Theatre Reviews
“Equally impressive was the commanding presence of the young Jayden Popik… Jayden is simply perfect as the troubled and vulnerable character of Declan, a boy who is imprisoned by circumstance yet who shows his kind, artistic and loving side to Libby. There are also moments where he shares anger, despair and confusion. This debut performance for Queensland Theatre shows his range as he runs the gamut of human emotion. One to watch! I predict a star studded career for this surprising new talent.”
- She Society https://shesociety.com.au/news/mouthpiece-packs-a-punch/
"Popik's performance was majestic in its control and understatement. The very fact that he never for one moment attempts to draw attention to himself makes his work absolutely mesmerising. The subtle clenching of fists in moments of despair, and his silent observation made him irresistible to watch. Popik's performance was a masterpiece of craft and discipline." - Weekend Notes
https://www.weekendnotes.com/red-boot-half-smoked-cigarettes-the-owl-and-cat/
“Popik continues to impress in a role so distinctly different to that of his Queensland Theatre debut last year in “Mouthpiece”. He not only conveys the essential decency of high school baseball star George, who plans to attend the State Agricultural School after high school, but he is fully funny, … His ability to find the humour in even a sideways glance conveys a talent beyond his years and the promise of his career to come, especially when he also then rises the challenge of the emotional tilt of a sombre Act Three.”
- Blue Curtains https://bluecurtainsbris.wordpress.com/tag/jayden-popik/
“Jayden Popik in an impressive Queensland Theatre debut… it is newcomer Popik who packs the biggest punch. He brings some wonderful light and shade to the role of Declan, who is tortured by anger but also vulnerable and loving. It is a bold and powerful performance.”
- The Blurb https://theblurb.com.au/wp/mouthpiece-qt-theatre-review/
"Popik is a powerful actor and I expected the detail and power of his character to shine as it did. He is so good though, I was worried he would eclipse the rest of the cast."
- What Did She Think? http://www.whatdidshethink.com/2017/02/erasers-theatre-review.html
"The standout of the cast is Jayden Popik as surfer legend Ricko, perfectly capturing the effortless and compelling charisma that slowly crumbles over the course of the story."
- Theatre Press https://theatre-press.com/2019/07/29/review-blackrock/
“Jayden Popik as Declan was the breakout star. …You absolutely won’t regret it, this is the best play I’ve seen in a decade. ★★★★★”
- Scenestr https://scenestr.com.au/arts-news/mouthpiece-brisbane-review-qpac-20201105
“This is possibly the best production we've seen in years …This is Popik's stage debut with Queensland Theatre and I think we are seeing a star in the making here.” - Food Wine Travel
https://m.facebook.com/FoodWineTravel/photos/a.225510544218807/2832076456895523/?type=3&_rdr
“The ringleader of the boys, Ricko, is played with charming conviction by Jayden Popik. A character that would be so easy to hate in the wrong hands, Popik is compelling to watch.”
- Catalyst. https://rmitcatalyst.com/2019/08/06/blackrock-by-ebbflow-theatre-co/
“Jayden Popik made an outstanding and memorable debut with Queensland Theatre in the role of Declan, especially held in direct relief with such a seasoned and dynamic performer as O’Leary. From his first lines to the play’s heart-pounding conclusion, Popik seemed entirely at ease with the many facets of his character, delivering an expressive and highly physical performance.” - Limelight Magazine https://limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/mouthpiece-queensland-theatre/
"Lead actor Jayden Popik, who is also responsible for the script selection, totally embodies 'Jordan', a teenager saturated with anger twisted and teased with torsion, fear, vulnerability and bravado. Jayden's performance is sophisticated: he truly understands Jordan as an unpredictable, yet mature and tormented teenager."
- Weekend Notes https://www.weekendnotes.com/erasers-at-the-owl-cat-theatre/
“In his QT debut, Popik shows refreshing maturity as a performer, and is energetic and engaging as the troubled but bright Declan, walking the high-wire between emotional trust and easy aggression”
- Stage Whispers https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/reviews/mouthpiece-0
"I was particularly taken by Jayden Popik’s raging presence as Jordan. He’s an actor who consistently throws himself into his work with gusto and the rewards are there for the audience to see." - The Blurb Magazine
https://theblurb.com.au/wp/httptheblurb-com-aureviewserasers-owl-cat-theatre-review/
“Jayden’s natural and easy performance, once again marks him as one of the stars of the future to watch.” - She Society
“…charismatic newcomer Jayden Popik… Popik is enthralling as teenager Declan, who takes breaks from his life of poverty and abuse by visiting a secluded spot atop the cliffs to draw.”
- Theatre Haus https://www.theatrehaus.com/2020/11/mouthpiece-queensland-theatre/
"Popik really dives deep into the trickster archetype bringing a lot of laughs and a great physical performance."
- What Did She Think http://www.whatdidshethink.com/2019/05/ghosted-theatre-review.html
“Jayden Popik as Ricko among all the layers to his character possessed a level of sensitivity that gave his performance depth and helped him portray nuance throughout his performance.”
- The Theatre Room https://www.thetheatreroom.com/news/blackrock