The Old Mill Times Patron: Garry Lawrence All the news and views from the Old Mill Online bookings: oldmilltheatre.com.au/tickets Theatre for JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 Old Mill Theatre dishes up Pulitzer Prize-winner THE trials and tribulations of marriage breakdowns come to the fore in the Old Mill Theatre’s first season of 2014. Written by Donald Margulies and directed by Noel O’Neill, Dinner With Friends finds a husband and wife re-evaluating their marriage after their closest friends decide to split after 12 years. Over the course of the play, the two couples are seen at differ- ent ages and stages of their lives – when Tom and Beth break up, Gabe and Karen feel compelled to choose sides and begin to question the strength of their own tranquil marriage while also seeing the real meaning behind their friendships. In 2000, the play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama as well as the American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award. It was also adapted into a 2001 TV movie with Toni Collette, An- die MacDowell, Dennis Quaid and Greg Kinnear. “The most intriguing aspect of the play is the fact that all re- lationships are tested as a result of one couple breaking up,” Noel said. A marriage breakdown and the effect on friendships is explored “It’s a wryly funny and richly layered piece of theatre that looks in Dinner With Friends featuring Phil Barnett, left, Laila Gampfer, at the paths you choose, the millions you don’t and all the de- Michael Dornan and Maree Grayden. tours that make it worth the ride. Since moving to Perth 12 years ago, he has appeared on stage “The main challenge is getting the audience to relate to the and directed and written numerous shows for the Old Mill and whole situation but it’s a fair bet many will have been in similar KADS Theatres, Graduate Dramatic Society and the Irish The- positions, whether going through a relationship breakup or be- atre Players. ing a friend of someone going through the process.” Noel has won numerous awards for writing, directing and cur- Born in Ireland, Noel moved to New York in his late teens and rently lectures for the WA Academy of Performing Arts and Perth studied acting with Lee Strasberg and Herbert Berghof, ap- Actors’ Collective, also writing and directing No Bed of Roses pearing in many off-Broadway productions including One Flew and directing Born Yesterday at the Old Mill Theatre last year. Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and Of Mice and Men. He also wrote the one-act play Snow and Ash which scored the Beryl Silvester Award for Best New Writing at the 2013 Dramafest. “The appeal of Dinner With Friends is that it’s all so bittersweet- ly realistic,” Noel said. “It’s not just a thoughtful study on divorce but also a turbulent meditation on the minefield of middle age. “The play exposes the same universal insecurities people face every time there are shattering changes in their lives, which makes the characters so real – it’s about them facing their fears.” Dinner With Friends plays at 8pm, February 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and March 1 with a 2pm matinee February 23. REMEMBER! Book for opening night and enjoy cheese and wine during interval, then mingle with the cast after the show Tickets are $25, $20 concession – book at http://oldmilltheatre.com.au/tickets or Tom (Phil Barnett) and Beth (Maree Grayden) come to blows in call 9367 8719. Dinner With Friends when they decide to get a divorce.

Old Mill Theatre, corner of Mill Point Road and Mends Street (opposite Windsor Hotel & Australia Post), South Perth PO Box 1390, South Perth WA 6951 Tel: 9367 8719 email: [email protected] Web: www.oldmilltheatre.com.au ABN: 1925 0378 001 Join the OId Mill Theatre group! Please recycle when finished http://tiny.cc/oldmill oldmilltheatre.com.au/tickets The Old Mill Times - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 SNOW WHITE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT AN excerpt from the report delivered by Chairman Justin Freind of Bel Canto Productions held sev- “thoroughly Phil Barnett at the AGM on December 18, 2013: eral Sunday Serenades at the theatre over the As usual, the year has been a very busy one. past 12 months. These are always well-attended recommended” Not only have we produced six seasons of our and a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, espe- Review by GORDON THE OPTOM own but also we hosted the Independent The- cially as afternoon tea is included. Excerpt from http://www.ita.org.au/2013/12/snow-white-and- atre Association’s annual Dramafest in late Two of our members, Ben and Emma Davis, also the-seven-dwarfs-reviewed-by-gordon-the-optom/ September with well-known actor Jenny McNae produced the daytime children’s show Squisher THE stage is open and reveals the most amaz- as adjudicator. and Squasher: The Great Bug Hunt during the ing woodland scene ever – the Art Gallery of We presented three plays, Pinter’s The Dumb July school holidays. WA would be proud to put it on the wall. Waiter, the locally-written Snow and Ash by Noel Although officially outside the theatre year, I George Boyd and James Earnshaw devised O’Neill) and Chris Thomas’ adaptation of Jean- make mention of our just-ended family panto- the complex, rotating multi-set design with Paul Sartre’s existentialist play No Exit. mime, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs which stunning art work by Tim Prosser. The trees The Dumb Waiter won the best play with actor Nick was a modern version of an old favourite. In ad- were weeping willows with hanging branch- Kadmos winning best actor in dition to nightly performances, es; the forest floor was covered in flowers the same play. Noel O’Neill won there were four matinees with and toadstools. On the right is a limestone- the best new writing award and many excited and appreciative walled castle, kitchen and dwarfs’ house. Chris Thomas won an award for children enjoying their first the- his adaptation. atre experience. A good traditional pantomime needs a few Now to return to a chronologi- Thanks To Neroli Burton and magic touches, such as colourful costumes, cal order… The “theatre year” Katherine Freind and, of course, catchy songs, dancing, sweet little “darlings”, started with Who’s Afraid of once again to George Boyd for his slapstick and all of the regular punchlines Virginia Woolf? where director imaginative set design and Tim such as “behind you!”. This presentation had Garry Lawrence stepped into Prosser’s marvellous art work them all in abundance. Director Neroli Burton the lead role at very short no- which brought the stage to life. can be proud: the cast were well-rehearsed tice after the lead actor expe- As usual. there are many, many and filled with enthusiasm. rience a back injury. The well- people, mostly unseen, who are known play was a success and crucial to the successful running was one of the top 10 plays of of the theatre. the year at the Finley Awards. As there are too many names Next came Neil Simon’s Plaza to mention individually I hope Suite, directed by Susie Conte. they will all take this as a trib- Being a comedy, it was popu- ute to their dedication and hard lar for an end-of-year show and work, ranging from the smiling achieved excellent houses, front-of-house faces to the set- leaving people smiling. builders, painters, designers, costume-mak- In February, our first production for 2013 was ers and helpers who make us what we are – a Secret Bridesmaids’ Business by Elizabeth friendly, well-respected community theatre. Coleman and directed by Mary Wolfla. Again it Two of our hard-working board members are not The singing was in tune – rare in pantos was a comedy, albeit with an underlying note seeking to remain in their positions. Megan Burley – even Tim Prosser was so good we could of seriousness. This too was well-received. is taking a well-earned rest and Micheal Trestrail, have begged for more. Katherine Freind’s April saw local writer Noel O’Neill direct his our production manager for the past two years, is musical accompaniment was ideal: not play, No Bed of Roses, which was described as intending to travel with wife Jenny a lot next year so too loud and set at a pitch the singers a black comedy. A mixed reaction greeted this feels he should step down for 2013-14. We thank could easily handle. show. Although we had fairly good houses, most both for their unwavering commitment. The children’s performances were some took the humour well in spite of some rather As well as concentrating on productions, we of the best I have seen. They were totally colourful language. have undertaken further major renovations. The focused and had good dancing coordina- In June, Noel was again a director. This time it main one was a complete re-building of the stage tion, excellent body movement and big was American comedy Born Yesterday by Gar- in April. smiles. The custard pies were perfectly son Kanin. It brought good attendances with Tim The huge undertaking was carried out in two delivered. The show moved beautifully. Prosser’s spectacular set design and art work weeks and we thank Allwood Industries for un- The costumes were colourful, funny, styl- attracting applause at curtain up every night. dertaking this task and completing it in time and ish and well-fitted. Along with the dazzling August saw a change of subject with David Wil- on budget. lighting effects and quality sound and mu- liamson’s A Conversation (classified as adults-only During the work, the original stage front from sic, the show sparkled and glowed from because of its content) attracting smaller houses. the theatre’s very early days was discovered and the beginning to the powerful ending. But those who saw it were impressed with the left in situ. Slick stage management came from quality of the acting and direction of 22-year-old We now have a completely level stage, removing Micheal Trestrail and Megan Burley – director Brendan Ellis in his first show at this the need for flats having to be adjusted to suit the essential when you have a house full of theatre. We hope to see him back in the not-too- dips, saving much cursing from set-builders. young impatient children. distant future. Our next large item is to re-vamp the air- As mentioned earlier, our “theatre year” ended conditioning so you will all have a more comfort- The dialogue has not the brilliance of with a short season of one-act plays and the ITA able experience next summer. Tony Nichol’s scripts but there are plenty Dramafest. In conclusion, we look forward to seeing every- of clever lines, puns and up-to-the Although not strictly within the year as such, the one at our 2014 productions. And a mention moment jokes. outside company Serial Productions produced a that in 2015 we are planning a whole year of The delivery was exceptional, as trying to two-week season of Blackadder Goes Forth in Oc- Australian plays to commemorate the centenary get the audience to join in can be hard work, tober which was very successful. of the Gallipoli campaign. but the participation was magnificent. We have agreed to their request for a slightly Further details will be available later in 2014. Thoroughly recommended. A very high extended season in 2014, about the same Thank you all for listening. All here at the Old Mill standard in a difficult genre. time of the year. wish you an enjoyable theatrical year. Colour your world: check out the colour version of this edition at www.oldmilltheatre.com.au oldmilltheatre.com.au/tickets The Old Mill Times - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 ***MILLY AWARDS*** WHAT’S ON A Elethea Sartorelli, Sue Lynch and Mary Wolfla discuss ELSEWHERE? Director Brendan Ellis and the cast of some Secret Bridesmaids’ Business. Conversation, winner of best production. DAVID WILLIAMSON’S BRILLIANT LIES Garrick Theatre, Guildford

Rebekah Easton gave the Adult comedy about sexual harass- night the thumbs up. Noel O’Neill... forgetting where he left Steve Hounsome and Susie Conte. ment and political correctness. his drink. 8pm Jan 30, 31, Feb 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 & 15 and 2pm Feb 2 & 9. Book on 9378 1990. SEASON’S GREETINGS Limelight Theatre, Wanneroo

JANUARY 17 marked the Old Mill Theatre’s Hannah Harrison, Oliver Broun, Harry Wake, night of nights with the annual Milly Awards, Nicola Kinnane, Kate Sisley, Tahlia Menner, acknowledging the best of the past year. Rex Gray (the various dwarfs from Snow Festive farce in February Adjudicators Jarrod Buttery, Maree Grayden, White). highlights flawed family. Graeme Johnson and Karen Cassidy revealed ADJUDICATORS’ CERTIFICATES: 8pm February 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, all (award-wise!). Here’s a rundown: Lighting: Kath Carney. 20, 21 & 22. Book on 9571 8591 BEST PRODUCTION: A Conversation. Set Art Work: Tim Prosser, Born Yesterday or at www.limelighttheatre.com. BEST DIRECTOR: Brendan Ellis, A Conversation. and Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs. DO YOU GET MY MEANING? BEST ACTOR: Gino Cataldo, A Conversation. Original Writing: Noel O’Neill, No Bed of Roses. Velvet Lounge, Mt Lawley BEST ACTRESS: Trish Farrell, No Bed of Roses. Fine Comedic Performance: Val Henry, Snow BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Jackson Whimhurst, White and The Seven Dwarfs. Born Yesterday. Fine Dramatic Performance: Lis Hoffmann, BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Susan Lynch, A Conversation. Secret Bridesmaids’ Business. Rising Star Award: Eden Norton, Snow White BEST SET: Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs. and the Seven Dwarfs. BEST COSTUMES: Secret Bridesmaids’ Business. Awarded by the Old Mill Theatre board: BEST STAGE MANAGER: Valerie Dragojevic, MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Micheal Trestrail. It’s a play-within-a-play – within a play! Born Yesterday. GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF 7.30pm February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21 & 22. Book at www.fringeworld.com.au MEMORABLE MILLY: Atira Shack, Blake Jenkins, DUTY: Noel O’Neill. THE ADVENTURES OF S*MAN & P*BOY finley awards: wrap-up Velvet Lounge, Mt Lawley HELD about a week before ing art work on the set of Snow the Milly Awards, the annual White and the Seven Dwarfs. Finley Awards – for all theatre • The Old Mill Theatre for the clubs across the State – gar- best pantomime of 2013 (Snow nered the following results for White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Old Mill Theatre: director Neroli Burton pictured • Secret Bridesmaids’ left). An in-your-face pastiche of the Business, Born Yesterday and A full rundown of the results is superhero genre. A Conversation all featured in at www.ita.org.au. 8.45pm February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21 the top 10 plays for the year. & 22. Book at www.fringeworld.com.au • Lis Hoffmann received a best In the lead-up to the awards adjudicator and journalist Kent DON PARTIES ON actress nomination for her role Melville Theatre in A Conversation. Acott published a piece in The • Susan Lynch was nomi- Weekend West (11-1-14), giving nated for best female other an overview of theatre in 2013. than a lead in a play for Secret The Old Mill Theatre received Bridesmaids’ Business. several mentions and this pen- • Brodie Masini was nominated • Born Yesterday and Snow ultimate note: for best male other than a lead White and the Seven Dwarfs “There was also some original in a play for A Conversation. both received nominations material [in 2013], the best Sequel to David Williamson’s • Val Henry was nominated for for best set. probably being Old Mill’s No Bed Don’s Party, 40 years on. best female other than a lead Adjudicators’ certificates were of Roses, a black comedy writ- 8pm, February 21, 22, 27, 28, in a musical for Snow White also awarded to: ten and directed by veteran Noel March 1, 6, 7, 8 & 2pm March O’Neill...” 2. Book on 9330 4565 or at and the Seven Dwarfs. • Tim Prosser for outstand- www.meltheco.org.au oldmilltheatre.com.au/tickets The Old Mill Times - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 UNDER ANY OLD GUM TREE Perth premiere – one night only! THE Old Mill Theatre is playing host just ONE night only and plays at On August 9-12, the 16th mounted to the Perth premiere of Under Any 7.30pm, Saturday, February 1. an attack on German positions at Old Gum Tree on February 1. Tickets are $25, $20 concession Mouquet Farm near Pozières. It’s the story of Martin O’Meara VC (includes tea and coffee) – book on During this period O’Meara, then act- ing as a stretcher-bearer, behaved in Martin and what’s been described as “one 9367 8719 or oldmilltheatre@iinet. O’Meara a manner which led one officer to de- man’s journey into hell” as he came net.au. scribe him as “the most fearless and from Ireland to Australia and then Who was Martin O’Meara? gallant soldier I have ever seen”. from No Man’s Land to insanity. Martin O’Meara (1885-1935) ar- He was credited with saving more Written and directed by Noel O’Neill rived from Ireland in WA as a youth. than 25 wounded men by carrying in association with the Australian- He joined the Australian Imperial them in from No Man’s Land. Irish Heritage Association, the show Force in 1915 and left Australia with O’Meara returned to the frontline features Kieran Garvey and Rex the 12th Reinforcements for the through the bombardment to rescue 16th Battalion. two wounded comrades”. Gray and includes songs and mu- After training in Egypt in early 1916, For these actions, O’Meara was sic written and dedicated to Martin the battalion moved to the Western awarded the Victoria Cross. O’Meara. Front in France where it fought on Read more at http://martinomeara. Under Any Old Gum Tree is on for the Somme. weebly.com/

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2014 seasons Old Mill Theatre THE Old Mill Theatre has announced its program for 2014: 2014 Board of Management • Dinner With Friends, February 14-March 1. See page 1 for details. • It’s All Greek To Me. May 2-14, written and directed by Noel O’Neill. • The Hatpin (a musical), July 11-26. Directed by Graeme Johnson, musical direction by Paul Phil Barnett Maree Grayden Michiel Van Doorn Madaleine Rennie Lawrence Olsen. Chairperson Vice Chairperson Treasurer Board Member • The Glass Menagerie, September 5-20. Written by Tennessee Williams, directed by Susie Conte. Due to the original director working over- seas for most of the year, the theatre is seeking submissions from directors for its final season (Nov-Dec) of 2014. A well-known light-hearted comedy or a pantomime is preferred. Email oldmill- Rex Gray Ben Davis Tim Prosser Mary Wolfla [email protected] to express an inter- Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member est or for any enquiries.