Reviews and comments

Here are some comments we've received about the Shakespeare Festival:

... saw Twelfth Night last night ... how fab! Really impressed with costumes and the acting! Anthea Gleeson, Toowoomba, 11/03/10

... we had thoroughly enjoyable time. The production was excellent and the actors just blew us away. Rebekah Davidson, Toowoomba, 11/03/10

... a BIG thankyou for the wonderful performance and great workshops – we really enjoyed it and want ... USQ to know how much we appreciate the opportunity to participate in this event on the Fraser Coast. Estelle Schabort, Riverside Christian College, Maryborough, 19/03/09

Last Saturday, I joined a group of friends for the second year running at Queens Park. I have been out of town on previous occasions. My friends have not missed a production since it began as it is 'the highlight of the year' for them. The atmosphere, from line-up time to end of the program, is vibrant and carnival-like. It is wonderful to be a part of the community celebration. Even if I didn't like the play (and that is certainly not the case) it is a fun night out. Where else can I drive/walk to the venue, find a park, take a picnic, children/babies and blankets welcome, and see such talent perform. The acting, costumes and sets are equal to any I have witnessed in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne theatre. Please don't let these types of programs disappear because of non-funding. They are such a gift to Toowoomba and really make the town unique. Thankyou for the fun we had. Erin Menkens, 09/03/09

I travelled to Toowoomba this past weekend to attend my third Shakespeare in the Park production and wanted to congratulate the whole USQ team for what was undoubtedly the finest yet – by far. The quality of acting, the ability to interpret the bard without violating him, the set itself, lighting, tech support, parking, facilities, the speed with which a very long queue was able to keep moving before the show ... it was a total joy from start to finish. My wife and I and our friends who attended were thoroughly delighted with the entire experience. Our sincere thanks and hearty congratulations. You have truly excelled yourselves. Kerry Gubb, 03/03/09

I've attended each of the productions and enjoyed every one of them. This type of theatre presentation has given me the opportunity to enjoy Shakespeare far more than a school classroom ever did. My daughter and I are avid fans of the unique atmosphere of the outdoors, and each year we gather a basket of goodies to eat before the performance.  What will we do when all the plays have been performed?   Mandy Adams, Toowoomba

... we come up to Toowoomba (from the Sunshine Coast) every year for the Shakespeare in the Park Festival. Watching a play under those magnificent trees in Queens Park is an event in itself, and to be entertained so fully makes for an absolutely wonderful outing - helped along, of course, by good food and a little wine. Debra Wedmaier, 02/02/09

"My daughter and I attended the Romeo and Juliet performance in the park at Springfield on Saturday night and were totally overhelmed with the supurb talent and professionalism of the cast. We loved it ..." Judi Grimes, Gold Coast, 01/04/08

"... a starkly simple yet flexible set, great lighting effects, sumptuous costumes, a musical soundtrack and terrific actors ... particular mention must be made of Christopher Hunter and Kate Murphy in their lead roles. The balcony scene was a treat, and Kate brought tears to our eyes in the finale." read full review Gavin Patterson, Fraser Coast Chronicle, 15/03/08

"Shakespeare .... dazzled the crowd ... at opening night ... on the Bay last night. Lighting and staging were spectacular and the glamour cast added magnetism to the production. Kate Murphy was riveting as Juliet; her handsome lover Romeo, portrayed by Christopher Hunter, smouldered from the stage while the dashing Mercutio, played by Daniel Mulvihill, held the gaze of the female half of the audience." Nancy Bates, Editor, Fraser Coast Chronicle, 13/03/08

"Had a great time last night (Tuesday 4 March) ... It was very well done ... I think the atmosphere of all the (school) kids made it more enjoyable as they were very interactive with the show which made it more amusing to watch!" Gemma Neal, Toowoomba and Golden West Tourism

"I would just like to express how impressed I was yesterday with the whole Shakespeare in the Park experience. The (secondary) workshops were excellent, the production was great and the organisation on a whole was exceptional. My students really got a lot of the day and had so much to talk about on the way home. I am already looking forward to next years!" Michelle Browne, Rosewood State High School

"Congratulations … I really enjoyed the production, despite the conditions last Thursday … somehow watching in the 'balmy' Toowoomba dampness brings a special feeling to 'fair Verona'. As usual, the production was skilled, energetic,and scrumptious … I want to thank all the contributors... actors, backstage/production, front of house and those sponsors ... it is a must for the year." Senator Claire Moore, Strathpine

"The show was innovative and full of energy. Great sets and some standout performances. Our kids really enjoyed the show. There is nothing like live theatre to inspire students and give them understanding as the text comes alive. Our students were engaged and still talking about the costumes and set days later." Roxane Scott, Boonah State High School

"My family and friends attended (Sunday's) performance and I would like to pass on how impressed we all were by the show. The actors have done an amazing job in recreating a contemporary version of the ageless Shakespearian drama. The costumes were brilliant and it all ran with polished precision!" Coralie J Graham, Toowoomba