OCTOBER, 1987 Vol 11 No 9 ISSN 0314 - 0598 A publication of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

Eddie Bracken as Willie Clarke in THE SUNSHINE BOYS Bracken's back - spreading sunshine

THE SUNSHINE BOYS blades (he can't hold with his shaking As well as the comedy we can always by Neil Simon hands). It is the role played by Walter expect from Neil Simon this play also Directed by Eddie Bracken Matthau in the film version of the play. has touches of pathos. It has been writ­ Cast includes: Eddie Bracken, Ray Eddie Bracken knew the two men ten out of love and deep affinity with Barrell, Pat McDonald and John portrayed in the play and claims never the theatrical scene and temperament. The New York Daily News said of the Orscik to have heard even a cross word pass between them. But altercations and play "another hit for Simon in this resh from his success in the lead role conflict make for interest and fun in the shrewdly balanced, splendidly per­ F of SUGAR BABIES which has just play. formed and rather touching slice of completed a national tour for the Trust, plays Willie's partner Al showbiz life". Lewis, the role played by the-still-alive­ Eddie Bracken will direct and star in BOOKlNG INFORMATION THE SUNSHINE BOYS which comes after-all-these-years, George Bums. Pat McDonald will be returning to the stage Her Majesty's Theatre to 's Her Majesty's Theatre next Tue Nov 24 to Sat Dec 12 month. Eddie Bracken plays Willie after five years as Aunt Fiona in TV's Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Clarke in Neil Simon's story of two Sons and Daughters to play Miss Sat mat at 2 p.m. vaudeville artists who, although they O'Neill, Willie's crusty nurse with a AETT $25.90 (except Fri/Sat evg) had worked together for 43 years, actu­ heart of gold. Willie's nephew who is G.P. $29.90 ally loath one another. Willie lives by frustrated in all his attempts to motiv­ Pens/Stud $19.90 (except Fri/Sat evg) doing spot commercials for potato ate his uncle is played by star Two AETT tickets per Member chips (he forgets the name ot) and razor John Orscik. 2

Diane Craig taking the roles previously NIDA Seasons played by John Bell and . Change for Tod Such a dramatic change of cast should ollowing the Theatre of the Dears ctober is presentation time for entice those who have already seen the Fexciting season of DON QUIXOTE ONIDA and final year students will production back again! the company has returned to work in present Julian Mitchell's ANOTHER schools. It is one of the country's lead­ COUNTRY and DON JUAN COMES ing theatre-in-education teams present­ BACK FROM THE WAR by Odon ing specially commissioned works for Van Horvath and translated by infan ts, primary and secondary Christopher Hampton at the Parade schools. British actress Jean St. Clair, Theatre. Ticket prices for Trust Mem­ one of the most respected actors has bers are $8 each (a $2.00 saving on the been able to continue her work with the G.P. price) for both these company thanks to the co-operation of performances. British Airways. Second year students will present 's BEDROOM FARCE and THE MAN WHO CAME Buzo Premiere TO DINNER by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Although both of these STING RAY by Alex Buzo performances are free, booking is Directed by Aarne Neeme essential. They will be the last perform­ Cast includes: Alan McFadden, David ances in the NIDA Theatre as the Insti­ Wood and Andrew Di Lollo tute prepares to move into its new ne of the highlights of Sydney's premIses. O 1985 theatrical calendar was the season of ESSINGTON LEWIS: I AM BOOKING INFORMATION WORK by John O'Donoghue which BEDROOM FARCE in won the Sydney Critics' Circle Award. Wed Oct 14 to Sun Oct 18 This year Essington Productions will THE MAN WHO CAME TO present a new play be Alex Buzo. Called DINNER BOOKING INFORMATION Tue Oct 27 to Sat Oct 31 Sat Nov 28 to Sat Dec 2 STING RAY it is a surreal comedy ANOTHER COUNTRY Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. about a property developer who sets Tue Oct 13 to Thu Oct 22 Sat mat at 2 p.m. out to become the spiritual ruler of the DON JUAN AETT $24.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) world. Alex Buzo is one of 's Thu Oct 15 to Sat Oct 24 G.P. $27.00 most prolific writers having written AETT discount $2.00 Pens/Stud $24.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) such plays as MARTELLO TOWERS, Bookings on 663 3815 Two AETT tickets per Member MAKASSAR REEF and MARGINAL FARM. At the Q BOOKING INFORMATION Williamson Returns Stables Theatre HEN THEY SEND ME THREE Wed Oct 28 to Sun Nov 15 WAND FOURPENCE is a play Tue to Sun at 8.15 p.m. EMERALD CITY by David with music by Steve J. Spears which AETT discount $2.00 Williamson was originally presented by Sydney's Bookings on 95745901335216 Directed by Richard Wherrett Griffin Theatre Company. It's set in Settings byLaurence Eastwood 1963 and centres around a seedy Starring Ruth Cracknell, Drew church hall in a bayside suburb where Forsythe, Garry McDonald and Diane Robert O'Brien runs a dancing school British Farce Craig which teaches everything from the SEE HOW THEY RUN by Philip King foxtrot to the twist and features music hose Members who missed out on Directed by Noel Ferrier from Chubby Checker to the Beatles, Designed by James Ridewood T seeing 's new Johnny O'Keefe, Bob Dylan and Little Cast includes: Grant Dodwell, Steven play EMERALD CITY when it Patti. The production will be directed premiered in Sydney in January this Tandy, Genevieve Lemon, Lorna by Doreen Warburton and opens on Lesley, Peter Whitford, Barry Lovett, year, will be pleased to know that the October 9. is Maggie Dence and Lee James remounting its production in the Drama Theatre next month. Of the BOOKING INFORMATION t's a while since there's been a pro­ Fri Oct 9 to Sun Nov 1 original principal actors Ruth Wed to Sat at 8 p.m. I fessional production of a good old Cracknell will remain with the pro­ Wed at 11 a.m. English farce. Memories are still rosy of duction. She will be joined by Drew Sat 3 p.m. Sun 4.30 p.m. the brilliant farce RUN FOR YOUR Forsythe playing the role AETT discount $1.00 WIFE by 's Theatre of Comedy with Garry McDonald and his wife which the Trust brought to Australia a 3

couple of years ago. So it's good news and dramatist he has done more than applies and members may purchase as that Northside Theatre Company is any other South African to tell the many AETT tickets as they wish. mounting Philip King's SEE HOW world of the particular brand of man's THEY RUN for their Christmas enter­ inhumanity to man that is known as BOOKING INFORMATION tainment directed by Noel Ferrier. SEE apartheid. Eight of his plays have been Phillip St. Theatre HOW THEY RUN is set in an English presented in Sydney and Anthony Fri Oct 23 to Sat Nov 21 Vicarage towards the end of World War Wheeler has starred in four of them Fri & Sat at 8 p.m. AETT $19.90 $17.90 (Oct 24) II. Lance-Corporal Clive Winton with his late wife Olive Bodill. Athol G.P. $22.90 invites Penelope Troop wife of the rev­ Fugard himself starred in the 1986 Pens/Stud $14.90. erend Lionel Troop out for dinner in a Broadway season of BLOOD KNOT Two AETT tickets per Member (except neighbouring town but since it is out of with Zakes Mokae. Newsweek Sat Oct 24) bounds to the forces he dresses up in described it as "one of the wisest, the clerical gear of Penelope's husband. sweetest, even noblest plays about the Matters become highly complicated balked brotherhood of racism ever Viennese Operetta when Penelope's uncle, The Bishop of written". Lax mistakes Clive for Lionel and when BLOOD KNOT which will be pre­ he Australian Opera's production Lionel arrives there are three clergy­ sented at the Seymour Centre this T of COUNTESS MARITZA hasjust men chasing each other around the month is a parable of two brothers - opened at the and house!. one light-skinned, one dark - sharing continues until October 31 when The a hovel in a coloured township on the BOOKING INFORMATION outskirts of Port Elizabeth. Gillian Marian St. Theatre Owen, who directed two previous Sun Nov 15 to Sun Nov 29 seasons of Fugard plays - ST A TE­ Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. MENTS and A LESSON FROM Sat and Sun at 5.00 p.m. ALOES - will direct BLOOD Wed mat at II a.m. KNOT. AETT $16.90 (Mon to Fri & mats except Nov 18) BOOKING INFORMATION G.P. $19.90 Downstairs, Seymour Centre Pens/Stud $10.90 (except Fri/Sat evg) Wed Oct 14 to Sat Nov 7 Two AETT tickets per Member Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. Sat mat at 5 p.m. AETT $16.00 G.P. $20.00 Fugard Play Pens/Stud $12.00 (except Sat evg) Two AETT tickets per Member BLOOD KNOT by Athol Fugard Anthony Warlow and Anne-Maree McDonald in Directed by Gillian Owen COUNTESS MARITZA Cast includes Anthony Wheeler and Australian Opera's winter season Garth Meade Phillip St. Revival comes to an end. Countess Maritza is an elegant lady of taste and sophisti­ THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK cation. Tired of shallow suitors in pur­ dramatised by Frances Goodrich and suit of her money, she invents a fiance Albert Hackett who becomes the perfect foil ... until Directed by Peter Williams the dream lover of her imagination Designed by Derrick Cox comes true. COUNTESS MARITZA is a bubbling Viennese operetta which he story of the life of Anne Frank will be produced by . Thas deeply moved everyone who Glenys Fowles will open in the title role has read the remarkable tale of her which will later be taken over by family's persecution by the Nazi's. Rhonda Bruce. Robert Gard, Anne­ How they remained safe in the sealed­ Maree McDonald, Anthony Warlow, off back rooms of an Amsterdam office Gordon Wilcock, Cynthia Johnston building for two years but were then and Robert Eddie also star in the betrayed. Anne Frank's diary revealed production. not only the strains of her unusual life but the problems of her unfolding BOOKING INFORMATION womanhood, her falling in love, her October 5,7,10,13,22 and 27 unswerving faith in her religion and her AETT $33.00 nobility of spirit. The stage adaptation G.P. $38.00 (Mon to Fri), $40.00 (Sat) of the diary won the Pulitzer Prize and No Pens/stud price outh African playwright Athol the Critics' Circle Award. There will be Two AETT tickets per Member SFugard has been described as his a special Trust Night on Saturday Discount unavailable at S.O.H. country's conscience. As actor, director October 24 when a $5.00 discount 4 On

~1tJon.·· by Margaret Leask -,nlP'~

ummer time in the U.K. sees not Music of another kind is packing Sonly an influx of tourists but also an them in at the Royal Albert Hall over astonishing range of performing arts the next few months - the annual BBC companies from all over the world who Promenade Concerts at the Royal feature, along with the best of British, Albert Hall this year features music in festival programmes throughout the from the dance and inspired by dance country. This year's Edinburgh World (which gets away from the otherwise Theatre season in August had the current musical pre-occupation in Lon­ Gorky Theatre of Leningrad; the Gate don of the music of Gershwin whose Theatre, Dublin; the Raun, Raun genius seems to be celebrated daily). Theatre from Papua New Guinea and This year's programme is the first the Berliner Ensemble; as well as com­ devised by the new BBC Controller of panies from Israel, Japan, China, Fin­ Music, John Drummond, previously land and France - would that I could director of the Edinburgh Festival. see the dance/drama THE SOUL OF Once again the Proms feature eminent THE TERRACOTTA ARMY from musicians from all over the world - as China - maybe some will come to well as veteran dancer Merce London on their way home - and Lon­ Cunningham performing John Cage's don does have some good things to spectacular ROARATORIO! offer even if the international input Always wish there was more room to here is largely translated or adapted, talk about such delights as a new play, rather than the real thing. At the MUMBO JUMBO, which won its National Theatre, Brian Friel's adap­ author, Belfast-born Robin Thornber, tation for the stage (more a play in its the Joint First Prize in the 1986 Mobil own right) of Turgenev's FATHERS Playwriting Competition. It was pre­ AND SONS, has opened to generally sented by the Manchester Royal fa vourable reviews. I found it fascinat­ Exchange Company at the Lyric ing and very moving - the fathers and Alan Bales and Carole Nimmons in Simon Gray's Hammersmith a few months ago. A MELON older generation make a greater impact wonderful statement about growing up - perhaps because they include Alec facing, as a mid-life publisher, the - particularly growing up in trouble­ McGowan, Richard Pasco and Robin adultery of his wife. The trauma is torn Northern Ireland - it was sheer Bailey in finely tuned, sensitive per­ initially concealed behind a veneer, but pleasure to watch and listen to - I formances which serve to highlight not ultimately leads to his disintegration. hope it comes your way. For those plan­ only the political implications (the The production , directed by ning trips to the U.K. in 1988 you may remaking of society as opposed to Christopher Morahan at the Theatre like to know well in advance Jonathan reforming it) but also the perpetual Royal Haymarket, carefully preserves Miller's season recently announced for human problems in parent-child Gray's thin line between reality and the Old Vic - it's ambitious but never relationships. Another novel adap­ fantasy. Another West End addition dull , and includes Racine' s tation in the RSC Mermaid Theatre dealing with reality and fantasy is the ANDROMACHE in January, N. F. American season is less successful just opened musical Simpson's ONE WAY PENDULUM despite committed performances from at the Shaftesbury with in May, BUSSY D ' AMBOIS, a the cast. Ray Herman's new play, from Diana Rigg, Daniel Massey and Julia Jacobean tragedy by George Chapman, the novel by Horace McCoy, THEY Mackenzie - if I can get a ticket soon, in August, and the satirical musical SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY?, is more about this in my next copy - it (music by Bernstein), , in set in a dance hall, Los Angeles, in the looks set to run for a long time - every­ December, among other productions. depression year 1936 and maps the past one is raving! On a personal note - a brief but and future fortunes of several couples enjoyable meeting took place recently taking part in a marathon to earn prize Designers Exposed in London when your London corre­ money. The major dramatic problem spondent met with Trust News' Irvin of the play lies in the inclusion of many n exhibition of costume design and Bauer from New York. We bemoaned '30s songs sung by the MC and various A artwork by contemporary Aus­ the shortage of copy space and how we dancers. Credibility is lost and con­ tralian designers will be presented at always had more to say than there was fusion sets in when the musical num­ The Wharf Studio from Saturday room for - and he lightly chided me bers increasingly work at odds with the October 10 to Thursday October 16. for being too serious (sometimes) ... intended purpose - the indictment of On show and on sale will be designs We raised our glasses to Trust News, the glamour of showbusiness. How­ covering all facets of the performing hoping we are at least whetting the ever, performances by Henry Good­ arts from such favourite shows as HMS appetite! man as the MC and Imelda Staunton as PINAFORE, I'M NOT RAPPAPORT, the embittered Gloria are worth the CARMEN, AWAY, SLEEPING evening in the theatre. BEAUTY, THE COUNTRY WIFE Margaret Leask is a former editor of and many more. Another opening but Trust News who now li ves in London New in the West End is Simon Gray's where she is an artists' agent. intriguing MELON with Alan Bates definitely not just another show! 5 M~_~_~______~

THE DEPARTMENT DINNER which includes bus transport, accom­ also include two full-day visits to the Monday, October 26 modation (in Tamworth) meals and Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Seymour Centre entries is $265. Tickets are $860 which includes You're invited to join us for dinner at airfare, accommodation at the Gate­ the Seymour Centre restaurant prior to SWAN PREMIUM TENNIS way Hotel, breakfasts, dinners and two the special Trust Member preview of Wednesday, October 14 at 5.45 p.m. day tours and a city sights tour. Theatre David Williamson's play THE Sydney Entertainment Centre tickets need to be ordered separately DEPARTMENT. Tickets are $22.00 and a ticket order form will be sent to As expected, our night at the Australian interested Members. which includes two course meal with Indoor Tennis Championships is wine and coffee. Theatre tickets should proving popular with members. A be ordered separately. buffet meal will be served from CARAVAN DINNER 5.45 p.m. with tennis to follow until Monday October 19 at 6 p.m. WEEKEND IN TAMWORTH late. Tickets, including the meal are October 3 to 5 Bagels, crepes and pasta will be on the $42 each. menu when we have our pre theatre With the weather warming up daily, dinner at the Glen Street Coffee Shop thoughts of a weekend in the country prior to the Trust night performance of become more attractive. Shirley Hay's Friday March 11 to Monday March 14 THE CARA VAN at the Glen St. visit to the Tamworth District over the Theatre, Frenchs Forest. Tickets which October weekend is an ideal oppor­ A four-day visit to Adelaide for the include two-course dinner with wine tunity to see some fine properties in the Bicentennial Festival is being organ­ and coffee and theatre tickets are $32. area including Harry and Wendy ised by Trust Governor, Shirley Hay. Miller's property at Manilla and the Highlights of the weekend's Festival r------~ famous Goonoo Goonoo property. A programme will be the American dance Tickets for Member activities can be visit to Arrowfield Wineries will be company of Twyla Tharp and State ordered on the enclosed Trust Member included on the outward journey. The Opera's production of THE FIERY booking coupon or by phone to the Trust trip departs early Saturday and returns ANGEL starring British soprano office. No handling fee applies. Monday evening. All inclusive price Josephine Barstow. The weekend will MtJ$iC,··· N~-~------ontinuing The Sydney and Wagner will be presented by inter­ cert will be repeated on October 16 at CPhilharmonia series at the Opera nationally acclaimed singers Rita the Loewenthal Auditorium , House, the Australian Chamber Hunter and Albert Remedios for Opera Westmead Hospital and on October 17 Orchestra, the Sydney Philharmonic Mode on Wednesday, October 7 in the at the Jamison High School Audi­ Choir and soloists Jennifer Bates, Eliz­ Everest Theatre. Included in the pro­ torium, Penrith. abeth Campbell, Thomas Edmonds gramme will be arias and duets from AETT discount $2.00 and Stephen Bennett will perform such great Verdi operas as OTELLO, Bookings on 261 2733 (Garrison Handel's Roman Vespers. The conduc­ MACBETH, THE FORCE OF DES­ Church), 6337361 (Westmead) and tor will be Max McBride. It will be fol­ TINY, AIDA and Wagner works (047) 31 6144 (Penrith) lowed on October 23 by a performance including THE FLYING of The Seasons by Haydn featuring the DUTCHMAN. LOHENGRIN and ounded in 1985 by pianist ElpIS Australian Chamber Orchestra once TANNHAUSER. FLiossatos, the Sydney Ensemble has again with the Sydney Philharmonia AETT discount $6.00 already presented many outstanding Motet Choir, Fiona Maconaghie Bookings on 692 3511 Chamber Music works of the great (soprano), Glenn Winslade (tenor) and Classical Masters. On October 10, they Gregory Yurisich (Bass-Baritone). he Garrison Church in The Rocks will present the Music of Messiaen in Conductor will be Carlo Felice T will be the venue on October 15 for the S.O.H. Broadwalk Studio as part of Cillario. the Australian Chamber Orchestra's their Composer Series. Works to be AETT discount $2.00 concert of masterpieces from the string included are Le Merle Noir for flute Bookings on 2 05 25 orchestra repertoire. It will include and piano, Le Baiser de I'Enfant Jesus works by Handel and Rorem as well as for piano solo and Quartet for the End Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence, of Time for piano quartet. unique recital of arias and duets written by Tchaikovsky on his return to AETT discount $3.00 A from the operatic works of Verdi Russia from Florence in 1890. The con- Bookings on 2 0525 6 \-~------111Iif'" A Theatre Museu for London - at last

by Margaret Leask

n April 23, 1987, the 423rd anni­ Oversary of Shakespeare's birth, Princess Margaret opened the Theatre Museum in London's revitalised Covent Garden area. At last there is access for the public to the vast treasure trove of theatrical history in a country renowned internationally for its the­ atrical heritage. But it was not achieved without a long fight which began over 30 years ago when the grandson of Sir Henry Irving, one Laurence Irving - a well known theatre and film designer - suggested the establishment of a theatre museum in 1955 to stem the sale of important items of memorabilia to museums abroad. From then on, the "museum" attracted a series of invaluable bequests and donations which went into storage in the cellars of the and Albert Museum, along with the important 1924 collection of Mrs. Gabrielle Enthoven. Over the years, some of this material has been exhibited at the V & A, but obviously wanted for space of its own. One of the opening exhibitions in April, in the Irving Gallery, was appro­ The exterior of London's Theatre Museum in Covent Garden priately called "The Theatre Museum century - it is full of goodies and cer­ enormous support against its con­ Unpacks", and revealed donations of tainly whets the appetite to find out clusions (with some people giving the costumes from, among others, the more. best performances of their careers, no widow of Tito Gobbi, Boris Christoff, doubt) which eventually led to a turn Dame Alicia Markova, Adam Ant, While little evidence remains for the around by the government and work Lord Snowdon, the Dame Bridget museum visitor, the battle to achieve proceeded with the conversion of the D'Oyly Opera Company, the Royal space and status for the largest collec­ Old Flower Market being undertaken Opera House and the Royal Academy tion of theatre memories in the world by the Government Property Services of Dancing - all of which conjure up (it does seem incredible that supporters Agency. Conversion and restoration magic in some aspect of the performing had such an uphill struggle - thank work on the building, which dates back arts. The display included costumes goodness for their determination) was to the 1870s, took two and a half years worn by some of the donors as well as fought mostly in an unsympathetic pol­ and the cost was around £4.2 million. those of Anton Dolin, , itical arena. In the late 1970s plans Various specialists were called on to John Gilpin and many others. were underway to house the Theatre add the finishing touches, including The Museum aims to display and Museum in the Old Flower Market Kerr & Erskine Interior Decorators preserve all aspects of the performing building in Covent Garden. A disas­ who undertook marbling work in the arts - theatre, mime and pop, melo­ trous fire took place in the basement - foyer and the Crown Suppliers who drama and ballet, the circus and the five workers were killed and the project were responsible for the integration of opera house. So the permanent, panor­ was greatly set back. In 1982 a govern­ lighting systems into the walls, ceilings amic exhibition has painstakingly ment scrutiny conducted by Lord and display structures. The public assembled cases which give visitors to Rayner into museum spending advised interior areas were designed by John the museum an insight into the atmos­ Mrs. Thatcher that in the interest of Paterson, Principal at the Edinburgh phere and times of Sir Henry Irving, economy, the project should be aban­ College of Art. In the apron-staged Ellen Terry, Sir John Gielgud and Sir doned. Incidentally, the museum 85-seat studio theatre for audiovisual Laurence Olivier as well as Mick Jagger curator, Alexander Shouvaloff, had presentations, lectures, demon­ and the Beatles. This exhibition traces accepted his post in 1974 assuming he strations and sound shows, the seats the fascinating and colourful history of would be in situ by 1975! The publi­ used are re-upholstered historic orig­ the performing arts from the late 16th cation of the Rayner Report rallied inals from the Royal Albert Hall. 7

The aim throughout has been to cre­ My favourite space is the Edwardian ate a theatrical atmosphere which is recreation intended as a meeting place mostly successful (my only reservations and foyer (to the small theatre) which are that the lighting is at times too also displays a wonderful collection of subtle and it's difficult to see small paintings of Kean, Kemble and others items and printed material to best at their most dramatic. An ideal place effect), and I long for the attendants for a small, after-theatre party! keeping an eye on us to be old stagers or Most of the museum is underground stage door johnnies who can, without and once you've bought a ticket you fol­ the slightest provocation, regale visi­ low the ramp (not stairs) down to the tors with behind-the-scenes memories foyer and galleries. The Beard Room from the recent past! next to the galleries houses a vast refer­ As you enter, however, you are ence collection - posters, reviews, let­ greeted by the fifteen-foot golden Angel ters etc., mounted on sliding drawers which once decorated the old Gaiety and boards to make the most oflimited Theatre in the Aldwych. The entrance space. Many pleasant hours could be is a large area accommodating some of spent here on light-hearted research - the architectural exhibitions including each drawer producing new delights the ornate elephant-decorated boxes and information. The main permanent from the Palace Theatre, Glasgow, and exhibition gallery consists of three the old Duke of York Theatre's box walls which surround the Gielgud Gal­ office which serves as the museum's lery, adjacent to the Irving Gallery. The ticket office. Beyond this is a band­ intention is to have two temporary stand - the centre piece of the street exhibitions in these galleries - one level cafe/wine bar open most evenings opening in the early summer and run­ until 8.00 p.m., enabling theatre-goers ning until the following spring and the to get in the mood for their evening's other opening in the early winter to entertainment at one of the many close in the following autumn. Lon­ theatres nearby. doners will no doubt, like me, be impatient for a quicker turn around - space is limited and we all know there is a vast amount of unseen material which will no doubt prove more fasci­ nating than one of the first exhibitions - "The King's Pleasures" - a unique Costume designed by Nicholas Roerich for a collection of costume designs for the maiden in LE SACRE DU PRINTEMPS. ballet Court Ballet of Louis XIII has limited choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky appeal, despite what it tells us of the Rennaissance Theatre and Court Life tickets for current shows running in the of the early 17th century. Discovered in West End as well as make advance a private library in Germany in 1985, bookings. The museum opens daily the album of over 200 designs was pur­ except Mondays between 11 a.m. and 7 chased for the Theatre Museum by the p.m., with the shop, box-office and cafe Victoria and Albert Musuem. I am open until 8 p.m. It is close to the Royal delighted they are in the collection, but Opera House and the Covent Garden much preferred the dressing room feel­ Piazza - allow at least one hour to cap­ ing of the costume display in the other ture some of its magic, more if you like gallery! to linger over such delights as the circus The museum also has a reference section which has the wheelbarrow library accessible by appointment and Blondin pushed across a tightrope over new accommodation is being prepared Niagara Falls, the silver cruet in the close by for the museum's inter­ form of the great clown Grimaldi with nationally renowned Archive. I under­ the parts of the body removable, stage stand that brickwork has been cleaned models, prompt books and even a in the Victorian Vaults and desks built photo of Sir John Gielgud as Hamlet­ into the bays to convert it into a study which he can't remember having inten­ area. Traditional gas lamps have been tionally parted company with! No suspended from the canopies as a fin­ doubt many items have such stories to ishing touch! tell! As you leave the museum, you can, in Margaret Leask is a former editor of Nineteenth-century silver cruet in the form of the a small shop on ground level, purchase Trust News who now lives in London great clown. Joseph Grimaldi. with the parts oft he cards, posters, books and copies of where she is an artists' agent. body removable. memorabilia. You can also purchase Theatre Company. THE companion, Alice B. Toklas as talking Olympus On My o EP AR TMENT is directed by Rodney to the now dead Stein. They talk of Mind Fisher who directed the world premiere their relationship their differences and of the play in Adelaide in 1974 and also their home in Paris which was visited he Footbridge Theatre has had its stars currently playing in by such celebrities as Ernest share of hits this year with the WHEN I WAS A GIRL. Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and T the impressionist painters highly successful season of both oftbat time. NUNSENSE and JERRY'S GIRLS. BOOKING INFORMATION The play was a highlight of the 1986 The year will conclude with a racy, York Theatre, Seymour Centre Festival of Sydney and Miriam wacky musical comedy OLYMPUS Tue Oct 27 to Sat Nov 14 Margoyles who played Stein then will Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. ON MY MIND. The plot comes direct return to take the part once again in the Sat at 2 p.m. Belvoir St season commencing on from Greek mythology - the story of Wed matinee time unconfirmed Jupiter's seduction of general October 7. Toklas is played by Mel­ AETT $23.90 (Mon to Thu and mats) bourne actress, . Amphitryon's wife (which incidentally $24.90 (Fri/Sat), $19.90 (Oct 26) , resulted in the birth of Hercules) but G.P. $26.90 (Mon to Thu and mats) the presentation is very 1980s and the $27.90 (Fri/Sat) , BOOKING INFORMATION resulting musical spoof should make Pens/Stud $19.90 (Mon to Thu and Belvoir Theatre Upstairs for light hearted pre-Christmas enter­ mats) Wed Oct 7 to Sat Oct 31 Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. tainment. Bartholomew John plays the Two AETT tickets per Member except Oct 26 Wed mat 2.00 p.m. lead role of Jupiter with Billie Wilde as Sat and Sun at 5.00 p.m. Amphitryon's wife Alcmene. AETT $16.00 G.P. $20.00 BOOKING INFORMATION Caravan Stud/Pens $12.00 Footbridge Theatre Two AETT tickets per Member Sat Oct 24 to Sat Nov 7 eter Williams is directing the Forest Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Theatre Company's production of Wed and Sat at 2 p.m. P AETT $22.50 (Mon to Thu mats), CARAVAN by Donald Macdonald which opens at the Glen Street $24.50 (Fri/Sat evg) Theatr~ .' G.P. $28.50 on October 13. Playwright Donald Streetcar Named Pens/Stud $18. 50 (except Fri/Sat evg) Macdonald has taken the novelties and Two AETT tickets per Member pitfalls of a caravan holiday as his Desire theme, and complicated it by having one of the middle-aged party bring he Melbourne Theatre company's along a much younger girlfriend. The Tproduction of one of this century's great classics, A STREETCAR ~ WHY NOT USE OUR result is a very amusing play which has an all to familiar ring. Premiered in NAMED DESIRE will be presented at ~ EASY BOOKING LINE 1983, CARAVAN then toured Aus­ Her Majesty's Theatre from October tralia under the auspices of the 24. Starring as Blanche AETT. Du Bois it is a portrait of the emotional Don't forget the special Trust Mem­ deterioration of an ageing southern 357-1200 bers' performances on Saturday belle who arrives to visit her sister. Far Man to Fri, 9-5 pm October 17 (matinee) and Monday from receiving the support she craves a October 19 (evening). See Member final act of cruelty at the hands of her VISA MASTERCARD BANKCARD Activities for pre-show dinner on brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski seals October 19. her fate. The role of Stanley is played by Sandy Harbutt and the production is directed by Rodger Hodgman the BOOKING INFORMATION The Department Glen Street Theatre MTC's new director. Rave reviews Wed Oct 14 to Sat Nov 14 from Melbourne and in particular ax Gillies stars as Robby, the col­ Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. acclaim for Helen Morse's perform­ M lege department head in David Wed mat 1.00 p.m ., Sat mat 2.00 p.m. ance make this a production not to be Williamson's play THE DEPART­ AETT$19.90, $16.90(Oct l7and 19) missed. MENT which opens at the York G.P. $22.90 Theatre, Seymour Centre, on October Pens/Stud $14.90 BOOKING INFORMATION 27. Considered one of Williamson's Two AETT tickets per Member (except Her Majesty's Theatre best plays it is a bitingly funny play Oct I 7 and 19) Sat Oct 24 to Sat Nov 21 about the politics of the committee Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. meeting. Max Gillies who is best Wed and Sat mats known for TV show The Max Gillies AETT $23.90 (all performances) Gertrude Stein G.P. $26.90 Show comes to THE DEPARTMENT Pens/Stud $19.90 (excl Fri/Sat evg) from playing in Alan Ayckbourn's A n Win Wells' play about Gertrude Two AETT tickets per Member CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL for the I Stein, she portrays Stein's long-time 9

MY SWEET LITTLE VILLAGE VINCENT direction and scenario by the test site; For Denton it is the begin­ directed by Jiri Menzel ning of a search for the truth, and Screenplay by Zdenek Sverak Produced by Tony Llewellyn-Jones matching his wits against the vested Starring Janos Ban, Marian Labuda, Starring Jean-Pierre interests of both ASIO and the British Rudolf Hrusinsky Mignon, Louise Kovacs, Gabi Trsek, Secret Service. Denton is helped by Opening mid-October at the Academy and the voice of John Hurt Prosper (Donald Pleasence) a dis­ Twin Opening October 8 at Double Bay Twin gruntled British test veteran who lives Cinema underground near the site and is verg­ ing on madness. ne of Czechoslovakia's best known oted Australian filmmaker Paul says that his Ofilm directors, Jiri Menzel, also N Cox (LONELY HEARTS, MAN involvement with nuclear disarma­ known as a stage and screen actor, has OF FLOWERS, MY FIRST WIFE, ment gave the film special meaning to turned the day-by-day doings of a small CACTUS) was born in Holland and him. "The bombs were dropped village into kindly slapstick in his latest came to Australia originally as an virtually on Adelaide's doorstep. And film. exchange student. VINCENT not only the result is that there's more radioac­ Krecovice is full of characters, not reflects Cox's background but is also tive material in Maralinga today than least of whom are crochety chubby his tribute to Holland's most famous there is in Japan." Co-writer, Mac truck driver Pavel and his sidekick artist, Van Gogh, who died nearly 100 Gudgeon, says the film is, to a degree, Otik, whose good nature verges on the years ago, unknown and a pauper. anti-British. HI hope it will make people moronic. They're a sort of Czeck ver­ The story of the man who is as more aware of just what the British sion of Laurel and Hardy. When Pavel famous for cutting off his ear and send­ did." drives his truck into a gatepost, Otik is ing it to Gaugin as for his influence on enjoying his new stereo headset and modern art is told through his letters to gets the blame for the accident. The his brother Theo. In them he writes of accident and the broken friendship the parts of he explored, the become the village gossip; or more so scenes of his inspiration, and tells of his when Otik is offered a cushy job and experiences with colours and seasons. apartment in Prague by the trucking firm. All becomes clear when we dis­ cover that a government bureaucrat GROUND ZERO directed by Michael covets Otik's cottage, inherited from Pattinson and Bruce Myles his parents, "for recreational Produced by Michael Pattinson purposes". The village worries about Screenplay by Jan Sardi and Mac Otik's fate in the big city although Gudgeon there's plenty else to talk about; the Starring , Jack Thompson is constantly driving into and Donald Pleasence ditches while admiring the country­ Opening October 8 at Hoyts side. an adulterous wife with a hot­ tempered husband, a sexy gainst the very topical background schoolteacher. Aof the Royal Commission into the A Bomb tests in the fifties at Maralinga in , GROUND ZERO is a contemporary Australian thriller. Harvey Denton (Colin Friels) is a top advertising cameraman, for whom a break-in at his home leads to a visit to ASIO and operative Tony Trebilcock (Jack Thompson). There he is told the astonishing news that the body of his father, a documentary filmmaker who disappeared 30 years before, has been found in a highly radioactive plane at BOOKING INFORMATION Concessional vouchers can be purchased from members may purchase as many as they wish. the AETT for $6.00 (Village, Hoyts), $5.00 Please specify which cinema chain you require. (G.U.) a nd exchanged at cinemas for ti ckets. Discounts are also offered at the Dendy Cinema, T he vouchers are open dated but some Martin Place ($2 .50), and the Academy Twin, Saturday/Public Holiday restricti ons apply to Paddington ($2.50), at all performances except th eir use. See vouchers fo r deta il s. after midday Saturday. Members should present their membership card at the box office. Discount Janos Ban and Marian Labuda in MY SWEET No handling fee applies to film vouchers and available on one ti cket per member. LITTLE VILLAGE 10

I fJlfNifl!l ,-tJo'Il------liI If A highlight of Melbourne's Spoleto plays the lead in this Sydney Theatre most talented acresses. They play is by A Festival this year, PORGY AND Company production at The Wharf, William Luce and starred Zoe Caldwell "l BESS, has been brought to Sydney until October 10. on Broadway. Closes October 17, at the by the Trust and is at Her Majesty's AETT discount $2.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) Playhouse, S.O.H. Theatre until October 17. The pro­ Bookings on 250 1777 AETT discount $3.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) duction was specially commissioned Bookings on 2 0525 for the festival and features 45 black American performers, all trained in opera, and a 42-piece orchestra. Such laying at the York Theatre, evergreen songs as "Summertime" and P Seymour Centre, until October 10, "I've Got Plenty 0' Nuttin" in this first following its season at the Wharf authentic production in Australia Theatre, WHEN I WAS A GIRL is shouldn't be missed. proving very popular with its entertain­ AETT discount $5.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) ing look at the comic side of mother­ Bookings on 212 3411 daughter friction, all set on a Scottish beach. It stars Tracy Mann, Judi Farr, he musical tale of that extraordi­ Genevieve Lemon and Paul T nary Russian monk, RASPUTIN, Williams. continues throughout October at the AETT discount $4.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) State Theatre. Jon English plays the Bookings on 250 1777 man whose name means "the debauched one" and who weilded such riffin Theatre Company's pro­ behind-the-scenes influence on the last Helen Morse in THE RIVERS OF CHINA Gduction of THE SECRET HOUSE of Russia's royal family. features two premieres, that of Noel AETT discount $9.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) here is even a midnight perform­ Hodda's new play and playwright Bookings on 266 4800 T ance on Friday nights to make THE Michael Gow's debut as a director. A ROCKY HORROR SHOW even young man comes home for his birth­ hose lovely ladies who starred in spookier. It is back at the Theatre day a year after his twin brother's death T Jerry Herman's musicals (HELLO Royal until the end of this month with to find his family still grieving. The cast DOLLY!, MAME, LA CAGE AUX Daniel Abineri and Stuart Wagstaff in is David Franklin, Bob Hornery, Susan FOLLES etc) will now be singing his their original 1974 roles of Frank-N­ Leith and Pat Thomson. songs at the Footbridge Theatre until Furter and the Narrator. In case you AETT discount $2.00 (all October 17. The season has been didn't see the earlier productions, it is a performances) extended by one week. JERRY'S send-up of 1950s horror movies and Bookings on 33 3817 GIRLS are played by Debbie Byrne; rock n roll. Judi Connelli, and AETT discount $3.50 (all he first Australian production of Jeanne Little. performances) TAlan Ayckbourn's latest play, AETT discount $4.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) Bookings on 231 6111 WOMAN IN MIND, is at the Drama Bookings on 692 9955 Theatre S.O.H. until the end of the brand-new version of that peren­ month. Presented by the Sydney ownstairs at the Seymour Centre, A nial favourite, THE ODD Theatre Company, it follows in the D the Nimrod is presenting LES COUPLE, is being presented by the genre of Ayckbourn's numerous earlier LIASONS DANGEREUSES through­ Northside Theatre Company at Marian hits in seeing the funny side of bleak out October. By Christopher Hampton, Street until early November. Instead of situations. It is set in a country vicarage the play was described by The Guard­ the two flatmates played by WaIter with a vicar obsessed with writing the ian as "a mesmerising spectacle ofper­ Matthau and Jack Lemmon, as in the parish history, his wife who has strange fect evif' and by Punch as "sensuously original film, the main characters are problems after tripping over a rake, and sexual". Angela Punch McGregor, two women, one divorced and one sep­ their uninvited permanent house guest. Deirdre Rubenstein and Hugo Weav­ arated, but the plot is much the same. It stars Robyn Nevin. ing play the French 18th-century titled Kerry McGuire and Amanda AETT discount $3.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) characters. Muggleton star. Bookings on 20525 AETT discount $3.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) AETT discount $1.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) Bookings on 692 0555 Bookings on 498 3166 he world premiere production of TBarry Creyton's comedy DOUBLE layright Lillian Hellman and detec­ ACT plays at the Ensemble Theatre et in a French sanitarium and a Syd­ P tive writer, Dashiel Hammett were throughout October. Sney hospital, THE RIVERS OF friends and lovers for 30 years. and Noeline Brown star as the couple CHINA tells of poet Katherine LILLIAN, based on Hellman's who marry, divorce and then meet Mansfield's fight to save her mind and autographical works, is set in 1961 in again to discover they can't live with­ soul. Her strange journey of the mind the ante room of the hospital where out each other but can't live together. becomes a metaphor for the lives of Hammett is dying and the sole role is AETT discount $2.00 (except Sat evg) women through the ages. Helen Morse played by Jennifer Claire, one of our Bookings on 9298877 If El An Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust presentation ______11

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POSTAGE is a publication of the Australian Elizabethan PAID Theatre Trust which is produced exclusively for its 10,000 members throughout Australia. AUSTRALIA

THE AUSTRALIAN ELIZABETHAN THEATRE TRUST I:i (incorporated in the A.C.T.) Patron Her Majesty The Queen President Sir Ian Potter Chairman Andrew Briger, AM , Chief Executive Kathleen Norris Directors Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of , Alderman S. Atkinson Sir David Griffin eBE, F. M. Hooke, The Hon. Mr. Justice C. J. Legoe, K. E. Cowley, Dr. T. Manford, D. A. Mortimer L. G. Teale, L. D. S. Waddy, T. C. Yates Director of Finance: Mark Benvau Entrepreneurial Administrators: Dennis Linehan I John Woodland " Australian Content Director: Executive Producer for Musical Theatre: Noel Ferrier Marketing Manager: David Martin Administrator of Orchestras: Warwick Ross Theatre of the Deaf Artistic Director: Patrick Mitchell Theatre of the Deaf Administrator: Liz Marshall Ticket Services Manager: Jo Litson Building, Props and Electric Supervisor: Roger Taylor Costume Hires Manager: Michael James Membership Manager: Carole Long Membership Secretary: Carol Martin Melbourne Representative: Christy Vena Brisbane Representative: Rosemary Cameron Adelaide office: Veronica Bohm Perth office: Janet Durack I The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust receives financial assistance for its activities from: The Music, Theatre, Literature and Aboriginal Arts boards of The Australia Council, a statutory body of the Commonwealth Government. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The Government through the Office of the Minister for the Arts. The Government through the Minister for the Arts. I The Victorian Ministry for the Arts. The Government of Western Australia through the W.A. Arts Council. B.P. Australia. The Ian Potter Foundation. The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust is a founder t, member of CAPPA. Membership enquiries should be directed to the : Membership Secretary on 357 1200, 153 Dowling St., Potts Point. Postal address: P.O. Registered by Australia Post - Publication No. NBH 1305 Box 137, Kings Cross 2011. May be opened for postal inspection

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