Overview
In these Netflix-obsessed, streaming video-heavy days, the words 'on demand' have been added to almost everything we watch. But it seems they're no longer restricted to screens, with a Brisbane venue bringing the concept to live theatre performances.
In an Australian first, 50-seat Brisbane establishment Studio Theatre and Cafe is offering live theatre on demand. Patrons can request a staging of a show at any time of the day — and any day of the week — that takes their fancy. Yes, you can say goodbye to being at the mercy of regular sessions, and start seeing things more suited your schedule. Catching a play in the late hours of the evening or the early hours of the morning is real option.
There are a few caveats though, to help minimise the impact of keeping the cast and crew on permanent standby — waiting in the wings 24/7 isn't the best situation for actors. Bookings must be for groups of ten people or more, and only certain productions are available at on-demand times. Along with the $20 ticket cost, both are a small price to pay for seeing a live performance with your friends whenever you want to.
Kicking off the test period of the flexible gimmick until the end of the year is one-man musical Once in My Life, which tells the tale of a figure who probably wouldn't have played whenever the audience asked him to — aka Frank Sinatra. If the season is successful, more will follow.
Find Studio Theatre and Cafe at 647 Wynnum Road, Morningside. Visit their website and Facebook page for more information. Image: Dollar Photo Club.