Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Review: PYGMALION at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre

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Pygmalion at QPAC

After a delayed season due to the Brisbane floods, The Queensland Theatre Company (QTC) proudly opened its doors to showcase ‘Pygmalion’ – the play that inspired the iconic musical film “My Fair Lady”. Audience members were taken on a journey to the home of ‘foul-mouthed guttersnipe’ Eliza Dolittle, set in the backstreets of London in the early 1900s.

Each scene in the play was introduced by a roving spotlight travelling along a map portraying the streets of London, and articulate actors who easily transported the audience from scene to scene.

The actress who assumed the character of Eliza Dolittle (Melanie Zanetti) had the audience in stitches with her overly expressive tantrums and neck-straining, perfectly executed “London back alley guttersnipe” accent – the early 1900s English counterpart of today’s “Bogan” accent.

As the show progressed, the audience was captivated and thoroughly entertained by her transformation into an English rose, flaunting her beauty in English couture. Who could forget that red satin gown, the perfectly coiffed hair and white satin gloves in her ‘Duchess’ debut? Eliza’s transformation was a treat for all female members of the audience as it humorously depicted female empowerment, purpose and identity flourishing in the throes of a patriarchal society.

Equally engaging were the actors who portrayed Professor Higgins (Robert Colby) and Colonel Pickering (Bryan Probets). The camaraderie shared between these two unlikely friends was reflective of light and shade, day and night – the “Odd Couple” of London’s High Society. The development of co-dependent and dysfunctional relationships between these three characters was nothing short of delightful and entertaining.

Overall the play was pleasing to the theatre-palate – charming, witty, colourful, enthralling and a total delight. We highly recommend seeing Pygmalion – after all, it was the play that inspired the making of “My Fair Lady”, and who didn’t enjoy that wonderful film?

WHAT?

Pygmalion

WHERE?

QPAC, Southbank, Brisbane

WHEN?

NOW, until 27th Nov 2011.

HOW MUCH?

$30-$75 from QPAC website

Have you read?

DIY Burn Relief Soap – A Soothing Aloe Vera and Lavender Recipe for Sunburn, Windburn, and Irritated Skin

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been caught out without sunscreen—and paid the price with lobster-red shoulders, itchy rashes, or skin so tender you could cry brushing against cotton sheets. Been there, done that (more than once if I’m honest). Whether it’s summer sunburn, winter windburn, or a splash from a hot pan, our skin sometimes needs a little extra TLC—and that’s where this DIY Burn Relief Soap comes in.

This homemade soap bar is designed to calm, hydrate, and gently cleanse burned or irritated skin. Made with a melt-and-pour soap base, soothing aloe vera, and essential oils like lavender and chamomile, it’s gentle enough for daily use—even for kids or those with sensitive skin.

Think of it as first-aid meets spa day in a soap bar.

Why This Soap Works for Burn Relief

Each ingredient in this recipe has a soothing purpose—no fillers, no synthetics, just skin-loving goodness:

  • Aloe Vera Gel
     Famous for its burn-healing powers, aloe is cooling, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory. It speeds up healing and eases discomfort on contact. 
  • Chamomile-Infused Oil
     Chamomile contains bisabolol and apigenin—natural compounds known to reduce redness, calm inflammation, and support skin regeneration. 
  • Lavender Essential Oil
     Not just for relaxation, lavender is also antimicrobial and helps soothe painful skin. It may even reduce scarring over time. 
  • Goat’s Milk or Aloe Melt and Pour Base
     A gentle, nourishing base loaded with vitamins, perfect for dry or damaged skin. The creamy lather won’t strip away your natural oils. 
  • Tea Tree Oil (Optional)
     A drop or two adds antibacterial support, especially if your burn is the result of heat rash or has broken the skin. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb goat’s milk or aloe vera melt-and-pour soap base 
  • 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel (no alcohol or colorants) 
  • 1 tablespoon chamomile-infused oil
     (You can DIY this by steeping dried chamomile flowers in sweet almond or olive oil for 1–2 weeks) 
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil 
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil (optional) 
  • Silicone soap mold 
  • Rubbing alcohol (for surface bubbles, optional) 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Soap Base

Cut the melt-and-pour soap base into small cubes for even melting. Use a double boiler or microwave in short 20–30 second bursts, stirring often until smooth.

2. Add Aloe Vera and Oils

Remove from heat and stir in the aloe vera gel and chamomile-infused oil. Mix gently until fully combined.

3. Add Essential Oils

Once the soap cools slightly but is still pourable, add the lavender (and optional tea tree) essential oil. Avoid adding them while the soap is too hot, or they’ll evaporate.

4. Pour Into Molds

Carefully pour the mixture into your soap molds. Spritz the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove bubbles.

5. Let It Set

Allow the soaps to cool and harden completely—usually 3–4 hours at room temp, or pop into the fridge to speed things up.

6. Unmold and Store

Once firm, gently pop out your bars. Store in an airtight container or wrap in wax paper to keep them fresh and prevent “soap sweating.”

How to Use Your Burn Relief Soap

  • Use in the shower or bath after sun exposure or any time your skin feels tight, hot, or inflamed. 
  • Gently lather with lukewarm water—avoid hot water, which can aggravate burns. 
  • Pat skin dry with a soft towel and follow with a natural after-sun lotion or body oil for extra moisture. 

Make It Your Own – Variations & Tips

  • Add Oatmeal: For extra calming, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of finely ground oats (colloidal oatmeal works best). 
  • Extra Cooling: Add 2–3 drops of peppermint essential oil for a gentle cooling tingle—great for sunburn. 
  • Herbal Layer: Place dried calendula or chamomile petals in the bottom of your mold before pouring the soap for a botanical, handmade look. 
  • Mini Soaps: Pour into mini silicone molds to make burn relief travel soaps for beach bags, camping kits, or gifts. 

Safety Notes

  • This soap is ideal for minor burns, sunburns, and skin irritation. 
  • Don’t use on open blisters or severe burns—in that case, stick to medical treatment. 
  • Always do a patch test if you’re using a new essential oil or ingredient, especially for kids or sensitive skin. 

Perfect For…

  • After-sun showers 
  • Camping and travel first aid kits 
  • Gift baskets for gardeners, surfers, or outdoor lovers 
  • Care packages for new mums or anyone with sensitive skin 
  • Self-care stash for menopause-related heat sensitivity 

Making your own burn relief soap is such a simple but powerful way to care for your skin naturally—and it feels especially good knowing there are no sneaky synthetic additives or harsh ingredients lurking in your bar. Just healing herbs, soothing oils, and a whole lot of love.