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2012 Midsumma Reviews & Editorials

Reviews and editorials of 2012 Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Spoken Word and Literature and Live Music events. Check out the Citizen Reporter Blog too, which has live updates from events across the festival with pictures, videos, reviews and opinions constantly updated! Also the 2012 Photo Galleries!


Leggings Are Not Pants 25 Jan; 1-5 Feb
The Age/SMH, 4 Feb, by Chloe Smethurst: Striking a pose to shake stereotypes: it's hilarious, politically aware and, most of all, joyous >> read the review.

Grindr: A Love Story? 19-21 Jan, 2-4 Feb, Thu-Sat 9pm
MCV, 31 Jan, by Ben Rylan: Grinding the dirt on gay sex: In his new stand-up show, comedian Nath Valvo dishes the dirt on his Grindr addiction, and reviewer Ben Rylan was there to hear it all >> read the review.

Girls Do Gertrude 24-29 Jan, Tue-Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 8pm, Sun 6:30pm
To Dad With Love, 30 Jan: this high voltage production is sharply funny and acted with real brio by an extraordinary cast. Girls Do Gertrude! is an outstanding embodiment of the artist's spirit, interpretations of which will certainly stand the test of time >> read the review.
TheatrePeople, 27 Jan, by Darby Turnbull: This was a wonderfully unique experience and I happily recommend it to all the theatre inclined people in Melbourne who are up for something a little different >> read the review.
The Age, 26 Jan, by Cameron Woodhead: PERHAPS no writer lends themselves to parody quite the way Gertrude Stein does. The atmosphere is enhanced by period songs, beginning with the popular foxtrot Ain't We Got Fun? Together with skilfully choreographed physical performance, it helps the actors surf the disintegrating involutions of the speech >> read the review.
aussietheatre, 26 Jan, by Anne-Marie Peard: Director Yvonne Virsik finds this humour, adds some more and lets her cast play with the play without losing the delicacy of the text. Girls Do Gertrude! brings Stein dancing into the now and will leave you wanting to charleston the night away with an enticing girl in a pastel, drop waist gown >> read the review.

Pride March Victoria 2012 5 Feb, 12noon-10pm
Herald Sun, 29 Jan, by Sally Bennett: Middle Australia rips the door off the closet: NEXT Sunday the mayor of Hobsons Bay, Tony Briffa, will dress in his official robes and join thousands of people meandering through the streets of St Kilda for what is the culmination of Melbourne's Midsumma Festival >> read the review.
Stonnington Leader, 17 Jan, by Greg Gliddon: ...for one of Commercial Rd's most well-known faces, Destiny Forbidden, this year's Midsumma GLBTIQ Festival will hold a special significance when she takes to Fitzroy St as Queen of Pride on 5 February >> read the review.

Road Movie - the play 24-28 Jan, 7:30pm
The Age, 27 Jan, by Godfrey Hamilton: pitch-perfect accents, lightning character switches, and easy command of the stage - makes it soar >> read the review.
The Age, 23 Jan, by Robin Usher: Dirk Hoult says there are moments of beauty and side-splitting laughter in the early AIDS-era play Road Movie >> read the review.
Stonnington Leader, 20 Jan, by Greg Gliddon: THERE is a common thread to a lot of gay theatre, but Dirk Hoult promises his Australian premiere production of Road Movie will break the cliches >> read the review.

Matilda's Project 25-29 Jan, Wed-Sun 2:30pm
Moreland Leader, 27 Jan, by Madeline Healey: Looking past stereotypes in Moreland: "I also wrote it for people who do come from stereotypical families so when they come across kids from homes which are different from theirs they don't say, 'What's wrong with you?' It's meant to make kids feel proud about their family." >> read the review.
Independent Review, 25 Jan, by Sally Wilmott: Danny Gibbins, who plays Matilda, Simon and Sashka, is utterly loveable and easy for the young audience to identify with. The soundtrack is a lot of fun too >> read the review.

Rigor Mortis 23-29 Jan, Mon-Sat 8pm, Sun 6pm
The Age, 26 Jan, by Cameron Woodhead: Benton's self-obsessed bitch-mother is a hoot, and only gets funnier as she lurches ditzily through undeath ... it's performed with tasteless glee. Glitter! Braaiiinnnns! What more could you want? >> read the review.
Independent Review, 24 Jan, by Sally Wilmott: 'Rigor Mortis' promises to keep you enthralled and engaged, transporting you into some sort of Scary Movie 10 stage show, where the unexpected will normally occur >> read the review.

Stories from the city, stories from the sea, queer urban tales: Performance 19, 20,21,27,28 Jan, 7.30pm
artsHub, 25 Jan, by Bianca Rohlje: Bridgfoot has curated a worthwhile exhibition as part of the 2012 Midsumma Festival. Responding as the Flaneur, we are taken on an unknown journey – in a new city where everything is 'queer' >> read the review.

John Henry Presents: Crack a Fat Circus 20-28 Jan, Wed-Sat 8:30pm; Sat 28 Jan 6:30pm & 8:30pm
The Age****, 24 Jan, by Jordan Beth Vincent: Relying on good-natured self-deprecating humour to charm its audience, this show succeeds on a number of levels. It is sexy, funny and a good Midsumma night out >> read the review.
Independent Review, 20 Jan, by Sally Wilmott: Crack a Fat, Crack-Up: "Spectacular, Spectacular"!, is all I can use to describe Crack a Fat Circus. >> read the review.

Another Walk on the Wes Side 3 Feb, 7:30pm
Star Observer, 24 Jan: Snelling, Melbourne's king of cabaret, hosts the night of music, comedy and variety with performers including Josh Thomas, Hannah Gadsby, Dash and D'Bree, Benn Bennett, Rebecca Barnard and the "Talking Poofy" trio. >> read the review.

In Vogue: Songs By Madonna 18-21 Jan 8pm, 25 Jan 9:30pm, 26 Jan 7:30pm, 27 Jan 9:30pm, 28 Jan 7:30pm
artsHub, 24 Jan, by Aleksia Barron: Written and directed by the deservedly lauded Dean Bryant, the entire look and feel of the show – a piano, cabaret-style seating, and incredibly smart lighting design – is a triumph >> read the review.
The Age & CameronWoodhead.com, 23 Jan, by Cameron Woodhead: ...the audience was Griffiths' to command, and if you're a Madonna fan, In Vogue is great fun >> read the review.
Herald Sun, 24 Jan & Kate Herbert Theatre Reviews, 21 Jan, by Kate Herbert: Griffiths' charming and impish performance sheds new light on Madonna's songs and career, placing her firmly in the category of gay icon/pop idol >> read the review.
Australian Stage, 20 Jan, by Vito Mattarelli: Griffiths is confident, vocally strong and quite impressive with both the musical arrangements and with accompanying himself >> read the review.
Herald Sun, 20 Jan, by Simon Plant: SUCCESS is not all it's cracked up to be. Two Midsumma musical shows remind us of this, and Dean Bryant had a hand in both of them >> read the review.
Australian Stage, 20 Jan, by Paul Andrew: Prolific writer/director and musical theatre prodigy, Dean Bryant, returns to the 2012 Midsumma festival with a new work celebrating the life and art of a pop culture icon >> read the review
AussieTheatre.com, 18 Jan, by Erin James: Michael Griffiths returns as Madge in Melbourne for Midsumma… Mmmm: So get yourselves to fortyfivedownstairs this January to see the incredible Michael Griffiths in action. This beautiful stranger will take you through the ups and downs of his Madonna CD collection in a guaranteed great night out! >> read the review.

The Year of Magical Wanking 17-21 Jan: 7pm; 22 Jan, 24-29 Jan: 8:30pm
Arts Hub, 24 Jan, by Richard Watts: Written and performed entirely in verse, The Year of Magical Wanking is a potent blend of grief and anger, humour and shame. I doubt I'll see much to better it at this year's Midsumma Festival >> read the review.
Theatre People, 20 Jan, by Chris Baldock: Theatre Works have a hit on their hands with a trio of one-man plays showing in repertory for this year's Midsumma Festival >> read the review.
The Age, 19 Jan, by Elly Varrenti: Watkins' story is gripping and sad and surprisingly charming and funny too. Which, given the full-on nature of its material, is quite a feat >> read the review.
Stage Whispers, date unknown, by Daniel G Taylor: Ciarán O'Melia's reductionist set design keeps the focus on Watkins rather than distracting with unnecessary visuals and props. It's one of the must-see Midsumma shows of 2012 >> read the review.

Pink Narcissist 12 Jan-4 Feb, Tue-Wed 2pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat 4pm-1am
MCV, 24 Jan, by Michael Magnusson: Melbourne artist Richard Morrison tells Michael Magnusson his latest exhibition creates a drama far removed from the scandals that have beset his work in the past >> read the review.

Love In A Cubicle - by Steven Dawson 11 Jan-11 Feb, Tue-Sat 8pm (no show 26 Jan)
Arts Hub, 23 Jan, by Kate Boston Smith: Love in a Cubicle is a love story with all the shades of the rainbow (flag) represented. It is a great night out with the boys and anyone who can keep up and appreciate the fast-lipped queens >> read the review.

The Bitter End 22-24, 29-31 Jan, Mon-Tue 8:30pm, Sun 7pm
Independent Review, 23 Jan, by Sally Wilmott: If the Mayan's are right about 2012, then 'The Bitter End' should be secured in a time capsule and shot out into space, as it's a truly accurate artifact of our technologically possessed world >> read the review.

Britney Spears: The Cabaret 18 Jan-3 Feb, 7:30pm: Wed 18-Sat 21 Jan; Wed 25, Fri 27-Sun 29 Jan, Tue 31 Jan, Wed 1-Fri 3 Feb
Arts Hub, 23 Jan, by Nicole Eckersley: Miss American Dream herself, Britney Spears is both a source of endless ridiculous tabloid antics, and a cautionary tale about the corrosive effect fame can have on a person's sense of self. This show is an excellent distillation of both those sides of Britney, and corking good fun into the bargain >> read the review.
Stonnington Leader, 23 Jan, by Greg Gliddon: This satirical but heartfelt tribute to the pop star is one of the highlights of this year's Gay and Lesbian festival and includes 15 of Spears' biggest hits, performed in cabaret style. >> read the review.
Herald Sun, 20 Jan, by Simon Plant: Now, replaying the role, this gifted actor/singer [Christie Whelan] is more familiar to theatregoers after scene-stealing roles in Anything Goes, Sugar, Xanadu: The Musical and The Importance of Being Earnest >> read the review.
Star Observer, 14 Dec, by Drew Sheldrick: Oops! She's doing it again: Britney Spears: The Cabaret, the one-woman satirical look at the perils of Spears' fame was written specifically for Christie Whelan and comes from the minds of Dean Bryant and Mathew Frank, the guys behind gay coming-of-age musical Prodigal >> read the review.

If Mother Killed Her Wife Will She Hang? 17 Jan-4 Feb, Tue-Sat, 12-6pm
Independent Review, 23 Jan, by Sally Wilmott: It truly confronts and opens the viewers eyes, and the third installation is very much anticipated! >> read the review.

Midsumma's Men on Men Competition - Winner: Steve Edwards (Untold) 16 Jan-12 Feb Mon-Sat 5pm-late, Sun 4pm-late
Independent Review, 22 Jan, by Sally Wilmott: There is something for every Melbournian in the Untold Series, so come along and embark on a journey across the world! >> read the review.
asianenvy.com, Jan 2012, by Dean Arcuri: Dean interviews Steve about "Untold" – his recent exhibition at The Laird Hotel in Melbourne >> read the interview.

The LOL Big Gay Comedy Night 11, 12, 17, 19, 25, 31 Jan, 2, 8, 9 Feb
The Age, 21 Jan: [Geraldine Quinn's] hilarious DIY-music-video routine is worth the price of admission alone. 4.5 stars!
TimeOut, 12 Jan, by Annie Davis: Guaranteed LOLs and ROFLs for all Midsumma festival-goers this year, the Order of Melbourne is where you'll find a hive of comic activity at the Laugh Out Loud Gay Comedy Night >> read the review.

Confessions of a GRINDR addict 17-28 Jan, Tue-Sat 9:30pm
Stage Whispers, date unknown, by Daniel G Taylor: Because of the popularity of Grindr, you can be certain that shows tapping into a well-ground life will abound. One can only hope they're all as good as this >> read the review.

Goddess Grooves 21 Jan, 7:30pm
Independent Review, 21 Jan, by Sally Wilmott: It was a fantastic start to Saturday night and fingers crossed they will grace the stage for a ninth time next year. >> read the review.

Mother/Son 11-21 Jan, 11-14 Jan: 7pm; 16-21 Jan: 8:30pm
TheatrePeople, 20 Jan, by Chris Baldock: Bravo Jeffrey. I hope that you decide to return with more of your theatrical magic soon >> read the review
CameronWoodhead.com, 18 Jan, by Cameron Woodhead: Solomon skilfully switches between mother and son, through a tale as big on hilarity as it is on sentiment >> read the review
ArtsHub, 18 Jan, by Aleksia Barron: Mother/SON is an elegant, emotional piece of theatre, beautifully written and skillfully performed >> read the review
Herald Sun, 16 Jan, by Kate Herbert: My continuing wish for compelling solo shows is again answered with Jeffrey Solomon's poignant and funny play Mother/Son >> read the review
AussieTheatre, 13 Jan, by Anne-Marie Peard: While their parent-child bond is closer than comfortable for some of us, it's a story about why parents should always show their children that they love them, no matter how grown up they are or what the neighbours think. Take your mum >> read the review
The Australian, 13 Jan, by Chris Boyd: Often painfully funny - and never mawkish - Mother/SON is a piece with broad and easy appeal >> read the review
Samesame.com.au, 12 Jan, by Travis de Jonk: Mother/SON is a brilliant production. Jeffrey soloman’s performance alone is exceptional amd makes this wonderful work a Midsumma must see! >> read the review
Stage Whispers, Date Unknown, by Sara Bannister: This is a tour de force performance, and a great choice for anyone who wants to check out Midsumma >> read the review

Facade 19-28 Jan, Thu-Sat 8pm
Weekend Notes, 19 Jan, by Sacha: I joined an almost packed house on opening night and enjoyed every minute of the play. Judging from the number of laughs and the positive audience reaction, Façade is sure to be one of the highlights of the 2012 Midsumma season. >> read the review.

Red Light Songs of Lust, Love & Death 26-29 Jan, Thu-Sat 7pm, Sun 6pm
Cabaret Confessional, 19 Jan, by Lena Nobuhara: Having performed a critically acclaimed season at Adelaide’s Feast Festival with his show Red Light Songs of Lust, Love and Death in November 2011, [Eric Kuhlmann] is now taking it to the iconic cabaret venue The Butterfly Club to be part of 2012 Midsumma in Melbourne >> read the review.

After 'Homosexual': The Legacies of Gay Liberation 2 Feb, 6pm
Stonnington Leader, 19 Jan, by Greg Gliddon: Midsumma marks 40 years of liberation: This year’s Midsumma, which began on Sunday and runs until February 5, is set to honour the work of Altman in Midsumma’s premier event, Homosexual: Gay Liberation 40 Years On, which will be held at The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at Federation Square on February 2 >> read the review.

Word is Out: Hares & Hyenas 20th Anniversary 17 Jan-4 Feb
The Age, 19 Jan, by Kathy Evans: Hares and Hyenas looks much like any normal bookstore, except for the explicit comic section and the coffee table books that might make granny blush >> read the review.
Star Observer, 22 Dec, by Andie Noonan: Bookstore celebrates 20 years: the bookshop will celebrate its 20th birthday during the Midsumma Festival with 20 readings and performances from queer literary identities including Andrea Goldsmith, Christos Tsiolkas, Benjamin Law, Noel Tovey, Tom Cho and Sophie Cunningham >> read the review.

2012 Carnival 15 Jan, 11am-6pm
Star Observer, 25 Jan, by Monique Schafter: Midsumma brings the family together: It's rare that we get to spend time with each other these days with some of us living interstate, crazy work commitments and the usual family conflicts — so it was pretty funny and pretty damn awesome that a fabulous gay carnival brought us all together >> read the review.
Independent Review, 18 Jan, by Sally Wilmott: It marked the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a fantastic festival, with circus, art, musicals, dance and theatre performances scheduled for the next 22 days. 2012 is the year to break your Midsumma virginity too! >> read the review.
The Age, 16 Jan, by Annabel Ross (back page!): A big day out to celebrate gay pride: with 120,000 in attendance, Midsumma Carnival was a huge success >> read the review.
Star Observer, 16 Jan, by Andie Noonan Midsumma Carnival scored another record crowd on a picture-perfect day on Sunday, with an estimated 120,000 in attendance >> read the review.
Samesame.com.au, 12 Jan, by Travis de Jonk Melbourne is excitedly gearing up for the opening of the Midsumma Festival this Sunday >> read the review.

Have your say (Periodic Survey)
Southern Star, 18 Jan: Ever thought that what you think is of no interest to anyone else? Well, have I got an offer for you! >> read the article.

Toonarama 12-29 Jan, Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Southern Star, 18 Jan: A cartoon featuring the late Vivian St James is on sale and will raise money for the Alfred Hospital >> read the review.

Croquet and Afternoon Tea Sun 22 Jan, 12pm-5pm
Maribyrnong Weekly, 18 Jan, by Goya Dmytryshchak: People from as far as Sydney have booked a place at Sunday's (sold out) afternoon tea and games day at the croquet club, which is being held for the first time as part of Victoria's Midsumma festival. >> read the review.

Milk Bar Mag: Midsumma Heats Up
Milk Bar Mag, 18 Jan, by Sheamus Duggan This year the organisers have gone all out, factory-closure-sale-crazy in providing a bizarre and eclectic variety of events. There’s really something for everyone >> read the review.

My BIG GAY Family 15 Jan-5 Feb, daily sunset-11pm
MCV, 17 Jan, by Andrew Shaw: Andrew interviews photographer Alison Bennett about her Families of Choice data-projection that is showing nightly in Northcote to help bring Melbourne’s queer culture to life >> read the review

Negative Energy Inc. 15 Jan-5 Feb, Sun & Mon 7pm
The Age, 17 Jan, by Cameron Woodhead: Flanders possesses a zany flair for ridicule, but it really takes flight when guided by his pessimistic intelligence, as well as his eccentricities >> read the review
ArtsHub, 17 Jan, by Nicole Eckersley: it's hard to argue with Flanders' undeniable charm..which manages to turn the show's main monologue from the ridiculous to the sublime >> read the review
Milk Bar Mag, 17 Jan, by Carla Sammut: I want to leave it at “if you like the gays and you like to LAFF GO SEE ASH FLANDERS”. But he and his new show Negative Energy Inc. deserve much more than that >> read the review
Theatre Alive, 16 Jan, by Robert Reid: I’m reminded of a young Reg Livermore when I see Flanders perform. Something about the sharpness of the wit if not the discipline of execution >> read the review

Whole Lotta Woman 2-4 Feb 7pm, 9-11 Feb 8pm
SMH, 15 Jan: Six burning questions for Urzila Carlson: Urzila talks about: emigrating; her accent; embarrassing obsessions; her love life; her favourite song; and perfect happiness >> read the review.

History Walk 22 Jan, 11am
The Age, 14 Jan, by Andrew Stephens: Secret side of a city: the walks that Willett conducts range about the CBD and inner suburbs. This year's walk, as part of the Midsumma festival, will focus on the '50s, an era when suspicion, oppression and police entrapment of gay men were at their height >> read the review.

Cycles & Sequences - Ross Watson 20 Jan-5 Feb, Fri-Sun 11am-5pm
Gay News Network, 10 Jan, by Garrett Bithell: Ross Watson celebrates 25 years as an artist this year, and his upcoming exhibition features subjects including UK solider James Wharton and three porn stars, writes Garrett Bithell  >> read the review.

LOTL Magazine: LOTL's picks for Midsumma
LOTL Magazine, Jan 2012: The 2012 festival of all things LGBT starts off with a bang this month... some suggestions of what to get along to >> read the review.

TheatrePeople: Midsumma "Must See" List
TheatrePeople, 9 Jan, by Emily Mercurio: But what to see? Here are a few of our Top Picks for the 2012 season >> read the review.

Saloon Speed Dating
Star Online, 5 Jan: Looking for love but can't get a date? The Midsumma Festival is your chance to giddy up and meet the person of your dreams at Saloon Speed Dating >> read the review.

Weekend Notes: Midsumma Festival 2012
Weekend Notes, 3 Jan, by Michaelie Clark: some highlights of Midsumma Festival 2012, interview with Midsumma CEO Adam Lowe, photos by Ross Brownsdon and more >> read the review.

TimeOut: Two Midsumma plays about Grindr
TimeOut, 2 Jan, by Jeremy Helligar: Two shows are hitting Midsumma, about the biggest thing to hit the gay scene since Gaga >> read the review.

Good Works 18-28 Jan, Tue-Sat 8pm
Hobsons Bay Weekly, 2 Jan: TrailerParkProductions present an intriguing window into the behaviour of human beings with a production of GOOD WORKS at Revolt Theatre >> read the review.

Herald Sun: Midsumma celebration of queer culture
Herald Sun, 28 Dec: Showcasing diversity is one of the guiding principles of Midsumma, a festival that this year offers more than 100 events at venues across the city for three weeks during summer >> read the review.

Motafrenz Magical Mystery Tour 22 Jan, 9:45am
Star Observer, 23 Dec: Gay and lesbian car enthusiasts are revving up to hit the road this summer for LGBTI-friendly car club Motafrez's annual Magical Mystery Tour >> read the review.

AussieTheatre.com: Get ready to party: Midsumma Festival set to take over Melbourne
AussieTheatre.com, 19 Dec, by Erin James: Performing arts feature prominently in the program for Midsumma for 2012 with venues like Chapel Off Chapel, La Mama, Gasworks Arts Park, Theatreworks and ACMI all showing their support. A host of wonderful events will be on show at each and every one >> read the review.

QSAM Midsumma Sports Day 22 Jan, 10am-5pm+
Star Observer, 14 Dec, by Drew Sheldrick: Sports sign up for festival: Melbourne's queer sporting community will join forces during the Midsumma Festival to offer a wide selection of activities >> read the review.

Port Phillip Leader: Midsumma heats up at Albert Park's Gasworks
Port Phillip Leader, 12 Dec, by Sally Spalding: WITH the help of Midsumma, 2012 is shaping up to be a big year for the celebration of gay culture >> read the review.

The Australian Same-Sex Dancesports 2012 4 Feb 6pm-11pm
Gay Games Blog, 10 Dec: Same-sex dancing at Melbourne's Midsumma: Supporters and competitors come from far and wide to congregate for the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. It's sexy, ultra queer and very glamorous and definitely not to be missed >> read the review.

LOTL Magazine: D.E.B.S under the stars for Midsumma
LOTL Magazine, Dec 2011: Melbourne Queer Film Festival, joins forces with the City of Yarra and Midsumma to present four warm and romantic nights of queer film favourites on the banks of the Yarra. BYO picnic hamper and cushions >> read the review.

LOTL Magazine: Midsumma launches with a bang
LOTL Magazine, 23 Nov 2011: The 2012 program further cements Midsumma as a highly anticipated annual feature on the Melbourne cultural landscape read the review.

If you are aware of other relevant reviews that are not included here, please send an email to webdude@midsumma.org.au with a link to the online review or details from the printed review (publication name, date, heading and page of the article).

Go to all Photo Galleries, Reviews & Festival Guides

Annabel Ross
 
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