Adelaide 2020: Five-Star Picks

Frankenstein: How To Make A Monster

Mary Shelley's classic tale is reimagined by Battersea Arts Centre's Beatbox Academy as a piece of gig-theatre, replete with singing, rapping, spoken word, and – of course – beatboxing.

What we said: "The a cappella virtuosity, original songs and captivating lighting would be enough to make this a winner. Add in their commitment to community outreach (for Adelaide, they’ve worked with Carclew to run beatbox sessions for local youth) and you have a show that doesn’t compromise its social message for the sake of entertainment."

AJ Holmes – Yeah, But Not Right Now

Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, The Book of Mormon alumnus AJ Holmes makes his Adelaide debut with a one-man musical which takes us through his career – from his high school aspirations to the struggles of early fame.

What we said: "Beyond the catchy tunes, Holmes is also an excellent storyteller. He crafts a mood and sets a scene with just a few notes and a handful of words. There’s an honesty and openness to this show that resonates and he carries a rollicking energy through his performance that doesn’t abate until the final applause."

Cold Blood

The brainchild of a Belgian couple, choreographer Michèle Anne De Mey and filmmaker Jaco Van Dormae, Cold Blood makes use of miniature sets and performers’ fingers to reflect on death, love and memory.

What we said: "Taken together, the performance is not only deeply moving, but visually stunning as the Kiss & Cry Collective bring each element seamlessly together. In Cold Blood, the nuts and bolts of production are laid bare and what is revealed is a contemplative, surprising and beautiful work of art."