Latest news with #HeathLedgerTheatre
The Age
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Eat the rich: Black Swan's new play is biting, entertaining
Never Have I Ever Black Swan Theatre Company Heath Ledger Theatre ★★★ By the time Australian-born, British-based comedian Deborah Frances-White (of The Guilty Feminist podcast) came to write her first play Never Have I Ever, the seismic shift in culture and politics triggered by the exposure of Harvey Weinstein and the murder of George Floyd had moved into a reflective phase. Some argued that the world was more complex than depicted by so-called 'woke' culture — that middle-class white men could be aware of their privilege and power and act decently and that women and people of colour could be powerful and were not always victims. These contradictions are played out beautifully in the very funny opening of Never Have I Ever in which the owners of a swanky London restaurant — working-class chef Jacq (Emily Rose Brennan) and her lover/business partner Kas (Deep Sroa) — have invited their old university friends Tobin (Will O'Mahony) and Adaego (Ratidzo Mambo) to dinner to announce they're shutting up shop and declaring bankruptcy. Jacq and Kas are so progressive they came up with the nutty notion of individual cooking stations to make their customers feel safe in a post-COVID world, a venture backed by the progressive Tobin, who has made a fortune with his ethically driven investment company, supported by high-profile journalist and social justice warrior partner Adaego. Unfortunately, the individual stations idea (beautifully rendered onstage by Bryan Woltjen, shooting flames into the air to coincide with the various emotional eruptions), was so expensive to operate that it sent the restaurant broke despite rave reviews and full sittings. The amiable, understanding Tobin initially laughs off his sizeable loss. However, as Jacq, who dragged herself up from poverty, and the two people of colour take delight in razzing and rubbishing his attempt to make up for his white male privilege he gets increasingly agitated and defensive, setting the scene for seemingly innocuous sexual revelations during the titular drinking game that uncorks Tobin's toxic side. When writer Frances-White is poking fun at the various contradictions of this privileged quartet staking claims for their lower position on the gender/race/class ladder or their efforts to make the world a better place, the play is giddy, sophisticated fun, with the four terrific actors eliciting sympathy for their positions while making us laugh at their narcissism and blindness. 'I'm the Michelle Obama of the group!' declares Tobin, who spends the first act justifying his ethically acquired wealth and criticising the others for claiming to be progressive but making much less real-world impact than he does.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Eat the rich: Black Swan's new play is biting, entertaining
Never Have I Ever Black Swan Theatre Company Heath Ledger Theatre ★★★ By the time Australian-born, British-based comedian Deborah Frances-White (of The Guilty Feminist podcast) came to write her first play Never Have I Ever, the seismic shift in culture and politics triggered by the exposure of Harvey Weinstein and the murder of George Floyd had moved into a reflective phase. Some argued that the world was more complex than depicted by so-called 'woke' culture — that middle-class white men could be aware of their privilege and power and act decently and that women and people of colour could be powerful and were not always victims. These contradictions are played out beautifully in the very funny opening of Never Have I Ever in which the owners of a swanky London restaurant — working-class chef Jacq (Emily Rose Brennan) and her lover/business partner Kas (Deep Sroa) — have invited their old university friends Tobin (Will O'Mahony) and Adaego (Ratidzo Mambo) to dinner to announce they're shutting up shop and declaring bankruptcy. Jacq and Kas are so progressive they came up with the nutty notion of individual cooking stations to make their customers feel safe in a post-COVID world, a venture backed by the progressive Tobin, who has made a fortune with his ethically driven investment company, supported by high-profile journalist and social justice warrior partner Adaego. Unfortunately, the individual stations idea (beautifully rendered onstage by Bryan Woltjen, shooting flames into the air to coincide with the various emotional eruptions), was so expensive to operate that it sent the restaurant broke despite rave reviews and full sittings. The amiable, understanding Tobin initially laughs off his sizeable loss. However, as Jacq, who dragged herself up from poverty, and the two people of colour take delight in razzing and rubbishing his attempt to make up for his white male privilege he gets increasingly agitated and defensive, setting the scene for seemingly innocuous sexual revelations during the titular drinking game that uncorks Tobin's toxic side. When writer Frances-White is poking fun at the various contradictions of this privileged quartet staking claims for their lower position on the gender/race/class ladder or their efforts to make the world a better place, the play is giddy, sophisticated fun, with the four terrific actors eliciting sympathy for their positions while making us laugh at their narcissism and blindness. 'I'm the Michelle Obama of the group!' declares Tobin, who spends the first act justifying his ethically acquired wealth and criticising the others for claiming to be progressive but making much less real-world impact than he does.
West Australian
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Northbridge dinner at Shadow Wine Bar collaborate with Perth premiere of original play Never Have I Ever
Dinner and a show might be a staple of London's West End or New York's Broadway but with a new collaboration in Northbridge, you can explore a cultured night out in our fair city. Shadow Wine Bar is teaming up with The Black Swan Theatre Company to offer locals and visitors alike a special menu to celebrate the West Australian season premiere of the theatrical production Never Have I Ever . The show, written by The Guilty Feminist podcast host Deborah Frances-White, is set in a boutique restaurant where a group of diverse friends discuss race, class, privilege over duck terrine and a plentiful supply of alcohol. Francis-White said she did not want to present the play in a sanctimonious way, rather explore ideas 'with humour and heart.' 'But it's important to allow ourselves to explore points of view through the characters' experiences. We just need those characters to be multi-layered and enjoyable to spend time with, even when they're flawed and feckless.' Without giving too much away, the friends differ in their approaches to the struggles of life and have vastly different financial situations, and as a drinking game is initiated, secrets and hidden feelings emerge. Prior to the show, punters can choose from a selection of pasta dishes at Shadow Wine Bar along with a glass of red, white or sparkling and then head to the show at the nearby Heath Ledger Theatre. Never Have I Ever runs from June 14 to July 6. Tickets for the package can be purchased here: Tickets for just the show can be purchased here:
Perth Now
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Perth wine bar and theatre collaborate for epic date night
Dinner and a show might be a staple of London's West End or New York's Broadway but with a new collaboration in Northbridge, you can explore a cultured night out in our fair city. Shadow Wine Bar is teaming up with The Black Swan Theatre Company to offer locals and visitors alike a special menu to celebrate the West Australian season premiere of the theatrical production Never Have I Ever . The show, written by The Guilty Feminist podcast host Deborah Frances-White, is set in a boutique restaurant where a group of diverse friends discuss race, class, privilege over duck terrine and a plentiful supply of alcohol. Francis-White said she did not want to present the play in a sanctimonious way, rather explore ideas 'with humour and heart.' Crab Linguine from Shadow Wine Bar. Credit: Shadow Wine Bar 'But it's important to allow ourselves to explore points of view through the characters' experiences. We just need those characters to be multi-layered and enjoyable to spend time with, even when they're flawed and feckless.' Without giving too much away, the friends differ in their approaches to the struggles of life and have vastly different financial situations, and as a drinking game is initiated, secrets and hidden feelings emerge. Prior to the show, punters can choose from a selection of pasta dishes at Shadow Wine Bar along with a glass of red, white or sparkling and then head to the show at the nearby Heath Ledger Theatre. Never Have I Ever runs from June 14 to July 6. Tickets for the package can be purchased here: Tickets for just the show can be purchased here:
West Australian
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
WIN a double pass to the preview performance of Never Have I Ever
SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE West Rewards is giving you and a guest the chance to attend the opening night of Never Have I Ever by Deborah Frances-White, on Saturday 14 June at the Heath Ledger Theatre . This explosive, sharply funny play takes a bold look at the contradictions of modern society, power dynamics, and sexual politics. Expect to laugh, be moved, and leave with plenty to reflect on. Discover more about this captivating production here . For your chance to win, enter your details below. Entries close on Sunday 1 June , at 11:59 pm. All entrants may only enter once. All entrants found to have entered more than once per entry form will have their subsequent entries disqualified. T&Cs apply .
