REVIEW: Centre Stage - Arise Theatricals

The high-energy variety show, Centre Stage, brought to the stage by Arise Theatricals, Sunnybank Theatre Group, Threeworlds, and Aussie Stage Buzz, was a fiesta of young talent and good old-fashioned live performances!

Produced and directed by William Piper (who also served as host and headline performer), the show embraced the cabaret-style, anything-can-happen energy. William, just 16 years old, was completely at ease with the audience, cracking jokes, playful improvisation, and genuinely impressive magic tricks. At one point he summed up the vibe perfectly with, “We’re just making it up at this point!” His juggling acts with bowling pins, balls, and hoops were intricate and precise, while his handcuff escape trick was both impressive and laugh-out-loud funny.

The variety acts consistently impressed me! Tyrese Jok, only 12 years old, busted some hip-hop moves with great musicality and stage presence. Macca Cloke brought explosive dance energy to the stage (and threw in some unexpected contortions). The acrobatic duo of Mia Krone and Lisa Gardiner performed a stunningly intense routine to a Swan Lake remix, showcasing extraordinary balance, strength, and trust. It was the evening's visual pièce de résistance!

Vocal performances by Eliza Cullerton added warmth and storytelling. Eliza sang When He Sees Me from Waitress fully in character, with no visible nerves and strong acting choices, though the music track sat frustratingly quiet, making pitch support difficult (was there a technical fallback?) The Little Mermaid's Part of Your World later in the show was bright, expressive, and emotionally grounded, showing lovely growth across her two appearances.

Audience interaction was a constant hoot. William’s balloon animal trick with an unwitting young "volunteer" stole the show; the kid's reactions were priceless. Later, some very bewildered “buff dads” were dragged onstage as volunteers, much to the crowd’s amusement. The room was alive, playful, and supportive, and I was definitely the loudest person cackling in that theatre.

This concept is crying out for more young talent and a cabaret-style seating arrangement next time. The Centre Stage platform is a fantastic, supportive launchpad for budding performers to try out their acts in the spotlight, gain stage confidence, and soak up the applause. Overall, this was a lively, funny, and genuinely impressive night of entertainment that championed young artists across magic, circus, dance, acrobatics, and song. Bravo to the future stars!