THEATRE: THE CONVICT’S OPERA
BY MICHELLE PORTER
A convict ship sails for Australia. Its listless prisoners are relegated to the bottom decks. Their boredom is soon broken by the Captain, who demands that they perform a play for him.
What follows is a slapstick tale as each convict attempts to secure their personal desires for love, freedom and survival. Deceit and betrayal are indispensable tools.
The Convict’s Opera is a satire of Britain’s criminal underworld. A mixture of vaudeville and narrative, it never misses a chance to produce a laugh whether by song, audience participation or reference to it’s artifice as theatre.
The eclectic blend of live music ‘ harmonies, opera and pop songs, such as Stand By Me and 500 Hundred Miles ‘ allow for the most humorous and moving moments. The performances are first-rate: the cast execute their songs flawlessly and with a sense of fun.
Despite its hilarity and stylish quality, The Convict’s Opera fails to arouse any empathy for the characters. More attention to each convict’s story, combined with clearer English diction might have transformed it from a good production into a great one.
Slow to start, and end, The Convict’s Opera will appeal to Australian history buffs or those who just love musicals.
The Convict’s Opera
Until October 25
Sydney Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay
Tickets: $56-$77, 9250 1777 or www.sydneytheatre.com.au
