John Shand Posts

November 14, 2025 / Theatre Reviews

Theatre Royal, November 5 5/10 What a shame. Given that A Midsummer Night’s Dream was Shakespeare’s first masterwork, you’d think that even when bastardised into pop musical, it had half a chance of being better than this. At the very least you might expect it to improve upon Bell Shakespeare’s…

November 3, 2025 / Concert Reviews

Richard Bonynge Concert Hall, October 23 8/10 Samara Joy came out and told us that although she was recovering from a cold, she’d rather sing a few notes for us than none. Compromised she was, in range, volume and breath control. She avoided introducing songs or band members, and only…

November 2, 2025 / Concert Reviews

City Recital Hall, October 22 9/10 There are nights in the Blue Mountains when you gaze at the night sky with all the wonder of a child’s eyes. Hearing the Bill Frisell Trio is like that. A deep sense of mystery pervades the music, with notes from Frisell’s guitar flaring,…