Reviews – Lend Me A Tenor
21 September 2025Below are reviews of our September 2025 production of Lend Me A Tenor
“Under Clelland’s direction her accomplished cast captures the correct mood, creating well-rounded characterisations without losing the essential silliness necessary to engage the audience with the farcical situations.
With this delightfully entertaining production of “Lend Me A Tenor” Free Rain Theatre have produced a winner. It would be a pity to miss it.”
– Bill Stephens, Canberra Critics Circle
“This production is deliciously, laugh-out-loud funny. Don’t miss it.”
“The pace of the entire performance kept the audience constantly on its toes, with each actor timing moves and lines to perfection.”
– John P. Harvey, Stage Whispers
“There’s nothing like a classic stage farce done well and Free Rain Theatre’s new production of Lend Me A Tenor is as close to perfection as you can get.
On a substantial hotel two room set cleverly squeezed into the ACT Hub Theatre, set designer and director, Cate Clelland, has delivered a high-energy farce with fine performances.
Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Everybody in the cast is at the top of their game, performing with extraordinary energy and finely-honed comic timing.”
– Len Power, Canberra Critics Circle and Just Power Writing.
“In Cate Clelland’s production, it’s in the hands of a master. Timing is perfect to hit every laugh, with a cast game for everything.”
– Simon Tolhurst, That Guy Who Watches Canberra Theatre blog
“Ken Ludwig’s farcical romp, Lend Me A Tenor, is given a side-splitting production by Free-Rain Theatre under Cate Clelland’s sparkling direction. An outstanding cast give their all in this riotous cavalcade of mix up and mayhem.”
“(Director Cate) Clelland maintains expert control of the action as Keystone Cops meet the Marx Brothers meet Fawlty Towers. Clelland also keeps a tight leash on any ham acting that could lapse into incredulity… Clelland’s keen eye for detail in characterization and stage business gives professional gloss to this joyful production.”
“This is farce at its very best, timed to perfection, played with grand operatic fervour by a company of actors in full command of Ludwig’s frenetic characters.”
“When it is done with such flair and theatrical virtuosity then it deserves to be seen by every audience…
Free-Rain’s production of Lend Me A Tenor is the perfect antidote to the woes of troubled times. Leave your critic’s head at home and simply delight in this first-rate production of Ludwig’s fun-filled parody. Even if you wince in recognition, just remember this is farce, superbly played and hitting the high notes of an entertaining night at the theatre.”
– Peter Wilkins, Canberra Critics Circle
“The ensemble cast is a revelation. … every character is drawn with clarity and commitment. Each performer brings a distinct energy to their role, yet the cast remains beautifully balanced.
Directed with precision and flair by Cate Clelland, this Free-Rain production is a well-delivered farce, a genre that demands impeccable timing, bold characterisation, and seamless technical execution. This show does well in all three. Farce is unforgiving if any element falters, but here, every piece clicks.”
– Frank Madrid, ArtsoundFM presenter on The Arts Cafe program.
“Much confusion and use of multiple doors is the well-controlled order of the night under the firm hand of director Cate Clelland… in this unabashed romp. The play’s demands are easily met by a strong cast and the pace does not slacken.
It’s not deep but it is a theatrical workout for all concerned and an excuse for some seasoned performers to let their hair down.”
– Alanna Maclean, Canberra Critics Circle