Skip to main content

Review: Horizon - Playlab Theatre

Written by Jake Goodall

There’s something utterly liberating about cruising down the boundless roads of outback Australia, leaving behind the weight of daily worries and embracing the open expanse, except when there are secrets brewing. Playlab's recent revival of their 2021 hit, Horizon, captures this exhilarating sense of escape with breathtaking brilliance.

In this compelling 90-minute journey, we follow Cole and Sky as they embark on a road trip deep into the heart of Australia. Sky, weary of the monotony of corporate life, and Cole, grappling with his father’s illness, find their newfound freedom punctuated by a forgotten mixtape tucked away in the glove box. But as secrets begin to seep from the confines of their vehicle, the vast Australian bush turns eerily menacing, and the road trip games that once brought joy now feel hollow.

Written by Maxine Mellor, Horizon is a high-octane exploration of the Australian political landscape, pushing the audience to confront their own morals, ethics, and judgments. Mellor's script weaves together poetry, realism, and gothic themes with masterful precision, making it a thought-provoking experience for Southeast Queensland audiences.

Under the direction of Ian Lawson, this production is nothing short of immaculate. The entire set is ingeniously centered around a physical car on stage, with the vehicle serving as both a storytelling device and a visual focal point. The design is enhanced by full-length screens depicting the Australian bush, creating a cinematic quality that makes the production accessible and engaging for a diverse audience. Lawson's direction of the actors is particularly noteworthy, with naturalistic blocking during the introspective scenes and fluid movement during the more dynamic moments, adding depth to the storytelling. The blend of traditional and innovative techniques in this production transforms it into a captivating theatrical experience.

Nathan Sibthorpe’s AV design, though understated, significantly enriches the production, adding a subtle yet beautiful layer to the overall experience. The lighting by David Walters and sound by Guy Webster work in tandem to create an impactful and immersive space, enhancing the atmosphere of the play.

No performance would be complete without exceptional actors, and Horizon boasts two standout performances. Julian Curtis as Cole delivers a poignant portrayal of a man with a troubled past seeking redemption, while Ashlee Lollback as Sky captures the essence of an independent woman discovering her true self and aspirations. Their chemistry and dedication elevate the production, holding the audience’s attention throughout the entire 90 minutes.

In summary, Horizon is a five-star triumph, a must-see for theatre lovers, fans of Australian writing, and anyone who appreciates top-notch theatre. This production stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the brilliance of its creative team.

Horizon plays until the 10th of August 2024 at Underground Theatre in the Brisbane Powerhouse. Tickets can be purchased here!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Plied and Prejudice - Woodward Productions

  Written by Jake Goodall Dearest Gentle Reader, Pride and Prejudice hath made its way to Brisbane, but not in the way you might expect. This isn't your typical high-society affair. The cast and crew present the classic tale in an entirely new light, featuring a different cast member getting inebriated Every. Single. Night! Adapted by the ingenious Matthew Semple, this version of Pride and Prejudice isn't for the faint of heart or for your grandparents. Laden with crude jokes, coarse language, and uproarious hilarity, Semple had the audience laughing from start to finish! Combined with Dash Kruck's masterful direction, this production is a match made in comedic heaven. Kruck leaned into the farcical nature of the script, perfecting the tone for this unique adaptation. The performers' blocking was meticulously calculated and impressive, especially with the use of a thrust stage that ensured the audience felt intimately connected to the characters—a challenging feat execu...

Review: Merrily We Roll Along - Ad Astra

  Written by Jake Goodall Merrily We Roll Along is a Steven Sondheim classic that is currently playing on the Broadway stage in New York. This revival features a stunning 21-strong cast and full musical orchestra, so when Ad Astra decided to bring this massive production to the intimate setting of their theatre we were sceptical. However, Ad Astra proved that you don't need a massive cast or band to produce these musicals in Australia, just an extremely talented production team and cast! Merrily We Roll Along follows the successful career of Broadway composer turned Hollywood producer Franklin Shepard backward in time. Throughout the show, during which time regresses from 1976 to 1957, we learn how Frank accomplished this - with the help of his best friends Charley (who writes the books and lyrics) and Mary (who is a writer in her own right and is always around for support and guidance). The trio of friends are inspired to become big players in American musical theatre and book wri...

Review: Freshblood Festival - Vena Cava

Written By Thor Morrison Upcoming creatives need a place to experiment, to prosper, to explore, and even to sometimes miss the mark. It is essential that spaces that allow this to happen exist, especially in a world obsessed with perfectionism. The Freshblood Festival is an annual event run by QUT Student Theatre Company Vena Cava, focused on young writers and performers, and it does just that. It provides a space for the new and upcoming creatives of Brisbane and surrounds to experiment, have fun, and create really exciting performances. Held at BackDock Arts in Fortitude Valley, and running over two consecutive weekends, it is a massive endeavour Vena Cava have given themselves. 14 independent shows, two play readings, and 8 music acts ensure that Freshblood has something for everyone to enjoy, and shows the variety and scale of the Festival itself. Drama Dispatch was able to attend most of the second weekend, seeing a total of seven shows and a play reading, and was greatly impresse...