meets a fellow open mic night participant with an infectious laugh. The absurdist 2 hander has original music and seems to repeat itself in variations beginning with a great torch singer.
This is followed by THE VIAGRA MONOLOGUES, not be be confused with the female version, looks at what it is to be an man through music, visual images and craft. Last night we met a 3 year old with a blue crocodile and a 45 year old single dad.
Much more raucous was the steamy slow jazz introduction to the fictional romantic fiction writer, Dorothy Doyle in MURDER BY CHOCOLATE. Dorothy wants to genre hop and get rid of her overbearing mother. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Blue Moon Theatre is located within the World Bar, 24 Bayswater Road, King’s Cross.