JUNE.JULY,1987, Vol12 No 3 ISSN 0314 -3058 A publication of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

'NINE' - The "'Ultimate" Musical for Melbourne

'NINE' by Arthur Kopit Music and lyrics by Maury Yeston Directed by fohn Diedrich Musical Director Conrad Helfrich Choreography and Staging by fo·anne Robinson and Tony Bartuccio Cast includes fohn Diedrich, Nancy Hayes, Peta Toppano, Maria Mercedes Comedy Theatre

"NINE is a true original ... a marvellous musical ... theatrically and visually NINE is a stunner ... combining outrageous pizzazz with chic and good taste. It is magic ... you must see NINE" Clive Barnes, New York Post

he winner of five Tony Awards on T Broadway, including Best Musical of 1~82, the Australian premiere of 'NINE' i~ coming to Melbourne. Billed as "the Ultimate Musical', 'NINE' is the culmination of a dream for John Deid­ rich who has assembled an amllzing array of Australian talent for this most highly praised musical. 'NINE' is based on Fellini's classIc flim "81f2" which tells the story of an Italian film director, Guido Contini and his search for happiness, honesty and love amongst the twenty-one women in his life. As well as directing the production John Diedrich plays the leading role of Contini, his first musical appearance since playing Curly in 'OKLAHOMA!'. Joining him on stage are twenty-one of Australia's most beautiful and talented actresses including Nancye Hayes,

Maria Mercedes, Peta Toppano and Caroline Gillmer. This Australian pro­ BOOKING INFORMATION duction will have a new set designed by Commences Saturday July 11 Shaun Gurton and costumes by Roger Mon to Sat 8.00pm Wed and Sat matinees at 2.00pm Kirk with original choreography and AETI Mon , Tues $30 staging by Jo-anne Robinson (of Wed, Thurs $33 'CATS') and Tony Bartuccio. Judging by GP Evening"': Adult $35 the enthusiastic response of the Ameri­ Pens/Stud $19.90 can critics to 'NINE', Melbourne is Matinee Adult $25 about to experience a theatrical treat. Pens/Stud $19.90 Follow Clive Barnes' advice ... "you Two AETI tickets per member must see 'NINE'." 2

American cast tours Appointment Sell-out Simon! AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' of Victorian THE GINGERBREAD LADY Directed by iackie Warner Written by Neil Simon Based on the original stage production by Representative Directed by Hayes Gordon Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby Designed by David Bell inr. hristy Vena has been appointed Cast includes Lorraine Bayley, Frank Her Majesty's Theatre C Victorian Representative of the Garfield and Andrew Inglis AETI. She took up her part-time Athenceum I in't Misbehavin' is a musical revue appointment on May 11th. Ms Vena A based on the prolific work of the comes to the Trust with considerable legendary Fats Waller, one of the first experie~ce in the media and in publicity. major black American artists. Her pnme responsibility will be the An all-American cast presents over development of Victorian membership thirty of the tunes that Fats made famous services but as Victorian Representative and recreates the seedy, smokey atmos­ she will also act as spokesperson for the phere of a Harlem cabaret. AETI in Victoria. Members who have ~ appreciated Carol Ormerod's friendly ~ Q:) and enthusiastic assistance will be ~ pleased to know that she will continue as .s membership secretary handling mem- c~ bers' bookings and queries. . o....l The activity of our Melbourne mem­ irect from the Ensemble Theatre's b.ership b~se has increased substantially Sillce the Introduction of the new format D sellout Sydney run comes Neil Trust News in 1986 and it has proved Simon's 'THE GINGERBREAD impossible for Carol Ormerod to effec­ LADY', one of his first plays which was tively service members and at the same filmed as 'ONLY WHEN I LAUGH' time edit Trust News and further starring Marsha Mason as Evy. develop the facilities available to mem­ In a very interesting piece of casting bers. So a second appointment to the Lorraine Bayley plays Evy, a former Melbourne office became essential. cocktail lounge singer who can't leave There will be two immediate benefits the bottle or the men alone. Evy returns for members. Office hours will be to her apartment after a drying out spell extended to Monday, Tuesday, Thurs­ to be greeted by two friends - Jimmy, a day and Friday between lOam and 4pm. very camp actor who will never make it As usual an ansaphone will operate at and Toby, a socialite who attempts t~ other times. Secondly you can expect to stave off the ravages of time in order to receive future editions of Trust News at save her marriage. Director Hayes Gor­ an earlier date. This will give you the don has pulled the resulting elements adv.antage of. an extended booking together " ... in a manner to challenge penod and assist us to obtain good tic­ ~o":fortable expectations, provide kets for you. mSlghts and ultimately offer a good even­ . A new appointment is always a good ing of theatre" . time to reassess present operations and Some reactions from the Press ... The identify new directions for future Daily Mirror said, 'Neil Simon's comic masterpiece is rich in one-liners and Marion J. Caffey in a number from AIN'T development so if any members have any absurd pathos'. 'C MISBEHA VIN' suggestions to make Christy Vena would "There is so much to enjoy that be very pleased to hear from you. Please The Australian ... ' ... the play is dynam­ recommendation is mandatory . .. the hard feel free to call her on 690 8384. ically directed by Hayes Gordon with its working performers are brilliant" text fully realised'. Sydney Morning Herald Nunsense Extends BOOKING INFORMATION BOOKING INFORMATION he Little Sisters of Hoboken have Commences Thur June 4-Fri From Thurs, July 16,8.15 pm proved to be so popular that their July 17. Tue-Sat 8.00pm. Sat mat AETT $23.50 on Tue/WedfThur T toe-tapping show will transfer to the 5.00pm. Sun 3pm & 6.00pm at 8.15pm, Fri at 6.00pm, Sat mat. AETT$18.90 at 2.00pm, Sun at 5.00pm. National Theatre for an extended season GP $22.90 G.P. $26.50 from Tue June 30-Sat Aug 8. Conc. $17.90 Two AETT tickets per member Ring AETT on 690 8384 for details. Two AETT tickets per member 3

Complicated Classic

TWELFTH NIGHT by William Shakespeare Directed by Roger Hodgman Designed by Shaun Gurton Cast includes Mark Little, Helen Morse, Barbara Stephens, Frank Gallagher and Bruce Myles Playhouse Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre

he MTC's incoming Director Roger T Hodgman will be directing this Shakespearean classic and after the suc­ cess of his 'MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM' and 'SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS' for the MTC which were both very contemporary approaches to the classics, his production of 'TWELFTH NIGHT' should be a treat. The tale of Viola and her twin brother marooned on a distant shore leads to complications and convultions of plot but this production should be memor­ able for its excellent casting - Helen Morse as Viola, Frank Gallagher as Orsino and Bruce Myles as Malvolio.

L to R - Ulrike Lytton, Steven Heathcote and Adam Marchant in 'SONG OF THE EARTH'

Program Two is 'SWAN LAKE' , The Australian Ballet hailed as a Company showpiece and -From China widely acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. Single performance tickets to Melbourne for the complete season go on sale on June 13. fter the Australian Ballet's five A week tour of China and Japan they will be making a welcome return to the State Theatre for their season of Interna­ tional Masterpieces. BOOKING INFORMATION Program One is comprised of two State Theatre; Victorian Arts I Australian premieres, 'SONG OF THE Centre EARTH', a profoundly moving ballet Program 1-SONG OF THE EARTH, LA BAYADERE. BOOKING INFORMATION dealing with the transitory nature of Fri June 26-Tue July From Wed June 17-Sat July 25 worldly joy and suffering. A major work Program 2 - SWAN LAKE. Fri Mon to Fri at 8.00pm by Sir Kenneth MacMillan set to the July 10 - Tue July 2l. Sat at 5.00 & 8.15pm music of Gustav Mahler. The second AETT -A Reserve $35.50 AETT$18.80 part of Program One is La Bayadere's B Reserve $30.00 GP $21.80 most famous act, 'THE KINGDOM OF Pens A Reserve $34.00 Pens $9.90 B Reserve $25.00 Youth $14.00 I !HE .S~ADES ' . Kn?wn particularly f~r Under 26 Mon Youth nights, Stud $8.80 . Its brIllIant, demandIng pas de deux, It Sunset performances only. Stud $17 Two AETT tickets per member will be choreographed and staged for Non-stud $23. Tickets available only through I The Australian Ballet by Magdalena Two AETT tickets per member Russell St. Theatre and AETT , Popa. 4

quited love and teenage suicide can still move an audience to tears or cheers as the sell-out tour returns to Melbourne. There will only be eleven perfor­ mances at the Athena:um and then these three talented ladies will be off to Edin­ burgh in August, so do take this oppor­ tunity to see The Fabulous Singlettes before they leave our shores.

BOOKING INFORMATION Commences Tue June 23 for a limited season. Mon-Sat 8.30pm COlle. not available Fri Qr Sat nights AEIT$19.90 GP$22.90 Pens/Stud $15 .90 Bookings through the Athenaeum or AEITonly Two AEIT tickets per member

Puppeteers Paul Cartwright, Colleen Bauer, Jane Davies, Hugh Simpson and Sean Masterson from the 'SPARE PARTS PUPPET THEATRE'.

A family fairy tale BOOKING INFORMATION Public Performances - Fri June 12 PIED PIPER & 19 at 6.00pm. by the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre Sat June 13 & 20 at2.00 and 5.00pm Directed by Peter Wilson AEIT $9.00 (adult) Designed by Beverly Campbell-Jackson GP $10.00 Score and Musical Direction by Helena Children $5.00 Hendel The Studio, Victorian Arts Centre

he AETI's Australian Content T department is proud to present a tour of the eastern states by Perth's SPARE PARTS PUPPET THEATRE. Made up of some of Australia's most talented puppeteers, SPARE PARTS Singlettes sell out! The return of the presents an original interpretation of Robert Browning's classic poem which STOP! IN THE NAME OF LOVE time warp fuses puppetry, dance, music and The Fabulous Singlettes poetry. Directed by Bruce Miles 'THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW' A thousand puppet rats will tumble The Athenceum (for eleven shows only) Cast includes Daniel Abineri and Stuart into the lively media:val marketplace in a Wagstaff fusion of fantasy and poetry which will he Fabulous Singlettes have been The Princess Theatre delight those from six to ninety-six. T reliving the hits of those marvellous Reviews of the Perth production: girl-groups of the sixties on a National he stage show which spawned a cult "This show is an absolute delight ... " tour of Australia and laying them in the T film and dedicated followers Daily News aisles. Presenting this fascinating period throughout the world is coming back to '7he PIED PIPER is a charming, col­ in the history of rock and roll are Naomi Melbourne to light up The Princess ourful and witty piece of theatre. " Eyers, Karen Johns and Lisa Shipley, Theatre with its outrageous brand of The West Australian proving that rebellious youth, unre- musical comedy. Q------5

If you've never seen 'THE ROCKY Dubbed the musical sensation of our HORROR SHOW' live on stage or you time, Sgouros will be playing only two have the urge to drag out the tattered dates in Melbourne - a marvellous fishnets and see it again, there will be a opportunity to hear this exceptional special Trust Night on Thursday July 2nd young virtuoso. and during the first week of the Season generous concessions apply to Trust members. So join Brad and Janet on the BOOKING INFORMATION most unusual honeymoon ever had! Concert Hall Tue July 7·8.00 with MSO conducted by Vladimir Verbitsky A Reserve AETT $27.50 GP $30.00 BOOKING INFORMATION Fri July 10 - 8.15pm Solo Recital Commences Wed July 1 A Reserve AETT $22.50 Trust Night - Thur July 2 GP $25 .00 AETT$19.90 Booking through AETT or BASS Fri July 3-Fri July 10 (any night) AETT$21.90 GP $25 .90 Pens/Stud/Child $13.00 No limit on tickets for Trust Night (Thur July 2) Fri July 3-10 Glen Shorrock - Two tickets per AETT member 'a winning double!

'ONE FOR THE MONEY - (AND BOOKING INFORMATION TWO FOR THE SHOW), Commences Mon June 1-27 Written by Bob Hudson . Mon-Fri8.00pm, Sat5.00 & 8.15pm AETT$9.50 Directed by Graeme Blundell GP $15.50 Starring Glen Shorrock, The Eddys and Two AETT tickets per member the Glendells Universal Theatre Irish play for Playbox len Shorrock has been involved in G the forefront of Australian music for some years now and as he has 'THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY' Musical sensation! influenced Australian music during his by Brian Friel younger and more impressionable years Directed by Peter Oyston certain performers have left their mark Designed by Kenneth Evans DIMITRIS SGOUROS on him, from Elvis Presley to Chuck Lighting Design by John Beckett Concert Hall Berry to the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Cast includes Caz Howard, Conor 'IT'S ONE FOR THE MONEY #cDermottroe, Gil Tucker and Phil "Breathtaking facility ... Sgouros (AND TWO FOR THE SHOW)' is a Sumner brought the house down at Carnegie compilation of the best of two shows St Martins I Hall" Newsweek which' Shorrock premiered at Kinsela's "A quite extraordinary experience .. . " in Sydney. He demonstrates his versatil­ ension and terror .. . Londonderry The Times, London ity with impersonations and songs from T 1970. An unauthorised Civil Rights Rock and Roll's past personalities as March is dispersed with the aid of rubber eventeen-year-old Greek pianist well as songs from his own career starting bullets and C.S. gas. Three SDimitris Sgouros has been perform­ with the Twilights, through Axiom to demonstrators, two young men and a ing since age eight, became at ten a The Little River Band. The critics in mother of eleven children take refuge in Professor of Piano at the Athens Conser­ Sydney have been of one voice ... this is the Town Hall where with ..echoes of vatoire and at thirteen played his an extremely entertaining night with a O'Casey's 'The Shadow of a Gunman' , Carnegie Hall debut. polished and professional performer. rumour inflates the trio to forty armed He is a formidable talent who has rebels. apart from his extraordinary musical Irish playwright Brian Friel breathes ability, one of the most dazzling piano BOOKING INFORMATION life into the all-too-common impersonal techniques ever heard. Opens Tue July 21 for a limited statistics which come to us from his coun­ Sgouros appears regularly with all the season only. try. Friel has been described as a writer major orchestras of Europe and his AETT$16.90 of deep and moving compassion who has repertoire includes more than forty-five GP $22 .90 Two AETT tickets per member written many plays about Ireland and its piano concertos and all the major vir­ people. tuoso works for the instrument. 6 -SpQt------+II_ ,gtt The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust pursuing goals to enhance Australia's cultural climate

seas theatre. Highlights of the past twelve months have been the Nether­ lands Dance Theatre, one of the world's outstanding modern dance companies which toured Australia to critical acclaim, an Australian production of THE FOREIGNER by American com­ edy writer Larry Shue, a return season of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE and SUGAR BABIES, the Broadway tribute to the wonderful world of burlesque. With the huge costs of mounting major productions, partnerships,' which enable the financial burden to be spread between two or three different organisations are common and the Jon English in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Trust frequently joins with organis­ With the focus ofmedia publicity on the There was no quick solution, but ations such as the Victorian Arts Trust's financial position it seems the within years the Trust had either estab­ Centre, Adelaide Festival Centre Trust right time to remind members of the lished, or helped establish, drama com­ and Michael Edgley International. The Trust's achievements and the broad panies in each State as well as a Trust has to maintain a fine balance range of programmes currently under­ national opera company, national bal­ between productions that can be taken. Originally published in Tempo let company, a national puppet com­ expected to return a profit and those Libero magazine in September 1986, pany and a national training school for that cannot. The popular productions this article has been updated to cover actors, the National Institute of Dra­ provide the capital which underwrites new initiatives. matic Art. Although these organis­ the risk shows. ations are now autonomous, the Trust Musical theatre has staged some­ lthough playing a very different still manages the Elizabethan Sydney thing of a comeback both here and A role today from that at its inception Orchestra which plays for the Aus­ overseas in recent years and Noel thirty years ago, the Trust continues to tralian Opera and the Australian Ferrier heads up the Trust's Musical playa vital role in the development of Ballet. Theatre Division. Following on the theatre in Australia. Kathleen Norris Today the Trust retains one in-house success of THE PIRATES OF referred to its special position, when, company of which it is justifiably PENZANCE and SUGAR BABIES shortly after her appointment as Chief proud. The Theatre of the Deaf is the plans are being prepared to present Executive, she said "The Trust has a only professional deaf theatre in Aus­ other musicals. wonderfully broad charter; it can do tralia and is now one of Sydney's prem­ But it is not only mainstream theatri­ what needs to be done. " ier Theatre-in-Education troupes. A cal presentations with which the Trust Back in 1954 when the Trust was company of both deaf and hearing is concerned. Its Australian Content established partly by government sup­ actors, it presents a unique visual and Department which was established port and partly by public patronage, aural style of theatre. It is not a mime with Federal Government funding in there was indeed a great deal to be show. Nor is it a theatre for the deaf. 1982 is concerned with development of done. There was little professional Only 10% of its audiences are hearing theatre, especially innovative theatre. theatre in Australia and to most people impaired. Theatre of the Deaf perform­ The Department gives support - man­ a visit to the theatre was to see a fully ances use a theatricalised form of Aus­ agement skills, administration, market­ imported production. The prevalent tralian sign hmguage that is both ing, publicity and technical expertise view was that if it's imported then it picturesque and lyrical. - to projects which will either extend must be better than anything produced Despite the exciting work of this existing perceptions of theatre or locally. The Trust set about to change unique company, the most visible extend the work of a particular artist that, and it is a measure of its success image of the Trust is as a national the­ into new areas. One of the most that today our Australian artists can atrical promoter. Australia's major ambitious projects undertaken was the take their place as leaders on the world non-commercial entrepreneur, the stage adaptation of the David Malouf stage and Australian audiences take Trust presents a rich kaleidoscope of novel, AN IMAGINARY LIFE, which pride in this reputation. the best of both Australian and over- was presented at Sydney's Belvoir 7

Street Theatre last year to' critical acclaim. Another success story was the play NO SUGAR, commissioned from Aboriginal playwright Jack Davis, and mounted for the 1985 Festival of Perth. It was subsequently chosen to represent Australia at the World Theatre Festival at Vancouver Expo '86. Interest in the production was so great that all per- . formances were sold out before the company arrived. Earlier this year the ACD mounted a production of MAGPIE'S NEST, a first play by a new Australian playwright, Simon Grattan, which was received with critical acclaim by the media. While primarily concerned with the product on stage, the Australian Eliz­ abethan Theatre Trust is also con­ cerned with audience development. The Trust's membership programme has been strengthened in recent years A scene from NO SUGAR by Jack Davis with the goal of developing a firmer ney was opened by the Trust last year. flooring) and stage lighting accessories base of support for the performing arts. It sells half price tickets to live arts and come and go with great frequency. The profession is served by the main­ entertainment attractions on the day of Both hire departments produce tenance of a pool of committed theatre­ performance. Designed to assist the healthy revenue for the Trust which is goers who provide the core of support arts industry to reduce the number of of paramount importance now that the so vital in a financially risk¥ industry. unsold tickets and to enable a wider Trust's funding by the Australia Coun­ The public is provided with a wide community to have access to the cil is limited to special projects. range of services which makes the arts theatre, the booth has returned Funding is received from certain State more readily accessible. $250,000 in revenue to Sydney's arts governments and city councils but the Modelled on ticket booths familiar to community since its inception. Trust must generate a significant per­ visitors to London and North America, centage of its own income. the Halftix booth in Martin Place, Syd- Building on the expertise gained The Trust's services to the profession · from managing two symphony orches­ are probably unknown beyond the tras the Trust is formulating plans to small circle of arts organisations it ser­ develop programmes for young people vices. The Australian Elizabethan (the audiences of the future) which will Theatre Trust is the only arts organis­ expose them to a full range of musical ation in Australia which is able to experiences from both the popular and receive tax deductible donations and in classical repertoire. the past twelve months it has processed Head office for the Australian Eliz­ over $3 million of donations to arts abethan Theatre Trust is an old ware­ organisations throughout . Australia. house in Kings Cross, Sydney, which The processing of these vast numbers harbours a host of activity and is home of donations, many of $10 or less, is a to many arts organisations. Also task that the Trust undertakes without housed in the building is the Trust's charge. The Superannuation Scheme Costume Hire Division, containing gives security to artists throughout 10,000 costumes which are available Australia even though they will be for hire. It is one of Australia's largest employed by a number of companies costume hiring services, for pro­ during their careers. Another fessional and amateur stage pro­ co-ordination role of the Trust is the ductions, films, fancy dress parties and bulk buying of media space to enable advertisements. Robert Morley once smaller companies to take advantage of hired a smoking jacket for one of his quantity discounts. Heinz commercials and the army cos­ The Trust has been described as a tumes in the XXXX beer advertise­ benign hydra-head·ed monster, and per­ ment were hired from the Trust. haps this is an apt description. Cer­ Downstairs, in the bowels of the earth, tainly its tentacles extend into every is the cavernous Props Hire Depart­ aspect of Australian theatre, and with­ ment. Set pieces, stage curtaining, out its continuing support the arts in Garry McDonald in SUGAR BABIES rostrums (the building blocks of stage Australia would be poorer. 8 .-fi:1:tJ$- ()11 f;lntS

war. Their crack agent Petrofsky (Pierce Brosnan) is placed in a quiet English country town to assemble the jigsaw of devastation. John Preston of the British Security Service (Michael Caine), work­ ing on a minute clue, leads an urgent operation, hampered by the power game amongst his superiors, and ..... any more information would spoil the story .

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RADIO DAYS written and directed by Woody Allen Produced by Robert Greenhut Starring Mia Farrow, Seth Green, Julie Kavner, Josh Mostel, Michael Tucker and Dianne Wiest Opening June 18 at Russell Cinemas and Rivoli Frances (Julia Blake) relaxes with Frank (Leo McKern) in thefUrn 'TRAVELLING NORTH' he 15th film written and directed by T Woody Allen, RADIO DAYS is a TRAVELLING NORTH the story is really about courage on both family saga like HANNAH AND HER directed by Carl Schultz sides, Frank's in facing up to death and SISTERS in a different era. It is set in the Screenplay by David Williamson from Frances' in sticking to him. early days of World War II in New York, his play of the same name the days when radio was the most impor­ Produced by Ben Gannon tant media influence. There's a rich Starring Leo McKern, Julia Blake, tapestry of characters: the boy who Henri Szeps and Graham Kennedy accepts the Masked Avenger of radio Opening June 19 at the Longford Cinema fame as part of his everyday life; the unmarried aunt looking for her elusive f you saw the play TRAVELLING THE FOURTH PROTOCOL prince charming; the man who believes I NORTH, you won't need to be told directed by John Mackenzie his get-rich schemes will bring him suc­ that it is the love story of an aging couple, Screenplay by Frederick Forsyth from cess at last; the wife who can't forget a and their escape from interfering rela­ his novel of the same name previous courtship; and the rather dumb tives to tropical Queensland. In the film, Produced by Timothy Burrill cigarette girl in a nightclub who becomes adapted by Williamson himself, there is Starring Michael Caine, Pierce Brosnan, a radio personality (Mia Farrow). It is an added dimension in the magnificent Alan North, Julian Glover, Ian almost a musical with its backing of the photography. You can almost feel and Richardson music of the day - the legends like smell the heat and lushness of the Opening June 25 at Hoyts Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Glen Mil­ tropics. ler, Harry James, Benny Goodman, Leo McKern plays the crotchety, ut .together English actor Michael Xavier Cugat, Duke Ellington and irritating but nevertheless lovable Frank P Came and top spy-story writer others - and its look at the night life of who has fallen in love with the much Frederick Forsyth and it would be hard Manhattan. Many actors who have younger Frances (Julia Blake). Their to go wrong. appeared in Woody Allen films are in envisaged idyllic isolation on the A protocol, according to the Oxford RADIO DAYS as well as well-known Queensland coast is disturbed by the Dictionary is "a document giving the radio personalities of the time in cameo nosy but good-hearted neighbour Fred­ terms of a treaty" agreed to and signed appearances. die (Graham Kennedy) and the local by the various parties. THE FOURTH doctor Saul (Henri Szeps), both of whom PROTOCOL is the story of the most compete for Frances' attention. Saul secret and dangerous protocol of a treaty diagnoses Frank's chest pains as angina signed in 1968 by America, Britain and BOOKING INFORMATION and is infuriated by Frank's insistence on Russia to halt the spread of nuclear G.V. $6.00 reading all Saul's textbooks on the sub­ weapons. Hoyts $5.50 Village $5.50 ject and criticising Saul's choice of treat­ In a remote country house in the forest Longford $6.00 ment. near Moscow, KGB Chairman Govor­ Please note: No handling fee The problems of age, Frank's heart shin (Alan North) and a hand-picked applies to film vouchers and attacks, and Frances' separation from team hatch Plan Aurora, an ingenious members may purchase as many as her children, are a disruptive influence in plot to breach the Fourth Protocol and they wish. what was to be the perfect retirement but re-introduce the nightmare of nuclear 9

'f)~~ by Carole Long, Membership Manager

y the time this edition of "Trust Deaf, the Australian Content Division and the rise in costs of paper (30-35%) BNews reaches you most members and our Donations Administration in that time (caused principally by the will have either read our Annual Programme. The Elizabethan Orches­ fall in value of the Australian dollar) Report or reports in the media about tras are supported separately through has added considerably to our costs. the Trust's disappointing trading year earmarked funds. We are , therefore Another large cost is postage, which has in 1986. Andrew Briger, A.M., Chair- obliged to subsidise oui non-profit risen 17% in the same period. , man of our Board, has expressed the making programmes through profits We therefore find ourselves in the Board's confidence that the 1987 reaped in other divisions, primarily the position of having no alternative but to . results will be a considerable improve­ entrepreneurial area. Thus, when the increase membership fees. As of July 1, , ment over those for 1986. The Trust's entrepreneurial area has a disappoint­ 1987, our fees will rise to $35 per net asset position was in excess of ing year, all departments have to annum for full members and $18 for $600,000 at the start of 1987 and losses tighten their belts. associates (full-time students or those have been confined solely to the Trust's The membership programme of the under 18 years of age). However, as an entrepreneurial area. AETT, despite significant increases in expression of our appreciation for the The role of the theatrical entre­ its membership base in recent years, continuing support provided by our preneur is an exceedingly risky one. has not yet achieved its target of members we invite existing members to Not only do we have to allow for the becoming fully self-supporting. So renew their membership before July 1 at mood of the public which is always very losses incurred by the membership the current rate of $28. So no matter difficult to predict, but external factors department (budgeted at $30,000 in when your membership falls due for can suddenly affect a potentially suc­ 1987 on an operating budget of renewal, you can extend your member­ cessful season. No one could have pre­ $416,100) have to be financed from ship for a full twelve months, provided dicted the American bombing of Libya other Trust sources - either profits or, that you complete and return the and its devastating result on the Lon­ as in 1986, from consolidated funds. enclosed form before July 1. don tourist industry and the theatre The Trust has viewed the membership I'd like to conclude by outlining to industry. Our production of SONS OF programme as a service to the whole you just how valuable our membership CAIN 'had opened just two days theatre industry. It has therefore aimed programme is to theatre in this city. earlier ... to provide the best possible range of Members not only provide early season Our losses in 1986 can be attributed theatre-going services to its members at bookings which are so essential for the to a general downturn last year in box the lowest price. The current $28 mem­ development of word of mouth, but office sales for the live theatre, and bership fee can be justified on the pro­ they also provide, through their specifically to losses on three presen­ vision of Trust News alone. Yet in advance booking, up-front money tations: LENNON - The Musical of addition the Trust negotiates signifi­ which is of considerable assistance to the Legend, SONS OF CAIN and cant price discounts for both the the producer who has made a large Netherlands Dance Theatre. theatre and films and provides a per­ investment. Through Trust News we "We are proud ofeach ofthese attrac­ sonalised booking service. Our tele­ are able to offer companies a means of tions, though their ticket sales were less phone booking service is provided communicating with a broader public than we hoped for, " Mr. Briger recently without additional charges, despite the than their individual subscribers. So said. "LENNON played three Aus­ considerable manpower involved, not only do we at The Trust appreciate tralian cities and attracted to the theatre through the dedication of our team of your support, but your continuing an audience ofyoung adults who are not volunteers who not only handle much involvement and commitment to regular theatregoers. SONS OF CAIN of the clerical work associated with the theatre is valued by the profession as a was the first Australian company in membership programme but also whole. You can be proud to be making many years to be presented in London's handle telephone bookings. This has a significant contribution to the con­ West End, and The Trust's production enabled us to keep our staff costs down tinuing development of theatre in was a critical success and afurther boost to a modest 27.5% of our annual mem­ Australia. to Australia's theatrical reputation over­ bership budget and allowed the lion's seas. Netherlands Dance Theatre was, share of the budget (40.7%) to be spent to many people, a highlight of on communication with members. The Melbourne's arts calendar and would remaining funds are utilised in adver­ not have been possible without the Aus­ tising and promotion, office overheads tralian Elizabethan Theatre Trust pro­ and travel expenses. viding support to the Adelaidf; Festival. The Board has been looking in the Regrettably, this fine company could past two years closely at our operations not be presented in Sydney due to lack oj to see how costs can be contained and a suitable venue. " inevitably membership, with its con­ It is perhaps a good time to reiterate tinuing drain on Trust resources, has that the Trust is not a "highly subsi­ come under scrutiny. Our membership dised" organisation. In fact it receives fee was set at $28 per year over twelve only a small fraction of its revenue (7%) months ago and in the period since from combined State and Federal Gov­ then our costs have risen considerably. ernments. This small subsidy is specifi­ The preparation of Trust News occu­ cally allocated to the Theatre ....of the pies a considerable part of our budget 10

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Tickets are available for all perfor­ Dale Baker for 'Cats' mances listed below. Don't delay book­ ing for 'CATS' - tickets are selling very hile enthusiasm builds for the quickly. W coming Melbourne production of 'CATS' the casting continues. The most recent development is the choice of one of Australia's most highly acclaimed dancers, Dale Baker, who will perform as MR MISTOFFOLEES, the role BOOKING INFORMATION created by Wayne Sleep in the original Her Majesty's Theatre from Sat Broadway production. Dale has worked Oct 10. Mon to Sat at 8pm Wed & Sat mat at 2pm with Wayne Sleep at the Covent Garden AETT $37 on Oct 12, 13, 15 and Royal Ballet and at Sadlers Wells Royal Oct 19,20,21. Dec 7-12 at 8pm Ballet. Oct 17,21,24, Dec9, 12 at 2pm 'CATS' will be Dale's first singing role GP $39.00 in a musical and we will keep you up to Two' AETT tickets per member date with further news on the Melbourne cast of 'CATS' as it is released.

I by Margaret Leask - Ot1~on.··tnJPI OP------1

he RSC's production of Cole Porter's taken up by two part-time civil rights "popular" ROMEO AND JULIET is set T KISS ME KATE, which opened at the workers. While admiring the perfor­ in 1986 Verona, with Niamh Cusack Old Vic on May 19, has begun its run in mances, it is generally felt the play con­ (Sinead's sister) playing Juliet to Sean Stratford to enthusiastic critical acclaim. tains too much intellectual theory which Bean's Romeo. RICHARD II follows, The Observer felt the great pleasures of results in a glib and artificial effect, with Jeremy Irons in the title role of the production are "pastiche, parody and ultimately leaving the audience question­ Barry Kyle's production. In the Pit will celebration" with Nicola McAuliffe ing the truth of the situation. be a number of new plays, including the "exceptional: sexy, funny, elegant and One-man shows rarely attract much British premiere of SARCOPHAGUS, touching" as Kate. The show includes critical attention or run for long seasons, the first play about the nuclear disaster at such memorable numbers as "Another but praise has been unanimous for Peter Chernobyl. The Company's new third Op'nin, Another Show", "Wunderbar" Barkworth's SIEGFRIED SASSOON theatre, the Mermaid, will see transfers and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare", which began at the Hampstead Theatre of Heywood's THE FAIR MAID OF which no doubt will be enjoyed by Lon­ and has moved to the Apollo. Through THE WEST, Ben Jonson's EVERY don audiences through the summer at the words of Sassoon, Barkworth com­ MAN IN HIS HUMOUR and least. mands a full range of emotions - from Shakespeare/Fletcher's THE TWO Another new production attracting the anxieties of childhood to the moral NOBLE KINSMEN. critical attention is the National's A outrage and tolerant irony of the adult - Another recent production worth VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE by Arthur in an eloquent and sincere evening of catching is at the Watford 'palace Gust Miller, with Michael Gambon reportage and story telling. north of London) where one of Britain's "unequivocally shaking hands with As the new theatre season begins in finest actresses, Helen Mirren, returns greatness" (The Guardian) as Eddie Car­ London, many West End shows are from the USA to portray the title role in bone, the Brooklyn longshoreman whose finishing their runs and new ones will be Edna O'Brien's dramatisation of the love for his niece leads to an act of announced soon. The RSC have Flaubert novel, MADAME BOVARY. betrayal, in an "immaculately detailed announced their plans for 1987 - with While the adaptation cannot convey the production" by Alan Ayckbourn. 16 plays in repertoire in three London essence of the novel, "the glorious Also at the National, in the Lyttelton theatres between April and August. At Mirren - reckless, scornful, tender and Theatre repertoire, is Stephen Poliakoff's the Barbican Adrian Noble's haunting proud - is born to play this part" (The new play COMING INTO LAND, with Stratford MACBETH with Jonathan Observer). Maggie Smith giving a committed, Price and Sinead Cusack as the quivering and human performance as ambitious, murderous couple, Margaret Leask is a former editor of Halina, a newly arrived Polish student emphasises their domestic tragedy of bar­ Trust News now living in London where determined to stay in England, who is renness, while Michael Bogdanov's she is an artists' agent. Great Perfonnances.

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