World Premiere David Williamson’s LET THE SUNSHINE
With: JUSTIN STEWART COTTA, EMMA JACKSON, ANDREW McFARLANE, GEORGIE PARKER, KATE RAISON & WILLIAM ZAPPA
Director: SANDRA BATES Designer: GRAHAM MACLEAN Lighting Designer: MATTHEW MARSHALL
This brand new David Williamson, with trade-mark comedy bite, asks what happens when people of widely different political views are forced to co-exist.
Toby (William Zappa), a maker of hard hitting documentaries, flees Sydney in shame when the press finds out he inadvertently used a bogus witness in his latest film. He convinces his reluctant wife Ros (Georgie Parker) to travel north with him to Noosa, a haven in Queensland fondly remembered from visits in his youth. Problem is, it has now moved from a simple fishing village to a chic, upmarket, manicured playground of the wealthy and privileged. Ros meets an old school friend, Natasha (Kate Raison), who is married to Ron (Andrew McFarlane), a hugely wealthy property developer. Ros and Natasha had little in common even at school, and to say Toby and Ron are like chalk and cheese would be understating it. The connection between the two couples seems destined to be brief and acrimonious save for one thing. Power lawyer Emma (Emma Jackson), the daughter of Natasha, and drop-out musician Rick (Justin Stewart Cotta), son of Ros, happen to meet. And then, in typical Williamson fashion, it’s on for young and old.
Ensemble’s Artistic Director, Sandra Bates has assembled a stellar cast for this production, her 4th Williamson World Premiere, and her 12th Williamson production in her 24 years at the theatre’s helm. Bates is a huge fan of Williamson’s work and has a long history of directing his plays. Previous World Premiere productions include Operator (05), A Conversation (01 & 03 tour) and Face to Face (99 & 2000 tour). Previous Sydney Premiere productions include Charitable Intent (06) and Birthrights (03). Sandra has directed many revivals of earlier Williamson plays including After The Ball (02), Travelling North (2000), Sanctuary (98), Money and Friends (96) and Emerald City (95). Ensemble also produced Flatfoot (04) directed by Jonathan Biggins, which then toured nationally.
Williamson announced Bates’ Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Sydney Theatre Awards and was recently quoted in the SMH saying, "Sandra is a highly intelligent director who goes for the emotional truth of the piece. I've always felt comfortable working at the Ensemble; it's a theatre of narrative and I enjoy the intimacy of the space." (SMH story on launch of Ensemble’s 2009 season by Bryce Hallett.)
“… Williamson always keeps us engaged … [his] words weave a spellbinding course. … testament to the power of Williamson’s language.” Daily Telegraph for CHARITABLE INTENT
“… closely observed social-satirical-topical drama… a finely crafted plot from a master. …an affirmation of human values that runs through all of Williamson’s works.” The Australian review for OPERATOR
“… Australia’s most enduringly popular social comedy writer… keenly observant and satirical… “ Sydney Morning Herald review for OPERATOR
SEE OVER FOR ENSEMBLE SEASON DETAILS & SUBSEQUENT TOUR DATES & VENUES. FURTHER INFORMATION / INTERVIEWS / IMAGES please contact: Merran Doyle Publicity: (02) 9905 4644 mobile 0419 999 607 or email: [email protected]
LET THE SUNSHINE by DAVID WILLIAMSON ENSEMBLE THEATRE SEASON DETAILS
VENUE: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061 DATES: Previews: 7 – 13 May, opens Thurs 14 May, plays to 4 July, 2009 PERFORMANCES: Tue–Fri 8.15pm, Sat 5pm & 8.30pm, Sun 5pm, Thurs 11am PRICES: $39 - $63 (booking charges may apply) BOOKINGS: 02 9929 0644 or www.ensemble.com.au
LET THE SUNSHINE TOUR:
The Street Theatre, Canberra 7 July – 11 July 2009 Bookings (02) 6247 1223 www.thestreet.org.au
Q Theatre, Penrith 14 July – 18 July 2009 Bookings (02) 4723 7600 www.jspac.com.au
Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree 21 July – 22 July 2009 Bookings (02) 4723 7600
Geelong Performing Arts Centre 5 August – 8 August 2009 Bookings (03) 5225 1200 www.gpac.org.au
NB: PRODUCTION PHOTOS DOWNLOADABLE from Ensemble Theatre website from May 13: www.ensemble.com.au - media password to download images: Emedia