Mama Subpoena: Here We Plead Again – A Revue, Reviewed

Swapping the canvas page for the big stage, the Law Revue is back again!

In a witty celebration of Sydney Uni’s law faculty, Mama Subpoena: Here We Plead Again was a glimmering example of the scrappy but sharp production of student theatre. Its self-reflexive humour tiptoped against the controversies of the faculty, the 2025 federal election, infamous Australian political celebrity, and plenty more— all the while jamming through showtunes and iconic pop hits.

From first lights, the Band Directors’ (Jessica Snelleman and Andy Park) incredible work was showcased. The tiny yet mighty band did incredible work, and I would be remiss not to mention Park’s stage presence. His performance on the electric guitar had the audience hollering in an Elvis-like craze — Massive kudos to his work! However, at times we were left wishing that energy would be shared by some of the other members, who didn’t share quite the same enthusiasm.

As for the theatrical elements, it was exactly what you signed up for with student events. Nothing could distract from the hilarity of the sketches, where truly none fell short. The crowd favourites seemed to be the darkly funny: South African Refugees, Conlove Island, and some ensemble numbers such as a Chicago-cross-Gina Reinhart romp. Although

transitions were clunky at times andset was naught, the charm of such a small production rang clear regardless. Directors Anthony-James Kanaan and Grace Selim, Producers Lilah Thurbon and Jordan Anderson, and Assistant Directors Lucia Gelonesi and Ellie Nguyen did an incredible job coordinating a cohesive ensemble cast as well as small group sketches.

Sound production fell short at times, with the band drowning out soloists, who, many times, were left un-mic’d. At times fortunately lyrics were on screen, though this could become distracting in some numbers, where lyrics became slurry and audiences had to draw their eyes up and away from the amazing work of the ensemble.

At the end of the night, a standing ovation was due, and the audience left giggling out of the Seymour Centre. This year’s revue is not one to miss, undoubtedly an excellent example of what student theatre can be.