PRESIDENT’S LETTER
August 2021 b Dear Friends,
We are sending our warmest best wishes to you at this challenging time of Lockdown and isolation.
STAYING STRONG TOGETHER IN LOCKDOWN We sincerely hope that you are all safe and well, and managing to stay cheerful and connected to friends and loved ones. Just when we thought the dark days of the 2020 COVID pandemic were over and we were all able to attend theatres again, albeit wearing masks and sitting in safe, socially-distanced seating, it’s most dispiriting to learn that COVID cases have increased. The disappointing cancellation and postponement of performances and events seems identical to the unprecedented situation we all had to endure last year. Once again, we see venues close down. Theatre box offices have had no choice but to offer ticket holders a refund, a rebooking or to convert their ticket prices into donations. Unfortunately, at the Foundation, we have also had to postpone or cancel some forthcoming theatre parties and events. Let us all stay strong at this difficult time and do not hesitate to email or ring our office if you would like a chat or some information. If the phone is unattended or busy, your message will be recorded and your call returned as soon as possible.
HOW OUR FOUNDATION CAN HELP THE PERFORMING ARTS COMMUNITY We extend our heartfelt sympathy to members of the performing arts community who are, once again, facing shattering financial hardship caused by the sudden closure of shows and uncertainty in regard to forthcoming productions. As you know, the Foundation is devoted to supporting our artistic community whose members strive to lift our spirits in difficult times and whose performances so eloquently ‘hold the mirror up to nature’. Last year we postponed our Grants programme and, with your help, initiated a substantial donation to the Actors Benevolent Fund to become the seed funder of the ABF's rescue package - the COVID 19 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND. This emergency fund has been successfully delivering urgent assistance to members of the performing arts community who were struggling to meet unexpected medical, pharmaceutical and household expenses such as utility bills or purchasing food. I am currently in discussion with Bruce Spence, the President of the ABF, to see how our Foundation can best continue to assist the entertainment sector survive the current crisis.
ASSISTING STUDENTS Anthony Whelan, NIDA’s Development and Alumni Coordinator, has expressed NIDA’s appreciation for the Foundation’s commit- ment as administrator of the Leslie Walford AM Award. At NIDA’s 2021 Graduation Ceremony former Foundation Chairman Gary Simpson AM presented the Leslie Walford AM Award to this year’s winner Liv Hutley. IN THE SEABORN LIBRARY & THEATRETTE - 2021 WORDS & MUSIC SERIES: May 6th Clara Schumann & Alma Mahler Sandy Gore & Donna Balson. Audience comments: Peter Binning: ‘Awesome musical tribute. Thank you so much.’ John S. Clark: ‘Excellent presen- tation and very informative. A treat to learn about the lives of these two great women.’ June 3rd Marriage of Figaro film (1960) Marie Tysoe & Geoffrey Chard. Audience comments: Sissi Stewart: ‘Thank you for a wonderful morning. Great singing and music. Enjoyed it all.’ Alana Kirk: ‘What a delight to visit and see The Marriage of Figaro today. Excellent.Thank you.’ John S. Clark: ‘Wonderful opera, great sound quality…’ Jenny Gillespie: ‘Absolutely fantastic. Great to see two of our legends performing.’ Carolyn Hush: ‘Great performance Marie and Geoff and lovely morning tea. Thank you - lovely speaker Carolyn.’ Marie Tysoe: ‘Thank you so much for the beautiful roses...I love coming to the Seaborn Foundation events and especially as you presented 'our' Figaro!! My best wishes to all. love Marie T.��
SHARING OUR SPACES Prior to Lockdown, our Seaborn Library welcomed Les Solomon and cast to rehearse a play reading of Alan Seymour’s The One Day of The Year in aid of the Actors Benevolent Fund. Celebrated playwright Alan Seymour (1927-2015) was a great Friend of our Foundation. His powerful play received a major revival in London in 2015 with Fiona Press also in the cast. 2021 cast photo (L to R): Samuel Welsh, Madeleine Wighton, Samson Alston, Grant Dodwell, Fiona Press and Anthony Phelan, COMMENTS IN THE GUEST BOOK: Fiona Press: ’’It’s great to be here.’ Anthony Phelan: ‘I feel Dr’s spirit’. On May 16, the Seaborn Theatrette was the venue for Australian Theatre - Live’s screening of the Griffin Theatre Company’s production of Katherine Thompson’s Australian play Diving for Pearls produced at the SBW Stables. In his letter of thanks, Grant Dodwell wrote: ‘How fortunate to have this screening room with one of the best projection and sound systems available for public and private screenings’. https://australiantheatre.live/on-demand-2/ ARCHIVES: AWARD, ARTICLES, TALKS The Foundation received a Highly Commended Award in the recent 2021 National Trust Heritage Awards. Photo: Caroline Mackie, Carolyn Lowry and Susan Mills at the Award event. https://issuu.com/nationaltrustsaustralia/docs/national_trust_her- itage_awards_winner_showcase_-_i/s/12285094 Congratulations to our archivist, Susan Mills, whose informative articles highlighting aspects of our Performing Arts Collection appear regularly in our Newsletters and also in Stage Whispers. https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/history/treasure-trove- programmes and theatre historian, Dr Carolyn Lowry, who organised a National Trust Heritage Walk & Talk, visiting local theatrical sites, and also gave a much- appreciated illustrated talk to COA, a not-for-profit volunteer-based organisation for Jewish seniors, on the subject of Dame Doris Fitton’s sympathetic post-war encouragement of Jewish German-speaking theatre in Sydney. VALE: Dinah Shearing AM and Valerie Newstead — much loved and sadly missed. Their careers and support of the Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation will be covered in our next Newsletter.
Thank you for your continuing support, Pete Lory Peter Lowry OAM President Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation Suite 10, 20 Young Street Neutral Bay NSW 2089 AUGUST 2021 NEWSLETTER Volume 29 Issue 3
Phone – 9955 5444 - [email protected] 2021 Bookings – Call Carol Martin – 9955 5444 Monday to Thursday – 10am to 4pm
Entertainment- Virtual - Plays-Music-Talks-Recitals-Musicals Inside
this issue: Sydney Theatre Co Online STC Virtual Words & Music Sydney Theatre Company are thrilled Passage To bring you Sydney Virtual- their online to Video series. Gathering their community of Australian India
theatre artists, this series is designed to plug that heart-shaped hole in our life. WORLD BALLET DAY Enjoy this series of short, personal Live from the Bolshoi Ballet Inside videos made by some of your favourite Moscow Story 2 actors, directors and writers, plus tune Watch on line for free nearly 4 in for live play readings. Inside hours of ballet from the Bolshoi Story 2 Hugo Weaving performs a soliloquy from or others from the Royal Opera Hamlet, Shari Sebbens & Luke Carroll House Covent Garden, the Inside perform a scene from the Battle of Story 2 Waterloo, Helen Mitchell performs a Australian Ballet, the Pacific piece from Social Grace by Northwest Ballet in Seattle USA, Inside Noël Coward and Kate Mulvany performs The Royal New Zealand Ballet Story 2 a reading from Ruth Park’s even the Estonian National Ballet. The Harp in the South to name just a few. Performances, rehearsals or classes
www.sydneytheatre.com/virtual theatre at the Royal Academy in London, who have now been teaching ballet for over CIRQUE DU SOLIEL 100 years. 60 MINUTE SPECIALS OF There is an important message in ENDLESS PRODUCTIONS World Ballet Day ONLINE “Everyone can dance” Hour long acrobatic moments from all All can be found by going to their live performances featuring YouTube. fan-fsvourite shows. . Varekai- Alegria-& Quidam Luzia-Corteo & Volta A subscription to the Ovo, Alegria & Bazzar Seaborn, Broughton & Mystere,”O” & KÀ Walford Foundation is a Toruk-Amauna,Dralion great gift for a birthday Plus classics like Saltimbanco. etc. Only $11 per year or Go on line to Cirque du Soliel $77 for Life. Cirque Connect. Call Carol – 9955 5444
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE LIVE STREAM 36 LIVE STREAM FULL BROADWAY SHOWS-
Contemporary and Classical Music and on YOU TUBE Opera, Digital Originals, Talks and Ideas, www.youtube.com
Lambert House Enterprises 2.4M views to date Presents a Zoom reading of the classic Nick Enright play ST JAMES INFIRMARY by arrangement with HLA Management With- Samson Alston, Norah George, Tom Kelly, Rachel Marley, Callum Slater, Matt Young and Samuel Welsh as the narrator. Saturday – August 21 at 7.30pm HOME CHAT All proceeds to the Actors Benevolent Fund by Noël Coward All attendance -#15.00 Genesian Theatre 420 Kent Street Sydney (or a higher amount if you would like Cast includes – Robert Green, Louis Marsh Kendall Drury & Jenny Jacobs to contribute a little more) A special zoom reading for the Actors The Genesian Theatre is thrilled to Benevolent Fund. Enright’s play is a story announce their Australian premiere of a teenage firebrand obsessed with production of Noël Coward’s Home Chat.
Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The story follows Janet Ebony and her Trapped in the confines of a Catholic friend Peter Chelsworth after a train crash school hospital infirmary his friendship with during which they are sharing a sleeping the new Matron and a dedicated Priest compartment. draw out a deeply affecting story. Upon their arrival back in London the two Read by one of the country’s most are met with suspicion and scorn from successful young actors including Janet’s family and Peter’s fiancée as they “Credeaux Canvas” stars are accused of infidelity. Samson Alston and Rachel Marley. Bookings- Sunday – 4.30pm Date (TBA) WWW.TRYBOOKING.COM/BTIZQ Tickets - $33.00 (Details on how to come on line available when Bookings – Carol Martin – 9955 5444 you book). Joshua Robson Productions In association with Hayes Theatre Co presents BONNIE & CLYDE Hayes Theatre Griffin Theatre Copany a co-production with 19 Greenknowe Ave Potts Point Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta Cast Teagan Wouters & Mat Verevis
In the height of the Great Depression, ORANGE THROWER Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went by Kirsty Marillier from two small town nobodies in West Winner of the Rodney Seaborn Texas to America’s most renowned folk Playwrights Award 2019 Cast includes – Callan Colley, Kirsty Marillier, heroes and Texas’s law enforcement’s Angela Nica Sullen, and Miriama Whitton worst nightmares. Fearless, shameless and alluring, the Tony-nominated In one of those suburbs where the houses Bonnie & Clyde from the legendry Frank all match, the gardens all match, the cars, Wildhor ( Jekyl & Hyde,Civil War,Dracula) the dogs, and the people all match. But in is the electrifying story of love, adventure the stucco sprawl of Paradise, the Petersen and crime that captured the attention of family don’t quite match. the entire country. While her folks are back in Johannesburg, Zadie is holding the family fort. This means Sunday – 19 September 2021 – 5pm keeping her little sis away from bush doofs. Tickets –$62 Then in the middle of the night someone Bookings – Carol Martin – 9955 5444 starts pelting oranges at their house. A quintessential Aussie coming of age story. Orange Thrower provides a radically fresh perspective on a familiar genre. Saturday 25 September 2021 2pm Tickets - $55.00 Bookings – Carol Martin- Marian Street Theatre for Young People 9955 5444 THE RED DUST The Concourse Theatre 409 Victoria Ave Chatswood A Chinese –Australian Fable for Children- 8+
The climate has reached a tipping point, and a red dust storm, blown in from the central desert covers the city.
Fourteen-year-old Talia spends her Cremorne Orpheum afternoon daydreaming on social media 380 Military Rd Cremorne while she waits for her climate scientist Mother to return from the Blue Mountains. Verdi’s hugely popular La Traviata returned Days pass, and still her mother does not to Sydney’s Harbour stage, featuring a return. As Talia travels across the breath-taking soaring nine-metre high 3.5 devastated landscape to find her, she ton chandelier covered in 10,000 begins to realise that seeing through hóng shimmering Swarovski crystals. This chėn- the red dust of living- might be more glamorous production was captured on important to saving the earth than she ever location on Sydney Harbour in 2021. dreamed. With timeless romantic arias and lively Weds -22 Sept 2021 10.30am & 1pm choreography, beautiful costumes and Thurs-23 Sept 2021 – 2pm & 6pm spectacular fireworks. Tickets - $35- Family of 4 - $120 Tickets- Adult $28 Conc- $24 Bookings –Ticketek.com.au Book tickets at the Orpheum website.
ART by Yasmina Reza Ensemble Theatre WORDS AND MUSIC 78 McDougall Street Kirribilli With KAMAHL Cast Andrew Hansen, Craig Reucassel Precious Words and Heartfelt Songs and Chris Taylor Ground Floor 20 Young Street Neutral Bay
Successful dermatologist Serge has a Kamahl has been in the Australian music penchant for modern art. industry for over 60 years, and throughout After forking out an outrageous sum of that time has made memorable TV and film money for an obscure ‘Antrios’ painting he appearances, as well as concerts. He was is desperate to show it off to his friends one of the first people to appear in concert Marc and Yvan. at Sydney Opera House, and has also But where Serge sees a masterpiece, Marc performed at the London Palladium and sees money out the window and Carnegie Hall. perpetually on-the-fence Yvan can’t seem 4 November 2021 – 1.30 pm for 2pm - to make up his mind either way. $25.00 This Tony Award winning comedy points a Includes afternoon tea side-splitting portrait of the meaning of art Bookings – Carol Martin -9955 5444 and friendship. Thursday – 21 October 2021 – 11am Tickets -$78.00 Lunch optional Bayly’s Restaurant 2 courses - $46
Bookings- Carol Martin 9955 5444
Presented by Lambert Enterprises MURDERED TO DEATH THREE WINTERS GREEN by Peter Gordon by Campion Decent Genesian Theatre 420 Kent Street Sydney Fringe HQ Theatre Eliza St Newtown The play introduces the inept and bungling Cast includes Simon Alston, Seb Thornton Inspector Pratt, who battles against the Walker,Luke Arthur & Norah George odds and his own incompetence to solve
The play follows eight people through three the murder of the house’s owner. Bunting years of their lives, From school through to the butler, an English Colonel with the drag; from dreams on a coach through to prerequisite stiff upper lip, a shady French reality in a city; from alcohol to realisation, art dealer and his moll, bumbling local each character is on a journey quite inspectors and a well meaning local sleuth separate and yet eventually interlinked by a who seems to attract murder – they’re all crisis of- literally epidemic proportions. here, and all caught up in the side-splitting Lives are changed, ambitions thwarted, antics which follow the mysterious death of boundaries redifined and a common goal the owner of a country manor house. It
forged between the group. soon becomes clear that the murderer isn’t Tues –Weds- 7.30pm Thurs-Sat-6pm & 9pm finished yet; but will the murderer be 25 October to 30 October 2021 unmasked before everyone else has met Preview 25 Oct – Tickets $50 their doom, or will audiences die laughing? includes first drink Concession - $40 includes first drink. Tickets - $33.00 Bookings – Sunday - TBA 4.30pm www.sydney fringe.com/events/ Bookings –Carol Martin- 9955 5444
three-winters-green/
Treasures from the S,B&W Foundation Performing Arts Archives and Library
The Music Hall Theatre Restaurant at Neutral Bay
The Music Hall Theatre Restaurant at Neutral Bay was popular throughout the 1960s and the 1970s with many Sydneysiders looking for an entertaining and fun night!
The Music Hall was the dream of George Miller and his wife Lorna. Previously, in 1960, the Millers had opened the Bowl Music Hall in Melbourne, an Edwardian-style ‘cafe theatre’ in the the basement of the Capitol Theatre. However, they were blighted by Victoria’s liquor licensing laws, and the Millers decided to move their operations to a less licensing-restricted Sydney.
The Neutral Bay Music Hall opens in 1961
In 1961, the Millers found a disused building at 156 Military Road. It had originally been constructed in 1921, and was the Hoyts Southern Cross Cinema until 1959, then briefly used as a skating rink.
George and Lorna Miller went to work renovating the large space. They converted the stalls section of the old cinema into a massive dining area, with a seating capacity for 500 diners. The Handle Bar was created upstairs in the cinema’s former dress circle. They decorated in a lavish Victorian style, with velvet George and Lorna Miller drapes and a large gaslit chandelier.
The Millers opened the Neutral Bay Music Hall on 8 November 1961, with the performance of East Lynne.
The experience of catching a show at the Music Hall was a great night out. The waiting staff were dressed in costume, the waiters with false moustaches. Guests were given a paper moustache on arrival. The Millers themselves often entertained diners among the tables before the show, with George playing violin and Lorna on the piano accordion. Lorna and George Miller, and the Singing Waiter entertain a guest, 1965. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) The shows themselves were proudly of the melodramatic genre. Audiences were encouraged to boo the villain, and cheer the hero. In ‘Cashing in on Corn’ (The Bulletin, 1964) George Miller said: “It gives people a chance to let off steam. Mind you, that doesn’t mean throwing peanuts […] But we do encourage the witty remark from the audience - and we do get some remarkably good wits”.
As the venue gained in popularity, the productions became larger. Actors got their start, such as Barry Creyton and Noeline Brown who were scouted there for The Mavis Bramston Show.
The curtain falls in 1980
Then in 1980, the tragedy of the ghost train at Luna Park meant strict fire regulations were enforced for Sydney venues. The Music Hall struggled with the restrictions, and the venue capacity and stage area were The first show in 1961 and last show in 1980 to play at the Neutral Bay Music Hall was East Lynne, greatly reduced. a melodramatic Victorian tragedy. (Photo: Powerhouse Museum). Fittingly, the final production was East Lynne, enjoying a 7 month run until the Music Hall closed on 6 September 1980. The splendid fittings and costumes (including two 19th century horse-drawn carriages and a bust of Queen Victoria) were auctioned off later that month, and the building demolished by December.
The S,B&W Foundation recently hosted a Performing Arts Heritage Walk & Talk for the National Trust (NSW), which included the location of the Music Hall Theatre Restaurant in Military Road, Neutral Bay. The mural of George and Lorna Miller in May Lane, The location, now an office block, is Neutral Bay, reads “The George Miller Esq. Music reverently marked by a plaque. A mural of Hall (1961-1980) was a much loved music hall by the Millers can be found nearby. all its patrons”. (Photo: Carolyn Lowry).
The memories of an entertaining night and tasty meal at the Music Hall live on. In the Foundation’s archives, preserved items from the Music Hall include programmes, menus, and photographs of performers and diners.
Although forced to postpone a number of functions, our Foundation was able to stage successful events before the present Lockdown. The Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Words & Music series continued before a delighted audience of Friends in the Seaborn Library and Theatrette. Distinguished actress Sandy Gore and singer pianist Donna Balson presented Clara Schumann and Alma Mahler - their lives and music (May) and legendary singers Geoffrey Chard and Marie Tysoe, presented a televised 1960 performance of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (June). An excerpt from this spirited blend of nostalgia and fine singing can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilctoVYe7mQ For the 2021 National Trust Heritage Festival, we led an interesting and enjoyable Theatrical Heritage Walk past the Music Hall, Doris Fitton’s home, the Independent Theatre and Stanton Library to Doris Fitton Park.
(Registered under the Charitable Fundraising Act: Authority CFN 12749)
7 August 2021
The Directors SB&W Foundation Suite 10 20 Young Street Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Dear Peter
You have generously played a valuable part in giving the Arts Industry the support it so desperately needs.
For 77 years, the Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW has been a safety net for creatives and technicians when times get tough.
Never before have we encountered forces of the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. When lockdowns strike, our sector is always first to close and amongst the last to reopen.
You came to the rescue!
Since the crisis struck, the ABF has given essential care to over 500 members of our industry by providing food vouchers and rental support, as well as assistance with household bills and medical expenses.
Thank you from us all,
Bruce Spence (Chair) Andrew Cutcliffe Glenn Hazeldine (Deputy Chair) Vanessa Downing Victoria Wildie (Treasurer) Kenneth Moraleda Camilla Rountree (Secretary) Jamie Oxenbould Valerie Bader Anthony Phelan Peter Carroll AM William Zappa Sean Clarke
- Management Committee
ACTORS BENEVOLENT FUND OF NEW SOUTH WALES ABN 39 927 783 224 245 Chalmers Street, Redfern NSW 2016 Tel: 02 9333 0915 | [email protected] | www.actorsbenevolentfund.org.au