Review: The Bucket List

**Picture:** *The Bucket List* (Image credit: Creative Futures Photography).

Screech Arts is the performing arts arm of Access Arts—a leading ensemble of artists with disability, disadvantage and/or who are neurodivergent, that has produced award-winning new works in collaboration with talented Queensland creatives and support workers. The Bucket List, produced by Lynne Bradley and directed by Martina Smart, is the latest work by this incredible team. If there is an opportunity to see this latest show—or any work by Screech Arts—I recommend buying tickets.

The Bucket List is a term coined by the writer of the excellent film about two terminally ill men who embark on a road trip. Although the phrase has only been in use for less than three decades, it is now widely used to refer to the bucket of tasks that people might wish to complete before they die; that is, before they ‘kick the bucket.’ Screech Arts’ writers Alex Buchanan and Niala Lewis, in collaboration with the full cast, have transformed the bucket list idea into a memorable show that shares the personal bucket list priorities of each of the members of the cast, and features… buckets.

The main cast includes many experienced artists (Alex Buchanan, Danielle Carty, Aidan Chauncy, Mags Doherty, Micheal Doust, Dale Gonelli, Kayla Gorman-Ansell, and Danielle Stewart), as well as several artist support workers (Danielle Brew, Niala Lewis, Sarah McGill, and Jacinta Maxwell) and dance troupe members (Jasmin Cox, Keri Bertwistle, and Jessica Midgley).

The show benefits from Sarah McGill’s excellent choreography and some very passionate movement and dance, including the joyful opening OneRepublic I Lived dance, featuring the whole cast. A great way in which to open The Bucket List, before Niala Lewis introduces the concept of a bucket list, and then invite each of the artist to summarise their individual ‘must do’ items (with excellent ‘strike a pose’ moments after each answer). The list is varied—from travelling on the world’s longest rollercoaster to having art displayed in a big gallery. I am sure that every member of the audience will share at some of those dreams—whether they involve travel, art, or achievement—although I am not sure how many of us would include cutting someone’s hair (and rollercoasters are definitely not on my personal must do list).

Martina Smart ensures that every performer has their moment to shine and entertain, as they each share hopes, dreams, memories and aspirations. And I love how the different acts, or performances telling the story about individual bucket list items, are interspersed with clever, comedic moments that feature those ever-present red buckets. For me, the funniest moment had to be the mime that featured two cast members building a pyramid of boxes that was taken out by the very speedy Danielle Stewart—with the umbrella-carrying wearing of the bucket boots being a close second.

Several of The Bucket List items were quite moving—in particular, the poignant and impressive ‘nobody knows when it will end’ piece about two much-missed friends, reminding us all to ‘live, laugh and love, as life can be taken away.’ Other acts were funny (great work on the roller-coaster presentation), raunchy (the ‘life is too short not to explore every part of the self’ dance moves), artistic (the artwork painting), and positive (Danielle’s paralympic manifestation). At the end of the show, the closing ‘we’re all going to die’ reminders that ‘dreams aren’t just for sleeping,’ the artists speak directly to the audience to remind us that life is for living, and that dreams can be pursued and wish lists fulfilled.

Having had the opportunity see and review The Box (2018), Charlie (2019), PUSH and Wired Differently (both 2025), it is marvellous to see the ways in which the Screech Arts team’s artistic practice continues to evolve. Every show has been a moving, entertaining and powerful demonstration of artistry and creativity—where collaborations with leading creatives has been an inspired move. The 2026 Screech Arts The Bucket List is a funny, charming, clever, and important piece, that encourages audiences to listen, reflect and act. I hope that the cast and creatives have future opportunities to bring this latest work to wider audiences.

Catherine Lawrence

**Picture**: Joy at *The Bucket List* (Image Credit: Creative Futures Photography).

Audience information: 2026 Anywhere Festival Brisbane The Bucket List at The Paint Factory Festival Hub, 115 Hyde Road, Yeronga (two shows, 3pm and 7pm, on 23 May only). Tickets $35. Warnings include subject triggers, some reference to death and suicidal ideation, and mature content (15+). 60 minutes. Uneven surfaces, so always wise to wear practical shoes. Bring a jacket or warm clothing as the space is not heated.

The reviewer attended the 23 May 2026 performance (3pm).

Additional credits: Jon Whitehead (Lighting Designer), Clayton Donnelly and Maddie O’Connor (Operators), and Jenny Jays (Volunteer).

Geoff Lawrence