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Home , Anthony Warlow, Gretel Killeen, Guys and Dolls, Henri Szeps, Larry Buttrose, Michael Siberry

APRIL, 1986 Vol 10 No 3 ISSN 0314 - 0598 A publication of Elizabethan Theatre Trust

THE COME TO TOWN

GUYS AND DOLLS by Nathan Detroit, Harry the Horse, Angie this show, "Sit Down You're Rocking Directed by David Toguri the Ox, and many many others who gam­ the Boat". Sets designed by John Gunter ble, cheat and lie their way through life, GUYS AND DOLLS, which was first Cast includes: , Peter desperately in search of a crap game, performed in 1950, has stood the passage Adams, Angela Ayers, Anthony whilst equally desperately trying to avoid of time well and it is not hard to see why. War/ow, Ricky May matrimony. It is full of "characters", unforgettable Her Majesty's Theatre The Australian production of the music and all the colour and life one musical, which is based on a recent associates with New York. It has been National Theatre of Great Britain pro­ performed many times all over the world, "Guys and Dolls, one of the classiest duction, comes to following made into a movie (which starred Frank musicals out of Broadway, is 10 to one seasons in both and . Sinatra and ) and now on to win the hearts . .. It is the best pro­ The director, David Toguri, staged the comes to as exuberant as ever. duction of a great musical to appear here production. Many well-known There can be very few people who have in years . . . " The Advertiser Australian performers are in the cast - not sung, whistled or hummed to such "Guys and Dolls - the $2 million Nancye Hayes, who plays Miss Adelaide, songs as " Tonight", musical risk venture - is a smash hit. It has featured in many of Australia's "Take Back Your Mink" and "I've just does not have a weak link, not a hic­ memorable productions; Peter Adams Never Been In Love Before". cup, not a slip or a tremor . . . " The News (Nathan Detroit) has had a most distinguished career on stage and screen; amon Runyon's short and fascin­ (Sky Masterton) is BOOKING INFORMATION D ating stories, with their vivid por­ both a star of the Australian and Wed May 14 to Sat May 24 traits of life in New York, have long been musical comedy - many may have seen Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Wed and Sat at 2 p.m. best sellers all around the world. In them his performance in MAN OF LA AETT $27.50 MANCHA. Perhaps one of the show he has captured the sound, the style and G.P. $29 .50 the smell of New York. In GUYS AND stoppers, however, is jazz singer Ricky Pens/ Stud $17 .90 DOLLS this Broadway columnist reach­ May playing Nicely-Nicely Johnson, who Two AETT tickets per member ed his zenith, creating such characters as gets to sing one of the favourite songs of 2

Barnsley and Larry Buttrose; the unlikely century China (the era when women's Melbourne Success venue for their launch was the Trade feet were bound) and Australia's Union Club in Surry Hills. Notwith­ liberated 1986. The combination is a standing all this, both CHARACTERS vivid, dynamic and disturbing piece of ROOM TO MOVE by Hannie Rayson and CHARACTERS II played to capac­ dance theatre. The Sydney season will Directed by Kerry Dwyer ity audiences and, in fact, the seasons feature four performances only at the Designed by Robert Kemp were extended. Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre. Cast includes: Ruth Cara, Peter Fisher, CHARACTERS III, which opens at Jane McDermot, Robbie McGregor, the Wharf Studio on April 3, will include BOOKING INFORMATION Wendy Playfair and Greg Saunders new material from many of the top per­ Wed Apr 2 to Sat Apr 5 Stables Theatre formers from the past shows. These in­ AETT discount $2.00 Bookings on 692 3511 clude , Melanie Salomon, Roberts, Julie McCrossin, "It is an excellent and entertaining play, Gretel Killeen and Maggie Lynch rich thematically and also rich in There will be some new faces too, among Production Change humour. It does for the 'eighties genera­ them, Maryanne Fahey (of "The Dunera tion what Buzo and Williamson did for at Marian St Boys" fame). The line-up will change theirs a decade ago. " Melbourne Age weekly. OTHERWISE ENGAGED by pening for the Griffin Theatre Com­ BOOKING INFORMATION pany on April 8 is ROOM TO O Thu Apr 3 to Sat May 3 Directed by Kerry McGuire and John MOVE by Hannie Rayson, playwright in Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. residence for the Playbox Theatre Com­ Krummel Sat at 5 p.m. Designed by Deidre Burges pany in Melbourne and one of the most AETT discount $2.00 Cast: John Krummel, Tom Oliver, Mark significant new female writers to emerge Bookings on 250 1777 Pegler, Katy Manning, Peter Rowley in recent years. The play was an instant Wharf Studio Fay Kelton, Robert Alexander hit when presented in Melbourne at St. Marian Street Theatre Martin's Theatre and had a transfer season at the Universal. Hannie Rayson Extra's Shrew obtained her material for the play from a HY ME? scheduled as the fourth series of dinners with eight men from he One Extra was formed W play in Northside's current season very different walks of life. Their at­ T in 1976 by its artistic director, Km IS to be replaced by Simon Gray's titudes to feminism formed the basis for Tai Chan, and it has grown to be one of OTHERWISE ENGAGED, which won her comedy ROOM TO MOVE. the most innovative performance groups the London Evening Standard's "Best and successful dance theatre companies Comedy" award. Simon Gray is one of BOOKING INFORMATION in Australia. Following England's well-known playwrights and Tue Apr 8 to Sun May 4 performances the company will present author of . The London Sun Wed to Sat at 8.15 p.m. their production of THE SHREW in day Telegraph described OTHERWISE Sat & Sun at 5 p.m. Sydney. THE SHREW weaves ENGAGED as "incomparably Simon AETT discount Shakepeare's TAMING OF THE Gray's best play: adult, literate and Bookings on 332 2677 SHREW with traditional nineteenth- scathingly funny". It is the story of a suc­ cessful publisher'S unsuccessful attempt to get away from it all, by striving to keep Revival himself "otherwise engaged". The actress Kerry McGuire (most or too long, comedy and the perfor­ recently seen in BATHROOM at Marian F mance of it, has been the perogative St) makes her directing debut, combining of male performers, but over the past two with Northside's artistic director John or three years, that attitude has gradually Krummel, in this production. They are been changing. The highly successful no strangers to working together, having season of CHARACTERS, followed by gone through NIDA's actors course CHARACTERS II in 1984 and '85, together. OTHERWISE ENGAGED opened the public's eyes to the fact that opens on April 9. there were several highly talented women comics capable of both writing and per­ BOOKING INFORMATION forming material that did not fall into the Sun Apr 13 to Sun Apr 27 traditional categories of women's com­ Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. edy - self-deprecation or lesbian Sat and Sun at 5 p.m. Wed at 11 a.m. humour. The revival of cabaret in AETT $15.00 (Mon to Fri and mats ex­ cept Apr 16/17) Sydney, which saw the emergence of G.P. $18.00 (Tue-Thu) $19.00 (Fri-Sun) highly successful women's cabaret, was Pens/ Stud $12.00 (except Fri and Sat evg) the brainchild of three young en­ Two AETT tickets per member trepreneurs, Mandy Salomon, Judy John Nobbs and Julie-Anne Long in THE SHREW 3

Barefoot In The Park new season starting in May. plays these two collaborate again in a musical will be presented by the company using satire called PEARLS BEFORE SWINE, their venues at the Wharf and the Drama to open at Belvoir Street Theatre on May he Festival of Laughter season at the Theatre, . 13. Set in Vietnam in 1968, it takes a Ensemble ends with Neil Simon's T First off at the Wharf Theatre is comedy BAREFOOT IN THE PARK swipe at the big Broadway-type musical Ibsen's HEDDA GABLER which was which many will have seen on the silver productions whilst the score stil1.manages first produced in 1890. This truly great screen. The guest director for this pro­ to include several big musical numbers classic brilliantly mixes comedy and duction will be , who was (perhaps it is possible to have one's cake tragedy and provides a sharp comment the founder and director of-the Ensemble and eat it too!). Chris Harriott again on nineteenth-century romantic idealism. Theatre for twenty-six years. In January demonstrates his musical talents, creating Starring Judy Davis in the title role, it an exciting blend of computer-generated he handed over control of production to opens on May 13. Other classics in the sounds and live music. Sandra Bates, who has worked there in season are Chekhov's THE SEAGULL many roles as director, actress and writer. and Shakespeare's MEASURE FOR She has been described by Hayes Gordon MEASURE. as a "dedicated, multi-faceted, highly im­ A playreading in 1985 becomes a full­ aginative and capable powerhouse of scale production in 1986! Michael Gow, talents". Hayes Gordon has been held in whose play A WAY was such a success at high esteem by Sydney audiences for the Griffin recently, will have the first full many years and his admirers will be production of his new work ON TOP OF pleased to have the opportunity of seeing THE WORLD. John Romeril was one of his fine work at the Ensemble again. the wave of Australian writers emerging from Melbourne's LA MAMA theatre. His play THE FLOATING WORLD, which has become something of a classic, will be revived. The final two Australian plays in the series are Tim Gooding's KING OF COUNTRY, a play with music, and the world premiere of a new play, EMERALD CITY. The season ' is completed by TOM AND VIV, a play about the relationship between T. S. Eliot and his wife, and THE STORY, set in Philadelphia's high society world of the '30s. Members who wish to subscribe should the STC on 250 1777 for a subscription form . . Single ticket pur­ Costume design (or the High Priestess in chases will be offered throughout the PEARLS BEFORE SWINE year. The "hero" of PEARLS BEFORE BOOKING INFORMATION SWINE, Lamont Cranston, could con­ Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. New Rock Musical servatively be called the worst entertainer Mats Thu at 11 a.m. and Sat at 5 p.m. in the world! He is sent to entertain the AETT $14.00 (Tue to Fri), $16.00 (Sat troops in Vietnam, an undertaking he evg), $11.00 (mats) PEARLS BEFORE SWINE by feels is well beneath his talents, for his G.P. $15.00 (Tue to Fri), $17.00 (Sat Dennis Watkins and Chris Harriott perception of himself is that "he's the evg), $12.00 (mats) Directed by greatest". Hence the title PEARLS Stud/ Pens $11.00 (Tue to Fri), $9.00 Designed by Colin Mitchell BEFORE SWINE. (mats) Musical direction by Chris Harriott Two AETT tickets per member It will play for three weeks only at Cast includes Dennis Watkins, Valerie Belvoir Theatre from May 13 before a Bader, Terry Serio, Robyne Dunn, Jenny planned interstate tour. Sydney Theatre Vuletic and Belvoir Street Theatre BOOKING INFORMATION Company's New Tue May 13 to Sun Jun 1 he staging of the highly successful Tue to Sun at 8 p.m. Season T rock musical BEACH BLANKET Sat & Sun at 5 p.m. TEMPEST was seen in 1984. Written by AETT $17.00 ot off the press is the recently an­ Dennis Watkins with music by Chris G.P. $18 .00 nounced portfolio of plays that Harriott, it was loosely based on Pens/Stud $9.00 H Two AETT tickets per member make up the 's Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST. Now 4

sensitive direction allows the audience to Meanwhile . .. Brecht's Chalk Circle come to their own understanding of ac­ cepting the validity of both European and urely one of Brecht's most pop­ t the Bondi Pavilion Theatre a Sular plays, CAUCASIAN CHALK Asecond-rate rock band rehearses. CIRCLE was written in 1943 / 45 during Undercurrents of unrequited love, per­ the final years of the Second World War sonal ambition, self delusions, bigotry and first presented in English in 1948. and minority repression prevail. It's all Posing timeless questions that have faced perfectly normal. But a series of co­ philosophers from Plato on, such as incidences create a tragedy of epic pro­ "who owns land?" "or a child?", "is portions (relatively speaking). It's a new possession nine-tenths of the law?" production created by a group of theatre Brecht begins one of his most highly pros and called MEANWHILE . . . acclaimed plays. It concerns a dispute Described as a high tech production, it in­ over land destroyed by war and this argu­ cludes drama, dance, mime, circus, live ment leads to the telling of an old Chinese music, [jim and visual arts. story of dispute rights to a child and to the "chalk circle" solution. BOOKING INFORMATION This production has been staged by Wed Apr 23 to Sun May 6 Malcolm Keith for Theatre Nepean, the Tue to Sat at 8 p.m . performing unit of the first Australian AETT discount $1.00 B.A. Degree in Performing Arts, with a Bookings on 30 7211 new score by the Australian composer, The cast of HONEYSPOT with director Richard Tulloch Frank Gunner. Aboriginal culture and attitudes. While BOOKING INFORMATION the majority of performances are intend­ Obituary Wed Apr 9 to Sat Apr 19 ed for schools, public matinees will be Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. presented on Saturdays and Sundays. OBIN LOVEJOY died on Saturday, Sat at 2 p.m. R December 14, 1985. He was a domin­ AETT discount $2.50 BOOKING INFORMATION Bookings on 692 0555 ant and forceful contributor to the Sat Apr 5 to Sun Apr 27 development of a modern, genuinely Sat & Sun mat at 5 p.m. Australian theatre. He had been a AETT discount $1.00 member of the Board of Directors of the Bookings on 699 3273 Family Entertainment Two AETT tickets per member Australian Elizabethan Trust since 1978, but had been involved with Trust hen the Australian Content Depart­ activities since its inception. In 1955 he W ment of the AETT commissioned was stage director for the Trust's first award-winning Australian Aboriginal The Club Returns play, MEDEA, starring Dame Judith playwright Jack Davis to write a play to Anderson. celebrate International Year of Youth for avid Williamson's play THE CLUB Robin will be remembered by the pro­ 1985, it couldn't have hoped for a better D will be presented at Phillip St. fession and by theatre audiences as a success than HONEYSPOT. Theatre this year. It follows the success remarkable play and opera director, as Its world premiere in Adelaide at the of the 1985 season when many of those Artistic Director of the Trust Players Come Out Festival and a tour of the Port wishing to see the play were unable to ob­ from 1958 to 1961, and the Old Tote Pirie, Port Augusta, Yorke Peninsula tain tickets. The 1986 production, from 1965 to 1974. His productions of regions was met with such acclaim that however, will be a completely new pro­ LONG DAY' S JOURNEY INTO the Department was asked to remount duction directed by Peter Williams. THE NIGHT with Ron Haddrick and THE CLUB is one of David Williamson's most the production for a season at the Next RIV ALS with Richard Meikle are land­ popular plays and is set behind the scenes Wave Festival in Melbourne a few marks in modern Australian theatre. at a football club where the game of play­ months later. Robin was also an actor, a designer, an ing politics is exposed for what it is . Its Now in 1986, Sydney audiences can administrator and a fine teacher. message is equally applicable to any look forward to a new production of He became Head of Design and Direct­ organisation where the desire to succeed HONEYSPOT, fresh from a tour of Vic­ ing at NIDA in 1982. He directed a is all important. toria, to open at the Belvoir Street number of successful productions for the Theatre on April 1, presented in associa­ school, and members of the profession he tion with Toe Truck Theatre. BOOKING INFORMATION taught owe him an immense debt of This play has all the ingredients that Tue May 27 to Fri Jun 13 gratitude, as indeed, do all those who will ensure it has appeal for children, Tue to Fri at 8 p.m. care about theatre in Australia. aged from eight years up, and adults AETT $13.90 alike. Jack Davis has integrated dance, G.P. $16.90 John Clark, mime and music into a warm and Pens/ Stud $10.90 Director, Two AETT tickets per member humorous script and Richard Tulloch's National Institute of Dramatic Art 5

George Melly returns ticket. AETT discounts apply to all com­ bined purchases but the discount on show to Kinselas only tickets applies only Mondays to Thursdays. eorge Melly will resume his love We remind members that Kinselas has affair with Australia this month two other restaurants - the Brasserie, G which caters for pre-theatre diners as well when he returns with John Chilton's as offering suppers until 1 a.m., and the Feetwarmers to present his second season there in as many years. He is a many­ Chapel Restaurant. Decked out in Art splendoured character - author, broad­ Deco design with flamboyantly coloured caster, critic and connoisseur of sur­ glass, the Chapel Restaurant offers full silver service. If you haven't tried out realistic art. At Kinselas he will wear the either of these restaurants before you hat of fine jazz practitioner. George should think about doing so in April, Melly is a product of the traditional jazz Mayor June when Kinselas offers AETT revival which swept England after World Members a full IO per cent discount on War II. Although his records have your bill on presentation of your become big sellers, Melly is principally a membership card. visual artist. His ebullient versions of Bessie Smith Blues and the pop songs of BOOKING INFORMATION the '30s and '40s delight his audiences Wed Apr 2 to Sat May 3 everywhere. Dinner at 7 p.m. Showtime 8 p.m. Members have the choice of either pur­ AETT discount $2.00 (except Fri and Sat chasing show only tickets or of purchas­ George Melly show only tickets) ing a combined show/ three course dinner Bookings on 331 3100

-VialtJ!lL'l! by Carole Long, Membership Manager

n my account of the membership We were delighted at the response to our but if Members are planning to be in­ I finances in March Trust News, one appeal for volunteers last year but what terstate in May (Melbourne and very important part of the equation had we still do need is people who can help Adelaide) or June () please get in to be omitted because of shortage of with "crisis" situations on an ad hoc touch and we'll do our best to get you space. It's the increasingly important role basis. If you are not fully employed and tickets. played by our Trust volunteers and I'd have time available in the day we'd love We reported in February Trust News like to pay tribute to the fine work they to put you on a list of contacts to call on t.hat Graeme Blundell had joined Kinselas do for us. We now have IO volunteers when we have a mailing to get out or as artistic director and as this will un­ assisting the membership programme when we have other -off projects. If doubtedly mean a shift in emphasis for alone. Four volunteers come in a day a you can type too you'll be a friend for Kinselas' productions, we've taken the week to help with new member enrol­ life. opportunity to revise arrangements for ment, renewal processing and bookings. It's hard to believe that the Royal Trust Members. Trust discounts now ap­ Two ex-journalists help me prepare Trust Shakespeare Company is coming to ply not only to the combined theatre/din­ News each month; Richard Gleeson Australia and that we won't be seeing ner package but also to the show only comes in each Monday to do our banking them in Sydney. Not that we can blame tickets on Mondays to Thursdays. Full (and woe betide us if our work isn't up to the promoters; they would have dearly details under GEORGE MELLY scratch!) and we've just got together a loved a Sydney season - but where to RETURNS above. And don't miss the in­ team of four members who'll be ringing put the production? A production on that vitation to sample Kinselas Brasserie and up expired members. So don't think scale needs a large venue to make it pay Chapel Restaurants for a IO per cent dis­ you'll get away easily with dropping out and Sydney just doesn't have a 2000 count during April, May and June. on your membership! But the member­ seater venue since the Regent closed its ship programme isn't the only area where doors and Sydney audiences gave the volunteers are becoming an increasingly thumbs down to the Lyric mode of the vital part of our operations. Our costume Entertainment Centre for theatrical per­ hires department uses volunteers for formances. Sydney audiences are the repairs and maintenance; they also take losers, Adelaide, Melbourne and an active role in the Theatre of the Deaf Brisbane the winners. We're arranging a and the Australian Content Department. trip to Brisbane (see Member Activities) 6

_~_tifl____ "------111 The Griffin Theatre Company by Ailsa Carpenter

he year 1986 promises to be Griffin Paddington DISCOVERING created with the full support of the T Theatre Company's biggest AUSTRALIA and THE GRANDE members. Kingston is a 1977 NIDA challenge. A new board of directors FINALE OF RENE TROUVER, graduate in acting. However, his interest (Katharine Brisbane, Mark Butler, Noel directed by Peter Kingston. in directing began when he was a member Hodda, Michael Gow, Lillian Horler and The name "Griffin" derived from the of Sydney University Drama Society, a Peter Kingston), with Kingston as their name of the street in Surry Hills in which group which has throughout the years newly appointed first artistic director, Jenny Laing-Peach lived. Slowly the given Australian theatre many a talented will be responsible for a make-or-break group enlarged (incorporating quite a few artist. During his career he has directed year. NIDA graduates) and next presented Joe for Repertory Company, With the Theatre Board of the Orton's RUFFIAN ON THE STAIR at NIDA, · Darwin Theatre Group, Q Australia Council closely watching the the ANU Canberra in March 1980. After Theatre, Nimrod and most recently financial management, artistic standards, talks with Bob Ellis and Anne George Hutchinson's HENRY AND promotion and marketing, the company Brooksbank, the owners of the Stables PETER AND HENRY AND ME in is moving away from their previous ad Theatre in Kings Cross, they were offered and Stephen Sewell's THE hoc approach to long-term planning a lease. A month later RUFFIAN played BLIND GIANT IS DANCING in Perth, with careful choice of plays and artists. as a lunch-time and late-night pro­ where he also acted in Chekhov's WILD gramme with David Williamson's THE HONEY. COMING OF STORK in the main time­ Peter Kingston has directed six plays slot. for Griffin and has made a wonderful For the next two years a mixture of start to his new appointment with his pro­ overseas and Australian plays were duction of Michael Gow's A WAY, a play presented in their Stables home. But which received rave reviews from Sydney more and more they were becoming critics. He followed this success with aware of the amount of Australian SOFT TARGETS, a bold and brave look writing talent available and in May 1981 at A.I.D.S. devised by the company. He after successful readings of four new will be directing at least three plays in his plays, the decision was made to adopt an first year and bringing in other directors, Australian-only policy. the first of which is Kerry Dwyer, whose Applications were made to both the production of the comedy ROOM TO and Commonwealth MOVE by Hannie Rayson will open dur­ funding bodies and small grants were ob­ ing April (see story p. 2). tained. In 1982 they kicked off with Grant Fraser's CHEAP THRILLS. This play was the second in a regular yearly Peter Kingston output from this talented young writer. Fraser was one of Griffin's earliest Six plays per year has been their members, moving from stage manage­ average output, but they now intend in­ ment to lighting design, directing and creasing production (with the inclusion of writing: he is a perfect example of the one Australian classic) and have hopes role Griffin has played in the develop­ for touring to at least two capital cities. ment of potential talent. His LOVE AND Griffin now has a membership of 105 A SINGLE TEENAGER had been a big with a continuing fresh group of people success the previous year and since coming in. They are proud of the talent in CHEAP THRILLS he has written all areas which has been discovered, nur­ STREET LEVEL, SUMMERTIME tured and developed through the years. BLUES and SLIPPERY WHEN WET. It was in 1979 that Peter Carmody, In 1984 he was Griffin's writer-in­ Penny Cook, Rosemarie Lenzo and residence on a grant from the Australian Robert Menzies banded together under Council which was followed by two more the directorship of Jenny Laing-Peach to grants, the current one being a fellowship present the Irish play THE GINGER from the Literature Board. MAN by J. P. Donleavy at the Kirk Griffin's small staff of five is headed Gallery in Cleveland Street, Surry Hills. by Bill Eggerking as administrator, but They made a profit and went on to pro­ the major responsibility for the future duce two Australian plays by John Stone success of Griffin now rests with Peter Rainee Skinner in LOVE AND THE SINGLE at the Orange Door in Oxford Street, Kingston. This new position has been TEENAGER 7

For six months last year Kerry Dwyer was artistic co-ordinator at Griffin. She resigned from this position as she felt "the job was not well defined". She prefers her current role at Griffin con­ ducting workshops "training actors to create their own work" - it is an invest­ ment in the future and unites the com­ pany" she says. During her tenure last year, Kerry directed BLIND CIRCUMSTANCE, a play dealing with the issue of inter­ country adoption. Peter Kingston does not see his job as a short-term undertaking. His aim is to make Griffin a place where people choose to work and for the theatre to be a real alternative in the Sydney theatre scene. He quotes Playbox in Melbourne and Troupe in Adelaide as parallels. "The Griffin has a difficult mandate in keeping up standards while taking big risks - more risks than any other theatre com­ pany in Sydney, " he says. But he is very Andrea Moor, David Lynch, Geoff Morrell and Julie Godfrey in A WA Y confident about this year. " It is wonderful when you find a play directors, is heading a committee for hit from 1981, LOVE AND A SINGLE like A WA Y, "he goes on. "To know that sponsorship. Over the past two years TEENAGER, was revived for presenta­ your company has a real find. It is an Channel 7 has been a regular supporter. tion at La Boite in Brisbane and at enormous thrill for us to start our year Griffin has a proud record behind Sydney's Off . like that - morale is very high. " A WAY them. Since the all-Australian policy was A good year and one that Peter played to 92 per cent capacity. adopted, 27 plays have been produced, Kingston hopes to repeat even more A great start indeed, as last year atten­ most of which have been premieres. They strongly. He recently instigated a new dances dropped to 33 per cent. When have mounted one children's play, venture called Flipside, consisting of budgeting is done at 55 per cent and PHOEBE MOONGLOW AND THE works which could be plays, readings, ticket prices are only $12 and $18, there is SINGING ASTRONAUT by Lance Cur­ events, alternative and experimental good cause to worry. tis and Bruce Keller for the 1983 Sydney theatre, performed in time slots worked Festival. around the main season. Ticket prices for The Stables has a seating capacity of Writers represented are Stephen Flipside are only $5 which should en­ 120 and is leased for nine months of the Sewell, Barry Dickins, Ron Blair, Steve courage people to come and perhaps then year from Bob Ellis and Anne J. Spears, Mil Perrin, Craig Cronin, In­ move on to the main fare at a more ex­ Brooksbank. Last year Griffin almost gle Knight, Pamela van Amstel, Ray pensive price. There has been a satisfac­ lost its tenancy when the property was up Mathew, Clem Gorman, Ned Manning, tory response with their first two pro­ for sale. Under the glare of a lot of Ross Lonnie, Alyssa Hittman, Doreen grammes, CROSSCUTS, a cabaret-style publicity, Ellis and Brooksbank changed Clarke, Gordon Graham, Jennifer piece set in Kings Cross, and RIDIN' their minds and gave Griffin a tentative Paynter, Greg McCart, Mij Tanith, John HIGH!, the Ethel Merman story. lease for the next three years. Rental is Stone, Michael Gow and Brett Murphy. $400 per week and they pay $60 per week Towards the end of last year when Group-devised shows such as SLIP­ for office space nearby. money ran out, the Newcastle production PERY WHEN WET and SOFT Members have a great concern that the of ESSINGTON LEWIS: I AM WORK TARGETS are amibitious and risky, but work of Australian writers has a perma­ by John O'Donoghue came into the they lead to the hope that the company nent home. Their aim is for a private Stables and went on to win the Sydney will eventually produce a project that will trust to be set up to buy the theatre in Critics' Circle Award for the most signifi­ go on to have a further life outside the order for it to be leased for Australian cant contribution to theatre during 1985. company. As Eggerking and Kingston play presentation. The previous year the Griffin had taken say, "we want the Griffin Theatre Com­ pany to be the talk of the town by the end This year funding from the Office of out this award with their season of SUM­ of the year". the Minister for the Arts, NSW Govern­ MERTIME BLUES, US OR THEM, ment has been doubled to $30,000 and a VERBALS, A SORT OF CHIMERA, 10 per cent increase was received from the HANGING TOGETHER and WHEN Ailsa Carpenter is a free-lance Theatre Board of the Australia Council, ARE WE GOING TO MANLY? 'US journalist who has had a continuing bringing that grant up to $59,800. OR THEM' transferred for four-week involvement in Sydney theatre. She is Founding member Penny Cook, who seasons to Phillip Street Theatre and to a former publicist for Nimrod. this year stepped down from the board of the Q in Penrith. And finally, their early 8 ·..nscPfl _O~_'f~______~ __~

HOUSE was performed in 1978 by the Having A Ball The Foreigner National Theatre, with Paul Scofield and Paul Rogers, with resounding success. arry Shue' s comedy THE he action of HA VING A BALL takes The Australian premiere production, FOREIGNER comes to the Foot­ T place in a private vasectomy clinic in L which is directed by Rodney Fisher, sees bridge Theatre from a successful tour of the North West of England. Lenny the return to the Sydney Theatre Com­ Newcastle, Brisbane, Perth and Anderson (David Ross), a biscuit factory pany of two of Australia's outstanding Adelaide. The play is set in Georgia scientist, is there for the umpteenth time, young actors, and Linda where a British Army officer comes to an but determined now to master his nerves. Cropper, in a cast which also includes Four other apprehensive males are also inn on an assignment, bringing with him Dennis Olsen, Peter Carroll and Joan waiting for the "chop". This is not just a a friend called Charlie, whom he must Bruce. The play is concerned with the comedy about vasectomy, however, it has leave there from time to time. Charlie, glamour of the fashion industry and the many more serious undertones and the inordinately shy, and overcome with the wealth of a retail emporium, and it pro play will appeal to those who feel that thought of having to make conversation vides a telling insight into the status of comedy should also have its serious with strangers, pretends he can't speak women and of family life generally in Ed aspect. HAVING A BALL opens at the English. Soon all those in the lodge are wardian times in England. York Theatre, Seymour Centre, on April revealing their innermost secrets to this 12, prior to seasons in Canberra and man they think cannot understand them. Melbourne. It stars Jackie Weaver and Predictably, the results are hilarious. BOOKING INFORMATION David Ross who starred in the U.K. pro­ Nick Tate plays the foreigner with Anne Thu Apr 24 to Sat May 24 duction. Tenney and Val Lehman in key roles. Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Wed at 1 p.m. Sat at 2 p.m. AETT $19.00 (Mon to Thu and mats) BOOKING INFORMAnON BOOKING INFORMATION G.P. $22.00 Sat Apr 12 to Sat May 10 Wed Apr 16 to Sat Apr 26 Pens/ Stud $16.00 (Mon to Thu) Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Mon to Fri at 8 p.m. Two AETT tickets per member Wed and Sat mat at 2 p.m. Sat at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. AETT $19.00 ($17 .00 mats) AETT $17 .90 (mat $16.90) G.P. $25 .00 ($20.00 mats) G.P . $22.90 (mat $18.90) Pens/ Stud $20.00 ($18:00 mats) Pens/ Stud $17.90 (mat $16.90) Glengarry Glen Ross Two AETT tickets per member Two AETT tickets per member his play had its world ·premi-ere in T London at the National Theatre in 1983; it is the winner of a Pulitzer Prize the Critics' Play of the Thalia Theatre Year, and the New York Drama Critics' Circle "Best Play". he THALIA THEATRE COM­ GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS deals T P ANY, based in Adelaide, was form­ with the cut and thrust of real estate, a ed with the aim of closing the artificial subject close to the heart of the author, gap between European culture and David Mamet, who, in 1969 as an Australian culture. Its award-winning unemployed actor, spent a year working director, Bogdan Koca, who was born in in a real estate office in . At that Poland, has rapidly developed a reputa­ time business was booming, land was be­ tion in Australia for directing exciting ing sold sight-unseen, although within a theatre. Its productions of Shakespeare's very short space of time all this was to HAMLET and THE MARRIAGE (both change. From his own experiences, the performed at the Adelaide Festival) will author writes a cruelly humorous, sleazy be presented at the Recording Hall, but very funny play. Sydney Opera House. THE MAR­ GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS is RIAGE, by Witold Gombrowicz, is a Anne Tenney and Nick Tate in THE FOREIGNER directed by Neil Armfield and the 20th-century Polish classic. Australian prod uction stars Gary McDonald, Henri Szeps and Frank Gallagher. BOOKING INFORMA nON The Madras House HAMLET Apr 4, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 22 and 24 at 8 p.m. HE MADRAS HOUSE, by Harley BOOKING INFORMATION Apr 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. T Granville-Barker, is the final play in Sat Apr 12 to Sat Apr 26 THE MARRIAGE Apr 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, the Sydney Theatre Company's current Mon to Sat at 8.15 p.m. 15, 19,21,23,25 and 26 at 8 p.m. season. In London, during the last ten Fri at 5.30 p.m. Sat at 2.00 p.m. AETT $14.00 years, there has been a marked revival of AETT $19.00 G .P. $18.00 performances of plays by this fascinating G.P. $22.00 Pens/ Stud $13.00 man who was a playwright, actor, critic Pens/Stud $15 .00 Two AETT tickets per member and director and a major force in theatre Two AETT tickets per member Recording Hilil, S.O.H. Playhouse, Sydney Opera House during Edwardian times. The MADRAS 9

TURTLE DIARY directed by John Irvin them to share their own cheerless lives, directed by Richard Screenplay by from the and they make friends with the aquarium Attenborough novel by Russell Hoban keeper. The three become friends and Screenplay by Arnold Shulman Starring , Ben Kingsley plot to abduct the turtles and release Choreography by Jeffrey Hornaday At the Academy Twin, Paddington them in the Atlantic. With their release A t Academy Twin, Paddington new horizons open up for Neaera and lthough it is a best-seller it is surpris­ William. A ing how few people have read Russell he statistics of the stage production of Hoban's novel "Turtle Diary", so its ap­ T A CHORUS LINE read like an entry pearance as a film will both delight its in the Guinness Book of Records. Open­ devoted fans and send many more ing in New York in 1975, it has been run­ readers scurrying to the bookshop. The ning there ever since, making it the screenplay is by Harold Pinter and longest-running musical ever. The gross Glenda Jackson and Ben Kingsley (of , take for ..Broadway 'a-lene is estimated at GANDHI fame) play the unassuming $85 million. and retiring central characters, whose And now we have the movie under the lives are finally given new meaning unlikely direction of Sir Richard through their mutual for turtles. Attenborough. Stage musicals don't Neaera (Glenda Jackson) ' writes automatically transfer successfully to the children's books but fears she has run out screen and critics have varied wildly in of inspiration. William (Ben Kingsley) is their opinions of this one. Some have rav­ an assistant in a bookshop who lives in ed, others, like Time reviewer Richard shabby digs in Fulham, and feels that he Corliss, panned it, " ... (his film has all has let his opportunities slip away. the zing of '' as per­ Sep<\rately they are attracted to the Ben Kingsley and Glenda Jackson in TURTLE formed by the Fame Gang". We'll leave turtles in the , who seem to DIARY it to you to make your own judgement.

AREWELL BRISBANE LADIES, at WHAT'S ON OUT OF TOWN Frank McGuiness and is directed by Des F the Hunter Valley Theatre from April new Canberra theatre company, Davis. A group of women working in a 9 to May 3, is by Doreen Clarke and stars A E.T.P. Canberra ( shirt factory are worried about possible Sheila Kennelly and Barbara Wyndon. A Project) will stage its first production, redundancies and try to resolve the pro­ "lady of the night" has inherited a house BARTHOLOMEW FAIR by Ben blem by taking over the manager's office. in Northern and become Johnson at the Arts Centre ANU from It is a drama/comedy showing the change respectable. When a colleague from her April 4 to May 3. The E.T.P. Canberra in the women's personalities in their new former life comes for an extended visit was founded by Carol Woodrow and roles. things get out of hand and the skeletons Peter Sutherland in mid-1985 and in get harder tq hide. It is directed by Brett January received funding for a six­ dward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF McGregor and the designer is Jack months' scheme. Peter Sutherland is E VIRGINIA WOOLF will be present­ Ritchie. administrator of the new company and ed at the Arts Theatre, University of Carol Woodrow is directing BAR­ Armidale, on April 9, 10, II and 12 and THOLOMEW FAIR, which is a Rabela­ May 5, 6, 8 and 9. It is directed by Kate he Now Theatre, in ass02iation with sian comedy full of bawdy humour. Wilson for the New England Theatre T the Orange City Council and the Costumes are by Amanda Lovejoy, sets Company which now has a team of local Orange Festival of Arts, will present by Stephen Curtis, and lighting by Ken professional actors working with it. JAZZ TIME by Canberra playwright McSwain. The cast of 15 will include the Between the April and May perfor­ Ron Evans on April 10 and 11 at the entire E.T.P. team of nine actors plus six mances in Armidale, the show will tour Orange Civic Centre. Originally produc­ guest actors. Tamworth and Gunnedah at weekends. ed in 1983 in Canberra, it is a one-act play and will be combined with two hours heatre South's first production of the of jazz in a cabaret format, complete Tyear plays at the Bridge Theatre, AETT discount applicable all perfor­ with bar service and supper. The play is , from April 4 to 26. FAC­ mances. See local press for booking directed by Jennifer Leslie. TORY GIRL is by new Irish playwright in formation. 10

by Margaret Leask

urrently running at the Vaudeville Michael Billington in to business) musical closed at the C Theatre is a super production of Noel say "One now longs to see him in the Prince Edward with two members of the Coward's BLITHE SPIRIT with Joanna classic roles, not least as an RSC Romeo, original cast still giving their all. It will be Lumley, Jane Asher and Simon Cadell. rather than a Crummles one". The other replaced in May with a new musical by True to the spirit of Coward, the per­ RSC production very much in the news Tim Rice (without Andrew Lloyd Web­ formers relish the situation and (and rumoured for a West End transfer ber) called CHESS. Opening night is May characters, creating an immensely en­ later this year) is a very seductive and 14! joyable evening of theatre. fascinating adaptation by Christopher Currently (March 12 to April 19) Lon­ Meanwhile, at the Aldwych Theatre Hampton of Laclos' epistolary 1782 don is hosting its first International Felicity Kendal and Peter McEnery open, novel, LES LIAISONS DANGER­ Opera Festival which is planned as an an­ under 's direction, in EUSES, directed by Howard Davies and nual event. Special programmes are being Anthony Mighella's new play, MADE IN curren'tly in the repertoire at the Barbican presented at House, BANGKOK, which carries warnings of Pit. Described by the GUARDIAN as "a Coliseum, in the Piazza at Covent unsuitability for young people, dealing as palpable hit", LES LIAISONS is an ex­ Garden, at the National Theatre, it does "with all aspects of tourism in citing piece of theatre - we are never National Film. Theatre and Wignore Hall Bangkok". quite sure how to react from moment to with the aim of focusing attention on The Royal Shakespeare Company con­ moment as we watch the classical virtues opera' and its appeal to a wide audience. tinues to delight and stimulate audiences of lucidity, grace and proportion dealing During the festival young singers will per­ - its production of NICHOLAS with the systematic destruction of virtue form in a number of Covent Garden NICKLEBY is back on the road (and by vice. The company has captured a restaurants too! The second such festival after Stratford and Newcastle seasons it riveting quality of stillness and under­ is planned for June 1987. undertakes a nine-month tour of the lying destructive energy - not to be USA) - with Michael Siberry in the title missed! Margaret Leask is a former editor of role. Michael was formerly a member of Early in February the long-running Trust News now living in London where the South Australian Theatre Company (seven years, eight months, 2900 perfor­ she is an artist's agent. and his performance has prompted mances and £20 million worth of M~_~_~______~

BRISBANE RSC TOUR THE FOREIGNER DINNER HALLEY'S COMET WEEKEND Friday June 20 to Sunday June 22 Wednesday April 16 at 6 p.m. Friday April 25 to Sunday April 27

The Sydney Committee President, A final reminder about joining us for din­ We've had 'such a response to our Shirley Hay, is arranging a visit to ner at the Glebe Terrace Restaurant, 36 weekend out West to view this great event Brisbane to see the Royal Shakespeare Glebe Point Road, before seeing the that our original weekend is now fully Company's production of RICHARD AETT production of THE FOREIGN­ booked. We're thinking about organising III. The weekend will also include a view­ ER. Dinner tickets are $18.50 which in­ a second weekend for Anzac weekend, so ing of the Twentieth-Century Masters Ex­ cludes two courses, wine (or orange juice) if you're interested please get in touch as hibition from the Metropolitan Museum and coffee. Theatre tickets should be soon as possible. Being a long weekend, of Art, New York, which is being ordered separately (see opening soon p. we'll be able to make it a free day trip and presented in the splendid new Art 8). include Orange in the itinerary. The tour Gallery. As this won't be seen in Sydney includes viewings at Grove Creek Obser­ either, the weekend is of special interest. BREAKFAST AT THE WENTWORTH vatory near Bathurst as well as the Parkes The tour departs Friday morning and Wednesday April 30 at 7.15 a .m. Radio Telescope. Local sightseeing is in­ cluded and the cost, which includes bus returns Sunday evening giving three full Those Members who work full time rare­ travel, accommodation, all meals and en­ days. There'll be an inspection of the arts ly have the opportunity to join in any of tries, is $260 per person (for twin share). complex and a visit to the Gold Coast our mid-week activities so this time we're which will include the much talked about arranging a gathering just for you (and new Jupiter's Casino. Accommodation any other Members or friends, of course, BOOKING INFORMATION will be in central Brisbane at the Sheraton who'd like to join in). It's the first in an Unless otherwise stated bookings for and the all-inclusive cost, which includes occasional series of breakfasts with Member Activities should be sent in airfare, accommodation, meals and en­ interesting speakers to be held at the on the same grey booking coupon as tries, is $625. We only have space for 20 Sheraton/ Wentworth. We've invited the your theatre bookings. The handling people so send in your $50 deposit as Trust's Chief Executive, Kathleen Norris, fee does not apply to Member soon as possible. All you have to pay for to kick off the series. Tickets are $16 Activities. separately is your theatre tickets. each. 11

E AND MY GIRL is playing in M Sydney after its Melbourne season, at Her Majesty's Theatre. It is the story of a sharp-witted, lovable Cockney lad who turns out to be a long-lost earl. Along with his Lambeth sweetheart, Sally, he creates chaos at his ancestral seat, Hareford Hall, as his noble relatives attempt a Pygmalion-style integration. There is, of course, the tap-dancing duet to the title sone, but the show also in­ cludes the "Lambeth Walk", "Leaning on a Lamp Post", and "One You Lose Your Heart" - songs that have endured for many years. ME AND MY GIRL won the Award for best musical of 1985. It stars David Waters, Julie Haseler and David Ravenswood. Faye Donaldson, David Waters, Julie Haseler and David Ravenswood in ME AND MY GIRL AETT discount $4.00 Bookings on 266 4800 he Australian Ballet's season con­ closely involved with each other for 15 T tinues at the Opera House with four years . The production, which is directed ballets opening there on Friday April 11. by Richard Cottrell, stars Neil Fitz­ TATEMENTS continues at the The EVENING OF FOUR BALLETS patrick, John Gregg and Jennifer Hagan. SBelvoir Street Theatre until April 27. brings together SYMPHONY IN D, a There's still time to see it, but hurry! Its author, Athol Fugard, has been one of satirical romp performed to Haydn's AETT discount $1.00 (except Sat evg) the most vocal opponents of the apar­ "Clock Symphony"; a new ballet com­ Bookings on 498 3166 theid system and his plays have been seen missioned from Jacqui Carroll to music and applauded around the world. This by Carl Vine; SONGS OF A he Ensemble Theatre's Festival of play was first presented in Sydney by the WA YFARER created by Maurice Bejart T Laughter is currently featuring Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust in to Mahler's songs, and ETUDES, a RELATIVELY SPEAKING, due to 1979 and its contents are as topical if not classical showcase which allows the com­ close on April 19. This play firmly more so. It is the dramatic love story bet­ pany to demonstrate its many technical established the author, Alan Ayckbourn, ween a white South African woman and a skills. This production will run until as a comedy writer to be reckoned with. half-caste South African man - love Wednesday April 30. It is a marvellous mix of a mistress and a which, until very recently, was forbidden AETT discount $3.00 wife, a jealous boyfriend and a husband. by law under the Immorality Act. It Bookings on 2 0588 Mistaken identities and a few white lies makes for powerful theatre. create a pot-pourri of laughter. The pro­ AMLET at the Phillip S~reet The~t~e AETT discount $2.00 H will end its run on Apnl 12. ThIs IS duction is directed by Sandra Bates (who Bookings on 699 3273 indeed one of Shakespeare's most took over from Hayes Gordon in famous tragedies and forms part of the January at the Ensemble) and the cast in­ Higher School Certi ficate syllabus for cludes Gillian Axtell, Michael Barnacoat, Michael Gillett and Felicity Soper. nd still it continues - that feline all­ this year. The story is of an idealistic A time record breaker, . By now, man, the Prince of Denmark, who AETT discount $1.00 Bookings on 929 8877 most of Sydney must have seen it once discovers that his mother is an adultress and it would seem that many are going and his uncle a murderer. It is both a for the second time around at least! On at family drama and a drama of conscience. the Theatre Royal (where else!), wonder­ Hamlet's battle with his conscience is as fully staged and with that wistful hit relevant today as it ever was. "Memories" that everyone is singing. If AETT di scount $3 .00 the dates offered don't suit, please get in Bookings on 232 4900 touch as we may be able to offer alter­ ichael Frayn's BENEFACTORS natives. M will close at Marian Street Theatre on April 5. Described as "the best play of BOOKING INFORMATION the year. Funny, tender, intelligent" by Thu Apr 17 at 8 p.m. the New Statesman, it has won three Sat May 10 at 2 p.m. London awards for Best Play of the AETT $37.00 Year. BENEFACTORS deals with G.P. $39.00 friendship, marriage and the changing No Pens/ Stud discount face of architecture through the Two AETT tickets per member Michael Barnacoat and Felicity Soper in Discount unavailable at Theatre Royal characters of neighbours who have been RELA TlVEL Y SPEA KING " 12

is a publication of the Australian Elizabethan POSTACE Theatre Trust which is produced exclusively for PAID its 8,000 members throughout Australia. THE AUSTRALIAN ELIZABETHAN AUSTRALIA THEATRE TRUST (incorporated in the A.C.T.) Patron Her Majesty The Queen President Sir Ian Potter Chairman Andrew Briger, AM Directors Rl. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman S. Atkinson Sir David Griffin CBE, The Hon. Mr. lust ice C. 1. Legoe I K. E. Cowley, Dr. T. Manford, D. A. Mortimer N. R. Seddon AO CSE, L. G. Teale, L. D. S. Waddy, T. Yates Chief Executive: Kathleen Norris Company Secretary: Don Grace Accountant : Barry Tree Director, Entrepreneurial Activities: leffrey Kovel Entrepreneurial Administrator: Denni, Linehan Australian Content Administrator: Wendy Blacklock Executive Producer for : Noel Ferrier Orchestral Director of Music: William Reid Administrator of Orchestras: Warwick Ross Theatre of the Deaf Artistic Director: Patrick Mitchell Theatre of the Deaf Administrator: Priscilla Shorne Ticket Services Manager: Andre Krause Building, Props and Electric Supervisor: Roger Taylor Costume Hires Manager: Michael lames Membership Manager: Carole Long Membership Secretary: Carol Martin

Melbourne office: Carol Ormerod ,

Brisbane office: Denise Wadley I Adelaide office: Veronica Bohm I Pert h office: 1 anet Durack

The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust receives financial assistance for its activities from: The Music, Theatre and Aboriginal Arts boards of The Australia Council a statutory body of the Commonwealth Government. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The New South Wales Government through the Office of the Minister for the Arts. The Queensland Government Directorate of Cultural Activities. The Victorian Ministry for the Arts. The Government of Western Australia through the W.A. Arts Council. B.P. Australia. The Ian POller Foundation. The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust is a founder 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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