Slone Sudiro News Today

There is a great track record of musical theatre tackling political material. Bloom seems too afraid of its own subject material to truly tackle the issues.

Bloom lives up to its name, revealing a big heart and warm sense of humour as it explores aspects of life too often ignored.

Bloom unfurls into a multifaceted exploration of institutional living, the grimness of which is offset by Gleisner’s characteristic humour.

This wrap of shows around Melbourne includes the Prince of Reggaeton, J Balvin, a bright new musical by Tom Gleisner, a long-awaited opera, gigs by 070 Shake, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Noah Cyrus and Tove Lo, plus a play about Australia’s first all-woman motor garage.

<strong>Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Theatre Company</strong><br>Katie Weston’s songs are effective enough and Gleisner’s lyrics are serviceable, but Bloom comes to life when the excellent cast get to perform all together

Gleisner’s mother-in-law went into care during Covid-19, and he saw the worst of a system in crisis. But his debut musical Bloom is one of hope