JULY, 1987 Vol 11 No 6 ISSN 0314 - 0598 A publication of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

Noel Ferrier to star in Rattigan's evergreen Winslow Boy

THE WINSLOW BOY by Terence Rattigan Designed by James Ridewood Lighting by Nick Schlieper Directed by Rodney Fisher Cast: Noel Ferrier, Peter Collingwood, Joan Bruce, Donald Macdonald, Kirrily Nolan, John Allen, Denise Kirby, Andrew ' Tighe, Fay Kelton, Kelan Angel

t is outrageous that someone should I not only b(( accused of a crime but also punished without a fair trial. This is the essence of Rattigan's play, which was was first produced in 19.46 and still shows no sign of age. It is a comment on England's tradition of fair play and the liberty of the individual. Ronnie Winslow, a thirteen-year­ old, is thrown out of naval college for allegedly stealing a postal order. The evidence is purely circumstantial, and believing in his son's protestations of innocence, his father decides to take on the might of the navy by making a pub­ lic outcry. He ends by taking the case to the House of Commons, achieving a public trial and ultimately clearing the boy's name. Along the way the fight ruins the father's health, breaks his daughter's engagement, loses his eldest son's place at Oxford, exhausts their finances, and destroy's the security of their family life. What else remains? Noel Ferrier, who describes THE WINSLOW BOY as "a thunderer of a play", plays the advocate, Sir Robert Morton. Although a director of the Northside Theatre Company, this is BOOKING INFORMATION ~ WHY NOT USE OUR the first time he has appeared on the Marian Street Theatre Sun lui 19 to Sun Aug 2 ~ EASY BOOKING LINE stage there. "Now," as he says, "that I am in the teatime of my life, I have Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. decided to do one play and one film a Sat and Sun at 5.00 p.m. Wed mat at 11.00 a.m. year, and this part has been a terrific joy AETT $15.00 (Tue, Wed, Thu) 357-1200 to learn. "The combination of an excel­ $16 (Fri and Sat perfs) lent cast and one of Australia's top G.P. $22.90 (Fri, Sat) 10 am -12 pm 2 pm -4 pm directors, Rodney Fisher, should make $19.90 (all other perfs) for an absorbing evening. See Member Pens/Stud $9.00 (Mon to Thu & mats) VISA CARD NOW ACCEPTED Activities, p. 9, for pre-theatre­ Two AETT ticket per member dinner. 2

immediately drawn to Nicky. Nicky son who manages to bring chaos into The Will to Win falls in love with her, and she finds her his father's reasonably ordered life, and feelings for him are deeper than she Asher's father from Africa who regu­ THE CLUB by David Williamson would like. The ensuing turmoil makes larly descends with horrific stories Directed by Rob Steele Christine confront her own emotional from the jungle, and you have all the Designed by Derrick Cox life, and her attitude to teaching and ingredients for an amusing comedy. It Lighting designed by Roger Barratt learning. THE HEARTBREAK KID is enjoyed a successful MTC premiere Richard Barrett's first play and was the season late last year. There will be two ome very amusing things have been "hit" of the National Playwright's Con­ Trust member nights on Tuesday July Swritten about David Williamson's ference. It is to be presented by the 21 arid Wednesday July 22 when mem­ play THE CLUB. In particular old Griffin Theatre Company. bers may purchase as many tickets as Collingwood captain - star turned they wish at a $4.00 discount per ticket. sportswriter, Lou Richards has said: BOOKING INFORMA nON "His (Williamson's) mastery of ocker Stables Theatre footy lingo is so word-perfect you'd BOOKlNG INFORMATION Sun Jul 26 to Sun Aug 30 Ensemble Theatre swear he was given Ron Barassi's ath­ Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. Sat July 18 to Sat Aug 15 letic support for his first birthday." If Sat and Sun at 5 p.m. Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. you've ever lived in you'll AETT $12.00 Thu at 11 a.m., Sat and Sun at 5 p.m. appreciate the remark but THE CLUB G.P. $14.00 AETT $13.00 (July 21 and 22) appeals to anyone who has ever been Pens/Stud $9.00 $15.00 (Tue to Thu), $17.00 (Fri), involved in a sporting club - or any Two AETT tickets per member $12.00 (Sat and Sun mat), $10.00 (Thu organisation in which the will to win mat) prevails - with its megalomaniac, pie­ G.P. $17.00 (Tue to Thu), $19.00 (Fri manufacturing president, the flashy A Family Comedy and Sat), $15.00 (Sat and Sun mat), imported star player, the long-time $13.00 (Thu mat) Pens/Stud $12.00 (Tue to Fri) captain and old coach who both have THE LEVINE COMEDY by Ron $11.00 (Sat and Sun mat), $10.00 (Thu their heads on the chopping block when Elisha mat) the team isn't winning. David William­ Directed by Sandra Bates Two AETT tickets per member except son portrays them all with uncanny Designed by Derek Cox July 21122 accuracy to create an hilarious Cast includes Christopher Pate, Lorna evening's entertainment. Peter Stewart, Colin Croft, Owen Weingott Williams directs this ever-popular play and Peter Turnbull Dance Theatre at Phillip Street Theatre. ack after a successful tour abroad, BThe One Extra Company is produc­ BOOKING INFORMA nON ing a new light-hearted programme Phillip Street Theatre called URBAN FAIRIES AND Tue 28 Jul to Sat 22 Aug OTHER STORIES. Their guest chor­ Tue to Fri at II a.m. eographer is Jonathan Taylor (former Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat at 8 p.m. director of Australian Dance Theatre). AETT $19.90 G.P. $22.90 The short season of two weeks will be Pens/Stud $14.90 followed by a return season of TURN Two AETT tickets per member OF THE TIDE which made its success­ ful debut earlier this year.

':! BOOKlNG INFORMA nON Teacher's Dilemma "'" Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre ~ URBAN FAIRIES ANI!> OTHER THE HEARTBREAK KID by Richard c et:'" STORIES Barrett Thu Jul 23 to Sat Aug 1 Directed by Peter Kingston on Elisha is perhaps better known TURN OF THE TIDE Designed by Monita Roughsedge R to Melbourne than audi­ Wed Aug 5 to Sat Aug 8 Cast: Gia Carides, Arky Michael, Tony ences where three of his plays have Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. Sat mat at 2 p.m. Poli, Frank Serafin been presented by the Melbourne AETT discount $2.00 Theatre Company. Two have won Bookings on 692 0555 icky is a bright Greek-Australian AWGIE awards. THE LEVINE COM­ Two AETT tickets per member N kid, a non-achiever at school, EDY is based on family life experi­ whose main aim in life is to get his soc­ ences. Asher Levine, a playwright, is cer competition off the ground - his entering the second half of his life. An AO's Carmen sports master only cares about kids who incorrigible pessimist, he shares a small e are pleased to be able to offer play rugby! The new teacher at the apartment with his wife, Bonny, a tele­ W members the opportunity of pur­ school, just out of college, is Christine vision news anchorperson, who's an chasing tickets for The Australian Papadopoulos, who shares the same incurable optimist. Add Asher's can­ Opera's new production of CARMEN background as the children and is tankerous anti-semite father-in-law, his in addition to works in the season 3

already announced (see Now Playing). Bizet's masterpiece will be directed by Restoration Comedy John Copley and star Australian THE COUNTRY WIFE by William mezzo-soprano Jolanta Nagajek as the Wycherley fiery heroine. As only a limited number Directed by Neil Armfield of tickets for these performances are Settings by Stephen Curtis available members are urged to book as Cast includes Kerry Walker, Richard soon as possible. Roxburgh, Tyler Coppin, Helen Buday, Rosemary Harris, Peter Whitford, BOOKING INFORMATION David Argue, Maureen Green, Lois Concert Hall, S.O.H. Ramsay and Aku Kodogo '"~ Oct 12 and 28 at 7.30 p.m. '-l Oct 31 at 1.00 p.m. hose who enjoyed the Sydney .;:: AETT $51.00 " G.P. $55.00 TTheatre Company production of No Pens/Stud discount THE WAY OF THE WORLD will be ~ Two AETT tickets per member pleased to know that the company is Moase and feature vocalist Linda Tickets unavailable at S.O.H. mounting another Restoration comedy Nagle. There will be three special half­ classic, THE COUNTRY WIFE, by price previews on July 9, 10 and 11 a.t a William Wycherley. It's a satire on the low price of $26.00 for show and dm­ Bolshoi Tour morals of the era when fashionable ner. Book at Kinselas on 331 3100. ladies of the city looked on marital infi­ eventy members of the Bolshoi Bal­ delity as something of a sport. Hus­ BOOKING INFORMATION Slet, accompanied by· full orchestra, bands tried to keep their wives out of Kinselas will present a. short Sydney season in temptation's way so a rake who spreads Mon Jul 13 to Sat Aug 15 September. The company will present word by a quack doctor that he has Mon to Sat at 7 p.m. (dinner) and 8.30 GISELLE Act II and Gala become impotent through disease is p.m. (show) Divertisements in the Lyric :rheatre of suddenly welcomed into the city's AETT $20.00 show only (Mon to Thu) the Entertainment Centre. Leading drawing rooms! Kerry Walker stars as $33.00 dinner and show (Mon to Thu) dancers of the company include $36.00 dinner and show (Fri and Sat) the wife from the country who is G.P. $22.00 show only (Mon to Thu) Nadezhda Pavlova, Moscow gold med­ unfamiliar with fashionable city life allist winner. Because September 8 is $35.00 dinner and show (Mon to Thu) but soon realises what she is missing. $25.00 show only (Fri/Sat) opening night better quality seats are Trust member performances when a $38.00 dinner and show (Fri/Sat) likely to be available on the 9th/10th. $5.00 per ticket discount applies are Two AETT tickets per member Friday, August 14 and Saturday (mat), August 15. Radio 2LUV BOOKING INFORMATION Drama Theatre, S.O.H. elvoir Street Theatre presents THE Wed Aug 12 to Sat Sep 5 B MADRIGALS LIVE on Radio Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. D'Amour (turn your dial to 4711). It's a Wed at 1 p.m. Sat at 2 p.m. funny and gentle satire about life AETT $24.00 (Mon to Thu and Sat behind the scenes of a radio station mat), $22.00 (Aug 14, 15 (mat)) devoted entirely to the wonderful G.P. $27.00 Pens/Stud $22.00 (Mon to Thu and Sat world of romance. There's even a mat) staged Mills and Boon serial in the sec­ Two AETT tickets per member except ond half! Aug 14 and 15 (mat) The Madrigals are a group of tal­ ented singers who are also actors so they are able to mix their acapella sing­ ing with situation comedy. The group Electric Legs has been together for a year now and includes Julie McGregor, Julie Hasler, avid Atkins is versatile to say the Suzanne Dudley, Katie Reid, Liz D least - dancer, singer, choreogra­ Yeomans and Vanessa Downing. pher and leader of the dance team, BOOKING INFORMATION Electric Legs. He is trained in classical Lyric Theatre, Entertainment Centre ballet, tap and jazz. David Atkins has BOOKING INFORMATION Belvoir Street Upstairs Tue Sep 8 to Sat Sep 12 starred in CATS, A CHORUS LINE Nightly at 8 p.m., Sat mat at 2 p.m. Until July 18 AETT $41.00 (Sep 8, 9, 10) and many others. His new show, Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. G.P. $50.00 DANCIN' MAN, will premiere at Fri and Sat at 10. 15 p.m. Pens/Stud price unconfirmed Kinselas this month. Written by Tony AETT discount $2.00 Two AETT tickets per member- Sheldon, it will be a collaborative effort Bookings on 6993257 with Graeme Blundell and Robyn 4

Downstairs at Belvoir Street Theatre Civilisation? Next at Glen Street this month. It is a black comedy which deals with a dying mother and the THE GOLDEN AGE by Louis EQUUS by Peter Shaffer daughter who has tended her for most Nowra Directed, by Peter Williams of her illness. When another sister is Directed by Egil Kipste Designed by John Studholme summoned home the family skirmishes Designed by Amanda Lovejoy and Lighting design by Roger Barratt begin. PALLAS, a play by the Aus­ Michael Scott-Mitchell Cast includes Lynda Stoner and Judy tralian writer Larry Buttrose and Cast includes Valerie Bader, Graham Ferris directed by Kerry Dwyer, will be pre­ Harvey, Melita Jurisic, Scott McGregor sente'd on the same programme. It deals and Mark Pegler ne of the most exciting plays of with an Australian woman officer and Omodern times is EQUUS, which the conflicts she encounters on an laywright, novelist, telemovie first hit the theatre scene in 1973 and outback American nuclear base. Pwriter, one of Australia's most pro­ since then has become one of the most lific writers, Louis Nowra's latest play, consistently performed plays in the BOOKING INFORMATION THE GOLDEN AGE, is to be pre­ world. It is written by AMADEUS Belvoir Street Theatre Downstairs sented by Nimrod next month. The playwright Peter Shaffer. The play tells Wed Jul 8 to Sun Aug 2 play is a complex love story which deals the extraordinary story of a boy and his AETT discount $2.00 with a group of people living in Tas­ obsession for horses - the play unfolds Bookings on 6993273 mania who have had no contact with the boy's secrets, the parents who loved civilisation for over a hundred years. him, the woman who cared about him, Gradually they have evolved their own the girl who wanted him and the doctor form of language and civilisation. who untangled the puzzle. Francis, a working class boy made Order from Chaos good (and, Nowra concedes, his only A LIE OF THE MIND by Sam autobiograhical character), comes to Shepard Tasmania and forms a liaison with a young girl in the group. When they Directed by Jim Sharman return to civilisation they are regarded Costumes by Tess Schofield as museum pieces. Francis is forced to Set design by Jim Sharman and Martin take a hard look at the advantages of Brown "civilisation" and while in war-torn Cast includes Steve Bisley, Annie Berlin comes to his conclusion. Like Byron, Simon Chilvers and Cornelia earlier Nowra plays (INNER VOICES Francis It will be presented by the Forest and VISIONS) THE GOLDEN AGE is Theatre Company at Sydney's newest a mysterious and intriguing play. erhaps to some extent, Sam professional theatre venue, Glen Street PShepard has a lot in common with Theatre, Frenchs Forest, following the his fellow American playwright, BOOKING INFORMATION company's highly successful premiere Tennessee Williams, for both often York Theatre, Seymour Centre season of BLITHE SPIRIT. Trust Sat Aug 1 to Sat Sep 5 reflect in their work some of the tortu­ Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Sat mat at 2 p.m. member performances on August 6, 8 ous events of their own life. AETT $20.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) (mat) and 10, offer members a $6 dis­ A LIE OF THE MIND is the epic G.P. $23.00 count per ticket on an unlimited num­ story of two families tied together by a Pens/Stud $16.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) ber of tickets. dreadful marriage and of their coming Two AETT tickets per member together through tragedy. It is directed BOOKING INFORMATION by Jim Sharman, who has recently Glen Street Theatre directed BLOOD RELATIONS for the Wed Aug 4 to Sat Aug 29 STC, and stars Steve Bisley, well Bilingual Theatre Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. known to viewers of the ABC series Wed 11 a.m. Sat 2 p.m. "Call Me Mister". LIE OF THE MIND AETT $19.90, $16.90 (Aug 6, 8 (2 joint venture of the Department of p.m.), 10) has been described by Time magazine A Modern Greek and the Theatre G.P. $22.90 as "Shepard's finest play". Studies Service Unit of the University Pens/Stud $14.90 of Sydney is to be the modern Greek Two AETT tickets per member play THE MATCHMAKING OF BOOKING INFORMATION ANTIGONE. It will be presented Belvoir Street Upstairs Downstairs at the Seymour Centre Tue Jul 28 to Sat Aug 29 from July 27 to August 1 in the original Mon to Sat at 7.30 p.m. No matinees (first act) and its first English trans­ Black Comedy AETT $16.00 lation (second act) "Matchmaking" G.P. $20.00 indeed in two languages! KIRMISHES by Catherin~ Hayes Pens/Stud $10.00 AETT discount $2.00 Sand directed by NIcholas Two AETT tickets per member Bookings on 6920555 Papademetriou will be presented 5

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emories of past theatrical per­ Stein's Schaubuhne Company from The West End is hardly worth men­ M formances are being revived with West Berlin with Eugene O'Neill's tioning at present, I'm afraid - what many tributes currently being paid to THE HAIRY APE. In June, the Royal with NUNSENSE, 'ALLO, 'ALLO, Sir Laurence Olivier on his 80th birth­ Dramatic Theatre Company from COURT IN THE ACT, and the short­ day - celebrated with a big party at the Stockholm presented HAMLET and running CANARIES SOMETIMES National Theatre on May 31. Currently Strindberg's MISS JULIE. In Septem­ SING with Peter Bowles at the Albery in the rep. at the National are two of the ber the Ninagawa Company from coming in for unkind words from the :roost exciting contemporary perform­ Tokyo will present MACBETH and critics. Even the Broadway success, the ances in a Shakespeare play being given MEDEA and in October the musical THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN by Anthony Hopkins and Judi Dench Mayakovsky Company from Moscow DROOD, based on Dickens' in Peter Hall's production of will perform Boris Vassiliev's incomplete novel, starring Lulu and ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. Judi TOMORROW W AS WAR, a contem­ Ernie Wise, has been panned. One can Dench is absolutely compelling - porary drama of young people fated to . only look forward to Alan Bates in a never still until her last moments when go straight from school to war. Another new play by Simon Gray - MELON she describes Antony after his death­ contemporary Soviet drama creating - which opens at the Haymarket she is capricious, sexy, dangerous, witty considerable interest is Vladimir Theatre Royal as this edition goes to - a perfect foil for Hopkins who, with Gubaryev's SARCOPHAGUS at the press, and the Sondheim/Goldman his Cleopatra, can escape into a roman­ RSC Barbican Pit. It deals with the musical FOLLIES, with Diana Rigg, tic fantasy world while knowing that consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear Daniel Massey and others opening in the reality outside will eventually take disaster which, despite its distance mid-July at the Shaftesbury Theatre. its toll - making the living of the fan­ from Australia, has made an impact on tasy even more exciting.and desperate. the whole world. Michael Billington, Also at the National this northern writing in The Guardian, while admit­ Margaret Leask is a former editor of summer are four visiting foreign com­ ting the play may not be the best in Trust News who now lives in panies performing in their own London, said "it is unquestionably the where she is an artists' agent. language. The first company was Peter most important ".

by Carole Long, Membership Manager

t is nearly two years ago that we intro­ with the Trust for over three years and playing in DANCE FEVER in N.S.W. I duced New Members Receptions to is responsible for handling new mem­ Clubs. If you have any queries about give new members the opportunity of ber enrolments, renewals and most our ticketing services she's the person visiting us at the Trust, seeing our importantly, ticketing. So those of you to speak to. "home" and hearing a bit about the who've commented to me about the broad range of programmes under­ great tickets you always get when using e have been overwhelmed by the taken by the Trust. There are therefore the Trust's booking service know who Wiesponse to our renewal offer con­ many members who joined the Trust you have to thank! In her spare time tained in June Trust News. It's great to earlier on whom we'd like to meet! If Carol is a dancing teacher with a par­ see the extent of support for the Trust you'd like to receive an invitation to a ticular interest in tap dancing. She also which has been manifested in renewals forthcoming function please ring the dances professionally and is currently being extended until 1990 and in many membership office and we'll put you on cases accompanied by generous our guest list for a future reception. donations. If you want to renew your Functions are normally held on Mon­ membership at the current rate (mem­ day or Tuesday evenings · between 6 bership rises to $35 on July 1) you p.m. and 8 p.m. at our Kings Cross should contact us before August 1. All Offices. They're always well supported you need to quote is your membership and are very convivial occasions con­ number, and if you wish payment can cluding with a tour of the 10,000 cos­ be made by Bankcard, MasterCard or tumes in our Hires Department. Visa.

alking of getting to know you, I'm T sure that those members who regu­ larly use our booking service would like to see a photo of Carol Martin, our membership secretary. Carol has been 6

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Stage management - the fine art of staying calm through the crises by Jo Litson

or many the initials S.M. conjure up calls, "says Bader. "We sit down and go Fsado-masochism. In theatre they through all the biographies and photo­ mean stage manager, but considering graphs ofeveryone in the show, so on the the extraordinary number of hours a first day of rehearsals we know who is stage manager works, the problems he who. "Once rehearsals begin stage man­ has to resolve and the tantrums he agement generally work a 12-hour day, sometimes has to put up with, they six-day week, during which time they might well for some be synonymous stick as close to the director as possible. terms! But not for Michael Bader and "You become his right-hand man, " says Liz Allen. For them a stage manager's Bader, "and take in all his ideas so you' lot is a very happy one. can use them to rehearse the Liz Allen has only been out ofNIDA understudies once he leaves." On for two years and is still learning her SUGAR BABIES this meant working craft as an Assistant Stage Manager at with the American director and chor­ Sydney's Nimrod Theatre, having eographer. After the first few days, once worked predominantly in subsidised everyone had found their feet, the stage theatre. Michael Bader, on the other management start notating all the hand, trained not as a stage manager moves and cues onto a script which but as a chef, began in theatre as a becomes known as The Bible. "Infact," mechanist and has now been working says Bader, "there are two Bibles - one in stage management for over 10 years, for cast moves and a technical Bible. If mainly in commercial theatre, on one of those Bibles is ever lost you can shows such as WEST SIDE STORY, basically kiss the show goodbye, unless CAMELOT, SWEET BIRD OF you have a very, very good memory. It is YOUTH, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES locked up at night and checked as soon and now SUGAR BABIES, where he is as you get into the theatre." Bader Deputy Stage Manager. Different recalls an occasion during WEST SIDE though their backgrounds and experi­ STORY when the first three pages went ence may be, they both have similar missing. The stage management team tales to tell. got together and somehow managed to The pigeon scene from SUGAR BABIES Asked what is the biggest responsi­ remember the innumerable lighting bility or problem that a stage manager stage manager needs in abundance. A cues now lost. "We still to this day don't faces, both immediately reply "dealing workman had managed to sever a know what happened. I'm just hoping it with people", though Bader adds chil­ power cable that morning, plunging the never happens to me again!" dren, animals and overseas stars to the theatre into darkness for several hours, Once the show is running, it is The list, which Allen has yet to which meant that none of the washing Bible that the stage manager uses in the experience. machines and driers were operating in prompt corner to call the cues to all the A stage manager is a mediator, wardrobe, and on a show like SUGAR technicians. peace-maker, psychiatrist and some­ BABIES or LA CAGE AUX FOLLES times piggy-in-the-middle. It is he who in particular, the mountains of laundry "A lot ofpeople think that's all we do. makes sure that the show runs have to be seen to be believed. Michael The stage manager is always there smoothly and that everyone does the had just organised for all the laundry to before the actors arrive, checking every­ right thing at the right time, from the be done elsewhere when the power thing is in order, is always there with the first day of rehearsal to the moment the returned. first-aid kit, is always there with cos­ last curtain falls. Bader has been with SUGAR tumes for publicity calls, is in fact When I arrived at Her Majesty's BABIES since the beginning. The first always there! People don 't realise how Theatre, Sydney, between shows one phase is termed pre-production. The many hours they spend in the theatre. If Wednesday, where SUGAR BABIES stage management start a week or two only they knew!" laughs Bader. was playing a return season, it had been before rehearsals commence so that When a show goes on tour, the stage one of "those" days for Michael Bader. every possible preparation imaginable manager oversees the bump-in and Not that you would ever know. He was is ready. "We have lists for props, scene bump-out, packing everything, still cheerful and calm - qualities a changes, costume fittings and publicity freighting it to the next city and 7

whether they were going to 'do' anything on stage, whether they were going to behave on stage or howl their way through the jinale which they frequently did. It was very funny, though Hayes Gordon wasn 't very impressed!" In SUGAR BABIES the stage manage­ ment have to contend with pigeons, which Bader has sensibly off-loaded onto the A.S.M. 1~/e' /1 -Jake rt o~t D~ •• The major problems that stand out in his mind are a night during ANNIE rY f3 e,ffD b,llA1'" when two trucks, one bringing the chil­ lII dren on, and one taking scenery off, somehow got caught and started to ~~/ft -:; twist the set around. Quick as a flash Bader stopped everything. Once the show is running he is responsible for everything, including the safety of the Trust membership will delight all those "hard performers. Once during rehearsals for to please" friends, relatives and business WEST SIDE STORY a dancer fell into associates on your shopping list with a full the pit. Fortunately he wasn't injured. year of advance information on performing "Seven ofus peered into the pit and there arts events, generous discounts on ticket he was, sprawled over the drums!" If he purchases and special activities just for curtain had been hurt it would have been up to Eddie Bader to control the situation. members. A wonderful gift - no sizes to worry None of this daunts Bader's ardour about, nothing to wear out or break, no . likes to get and so he for theatre. It is his love and his life and colours to match and best of all it's as simple the same as his fiancee must acknowledge that in asl,2,3. I think is many ways theatre is like a mistress. Other than a faulty lighting board on an opening night at Griffin, nothing disastrous has happened to Liz Allen Just fill in the coupon OR yet. "But I'm sure it will," she laughs. 1 phone us to arrange your gift That's one thing a stage manager does a lot. Laugh.

Choose the method of Jo Litson is a freelance writer who is 2 UUJL" ..,,, were also manager of the Trust's half-price announcing your gift "The kids I ticket booth, Halftix, located in Martin dogs were a Place, Sydney. Let us know when you wish "Worrying 3 your gift membership to start 6

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Stage management - tht through the crises qtetV'bUSI\iP by Jo Litson 1 I would like to give a gift membership to:

or many the initials S.M. conjure up Fsado-masochism. In theatre they MRIMRSIMISSIMS PLEASE PRINT FULL NAME mean stage manager, but considering the extraordinary number of hours a ADDRESS stage manager works, the problems he has to resolve and the tantrums he POST CODE sometimes has to put up with, they might well for some be synonymous HOME PHONE BUSINESS PHONE terms! But not for Michael Bader and Liz Allen. For them a stage manager's lot is a very happy one. D Please send the gift card and new member kit Liz Allen has only been out ofNIDA 2 with the following message: for two years and is still learning her craft as an Assistant Stage Manager at Sydney's Nimrod Theatre, having worked predominantly in subsidised OR D Please send me the gift card and new member kit theatre. Michael Bader, on the other for personal presentation hand, trained not as a stage manager but as a chef, began in theatre as a mechanist and has now been working Please arrange for the gift membership in stage management for over 10 years, 3 to commence on:

mainly in commercial theatre, on DATE shows such as WEST SIDE STORY, CAMELOT, SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES YOUR NAME and now SUGAR BABIES, where he is Deputy Stage Manager. Different YOUR ADDRESS though their backgrounds and experi­ ence may be, they both have similar POSTCODE PHONE tales to tell. The pigeon scene frorr. Asked what is the biggest responsi­ bility or problem that a stage manager stage manager ne, PAYMENT faces, both immediately reply "dealing workman had IT CHARGE MY power cable that n with people", though Bader adds chil­ $28 cheque enclosed theatre into darkn D Bankcard Mastercard dren, animals and overseas stars to the payable to AETT D D list, which Allen has yet to which meant that experience. machines and dril A stage manager is a mediator, wardrobe, and on peace-maker, psychiatrist and some­ BABIES or LA C times piggy-in-the-middle. It is he who in particular, the r makes sure that the show runs have to be seen to NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CHARGE CARD smoothly and that everyone does the had just organised right thing at the right time, from the be done elsewhe first day of rehearsal to the moment the returned. SIGNATURE EXPIRY DATE last curtain falls. Bader has bl When I arrived at Her Majesty's BABIES since the Theatre, Sydney, between shows one phase is termed SEND COUPON TO: Wednesday, where SUGAR BABIES stage managemen (no postage required) was playing a return season, it had been before rehearsals FREEPOST lOOATT in your capital city one of "those" days for Michael Bader. every possible pn PO Box 137, Kings Cross, Sydney 2011 3571200 Not that you would ever know. He was is ready. "We havi still cheerful and calm - qualities a changes, costume GPO Box 438C, Melbourne 3001 6908384 GPO Box 1618, Brisbane 4001 2219528 '28 Fifth Ave, St Peters, Adelaide 5069 429576 PO Box 7227, Cloisters, Perth 6000 3214953 7

whether they were going to 'do ' anything on stage, whether they were going to behave on stage or howl their way through the finale which they frequently did. It was very funny, though Hayes Gordon wasn't very impressed!" In SUGAR BABIES the stage manage­ ment have to contend with pigeons, which Bader has sensibly off-loaded , because onto the A.S.M. American The major problems that stand out in crew. "It his mind are a night during ANNIE American when two trucks, one bringing the chil­ mafia. You dren on, and one taking scenery off, see a prob­ somehow got caught and started to t real fast. " twist the set around. Quick as a flash Bader stopped everything. Once the show is running he is responsible for everything, including the safety of the performers. Once during rehearsals for WEST SIDE STORY a dancer fell into Trust members enjoy the most generous the pit. Fortunately he wasn't injured. theatre benefit programme in Australia "Seven ofus peered into the pit and there with all these advantages ... he was, sprawled over the drums!" If he curtain had been hurt it would have been up to ons. Eddie Bader to control the situation. Advance Information on upcoming performing arts events None of this daunts Bader's ardour likes to get is sent regularly in Trust News. You will be able to plan for theatre. It is his love and his life and and so he your theatre-going well in advance and have access to the his fiancee must acknowledge that in the same as best seats in the house. many ways theatre is like a mistress. I think is Other than a faulty lighting board on Preferential Booking allows you to order tickets for the an opening night at Griffin, nothing shows of your choice either by mail or telephone, all in an even disastrous has happened to Liz Allen the comfort of your own home. It couldn't be simpler! manager. yet. "But I'm sure it will," she laughs. theatre he That's one thing a stage manager does a $$$ Savings are always available on two ticket purchases to read the lot. Laugh. per show as part of your mem bership. You can, of course, to get some also purchase as many full price tickets as you wish. show that Jo Litson is a freelance writer who is were Film Discounts are available at major cinemas using our also manager of the Trust's half-price "The kids I ticket booth, Halftix, located in Martin concessional vouchers. dogs were a Place, Sydney. Members Special Events are planned throughout the "Worrying year and are designed to entertain, stimulate and inform members. 6

~,_r;tt____ -----t!

Stage management through the crIses by Jo Litson I wish to join tQday to enjoy the benefits and privileges or many the initials S.M. conjure up of Trust membership F sado-masochism. In theatre they mean stage manager, but considering the extraordinary number of hours a

stage manager works, the problems he MRfMRSIMISSIMS PLEASE PRINT FULL NAME has to resolve and the tantrums he sometimes has to put up with, they might well for some be synonymous ADDRESS terms! But not for Michael Bader and Liz Allen. For them a stage manager's POST CODE lot is a very happy one. Liz Allen has only been out ofNIDA HOME PHONE BUSINESS PHONE for two years and is still learning her craft as an Assistant Stage Manager at Sydney's Nimrod Theatre, having D I would like to give the Trust worked predominantly in subsidised . a tax deductible donation to help theatre. Michael Bader, on the other the performing arts in Australia. hand, trained not as a stage manager but as a chef, began in theatre as a mechanist and has now been working $ in stage management for over 10 years, mainly in commercial theatre, on shows such as WEST SIDE STORY, CAMELOT, SWEET BIRD OF D I am unable to help the Trust financially YOUTH, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES but am willing to give my time and effort. and now SUGAR BABIES, where he is Deputy Stage Manager. Different Please let me know how I can help though their backgrounds and experi­ with the volunteer programme. ence may be, they both have similar tales to tell. Asked what is the biggest responsi­ bility or problem that a stage manager PAYMENT faces, both immediately reply "dealing CHARGE MY with people", though Bader adds chil­ $28 cheque enclosed D Bankcard Mastercard dren, animals and overseas stars to the payable to AETT D D list, which Allen has yet to expenence. A stage manager is a mediator, peace-maker, psychiatrist and some­ times piggy-in-the-middle. It is he who in n"'~H'l1 makes sure that the show runs have to be NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CHARGE CARD smoothly and that everyone does the had just right thing at the right time, from the be done first day of rehearsal to the moment the returned. SIGNATURE EXPIRY DATE last curtain falls. Bader When I arrived at Her Majesty's BABIES Theatre, Sydney, between shows one SEND COUPON TO: Wednesday, where SUGAR BABIES (no postage required) was playing a return season, it had been FREEPOST IOOATT in your capital city one of "those" days for Michael Bader. PO Box 137, Kings Cross, Sydney 2011 3571200 Not that you would ever know. He was GPO Box 438C, Melbourne 3001 still cheerful and calm - qualities a 6908384 GPO Box 1618, Brisbane 4001 221 9528 28 Fifth Ave, St Peters, Adelaide 5069 429576 PO Box 7227, Cloisters, Perth 6000 3214953 7

reassembling it all again. Bader recalls country tours when you're in one town one night and the next morning 500 miles away. "You spend halfyour life in the back of a bus, bumping across strange territory that you've never seen before and hope you'll never see again! I would not swap it for the world, though. " Bader sees himself as a "cast stage manager", rather than a "technical stage manager". His brothers Terry and Stephen, and his sister, Valerie, are all performers, so he understands actors well. A stage manager doesn't need to be a technical whizz, but they need to understand every area well enough to communicate their requirements. Bader learned by doing it. He started as a mechanist, worked the flies, props, Gillian Jones and Greg Saunders in EUR-OPE has done a little sound, lighting and wardrobe. But basically the stage experiences the most problems. "We whether they were going to 'do' anything manager's skill is to deal with people. don 't have the same star system as they on stage, whether they were going to Liz AlIt

The colourful Russian Dance Com­ The Canberra Rep's Classical girl whose family is forced off their pany of Moscow will continue its Theatre Ensemble's production of farm at Nyngan and move to Sydney. Australia/New Zealand tour at the L YSISTRA T A will be at Theatre 3 The Hunter Valley Theatre Company Canberra Theatre for one night only on from July 18 to August 8. Directed by will star well known stage and screen July 1. The fifty dancers will present Ralph Wilson, it tells the ancient Greek actress, Liddy Clark, in EDUCATING Russian folk dancing plus modern comedy of how the women of Greece RITA, from July 22 to August 15. Made pieces with tap dancing and stage a sex strike to force their men to into a popular film starring Michael skateboards. stop fighting. Caine, it's about the relationship David Williamson's new hit, EMER­ between a working-class girl who ALD CITY, will follow at the Canberra Fortune Australian Capital Theatre decides to get herself educated and her Theatre from July 10 to 18. It's the Syd­ will present Moliere's TARTUFFE open university tutor. ney Theatre Company production star­ from July 1 to 25 at Childer's Street Interact is mounting a new Aus­ ring John Bell, Robyn Nevin and Ruth Theatre. One of Moliere's greatest tralian play by Jan Cornell at Gorman Cracknell , and concerns the financial comedies, it is about a priest who prac­ House Theatre from July 16 for three temptations facing a playwright who tises the opposite of what he weeks. ESCAPE FROM A BETTER moves from Melbourne to Sydney. preaches. Orange now has its own professional PLACE is a cabaret-style comedy about It On its Eastern States AETT tour, couples with a commissioned jazz score A the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre's theatre company, NOW, which will by Jeff Evans. The production is ~l PIED PIPER will be at the cater for the central western district of directed by Carol Woodrow. Canberra Playhouse from July 6 to 11. N.S.W. Artistic director is Jennifer lt is based on Robert Browning's classic Leslie, and the first production will poem about Hamelin's rat problem and open on July 31 at the Orange Civic AETT discount all performances. See mixes puppetry, dance, music and Theatre. lt is NO WORRIES, by David local press for booking information. poetry. Holman, a play about a nine-year-old It Et An Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust presentation ______~,-:.fOf~e ~I_". ~_~------~

It's school holiday time once again and this year in the unseasonal month of July for the first time. With cooler weather a visit to the theatre with chil­ dren or grandchildren should be a per­ fect holiday outing. We present here a summary of available shows for your information. Because of the low ticket prices for young people's theatre a dis­ count is not normally available. The Australian Theatre for Young People has adapted Thomas Keneally's novel and will present NED KELLY AND THE CITY OF THE BEES from July 7 to 11 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Broadwalk Studio at the Sydney Opera It's suitable for 4- to 12-year-olds and House. Suitable for 5- to 13-year-olds performances are Monday to Friday at it's not about that Ned Kelly but a 10 a.m. and 12 and Saturdays at 2 and 4 colourful and amusing story involving p.m. Bookings on 27 3274. a boy, a girl and a world full of bees. their descendants in the 1980s and is Story telling has always been a fea- ' Bookings on 2 0525. suitable for 3- to 9-year-olds. Bookings ture of the Sydney Opera House's Northside Theatre Company con­ on 298239. Bennelong Programme. Five- to eight­ tinue their holiday tradition with a new year-olds will enjoy hearing original adaptation of CINDERELLA by direc­ Phillip Street Theatre's production stories and traditional tales with music tor of children's theatre, Helen Martin. of ALADDIN AND THE MAGIC and audience participation. Bookings It will be presented with an adaptation LAMP will this holiday be presented at on 20525. of RUMPELSTILTSKIN and THE the Glen Street Theatre, Frenchs For­ GOLDEN FISH. Ideally suited for the est. Set in Widow Twanky's ''I'm never 3- to 9-year-olds the audience is infor­ kranky" laundry it's a traditional pan­ Jerry's Girls mally seated around a raised podium tomime version of the popular fairy­ which leads to lots of audience involve­ tale. As usual with Phillip Street pantos irector Larry Alford came up with ment. Performances are 10.30 a.m. and there's lots of involvement for the kids D an unusual acknowledgement to 1 p.m. throughout the holidays (and and some light innuendo to keep the the musical genius of Jerry Herman - thereafter on Saturdays). Bookings on parents amused. Performances are an all-female tribute to the women in 4983166. Monday to Friday at 10 a.m. and 12.30 his shows and to the stars who played p.m. throughout the holidays and are them. The result was JERRY'S GIRLS, best suited to preschoolers and infants. which opens at the Footbridge Theatre Bookings on 2328570. on July 30. The success of the show lies perhaps in simply structured songs that Meanwhile, down at Phillip Street the audience can hum, and it features a Theatre a new panto is being mounted. cast of outstanding Australian artists This time it's LITTLE RED RIDING - Debbie Byrne, Judi ConneIli, HOOD with a calypso flavour! Ronne Marcia Hines and Jeanne Little. AETT Arnold plays the wolf and Dave members may purchase as many pre­ Allenby the grandmother. Performance view tickets as they wish for July 24 and times as for Glen Street Theatre above. July 27 when a $ 7.00 discount Bookings on 452 5152. applies. Children between 8 and 12 can create their own "Winter's Tale", working BOOKING INFORMATION with drama, dance, music and cos­ Footbridge Theatre tumes, at the Seymour Centre. Partici­ Thu luI 30 to Sat Aug 22 pants will work towards a performance Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. A scene f rom Northside Theatre Company's pro­ for parents and friends. Bookings on Wed and Sat mat at 2 p.m. duction of CINDERELLA 692 0555. AETT $25.50 (Mon to Thu and mats), $27.50 (luI 31 and Aug I) PACT Co-operative down at the Corn Prior to a national tour the Marion­ $24.50 (lui 24), $22.50 (lui 27) Exchange, 173 Sussex Street, are ette Theatre of Australia is presenting a G.P. $29.50 (Mon to Thu and mats), remounting their successful Christmas new production ofPINOCCHIO at the $31.50 (FriiSat evg) holiday attraction, MARMADUKE Rocks Theatre, George Street North. Pens/Stud $19.50 (Mon to Thu and BUNYIP AND THE WISHING mats) Involving five styles of puppets as well Two AETT tickets per member (except WELL from July 14 to 17 at 11 a.m. as masked characters it is based on the lui 24 and 27) and 1.30 p.m. The story revolves original version and combines folk around characters in the 1860s and music with state of the art technology. 11

veryone's favourite minister, Paul ne of the few classic Australian erb Gardner noticed two elderly EEddington, is in town disguised as Oplays, THE ONE DAY OF THE H men, one white, one black, sitting the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, KCB, YEAR, by Alan Seymour, deeply each day on a bench in Central Park. First Lord of the Admiralty, and you offended sections of the community at Sometimes they'd be yelling, some­ can drop in and see him at Her its premiere in 1959 with its question­ times silent, yet each day, back they Majesty's throughout July. Need we tell ing of the purpose of Anzac Day. It is would come. I'M NOT RAPPAPORT you that he is starring in HMS PINA­ currently being revived 'at the was written as a result of Gardner's FORE, G & S's beloved and hilarious Ensemble and stars Maggie Dence and observances. Ron Haddrick and Wally musical comedy about the office boy Graham Rouse as the parents and Taylor star as the two octogenarians, who became the Ruler of the Queen's Willie Fennell as Wacka. spending their lives talking, but not Navee without ever going to sea. AETT discount $2.00 (exc Sat evg) listening, bickering and chatting. Yet AETT discount $4.00 (exc Fri/Sat evg) Bookings on 929 8877'. the play is full of laughter despite the Bookings on 212 1066 sadness of old age. At the Playhouse, he Griffin Theatre Company has S.O.H. throughout July. he Australian Opera's winter Tmounted the powerful drama ALL AETT discount $3.00 (except Fri/Sat Tseason at the Opera Theatre, THE BLACK DOGS by the Adelaide evg). Bookings on 2 0525 S.O.H., continues with a mixture of actress, Marilyn Allen. Loosely based tried and true favourites (lL on the multiple murder case in Adel­ he Sydney Theatre Company is pre­ TRITTICO, DON GIOVANNI and aide some years ago, it deals with the T senting the world premiere season LA TRA VIA T A) and the haunting inter-action of a mother for her mur­ of David Malouf's BLOOD modern chamber opera by Benjamin dered daughter, and then her relation­ RELA nONS directed by one of Britten, THE TURN OF THE ship with the police and subsequently Australia's leading theatre and opera SCREW. Dennis Olsen will be direct­ the murderers. At the Stables Theatre directors, Jim Sharman. It is the story ing COUNTESS MARITZA and other until July 19. of a financial wizard who retires to new productions will include CIN­ AETT discount $2.00 semi-reclusion in with an ex-opera singer. His peaceful DERELLA and MEDEE. AETT dis­ Bookings on 33 3817 counts ($5.00 per ticket) are available existence, however, is shattered by the for certain performances of each opera. arrival of his extended family and a Please check with the membership journalistic team. The clash of people office on 357 1200. and ideas provides both comedy and drama. Drama Theatre, S.O.H., until August I. WINTER'S TALE is a play of AETT discount $3.00 (Mon to Thu & gentle melancholy with tragic A mats) overtones. It deals with the brooding Bookings on 20525 King Leontes who is cruelly jealous of his wife, Hermione, whom he wrongly ERICLES had a very adventurous believes to be having an affair. The P 16 years' journey in his youth, suf­ darkness of the tragic side of this play is fering all sorts of disasters and set­ beautifully offset by the romance of backs, until fortune finally smiled on Leontes' daughter Florizel with him and he was reunited with his wife Perdita. Directed by Richard Cottrell and daughter. Originating in ancient for Nimrod Theatre, Colin Friels stars Greece, it was one of Shakespeare's last as the king. At the York Theatre, and lesser-known plays. Directed by Seymour Centre until July 25. George Ogilvie, it is presented by the AETT discount $3.00 (exc Fri/Sat evg) Sydney Theatre Company at the Wharf Bookings on 692 0555 Theatre and will close on July 18. AETT discount $2.00 (exc Fri/Sat evg) oel Coward's last works for the A scene from THE PIED PIPER Bookings on 250 1777 N theatre before his death are being presented at the Northside Theatre, It Good family theatre is being pre­ inner/theatre has now come to Marian Street. COWARD IN TWO D. sented at the Parade Theatre, D Sydney's Hyatt Kingsgate with KEYS consists of two linked one­ ~l Kensington, by the AETT's Aus­ RATTLE OF A SIMPLE MAN by acters, COME INTO THE GARDEN tralian Content Department. The Charles Dyer. This is the story of a MAUD and A SONG AT TWILIGHT, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is arguably female-shy forty-year-old who comes to both set in a hotel overlooking Lake the leading puppet theatre in this coun­ London with football mates who are Geneva. "A n elegant and witty piece of try and their production of THE PIED determined to give him a good time. frippery that makes/un o/infidelity and PIPER, which fuses puppetry, poetry, Sadly he is inexperienced in the ways of demonstrates Co ward's immense talent music and dance is based on Robert women. Derek Fowlds (of "Yes Minis­ to amuse" said Mick Barnes in the Sun­ Browning's classic poem. A treat for all ter" fame) stars, Abigail is his perfect Herald. It closes on July 11. ages until July 3. foil. Until July 25. AETT discount $1.00 (except Sat evg) AETT discount $1.00 AETT discount $3.00 (show and din­ Bookings on 498 3166 Bookings on 266 4800 ner). Bookings on 3572233 It Et An Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust presentationl ______12

is a publication of the Australian Elizabethan POSTAGE Theatre Trust which is produced exclusively for PAID its 9,500 members throughout Australia. AUSTRALIA THE AUSTRALIAN ELIZABETHAN THEATRE TRUST (incorporated in the A. C T.)

Patron " ~er Majesty The Queen President Sir Ian Potter Chairman Andrew Briger, AM Chief Executive Kathleen Norris Directors Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman S. Atkinson Sir David Griffin CBE, F. M. Hooke, The Hon. Mr. Justice C. J. Legoe, K. E. Cowley, Dr. T. Manford, D. A. Mortimer L. G. Teale, L. D. S. Waddy, T. C. Yates Director of Finance: Mark Benvau Entrepreneurial Administrators: Dennis Linehan John Woodland I : Australian Content Director: Wendy Blacklock Executive Producer for Musical Theatre: Noel Ferrier Marketing Manager: David Martin Administrator of Orchestras: Warwick Ross Theatre of the Deaf Artistic Director: Patrick Mitchell Theatre of the Deaf Administrator: Priscilla Shorne Ticket Services Manager: Jo Litson Building, Props and Electric Supervisor: Roger Taylor Costume Hires Manager: Michael James f Membership Manager: Carole Long Membership Secretary: Carol Martin ! Melbourne office: Christy Vena Brisbane office: Rosemary Cameron [ Adelaide office: Veronica Bohm Perth office: Janet Durack The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust receives financial assistance for its activities from: The Music, Theatre, Literature and Aboriginal Arts boards of The Australia Council, a statutory body of the Commonwealth Government. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The Government through the Office of the Minister for the Arts. The Queensland Government through the Minister for the Arts. The Victorian Ministry for the Arts. The Government of Western Australia through the W.A. Arts Council. B.P. Australia. The Ian Potter Foundation. The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust is a founder member of CAPPA. Membership enquiries should be directed to the Membership Secretary on 3571200, 153 Dowling St., Potts Point. Postal address: P.O. Box 137, Kings Cross 2011. Registered by Australia Post - Publication No. NBH 1305 May be opened for postal inspection