Elise Hawthorne
Seriously, do yourself a favour and go see a pantomime (or panto) this silly season, and when you do make sure you choose Trevor’s Ashley’s latest ode to this genre The Lyin’ Queen.
Our daily news cycle is full of seriously bad news. To be able to escape into an entirely ludicrous other world, where a gorgeous man with a stunning voice, dressed as a Hollywood starlet gets to make love to a giant gorilla, what’s not to love about that scenario?
Trevor Ashley had me at the opening number. This is a man who knows how to put on a show. Trevor and his castmates, throw song after song at the audience, with impeccable comic timing and the odd acrobatic display thrown in for good measure.
I’ve been wanting to see an Ashley production for a while, goodness knows why I haven’t. His voice lured me in but his infectious smile and laugh a minute dialogue made me thankful that such a delightful wit lives amongst us.
The gist of this crazy story is that somewhere off the coast of Australia, through the misty waters near Maroochydore, lies an island. A mysterious atoll where it is said roam beasts of unimaginable terror. Legend has it that these monsters have been created – genetically engineered, if you will – by a genius. Well maybe not a genius, but certainly a force of nature.
Yes, Queensland has opened its own version of Jurassic Park, and us the audience are the first guests.
Parodying everything from The Lion King to King Kong, and Australian politics to I’m a Non- entity, Get Me Out of Here!, this riotous musical comedy brings together the multi-award losing team who brought you Fat Swan, Little Orphan TrAshley and the smash hit The Bodybag.
In his new adults-only extravaganza, Trevor Ashleystars as Gaye Wray (from Home and Away), an actress desperately trying to shake her soap star status. Sound familiar?
When eccentric billionaire Dr. Richard Rabbitborough (Phil Scott)
invites Gaye to return home from Los Angeles to star in the commercial for his new theme park, she can’t resist the opportunity (or the money). But when a huge electrical storm hits the island, things go quickly downhill, not only for Gaye, but for newly escaped attraction King Schlong who threatens to ravage everything and everyone on the island.
Joining Ashley for the first time is Phil Scott (The Wharf Revue), plus American Psycho stand out Shannon Dooley, Elenoa Rokobaro (Book of Mormon, Caroline or Change) and Brendan Irving(Rocky Horror Show). The extraordinary costumes are by Angie White (Heathers, Mack & Mabel) and choreography by Cameron Mitchell (Catch Me If You Can, Calamity Jane)
with lighting design by Gavan Swift (Harry Potter, Heathers).
The Lyin’ Queen brings you romance, comedy, politics, trash culture at its
cheapest, and a send-up of every movie ever made on or near an island. Expect ridiculous puppets, song parodies, and a cast completely devoid of CGI.
*WARNING: Several celebrities were harmed during the performance
of this show.
Directed and Conceived by Trevor Ashley
Written by Phil Scott and Trevor Ashley
Choreography by Cameron Mitchell
Costumes by Angela White
Lighting Design by Gavan Swift
Starring: Trevor Ashley, Shannon Dooley, Brendan Irving, Elenoa Rokobaro & Phil Scott
Venue: Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst
Dates & Times:Tuesday to Friday 8pm
Saturdays 5pm & 8.30pm; Sunday 3pm
Tickets:from $79.90. Transaction fees may apply
Bookings: Eternity Theatre 8356 9987 or www.darlinghursttheatre.com
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