
The play opens with a woman prowling what appears to be a cell. Could be prison. Could be in a mental institution. She seems tormented, would like to not be here. Oddly, there is a knife inside her cell.

Although death looms large over the entire play, the experience never becomes maudlin or depressing, instead the thrill of cheating death becomes the experience for the performer’s and audience alike.

Thirty years on and Atherden has brought Maggie back into our lives, in a live stage version starring another showbiz veteran – Noeline Brown, assuming the role of the memorable character.

Is labeling Matthew Robinson a wunderkind an inaccurate title? Fame, recognition and awards seem relatively new to him but, as he says, he has been writing musicals for years. He is a suave stage presence and a brilliantly clever pianist.

Brisbane’s shake & stir theatre co cement themselves as masters of adaption with 1984, the 2012 production remounted this year for a four state tour and currently playing at QPAC in Brisbane.

The title of this concert didn’t quite describe it. Yes, the concert included Richard Strauss’ sublime epitaph for the Romantic era, Four last songs, but the remainder of the concert was purely orchestral.

While it is clear that we are in for a fairy-tale with some very familiar characters, it soon becomes apparent that this is less Disney and more Brothers Grimm.