It's always exciting going to the theatre. It's kind of weird that we don't use those big bits of crumpled paper (read: Festival Theatre and the Dunstan Playhouse) more often but certainly when you do get the opportunity to wander on past the casino, over the footbridge and down amongst the well-to-do and art-loving types it's a wonderful change from people-watching on the sidewalk in front of the pub. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Indeed Toy Symphony, which I've repeatedly and mistakenly called Toy Soldiers (the name of a local graffiti crew and a 1991 film by Daniel Petrie), is all about the people watching. Whether it's the crowd who are attending, the hilarious pompous laughs of a certain local broadcaster or, as it may be, the brilliant actors on stage.

Don't get me wrong, for probably the first 30 minutes of Michael Gow's play I was cringing. Theatre is raw, unlike movies. There's no second takes and sometimes, for instance when a really pretentious, whinging and long (really long) monologue unravels - you think you might just close your eyes and block your ears.

But you don't. You can't.

Toy Symphony is theatre of the best kind. Far from a simple play about writer's block, Toy Symphony is a creative and surreal exploration of important themes and when... no, I can't ruin the surprise. But anyway, there comes a point in the play where shit gets crazy and weird... and awesome!

There is a novelty to the devices employed by Gow certainly, but the script and the performances overcome any consideration that it's a gimmick. This is probably helped by those good people who put on the production: a joint effort by the State Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre Company.

Set designer Jonathon Oxlade, who recently worked on The Wizard of Oz, desreves an honorable mention also for his kick-arse set, that at first seems quite dull but... no I can't ruin it!! Let's just say there's more than one trap-door.

The actors are all capable. Chris Pitman is particularly good in the lead role and manages to turn some potentially cringe-worthy moments into affecting ones. Most of the rest of the cast play multiple roles, so a frantic energy is kept up throughout.

But what I can reveal is that the play is fantastic theatre; funny, sad, worrying and uplifting. A perfect way to spend an evening in any case. – Toy Symphony is showing at the Dunstan Playhouse until February 14. Go see it!