SCHOOL DANCE
Image: Photo © Lisa Tomasetti
A trio of teen outcasts pedal through a dark night, long hair flying. Bonnie Tyler’s power anthem hits high notes in search of a hero, as each rides head-on towards their biggest fear … not to mention a sparkly unicorn, a Gremlin, and a rift in the fabric of time and space.
It’s a powerfully transportive scene in what is overall a ridiculously charming kit bag of 80s nostalgia from theatrical collective Windmill Theatre, following three friends on one night’s escapades at the high school social. Each ‘teen’ contributes something essential to the overall production – with Matthew Whittet as writer; Luke Smiles on soundtrack; and Jonathon Oxlade the designer – while director Rosemary Myers manages to rein in and cohere their glittery time trip back to the pimply terrors of adolescence with pitstops at loserdom, invisibility, and bullying.
It’s a bit silly and overblown – but then what school dance isn’t – and with clever writing, heartfelt performances, and genuinely hilarious touches (like a narrator quitting the job half-way through), you wouldn’t want it any other way. Get out your dance cards, Sydney. You’ll need to make room for this one.
Until Feb 3, Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $30-65, 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com.au
