Perth user unfriendly

So why does Perth have an international festival?

It certainly isn't to entice visitors to the city - me thinks?

I decided to go and see two shows in the program, one at the Octagon Theatre. Address in program Octagon Theatre, UOW, Nedlands. Very helpful for someone from out of town. And interestingly, the cab drivers don't know where it is either. Not to mention the staff were a bit puzzled by my request as to where to ask the cab to pick me up form.

For those of you who don't know this venue, no obvious entrance (in fact two entrances) both without roads or driveways going directly to them. Not to mention the big playing field between the theatre and the road.

Not impressed that the show started about 15 minutes late, so I missed some of the performance as I was worred about the cab leaving. Also, heard from numerous people that cabs are quite hard to pin down.

The next venture was even worse, The Quarry. Just so you know guys, public transport doesn't even list "The Quarry" you may know where it is, and it is a big venue, but the bus driver had no idea and when I rang to find out how to get there it isn't even listed. Not to mention that it is impossible to return from that venue after 10.10pm.

Such a shame as the ballet was great, but very unimpressed with how hard it was to find out about the venue and that my seat was given away before I arrived and that the ushers tried to give me really crappy seats instead.

Definitely not fun for a single female on a business trip, who decided to see some festival events.

Would I bother to do this again - highly unlikely. I went to Adelaide a week later and it was a dream in comparison to get around.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Shoeb Ahmad and Adrian Klumpes

Performance at Eastside in Paddington began with Alister Spence on solo piano. I was very happy that I was not responsible for the piano!

It was a very improvised set by Shoeb and Adrian, personally I prefer the more melodic stuff, but a lot of other people obviously get into this style.


www.ceressolutions.com.au

Ticketing Professionals conference

This was a well organised event, for ticketing professionals. A different perspective for me, as I was a speaker on the Producers point of view

However I found it rather interesting hearing about marketing and ticketing trends and what is going on in the world.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Chinese New Year Parade

The twilight parade was great fun, though a tad long.

You could see who really got the message about it being a night time parade, as the most effective participants/floats had lighting, including the Shaolin monks.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

next

this week's top pick was Aron Ottignon playing at the Sound Lounge.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Melbourne

It was a fun holiday destination, chock full of tourist activities, from Bennetts Lane to ENB's Angelina Ballerina.

Can I say what a license to print money that kind of child's show is. In fact I think $15 for a program is pretty outrageous.

Not to mention how annoying it was that they held the show back 15 minutes and still let in late comers (not at suitable break, but whenever they straggled in) What a great way not to enjoy a show. Boo to the venue and the ENB for letting that happen and not suggesting to the audience that they shouldn't talk through the performance.

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

The Nargun and the Stars

A beautiful show, of Australian mythical tales. The puppetry and the stage settings are a joy to see. It is particularly wonderful to see another ERTH fabulous big bodied production. How such s small arts company manage to put on such large scale works is a mystery, but fantastic that they are doing this.

The special effects and the large scale puppets, which are ERTH's trademark were a joy to watch. Not to mention some fine acting by the three human performers.

It all came together to produce a magical effect. My critical 8 year old, was very taken by the Nargun and despite the cold of the air conditioning and ice blocks for feet, was riveted.

Currently showing as part of the Sydney Festival definitely worth a trip to Parramatta. It is recommended for 8 and over, and is also a treat for adults of any ages.

From the novel by Patricia Wrightson
Adapted by Verity Laughton
Directed by Scott Wright & Wesley Enoch
Produced by Performing Lines.

The adaptation is informed by ERTH’s on-going consultation with the original story owners, the Gunai/Kurnai, Monaro and Boon Wurrung communities of East Gippsland.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au