Dr Diana Carroll Archives - FIFTY+SA

Theatre Review: Chicago the Musical

Dr Diana Carroll — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 04:28:46 +0000

Murder, media manipulation, dreams and ambitions, love and lust, all come together in the passionate, beating heart of Chicago. Add the amazing music and lyrics of John Kander and Fred Ebb, brought to life with the brilliant choreography of Bob Fosse, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the longest-running shows on Broadway. We all know the storyline of murderers Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly from previous iterations of the stage show and the classic movie with Richard Gere, Renee Zellweger, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. It’s hard to believe that’s now almost 25 years old. There is also

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Book Review: The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson

Dr Diana Carroll — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:02:00 +0000

There really is nothing nicer on a cold winter’s day than curling up with a good book, especially one as cosy and comforting as The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club. Set in England in the summer of 1919, the novel explores the aftermath of World War 1. Society has changed, people have changed, but the old values quickly reassert themselves. Women who were allowed to drive trucks and work the land during the War now have to give up those positions for returned servicemen. And many of the menfolk have come home battered and broken, physically and emotionally. At

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Theatre Review: TINA – The Tina Turner Musical

Dr Diana Carroll — Mon, 06 May 2024 05:32:47 +0000

It’s clear that these huge touring jukebox musicals are back in fashion in a big way. The fabulous Elvis – A Musical Revolution has just ended at Her Majesty’s and now we have the stunning TINA – The Tina Turner Musical on the main stage at Festival Theatre. Like Elvis, this is an homage to the life and legacy of a supreme performer who had an enormous impact on popular music over many decades. Indeed, I don’t think I really appreciated the influence of Tina Turner’s music until I saw this show. All those amazing songs that have featured in

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Adelaide Fringe Review: The 60 Four: Living in the ‘70s

Dr Diana Carroll — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:22:24 +0000

The 60 Four: Living in the ‘70s is a fabulous feel-good show celebrating all those classic songs from an era we know and love. The four singers – Ben Francis, Lachlan Williams, Jack Conroy and Finnegan Green – give it all they’ve got as they sing and dance their way through so many of the all-time greatest hits. This really was a golden era for pop music, even if it was about thirty years before these boys were born. Their passion and dedication shines through in every song and every synchronised dance move. The show celebrates many global superstars of

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Say Bonjour to the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2024

Dr Diana Carroll — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:50:17 +0000

It’s time for Adelaide cinema fans and Francophiles to get excited about the Alliance Française French Film Festival. Now in its 35th iteration, this year’s Festival promises so many wonderful cinematic treats. Launching the Festival in Adelaide this week, outgoing Artistic Director Karine Mauris says the films she has selected all champion the themes of humanity and diversity. ‘From heart-warming comedies to gripping dramas, each offers its unique charm and allure,’ says Mauris. Karine Mauris is the Cultural Attachée of the French Embassy in Australia and has been the Film Festival’s Artistic Director since 2020. ‘In my final edition as

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Book Review: Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

Dr Diana Carroll — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 01:00:42 +0000

I love Sally Hepworth! It’s no wonder that this Melbourne-based writer is a regular on the New York Times best-selling lists. She was a speaker at Adelaide Writers Week in 2023 with her presentation entitled “The Pleasures of a Page Turner”. As her bio for that stated, she “is probably the only Australian author who has been featured on a billboard in New York’s Times Square”. Her books are popular across the globe and have been translated into twenty languages. Darling Girls is her ninth novel and won’t disappoint fans new and old. If you loved The Younger Wife and

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Theatre Review: Miss Saigon

Dr Diana Carroll — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 23:30:00 +0000

Almost 30 years ago Adelaide audiences saw the first production of this classic Cameron Mackintosh musical. They loved it, along with some 38 million theatre-goers around the world. There have been other productions along the way, but this new one really is exceptional. It’s actually hard to imagine a better production than this because every aspect is so outstanding. Singing and dancing? Top class. Orchestration? Superb. Lighting and set design? Mind-blowingly good. Emotional impact? Hits the spot every time! After a life-time of seeing musicals and operas, here and overseas, I really think this is the best production I’ve seen.

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Music Review: Christmas Unwrapped with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Dr Diana Carroll — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 02:27:22 +0000

The Festival Theatre came alive on Friday and Saturday evening with all our favourite Christmas music, some wonderful singing, a couple of delightful guest appearances, and an unexpected moment or two. The stage was set with illuminated Christmas trees and giant decorations and there was even Santa playing third horn. The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra was joined for these two concerts by the always-charming conductor Guy Noble. He is always a great host, with his laconic sense of humour and relaxed presentation. It feels like he is just chatting with a few friends, not fronting an almost full-house on the main

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Book Review: The Home Style Handbook by Lucy Gough

Dr Diana Carroll — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:17:56 +0000

Australian interior stylist Lucy Gough has enjoyed a stellar career both here and in the UK. During 12 years living in London she art directed, styled, and created concepts for many leading brands and publications including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful UK, The Sunday Times, Dulux, and Crown Paint. Clearly we can’t all afford to employ a top designer to come in and make our home look fabulous, but you don’t need to with this beautiful new book. It’s an easy-to-follow room-by-room guide to creating a home that is original and authentic, reflecting your personal

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Savour the delicious delights of High Tea in the Mortlock Library

Dr Diana Carroll — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 05:30:15 +0000

Like many people, I have always loved going out for High Tea – it always feels like such a special treat. There you are, all dressed up, sitting somewhere fancy, and sampling delicate little morsels of deliciousness. It’s how you imagine the Royals eat every day! As a special promotion, the State Library has opened up the amazing Mortlock Chamber for High Tea on four Sundays from November 26 to December 17 with sittings at 10am and 2pm. We attended the 10am sitting which felt extra special because the State Library itself doesn’t open until midday on a Sunday, so

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