Dinosaurs at Greenside @ Riddles Court Review
Dinosaurs by Nightmare Lizards tells of Claire, who finds a dinosaur in her grad room, only later realising it is a manifestation of her unresolved trauma.
Going into a show called Dinosaurs, I kind of expected it to be a comedy or at least comedy adjacent, however the piece never really utilised the dinosaur aspect to any real use, instead focusing on costumes in a more serious storyline. The assault is dealt with in a sensitive light, exploring it without making the audience too uncomfortable.
Chemistry thrives between Hailey Hudson and Devin Stone as Claire and Hayden, truly feeling like they’ve been best friends that have grown up together. Whilst Dinosaur Norma, played by Mandy Rubeli, does strong character work, filling every moment on stage with chaotic neutral energy. Faith Saporito plays Trace with childish naivety, still struggling with his relationship with his dad.
The stage is pretty bare, only a few seats and a bench which are used throughout but don’t seem to aid in filling the space. On the other hand, the few props used work well in helping guide the string along and explore characters’ state of mind.
For a small show, the dinosaur costume looks very well made and on the level of full-blown professional theatre. The human characters have very generic outfits, but all say something about their headspace.
Dinosaurs seems like a comedy-driven piece before quickly switching into a drama heavy performance that doesn’t ever find a balance between the two which is establishing through the whole show.
Dinosaurs plays Greenside @ Riddles Court until 29 August.
★★★
Written by Kerry for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
