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Winnipeg Free Press
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Fringe reviews #6: You enter the venue and immediately trip over the fourth wall
CANCER WIFE Sherri Elle Theatre Projects Creative Manitoba (Venue 22), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐ What would you do if someone you'd just started dating received a life-altering health diagnosis? This one-woman performance follows an unnamed character as she struggles through such a scenario, supporting her partner through his leukemia treatment while trying to make space for her own fears and uncertainties. Written and performed by Sherri Elle, Cancer Wife crams in a wide variety of themes at a breakneck pace. Unfortunately, many plot points are brought up and then left unexplored within the 60-minute runtime. The timeline occasionally feels unclear, and the narrator is never given the space to become a fully developed character. Elle brings a lot of emotion (and a strong singing voice) to her performance, and there are several moments where her monologue effectively drags the audience through her character's innermost confessional thoughts. But a more casual speaking style undermines the script's power, and it rushes past some weighty life decisions without examining their long-term impact. — Matt Schaubroeck DRAG ME TO THE OPERA Aida Cupcake Presents Centre culturel franco-manitobain (Venue 4), to Saturday, July 26 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ There's more sweetness than a bonbon in this autobiographical musical written and performed by drag queen Aida Cupcake (a.k.a. Calgary's Steven J. Morton), who has a mellifluous tenor voice as smooth as honey. Aida delivers a compelling one-hour narrative chronicling her journey to becoming an international opera singer, exploring the way the question 'Can I plausibly pursue this?' haunted her, preying on artistic insecurities and self-doubt. She peppers her monologue with a series of famous arias from Mozart to Puccini, seamlessly changing wigs and costumes like a chameleon. One of the most gut-wrenching scenes comes when she recounts the death of her father, breaking into deeply felt Dido's Lament in which all lines between art and real life blur. However, just when you think you know how this gender-bender is going to end, Aida surprises us all (no spoilers here) with the dramatic flair worthy of a diva. Now at peace, she ultimately discovers her true, authentic voice before one final confection from Donizetti's The Daughter of the Regiment, nailing every one of her treacherous high Cs and performing with military zeal. — Holly Harris HOUDINI: THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND. Oddly Entertainment Centre culturel franco-manitobain (Venue 4), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐ Local performer Brett Oddly's opening show was fraught with jitters over a hastily assembled attempt to meet the promised hour of entertainment. Still, what unfolded — a reproduction of some of the beloved illusionist and stunt artist Harry Houdini's greatest escapes — was fulfilled with skill. In between some factoids are dispersed — not much of a deep dive, but some curious and distressing facts about straitjackets are included, and the ultimate wrangle out of one is a grand finale. A testament to the last-minute machinations was the performer's off-the-cuff remark that the hardest part of the show was remembering he was supposed to be Houdini. Such is Oddly's charm that it came off as vulnerable as opposed to a bait and switch. — Lara Rae I HOPE YOU KNOW Interstellar Theatre Company Creative Manitoba (Venue 22), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Patiently tapping their fingers on a suitcase before the audience takes its seats, queer theatre student Niko (Adia Branconnier, 17) arrives at the station ahead of schedule, but as always, the train is late, and so is a straggling passenger: Niko's father (Mike Branconnier), who awkwardly wraps his child in a side-hug before a blazingly original, unabashedly open and side-splittingly funny hour-long trip to Toronto's Union Station. Written by the teenage performer — a two-time winner of the Scirocco Drama Manitoba high-school playwriting program — I Hope You Know announces Adia Branconnier as a major talent. While the younger Branconnier's acting chops, both comedically and dramatically, are excellent, their father proves to be a skilful scene partner, often communicating his character's discomfort, regret and hope for forgiveness with only the whites of his eyes. The production makes wise use of background noise, mixing raindrops, clacking train tracks and the distant clatter of Old Market Square to imbue each moment with the space and time necessary to process a brilliant fringe debut. — Ben Waldman LYSISTRATA R-G Productions One88 (Venue 23), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ It might be surprising that 2,400-year-old jokes can still get laughs today, but such is the power of phallic humour. Some not-so-nuanced wordplay and stiff props earned many laughs in this comedic retelling of an all-woman sex strike that tries to usher in peace, in direct opposition to their husbands' penchant for more military solutions. A large troupe does its best with the source material, with sometimes uneven delivery but no lack of enthusiasm for the punchlines. Some awareness of the original plot might help fill in some narrative gaps that were quickly glossed over, but no homework is required to appreciate the absurd antics. Clocking in at a lean 50 minutes (not the 75 advertised) the script occasionally felt rushed and lacked much of the source material's social commentary. Sticking largely to Aristophanes' original story brought some millennia-old jokes to life, but the current global situation driven by certain warmongering men might have given a sharper, more modern perspective on this classic. — Matt Schaubroeck MOMS MOMS MOMS: A BURLESQUE COMEDY DD Brassiere PTE — Colin Jackson Studio (Venue 17), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Performers DD Brassiere and Your Mom Kathy let it all hang out as they combine the sensual art of burlesque with comedy. The middle-aged women say they're doing the show to get some time away from their kids (DD has one, Kathy has three) and let loose. And they sure do. The duo sing, dance, drink wine, tell jokes and anecdotes (including a serious story about an overdose) and get naked — Manitoba Naked, DD says, noting the women were going to use pasties over their nipples, which now can't be exposed after breastfeeding. The 60-minute production is akin to a variety show with each performer taking the spotlight to do a bit of standup and stripping — to much hooping and hollering from the boisterous crowd, who were treated to some literal eye-popping reveals. And if you think Your Mom Kathy — a self-described larger MILF — isn't a good burlesque name, she claims the top categories on Porn Hub would say different. — Rob Williams THE MONKEY'S PAW Stumble Upon a Story Asper Centre for Theatre and Film (Venue 10), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐ Winnipeg's Stumble Upon a Story troupe adapts the 1902 horror story by W.W. Jacobs using masks and puppetry, and a reading of the story for good measure. If you're not familiar with the horror classic, it's about an old couple who come into possession of the titular artifact, taken from an elderly visitor as he attempts to toss the thing into the fire. It grants the bearer three wishes, but the wish involves an unanticipated sacrifice. Jacob's much adapted and copied story relies on plucking at the reader's imagination, so it's a solid idea to adapt the story to the stage for two performers (Sarah Higgins and Jo Dixon) clad in robes and masks. But perhaps it's too much of an abstract thing, factoring the hypnotic music and sound design by Darin Janzen. The Monkey's Paw is a horror story first, and any production would need a jolt or two to counter the slow ritualistic music and action and the dark cool atmosphere of the venue, all of which conspire to soporific effect. — Randall King NERVOUS BREAKDOWN IN G MINOR Lewis Rawlinson Théâtre Cercle Molière (Venue 3), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A vulnerable young gay man aspires to be a concert cellist, but the trauma of a Mormon upbringing, drug use and psychological distress put his dreams on hold. Given the abdication of dignity that can come along with elite pursuit, owing to the historic amount of abuse in classical music against anyone who isn't a cis male, the cure can be worse than the disease. Their loss. Here is a brave queer soul finally living his best life: a story well told by the Chicago-based actor-musician, interspersed with well-handled Rachmaninoff in the titular minor key. — Lara Rae NEUROHILARITY EXPOSED Neurohilarity Planetarium Auditorium (Venue 9), to Saturday, July 26 ⭐⭐⭐ 'When I get nervous, I talk about trains. And baby, I'm always nervous.' That quip by Adam Schwartz, who has autism, typifies the self-affirming tone of this hour-long showcase for four standup comics under the banner of Neurohilarity, a Winnipeg organization that promotes neurodiverse artists. The comedians take ownership of their awkwardness and poke fun at the behaviours that accompany their ADD, ADHD or autism, from poor impulse control and hyperfixations to being terrible at small talk and fibbing. The funniest set is by Rollin Penner, who was diagnosed with ADD in his 50s and is so forgetful and distractible that he can't quite recall what food one of his kids is 'deathly allergic' to. Carole Cunningham confesses to having a 'closet of shame' for her abandoned hobby supplies. Danielle Kayahara describes herself as 'a wallflower who's bad at telling lies.' It may be unpolished, but Neurohilarity Exposed demonstrates how laughter really can take the sting out of differences. — Alison Mayes TESS TALKS The Tess Effect Planetarium Auditorium (Venue 9), to Sunday, July 27 ⭐⭐⭐ ½ The five Canadian storytellers who compose this TED Talk-inspired show — Sally Scott, Nicolette Richer, Tessa Emery, Marc Dionne and Theo — met during a retreat called Flying Soulo at the Hollyhock Cortes Island Retreat Centre in B.C., which is where these stories were born. They kept in touch and now, they are baring their souls at the fringe. Addressing everything from depression, pelvic pain (and the painfully long journey for answers) and a midlife sexual awakening to an ayahuasca trip and a journey into the abyss, these stories are vulnerable, touching and quite often funny, delivered by engaging people. Not everyone on the bill is as comfortable with their material as others, however, and some of the tellers are on the quiet side. At 66 minutes (a shade shorter than the 75 advertised in the program), it also feels a bit overlong. But if you're looking for relatable tales of humanity and heart, this is your show and these are your people. — Jen Zoratti
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Secret Sounds confirms extended Lewis Capaldi tour; check dates and how to book tickets
Lewis Capaldi extends his Australia and New Zealand tour. The Scottish singer adds extra shows in Sydney and Melbourne. This follows a break and a return to the stage. Capaldi will perform in several cities. These include Christchurch, Auckland, and Brisbane. He will also perform in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Ticket sales are now open with pre-sale options available. Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi returns to Australia and New Zealand for the first time since 2019, expanding his 2025 tour with extra shows in response to massive fan demand. (Image Courtesy: Lewis Capaldi) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Confirmed tour dates for November–December Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads November 30 – Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch December 2 – Spark Arena, Auckland December 4 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane December 6 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney December 7 (New Show) – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney December 12 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne December 13 (New Show) – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne December 15 – Entertainment Centre, Adelaide December 17 – RAC Arena, Perth Ticket sales and pre-sale info Past Ticketholders Presale: Now open until Monday, July 14, 11 am AEST. Secret Sounds Presale: It runs from Friday, July 11, at 11 a.m. to Monday, July 14, at 11 a.m. AEST. General Sale: Begins Monday, July 14 at 12 pm local time. Capaldi's comeback after break Lewis Capaldi has added two new shows to his upcoming Australia and New Zealand tour after unprecedented demand during the pre-sale period. Promoter Secret Sounds confirmed that the Scottish singer-songwriter will now perform an additional show at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, December 7, and a second night at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, December announcement comes as Capaldi makes a strong comeback to the global stage, following a two-year break from his chart-topping new single Survive and a widely praised return to the Glastonbury Festival last month, Capaldi is now set to tour across Christchurch, Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth this November and December. These will be his first live performances in Australasia since 2019, when he performed at the Falls Festival and Auckland Town 2025 tour will cover major cities including Christchurch, Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and are the confirmed dates:Tickets and full tour details are available at the Secret Sounds returned to the stage at Glastonbury last month, two years after stepping away from touring to focus on his mental and physical health following his Tourette's syndrome his Glastonbury performance, he introduced his new single 'Survive' and told fans he was back to 'finish what [he] couldn't finish.'
Time Out
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
How to get tickets for Lewis Capaldi in Sydney: pre-sale, dates, venue and more
Sydneysiders, the time has come to fall for 'Someone You Loved' all over again. Lewis Capaldi is heading to Sydney later this year – and we've got the lowdown. It's been five years since the Scottish superstar last graced Aussie stages at Falls Festival, and two years since he heartbreakingly had to cancel his 2023 Australian tour due to the impact of his Tourette's. But after an emotional surprise return at Glastonbury Festival over the weekend, Capaldi has announced his long-awaited Australian comeback this December. Brace your heartstrings, as the setlist is bound to hit you right in the feels with favourites like 'Before You Go', 'Hold Me While You Wait', 'Bruises', 'Forget Me', his latest release 'Survive' and of course, the global smash hit, 'Someone You Loved' – which is the world's fourth most streamed song in history. Want to cry-sing to these hits live? Here's everything you need to know about getting tickets to Lewis Capaldi's Australian tour. When is Lewis Capaldi's 2025 Sydney show? So far, Lewis Capaldi has announced just one Sydney show – he'll be lighting up the Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday, December 6 (we'll keep you posted if more dates are announced). When do Lewis Capaldi Sydney tickets go on sale? General tickets for Lewis Capaldi's Australian tour go on sale on Monday, July 14 at 12pm / noon Sydney time via Secret Sounds. Is there a Lewis Capaldi pre-sale? Of course there is – it's Lewis Capaldi! Fans who had tickets to the singer's cancelled 2023 tour will get exclusive access to a pre-sale kicking off on Thursday, July 10 at 11am local time. Everyone else can jump on the Secret Sounds pre-sale from Friday, July 11 at 11am. Before you go… make sure you register for the pre-sale here. How much are Lewis Capaldi Sydney tickets? We'll update you here with ticket prices as soon as they're released. Who is the support act for Lewis Capaldi's Sydney show? English singer Skye Newman and Irish songwriter Aaron Rowe will join Capaldi as support acts on the UK leg of his global tour. However, the support act for his Australian shows has yet to be announced. Where is Lewis Capaldi playing in Australia? So far, Lewis Capaldi has announced five Aussie shows: Brisbane 's Entertainment Centre – Thursday, December 4 Sydney 's Qudos Bank Arena – Saturday, December 6 Melbourne 's Rod Laver Arena – Friday, December 12 Adelaide 's Entertainment Centre – Monday, December 15 Perth 's RAC Arena – Wednesday, December 17 Why did Lewis Capaldi cancel his 2023 Australian tour? Lewis Capaldi cancelled his 2023 Australian tour – including his scheduled appearance at Splendour in the Grass and a series of sold-out headline shows – to focus on his mental and physical health. The singer said: 'The fact that this probably won't come as a surprise doesn't make it any easier to write, but I'm very sorry to let you know I'm going to be taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future. I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I'd hoped three weeks away would sort me out. But the truth is I'm still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette's and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.'
Time Out
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
How to get tickets for Lewis Capaldi in Australia: pre-sale, cities, dates and more
Australia, get ready to fall for someone you loved all over again – because Lewis Capaldi is heading Down Under! It's been five years since the Scottish superstar last graced Aussie stages at Falls Festival, and two years since he heartbreakingly had to cancel his 2023 Australian tour due to the impact of his Tourette's. But after an emotional surprise return at Glastonbury Festival over the weekend, Capaldi has announced his long-awaited Australian comeback this December. Brace your heartstrings, as the setlist is bound to hit you right in the feels with favourites like 'Before You Go', 'Hold Me While You Wait', 'Bruises', 'Forget Me', his latest release 'Survive' and of course, the global smash hit, 'Someone You Loved' – which is the world's fourth most streamed song in history. Want to cry-sing to these hits live? Here's everything you need to know about getting tickets to Lewis Capaldi's Australian tour. When and where is Lewis Capaldi's 2025 Australian tour? So far, Lewis Capaldi has announced five massive shows across five different Australian cities, including: Brisbane 's Entertainment Centre – Thursday, December 4 Sydney 's Qudos Bank Arena – Saturday, December 6 Melbourne 's Rod Laver Arena – Friday, December 12 Adelaide 's Entertainment Centre – Monday, December 15 Perth 's RAC Arena – Wednesday, December 17 When do Lewis Capaldi Australia tickets go on sale? General tickets for Lewis Capaldi's Australian tour go on sale on Monday, July 14 at 12pm / noon local time via Secret Sounds. Is there a Lewis Capaldi pre-sale? Of course there is — it's Lewis Capaldi! Fans who had tickets to the singer's cancelled 2023 tour will get exclusive access to a pre-sale kicking off on Thursday, July 10 at 11am local time. Everyone else can jump on the Secret Sounds pre-sale from Friday, July 11 at 11am. Before you go… make sure you register for the pre-sale here. How much are Lewis Capaldi tickets in Australia? We'll update you here with ticket prices as soon as they're released. Who is the support act for Lewis Capaldi's Australian tour? English singer Skye Newman and Irish songwriter Aaron Rowe will join Capaldi as support acts on the UK leg of his global tour. However, the support act for his Australian shows has yet to be announced. Why did Lewis Capaldi cancel his 2023 Australian tour? Lewis Capaldi cancelled his 2023 Australian tour – including his scheduled appearance at Splendour in the Grass and a series of sold-out headline shows – to focus on his mental and physical health. The singer said: 'The fact that this probably won't come as a surprise doesn't make it any easier to write, but I'm very sorry to let you know I'm going to be taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future. I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I'd hoped three weeks away would sort me out. But the truth is I'm still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette's and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.'
Perth Now
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
UK pop star announces Aussie tour after two-year hiatus
Scottish singing sensation Lewis Capaldi has announced he'll be returning to Australian shores this December for his first national performances since 2020. Keeping a relatively low profile over last two years, the 28-year-old has returned to the scene with his new single Survive, complimenting his special appearance at Glastonbury Festival in late June. In true Capaldi style, the singer declared, 'My name's Lewis Capaldi and I'm f**king back, baby.' Lewis Capaldi will return to Australia in December. Credit: BANG - Entertainment News The star will travel to New Zealand in November, before touching down in Brisbane in early December where he will continue a string of singular performances in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, before playing his final tour show at Perth's RAC Arena on December 17. Aussies last saw Capaldi in action during Falls Festival in the summer of 2019/2020. Following his recent pause on live performances, the Before You Go singer returned to the stage in his home country as a guest of mental health charity CALM in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week. The self-deprecating singer has historically proven he doesn't take himself too seriously, but in 2023 was forced to address his mental health concerns while on stage at Glastonbury as symptoms of his Tourette's Syndrome overcame him. 'I feel like I'll be taking another wee break over the next couple of weeks,' he told fans at the time. 'So you probably won't see much of me for the rest of year, maybe even. But when I do come back and when I do see you, I hope you're still up for watching us.' If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. On June 27, Capaldi closed the loop and reassured supporters at the festival he hadn't forgotten about them in a powerful 30-minute set. 'Second time's a charm on this one,' he said. 'I just wanted to come and finish what I couldn't finish last time.' Fans who purchased tickets to the singer-songwriter's cancelled 2023 tour in Australia will be eligible for a Past Ticket Holders Presale on July 10. Tickets will be made available to the public from Monday, July 14. December 4 — Brisbane (Entertainment Centre) December 6 — Sydney (Qudos Bank Arena) December 12 — Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) December 15 — Adelaide (Entertainment Centre) December 17 — Perth (RAC Arena)
