REVIEW:
Saints of Damour at Qtopia

Runs until: 6 April 2025
Reviewed by: Bridget Whitford

Three Words: Heartbreaking. Epic. Dynamic 

Best Thing: All of Act 2 

Reason to stay: If you're considering leaving in the interval (it is a long show after all!), I implore you not to. The second Act, with all its 80s lighting music and fashion, shakes you right down to the core and the writing reaches epic heights! 

Watch if you feel like: Crying (which turns out I really needed!) 

Best Line of Dialogue: 'Having a Christmas in summer is like inviting Satan to visit Baby Jesus.' 

How the audience reacted: Leaning in. Laughs. Tears. 

If I could change one thing: The length of Act 1. I'd also be curious to see a version that skips Goondiwindi and heads straight to Sydney. 

Lighting: Very effective in bringing us through all the time jumps and location shifts. The Qtopia lighting rig perhaps might need an upgrade (the lighting down states feel slow and mechanical) but the lighting shines effectively despite these technical issues. 

Set/Costume: Incredible work – Those who love a blast to the past will appreciate the 80s fashion that pops up in Act 2! 

Acting: Incredibly nuanced and moving work by all involved. Special shoutout to Deborah Galanos – Her cries of grief at the end have to be some of the most raw and compelling stage acting I have ever seen. 

Writing: Epic & beautifully put together. Those who are not fans of poetic text may not enjoy it but Elazzi's tender imagery really pours from the heart in this piece. Although some dramaturgy could further refine the script (Pierre seems a little unfazed that Samir does not travel with him to Australia initially), there is heart in this piece and it is clear Elazzi is deeply connected to the characters he has crafted. 

Directing: Skuze has drawn out detailed and skilled performances from his talented cast. Although not usually a fan of actors being onstage the whole time, it feels right in this piece and allows the jump from scene to scene feel seamless. Funny moments hit the right beat, the dramatic moments are given breath – It is very expertly crafted. 

My review in emojis: 😢😲💔 

Diamond Rating (out of 5): 💎💎💎💎 

Tickets can be bought at: https://events.humanitix.com/saints-of-damour-live-at-the-loading-dock