TIM FIRTHWe profile the writer of Neville’s Island and Calendar GirlsPage 7

WIN $500Enter the BRAVO Award and score the cash prizePage 4

Louisa  May  Alcott’s  beautiful  narrative  has  been  brought  to  life  as  an  exhilarating  new  broadway  musical  filled  with  glorious  music,  singing,  dancing  and  spirit.  From  June  5,  Therry  Dramatic  Society  are  staging  this  Adelaide  premiere  as  their  musical  production  for  their  70th  year.Louisa’s  own  family  experiences  generated  the  novel  which  became  a  timeless  classic.  Based  on  a  2007  online  poll,  the  National  Education  Association  named  the  book  one  of  its  “Teachers’  Top  100  Books  for  Children.”  It  was  one  of  the  “Top  100  Chapter  Books”  of  all  time  in  a  2012  poll  by  the  School  Library  Journal.  The  1994  film,  directed  by  Australian  Gillian  Armstrong  and  featuring  an  all-­‐star  cast  including  Winona  Ryder,  Kirsten  Dunst  and  Claire  Danes,  has  become  a  classic  in  its  own  right.Little  Women  tells  the  story  of  the  adventures  of  Jo,  Meg,  Beth  and  Amy  March  as  they  grow  up  in  Civil  War-­‐era  America.  The  beloved  book  about  the  sisters  is  unforgettable  and  deals  with  issues  as  relevant  today  as  when  they  were  written.  Over  the  years,  it  has  been  seen  as  many  things:  a  romance,  a  quest,  a  family  drama.  It  has  also  been  viewed  by  some  as  one  of  the  earliest  works  of  fiction  to  discuss  gender  politics  and  the  independence  of  women.  Director  Hayley  Horton  says  the  musical  embodies  the  complete  theatrical  experience.“We’re  guaranteeing  a  night  filled  with  laughter,  tears  and  a  

lifting  of  the  spirit,”  she  says.“The  powerful  score,  by  Jason  Howland,  soars  with  the  sounds  of  personal  discovery,  heartache  and  hope  –  the  sounds  of  a  young  woman  finding  her  voice.”Hayley’s  talented  collaborators  include  musical  director  Mark  DeLaine,  choreographer  Vanessa  Redmond,  lighting  designer  Jason  Groves,  costumier  Marie  Dineen  and  set  designer  and  stage  manager  Malcolm  Horton.The  large  cast  includes  Catherine  Hancock  as  Jo,  Emily  Schwab  as  Amy,  Millicent  Sarre  as  Beth,  Rebecca  Raymond  as  Meg,  Carolyn  Mesecke  as  Aunt  March,  Neville  Phillis  as  Mr.  Laurence,  Ian  Andrew  as  Laurie,  Lindsay  Prodea  as  John  Brooke,  Michael  Denholm  as  Professor  Bhaer  and  Trish  Hart  as  Marmee.

“one of the earliest works of fiction to discuss gender politics and the independence of women”

Now hear them sing the storyTherry Dramatic Society puts a classic novel to music - it’s Little Women.

Millicent Sarre, Rebecca Raymond, Emily Schwab and Catherine Hancock in rehearsal for Little Women. Photo Don Oswald

THE MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE THEATRE ASSOCIATION OF SA INC VOL 28 NO 5 JUNE 2013

What: Little Women the Broadway musicalWhen: June 5-15Where: Arts Theatre, Angas Street, CityHow: 8410 5515

2

A round of applauseBehind-the-scenes workers deserve our appreciation.

“It’s  not  just  the  rehearsals,  finding  the  props  and  costumes,  hanging  those  lights  or  building  the  set  that’s  hard  work.Finding  the  right  venue,  doing  the  accounts,  running  front  of  house,  advertising  the  show  and  being  on  a  committee  are  essential  jobs  requiring  people  with  time,  talent  and  commitment.Many  groups  struggle  with  these  behind-­‐the-­‐scenes  roles.      It  can  be  tricky  to  find  the  right  people  prepared  to  put  lots  of  work  in  on  the  ‘less  glamorous’  jobs  rarely  getting  the  applause  they  deserve.Currently  several  theatre  groups  are  in  a  state  of  hiatus  simply  because  they  can’t  find  enough  people  prepared  to  help  with  these  kinds  of  supporting  roles.If  you  want  to  work  in  theatre  and  don’t  yearn  for  the  spotlight  -­‐  let  a  theatre  group  know.    They  will  bite  your  hand  off  -­‐  and  you  can  have  a  rewarding  time.And  if  your  group  already  has  good  support  from  fabulous  people,  treasure  them.    And  consider  nominating  them  for  our  new  Bravo  Award  which  celebrates  the  very  best  in  non-­‐profit  theatre.Details  are  on  Page  4.    Go  on,  they  deserve  it!”

Editor Dave Simms

ENCORE MAGAZINEThe monthly publication of the Theatre Association of SA Inc. Editor: Dave SimmsE: encore-editor@tasaonline.org.au T: 0409 255 181Senior writer: Benjamin Brooker

SUBMISSIONS AND DEADLINES:Members can provide flyers, photos, articles, media releases, notices by 15th of the month for free inclusion.Please supply flyers or posters as in colour in portrait A4 shape. Colour photos should be at least the size of a postcard and between 500kb and 2MB.We invite submissions for publication. Any material received will be taken as permission to publish. The Editor reserves the right to reject or edit all contributions. Expressions of opinion by any contributor must not be considered to be the opinion of the editor or of the association and no responsibility will be accepted for any matters arising therefrom. Advertisers are advised that all advertising copy is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act and the Copyright Act.Information is assumed to be correct at the time of printing and no responsibility is taken for any errors or omissions.

THEATRE ASSOCIATION OF SA INC. PO Box 187 PARK HOLME SA 5043Affiliated with Association of Community Theatres, NSW

tasaonline.org.aufacebook.com/TheatreAssociationofSouthAustralia

The TASA Committee: President: Fran Edwards; Vice-President: Laraine Ball; Secretary: Jacqui Mulady; Treasurer: Patsy Thomas; Committee members: Therese Hornby, Aaron MacDonald, Paul Rodda, Dave Simms.

ENC

OR

E ED

ITO

RIA

L Ju

ne 2

013

NO

TIC

EBO

ARD

Jun

e 20

13

AUDITIONS

DATE:  Sunday 16 June from 2 pm - Monday 17 June from

7:30 pmINFO NIGHT:  Monday June 3 -

VENUE: Maylands Church of Christ Hall, cnr Portrush Road &

Nora Street, Maylands

SHOW:  Grease

COMPANY:  The Metropolitan Musical Theatre

DIRECTOR:  Amanda Rowe  MUS DIR: Gordon Combes 

CHOREO: Carmel Vistoli

SEASON:  October 17-26

AUDITIONEES:  18 years and over

INFORMATION:  Mary on 8250 0379

AUDITIONSDATE: Sunday 23 June from 4.30pm by appointmentVENUE: The Arts Centre, 22 Gawler St, Pt NoarlungaSHOW: Dad’s Army by Jimmy Perry and David CroftCOMPANY: Noarlunga Theatre CompanyDIRECTOR: Brady Gambling & Assisted by Linda EdwardsSEASON: November 23-30ROLES: 17 roles available: 10 male, 7 femaleFor appointments contact the director Brady Gambling on

0439 868 419 or at b_gambling@icloud.com

AUDITIONS

DATE: Sunday 23 June by appointment

INFO NIGHT: Monday 17 June 7.30pm

VENUE: Stirling Community Theatre, Avenue Rd, Stirling

SHOW: A Little Night Music

COMPANY: Hills Musical Company

DIRECTOR: Director: Kate Anolak, MD: Mark DeLaine

SEASON: November 8-23

ROLES: Visit hillsmusical.org.au/a-little-night-music/

To book an audition time, contact Hayley on

hortonh@internode.on.net or phone 0412 441 367

DIRECTORS FOR 2014Stirling Players Inc invite Directors to submit plays for production in 2014.SEASONS: Feb 21-March 8th, & Oct 3rd-18th.Play selection criteria & protocol available on request. Closing date for submissions June 13th.Postal address for submission application; Stirling Players Inc PO Box 455 Stirling 5152.

Enquiries to: stirlingplayerssecretary@gmail.com or 83881852.

3

“About  30  years  ago,  Spotlight  Theatre  Co,  then  called  Collage,  started  rehearsing  its  first  play  in  a  members  lounge  room.  They  found  a  home  in  the  old  Enfield  High  School  Drama  Centre  (complete  with  resident  cat)  changing  their  name  to  Spotlight  in  1988.  then  in  1991  moving  to  Salter  Hall  in  Hillcrest  Hospital  and  in  1995  to  Covernton  Hall  at  Strathmont.Spotlight’s  fare  was  mostly  drawn  from  the  better  farces,  comedies  and  murder  mysteries  but  they  did  test  themselves  regularly  with  more  challenging  plays.  In  the  list  of  shows  you  can  find  The  Maids,  84  Charing  Cross  Road  and  Educating  Rita.    In  addition,  in  the  90’s,  the  company  formed  a  relationship  with  the  SA  Writers  Theatre  and  presented  works  from  members  of  SAWT.Over  the  years  a  number  of  almost  legendary  local  theatre  figures  have  been  involved  in  Spotlight.  These  included  Sam  and  Jaqui  Franks,  Ray  Creevey,  Brian  Godfrey,  Paula  Carter  and  many  others  no  less  prominent  but  too  numerous  to  name.The  company  was  a  busy  one,  doing  as  many  as  6  plays  a  year  but  eventually  they  were  met  yet  again  with  the  necessity  to  move  venues.At  this  moment  Jo  Webb  and  Tony  Moore  arrived  on  the  scene,  returning  from  a  long  stay  in  the  UK  and  the  

company  decided  to  continue  by  doing  one  of  Tony’s  plays  Vampire!!”  A  temporary  stay  of  execution  was  granted  allowing  them  to  stay  in  Strathmont  for  this  one  play.    After  that  the  company  became  peripatetic  for  a  while  presenting  productions  at  Goodwood  and  then  eventually  at  Holden  Street  where  we’ve  been  since  2007.The  decision  was  made  to  focus  on  new  work.  Since  2005  Spotlight  has  presented  about  10  world  premieres  and  one  SA  premiere.  (Not  all  of  these  are  Tony’s  work.  The  company  is  very  proud  to  have  presented  works  by  a  number  of  other  Adelaide  and  interstate  writers  including  a  young  Adelaide  based  Sudanese  writer,  Dak  Thondit.)The  time  has  come  however  to  turn  off  the  Spotlight.  Facing  reducing  audience  numbers  and  the  difficulty  of  running  a  company  that  only  does  new  work,  we  have  decided  that  the  end  of  June  2013  will  also  see  the  end  of  Spotlight  Theatre  Company.  Jo  and  Tony  are  not  quitting  Adelaide  theatre  nor  will  they  stop  producing  plays.    However  work  will  be  presented  on  an  ad  hoc  basis.  When  we  find  a  good  play  we’ll  do  it!”

Tony  Moore

In  the  tradition  of  Shirley  Valentine  and  Educating  Rita,  Johnny  Grim’s  gentle  comedy  about  love,  garden  gnomes,  and  women  of  a  certain  age  is  coming  to  Adelaide  in  June.Julie  hasn’t  seen  her  best  mates  Carol,  Sheila  and  Tess  since  they  had  a  knees-­‐up  at  Sheila’s  to  celebrate  her  son’s  divorce.  Now  they’re  due  at  Julie’s  immaculate  house  (complete  with  water  feature  and  a  wishing  well)  to  check  husband  Frank’s  latest  effort  at  home  improvement.  But  Julie  has  something  else  on  her  mind  other  than  the  leaning  gazebo  of  Salford;  she  just  isn’t  too  sure  how  to  share  her  news,  news  that  she  suspects  will  leave  the  girls  gobsmacked.We  join  the  girls  as  they  arrive  at  Julie’s  “lovely  posh  ‘ouse”,  where  we  get  to  eavesdrop  in  on  “all  the  goss”  and,  to  top  it  off,  we  are  privy  first-­‐hand  to  Julie’s  “you  could  have  knocked  me  over  with  a  bloody  feather”  news.Featuring  Tina  Cini,  Theresa  Dolman,  Maxine  Grubel  and  Joanna  Webb,  Tainted  Love  will  see  theatre  veteran  Tony  Moore  return  to  the  director’s  chair  for  Spotlight  Theatre  Company’s  last  hurrah.“Johnny  Grim  is  based  in  Perth  these  days  but  originally  he’s  from  Manchester,  where  Tainted  Love  is  set,”  Tony  says.  “It  will  make  audiences  laugh  and  cry  along  with  the  girls  as  they  come  to  terms  with  Julie’s  startling  revelation.”“I  regularly  hear  from  people  that  there  aren’t  enough  plays  that  feature  women  as  the  central  characters  and  that  address  the  world  from  a  women’s  point  of  view.  This  one  does.”

Tainted LoveSpotlight’s last play

Switching off the spotlightThe end of June 2013 will also see the end of Spotlight Theatre Company explains Tony Moore.

Spotlight’s Tony Moore in rehearsal.

What: Tainted LoveWhen: June 20-29Where: Holden Street Theatres, HindmarshHow: Venue*TIX or 8225 8888

PREV

IEW

S J

une

2013

4

NEW

S Ju

ne 2

013

Now’s  the  time  to  put  in  your  nominations  for  new  TASA  Bravo  award.    The  deadline  is  June  30  -­‐  so  you  MUST  do  it  this  month!    And  you  have  to  do  the  nominating!The  award  recognises  this  year’s  most  significant  contribution  to  top  quality,  non-­‐profit  theatre  and  will  be  presented  at  the  Adelaide  Theatre  Guide  dinner  in  September.An  independent  judging  panel  lead  by  Samela  Harris  will  determine  the  award  recipient  who  not  only  gets  a  smart  glass  trophy,  but  also  a  cash  prize  of  $500.All  member  companies  and  individual  TASA  members  can  be  nominated.You  can  nominate  someone  from  your  company  or  the  company  as  a  whole.It’s  for  achievement  through  the  year  -­‐  not  one  specific  production  or  performance.The  judges  will  be  looking  for• Evidence  of  high  standards,  dedication  and  passion• Working  to  the  best  of  ability  with  no  expectation  of  reward

• Evidence  of  effectiveness  and  critical,  artistic,  social  or  financial  success

• A  creative  and  innovative  approach• Evidence  of  positive  feedback  from  audiences,  cast/crew,  reviewers  etc

Simply  complete  the  nomination  form  and  submit  a  short  letter  about  why  the  nominee  should  win!Nominations  should  be  based  on  the  period  July  1  2012  to  June  30  2013.There’s  a  copy  of  the  nomination  form  enclosed  and  you  can  download  one  at  any  time  from  the  TASA  website.Get  your  thinking  cap  on  and  nominate  someone  for  the  inaugural  award!    It’s  a  great  way  to  say  thank  you  to  the  hardest  workers  from  your  company.

What: BRAVO AWARDWhen: Entries close June 30, Awarded September 14How: tasaonline.org.au

It’s for achievement through the year - not one specific production or performance.

Win $500Enter the Bravo Awards and you could score the cash and a trophy

5

Penned  by  Englishman  Tim  Firth,  Neville’s  Island  is  the  story  of  four  out-­‐of-­‐condition,  middle-­‐aged  middle  managers  who  set  off  on  a  corporate  team  building  exercise.  They  succeed  in  being  the  first  people  ever  to  get  shipwrecked  on  an  island  in  the  Lake  District.What  should  have  been  a  bonding  process  for  Gordon,  Angus,  Roy  and  Neville  turns  into  a  muddy,  bloody  fight  for  survival.  When  night  settles  in,  strange  things  happen  out  in  the  wilds.  The  four  men  will  never  forget  what  takes  place  on  Neville's  Island  during  this  foggy  weekend!Director  Michael  Eustice  says  that  rehearsals  have  been  a  riot.  “It’s  a  long  time  since  I’ve  had  so  much  fun  preparing  for  a  production,”  he  smiles.“We’ve  been  finding  it  hard  to  keep  a  straight  face  with  some  of  the  hysterical  lines  and  scenes  we  need  to  deliver.”  Michael  says  that  if  you  don’t  laugh  at  Neville’s  Island,  you  are  probably  dead!Paul  Davies  as  Neville  uses  his  

questionable  cryptic  crossword  skills  to  set  up  this  ‘lord  of  the  flies’  misadventure.  Paul  was  last  seen  in  Mixed  Salad's  Feelgood  and  for  the  Therry  Society  as  the  ‘man  of  the  moment’  in  the  play  of  the  same  name.    Nigel  Tripodi,  an  Adelaide  Theatre  Guide  Best  Actor  award  winner  in  2011  and  Adelaide  Critics  Circle  nominee  for  his  performance  in  the  Theatre  Guild’s  production  of  A  View  from  a  Bridge  will  play  the  infuriatingly  arrogant  Gordon.Portraying  the  hysterically  obsessive  Angas  is  Thorin  Cupit,  a  graduate  of  the  Flinders  University  Drama  Department.  He  is  well  known  to  Adelaide  theatregoers,  having  appeared  in  Don’s  Party  at  the  Adelaide  Rep  in  2012.Peter  Smith,  meanwhile,  was  last  seen  at  Adelaide  Rep  playing  the  Vicar  of  Worcester  in  their  2010  production  of  The  Herbal  Bed.  In  Neville’s  Island,  Peter  will  be  playing  the  disconcertingly  fundamentalist  character  of  Roy  who  is  at  his  happiest  up  a  tree  in  his  underpants  getting  closer  to  God.

Profile of Tim Firth on Page 7

This  month  Balaklava  Community  Arts  is  celebrating  its  30th  year  of  bringing  quality  productions  to  the  local  area.  They  are  celebrating  by  bringing  to  the  stage  snippets  from  previous  productions  including  Annie,  Fiddler  on  the  Roof,  My  Fair  Lady,  Oklahoma  and  Pirates  of  Penzance  among  others.With  roaring  chorus  and  dance  numbers,  and  bringing  back  some  old  faces  to  revise  their  previous  roles,  director  Kelly  Bickle  says  Spotlight  on  30  Years  will  be  a  feast  for  the  eyes  and  ears.  The  evening  shows  are  BYO  cabaret  style  so  there  will  definitely  be  a  party  atmosphere  at  Balaklava  Town  Hall.Meanwhile,  over  at  Stirling,  eyes  are  firmly  on  the  bright  future  ahead  for  the  talented  youngsters  at  the  Hills  Youth  Theatre.

They  are  presenting  a  lively  and  colourful  adaptation  of  Kenneth  Grahame’s  classic  Wind  in  the  Willows.The  classic  tale  follows  the  adventures  of  the  famous  characters;  Mole,  Ratty,  Badger  and  Mr.  Toad.    After  living  in  his  hole  for  his  entire  life,  Mole  decides  to  explore  the  real  world.    Along  the  way  he  experiences  amazing  new  things  and  makes  three  wonderful  friends.    But  can  he  help  Ratty  and  Badger  get  Mr.  Toad’s  home  back  from  the  evil  weasels?    

Young and old(er) talentJune’s busy in Balaklava and Stirling

A comedy in thick fog!Four men will never forget what takes place on Neville's Island at The Adelaide Rep this month.

Peter Smith, Thorin Cupit, Paul Davies and Nigel Tripodi are lost on Neville’s Island!

What: Spotlight on 30 yearsWhen: June 14-15 at 2pm and 7.30pmWhere: Balaklava Town HallHow: 8862 1793

What: Wind in the WillowsWhen: June 14-23Where: Stirling Community TheatreHow: 8339 3931

PREV

IEW

S J

une

2013

What: Neville’s IslandWhen: June 20-29Where: Arts Theatre, Angas St, CityHow: 8212 5777 or trybooking.com

“if you don’t laugh at Neville’s Island, you are probably dead.”

6

★What’s  your  happiest  theatre  memory?    Telling  my  year  11  English  teacher  (who  was  very  inspirational  to  me)  that  I  was  directing  One  Flew  Over  the  Cuckoo's  Nest  which  had  been  an  absolute  favourite  in  high  school  

★What  was  your  worst  theatre  moment?    Completely  forgetting  the  words  to  If  I  Were  a  Bell  in  Guys  and  Dolls!    Apparently  it's  a  cursed  song  and  all  women  who've  played  Sarah  Brown  have  had  similar  experiences.    Thankfully  the  character  is  supposed  to  be  drunk  so  breaking  into  a  random  "la  la  la"  went  pretty  much  unnoticed!

★The  best  lesson  I  ever  learned  was..  There  are  no  small  parts,  only  small  actors  and  never  complain  about  a  costume!

★What’s  a  tip  you  can  share?    I  was  taught  by  a  director  to  maintain  a  core  meaning  of  a  show  and  be  true  to  that  throughout.    If  you  have  the  attention  to  detail  that  is  consistent  with  this  central  truth  everything  will  make  sense.

★What’s  the  trickiest  thing  you’ve  attempted?  Designing  my  own  set  for  the  first  time  for  Sweeney  Todd.    I  know  what  I  like,  but  I  can't  draw!

★The  time  I  get  most  nervous  is..  First  blocking  rehearsals.    These  are  the  times  where  everyone  wants  to  find  out  how  I  work  and  what  my  vision  for  the  show  is.

★My  theatre  superstition  is..  Everything!  Don't  knit  backstage,  don't  mention  the  scottish  play,  don't  wish  good  luck,  you  name  it!    In  Little  Women,  two  umbrellas  are  opened  on  stage  each  run...  I  cringe  every  time.

★What’s  your  biggest  theatre  gripe?  Directors  who  yell  and  scream.    Thankfully  I  think  these  are  few  and  far  between  but  raising  your  voice  to  a  cast  or  crew  member  is  never  justified.

★The  directors  I  admire  most  are….  David  Lampard  and  Sally  Putnam.    They  have  produced  amazing  stories  with  the  audience  in  mind  and  I  am  always  excited  by  their  work.    

★What  was  the  last  play  you  saw  and  was  it  any  good?    Driving  Miss  Daisy  with  the  amazing  Angela  Lansbury  and  James  Earl  Jones  was  a  masterclass  in  how  to  direct,  tell  a  story  and  personify  a  character.    

★The  show  I  dream  of  doing  is..  Stephen  Sondheim's  Assassins.    I  know  exactly  what  the  set  looks  like  and  I  adore  the  score  and  the  book.

ENCORE INSTANT INTERVIEWDirector and performer Hayley Horton answers our quick fire questions about her theatrical career

INST

ANT

INTE

RVIE

W J

une

2013

Hayley Horton directs Little WomenWhen: June 5-15Where: Arts Theatre, Angas Street, CityHow: 8410 5515

An adaption of Kenneth Grahame’s classic book. Written by Josh Sanders. Directed by Judy Sampson.HILLS YOUTH THEATRE PROUDLY PRESENTS

Windin the

Performance times – June 2013Friday 14 and 21 June at 7.30pm. Saturday 15 and 22 June at 5.30pm

Sunday 16 and 23 June at 2.30pm

Willows

Kids, come dressed as your favourite story book character for a walk on stage

At the Stirling Community Theatre, 7 Avenue Road, StirlingTickets available from 27 May 2013 at Matilda Bookshop, 8 Mt Barker Road, Stirling. Ph: 8339 3931

Adults $15.00, Child/Concession $12.00, Family $48.00 (2 adults, 2 children), $1.50 per each ticket booking fee

7

It  is  no  surprise  that  Tim  Firth  turned  out  to  be  one  of  England’s  finest  comic  playwrights.  His  biography  brims  with  cameos  by  a  veritable  who’s  who  of  British  stage  comedy,  beginning  with  a  brush  with  Willy  Russell  while  at  an  Arvon  Foundation  course  in  Yorkshire.  Later,  Tim  met  David  Baddiel  and  Nick  Hancock  at  Cambridge  University’s  Footlights,  the  illustrious  comedy  club  which  spawned  Monty  Python,  Fry  and  Laurie  and  countless  others.On  leaving  Cambridge,  Tim  made  the  acquaintance  of  Alan  Ayckbourn,  author  of  seventy-­‐seven  plays.    Tim  submitted  a  one-­‐act  play,  Man  of  Letters,  to  Alan  who  soon  requested  a  full-­‐length  play  from  the  young  playwright.    Neville’s  Island,  in  production  this  month  at  the  Rep,  was  Tim’s  response.Originally  produced  by  the  Stephen  Joseph  Theatre  in  1992,  Neville’s  Island  became  a  hit  on  the  West  End  two  years  later.  In  the  cast  were  Jonathan  Coy,  Tony  Slattery,  Paul  Raffield  and  Michael  Silberry.  A  television  film  was  made  and  broadcast  in  1998  starring  Timothy  Spall,  Jeff  Rawle,  David  Bamber  and  Martin  Clunes.The  success  of  Neville’s  Island  –  it  went  on  to  have  productions  in  New  Zealand,  South  Africa,  Germany,  Australia,  Canada,  America,  Norway,  Spain,  Poland  and  Slovenia  –  gave  Tim  the  kind  of  break  most  writers  can  only  dream  of.    What  followed  were  more  plays  for  Alan  Ayckbourn  (The  End  of  

the  Food  Chain,  The  Safari  Party),  television  series  (All  Quiet  on  the  Preston  Front,  The  Rottentrolls),  TV  movies  (The  Flint  Street  Nativity,  Cruise  of  the  Gods),  films  (Kinky  Boots,  Calendar  Girls),  and  a  jukebox  musical  with  one  of  Britain’s  biggest  bands,  Madness  (Our  House).But  what  drives  Tim  Firth?  And  what  

makes  him  laugh?  In  an  interview  with  What’s  On  Stage.com  in  2002,  he  provided  a  slightly  surprising  answer:  not  jokes.  Tim  is  famous  for  his  memorable  one-­‐liners,  so  what  are  we  to  make  of  this?  There  is  a  clue  in  the  same  interview.When  asked  what  his  favourite  joke  was,  Tim  replied  that  he  could  not  answer  because  it  involved  actions.  It  was  a  telling  response  from  a  playwright  who  instinctively  understands  that  writing  good  stage  comedy  requires  much  more  than  just  the  ability  to  string  a  series  of  gags  together  around  a  thin  plot.What  distinguishes  Tim’s  plays  –  and  you  can  bet  it  was  this  which  attracted  the  attention  of  playwrights  of  the  caliber  of  Willy  Russell  and  Alan  Ayckbourn  –  is  his  superior  grasp  of  character,  and  the  ever-­‐present  knowledge  that  almost  all  of  the  best  comedy  hides  something  darker,  even  as  it  makes  our  sides  split  from  laughter.This  much  is  clear,  not  only  from  Tim’s  works  for  the  stage,  but  from  the  playwrights  he  says  he  admires  most:  Mamet,  Ayckbourn,  Stoppard.  The  play  Tim  says  he  would  most  like  to  have  written  is  not,  as  we  might  think,  Bedroom  Farce  or  Educating  Rita,  but  Mamet’s  Glengarry  Glen  Ross,  the  

Pulitzer  Prize-­‐winning  play  about  four  Chicago  real  estate  agents  who  are  prepared  to  engage  in  unethical  and  illegal  acts  –  from  lies  and  flattery  to  bribery,  threats,  intimidation  and  burglary  –  to  sell  undesirable  real  estate  to  unwitting  prospective  buyers.The  full  gamut  of  Tim’s  influences  will  no  doubt  be  on  display  when  his  new  musical,  This  Is  My  Family,  opens  in  Sheffield  this  month  (just  one  day  before  The  Rep’s  Neville’s  Island!)  The  show  centres  on  a  teenager  who  enters  a  writing  competition  to  win  a  holiday  for  her  dysfunctional  family.  If  it  is  anything  like  Tim’s  other  shows,  it  will  not  be  long  before  Adelaide  amateur  theatre  companies  get  their  hands  on  it.This  is  just  the  way  Tim  likes  it.  He  is  well-­‐known  for  supporting  non-­‐professional  productions  of  his  plays,  and  has  even  set  up  a  forum  on  his  official  website  where  amateur  theatre  companies  producing  his  work  can  provide  “feedback  or  thoughts  or  experiences  on  your  show  which  might  benefit  other  groups  planning  future  productions.”    Companies  are  invited  to  leave  “comments  on  production  planning,  size,  staging  difficulties,  snags  or  simple  feedback  on  how  things  went.”    

What drives Tim Firth?Benjamin Brooker profiles the writer of Calendar Girls and Neville’s Island

“He is well-known for supporting non-professional productions of his plays, and has even set up a forum”

FEAT

UR

E J

une

2013

Playwright Tim Firth

8

BED RIDDENVenture Theatre Co

Review by Richard Lane April 26 2013

The  latest  venture  by  this  company    which  creates  and  performs  new  material,  is  a  brand  new  hospital  farce  written  by  Jaye  Toetu  and  centred  on  the  bed  of  Emma,  a  teenager  who  has  broken  her  leg  playing  lacrosse.The  plot  is  rather  thin  and  seems  to  be,”Who  is  Patient  217  rampaging  around  the  hospital  and  appearing  to  threaten  the  lives  of  other  patients,  doctors  and  nurses?”In  between  ,the  piece  is  filled  with  a  series  of  one-­‐liners  and  cheap  jokes,  most  of  which  are  crude,  distasteful  and  not  very  funny.  Surely  modern  audiences  are  over  gags  about  “hairy  cracks,”  and  similar  little  gems.  This  critic  certainly  is.The  main  set  is  simple  and  quite  effective,  though  perhaps  a  little  unbalanced.    Much  of  the  action  centres  around  Emma’s  bed  and  maybe  it  would  have  worked  better  if  it  was  a  little  more  down  centre  to  bring  the  action  closer  to  the  audience.  The  lighting  and  sound  effects  by  Al  Toetu  were  very  effective  .The  playwright  was  also  the  director  and  despite  the  play’s  failings  the  pace  was  a  cracker,  which  all  farces  should  be.    To  his  credit,  the  young  cast  threw  themselves  into  their  roles  with  great  energy,  sometimes  to  the  detriment  of  clear  diction.  Those  who  did  well  were  Shelley  Carmen  as  Nikki  (the  nurse  from  hell),  Luke  Wagner  as  Eric,  Christie  Molloy  as  Emma,  Cherie  Murdoch  as  Layla,    Michael  Coumi  as  Brody,  and  Kyle  Hopgood  as  Patient  217.

THE PRODUCERSHills Musical Company

Review by Wendy Mildren April 26 2013

Based  on  the  1968  Mel  Brooks  film  the  Hills  Musical  Company  have  produced  a  rousing  version  very  well  directed  by  Steve  Rudd.Max  Bialystock  is  a  down-­‐and-­‐out  stage  producer  whose  accountant,  Leo  Bloom,  tells  him  that  a  losing  show  would  make  him  more  money    than  a  successful  one.    With  this  information  the  two  of  them  search  for  the  worst  script,  the  most  ineffective  director  and  the  worst  actors,  but  instead  of  failing  it’s  a  huge  success!Jamie  Richards,  as  Max,  was  sensational.    He  has  an  almost  rubber  body  which  he  used  to  extract  the  last  vestige  of  comedy  from  every  line.    His  timing  was  spot  on.Omkar  Nagesh  as  Leo  was  the  perfect  foil.    The  early  scene  where  he  has  hysterics  and  much  use  of  his  little  blue  blanket  was  a  cracker.Paul  Briske,  the  mad  Nazi  playwright,  was  splendid  and  Adam  Harrison  as  Carmen  Ghia,  the  very  gay  friend  of  Roger  DeBris  the  worst  director  in  history,  was  a  standout.Eden  Plaisted  as  Roger  was  splendidly  camp  and  his  portrayal  as  the  musical  Hitler  was  great.    Shenayde  Wilkinson-­Sarti  took  on  the  mammoth  job  of  choreographer  and  the  leading  role  of  Ulla.    She  was  appropriately  voluptuous  and  danced  like  a  professional.Mention  has  to  be  made  of  the  team  who  produced  the  250  costumes!!  They  were  sensational.    The  set  worked  extremely  well  and  the  scene  changes  were  executed  with  some  help  by  the  actors.    The  orchestra  was  a  joy  and  the  large  cast  of  singers  and  dancers  were  splendid  and  worked  well  on  a  fairly  crowded  stage.  

HOUSE GUESTNoarlunga Theatre Company

Review by Kerry Cooper May 3 2013

Francis  Durbridge’s  play  directed  by  Kirstin  Telfer  is  touted  as  a  suspense  thriller,  however  it  did  not  quite  hit  the  mark.The  story  is  set  in  England  where  film  actor  Robert  Drury  and  his  wife  are  plunged  into  every  parent’s  worst  nightmare  when  their  son  Mike  is  abducted.  They  have  been  informed  they  can  not  contact  the  police  or  friends  but  no  ransom  has  been  requested.  Instead  the  kidnapper  appears  at  their  house  and  wants  to  spend  two  nights  with  them.Terry  Crowe  and  Janet  Jauncey  played  Robert  and  Stella  with  a  great  deal  of  melodramatic  flair,  which  did  not  gel  with  the  stiff  upper  lip  expected  of  the  Brits.I’m  not  sure  if  this  was  actors’  choice  or  the  director’s,  but  it  made  the  action  of  the  play  drag  somewhat.Keith  Manson  as  the  bogus  policeman  portrayed  a  menacing  thug  even  when  he  was  smiling.    Mark  Drury  as  his  thuggish  offsider  played  his  part  convincingly.Others  in  the  cast  were  Sarah  Johnson  as  Drury’s  secretary,  Isabella  Shaw,  as  the  bogus  reporter,  Tom  Kress  as  Crozier  the  original  kidnapper  and  Clare  Kelly  as  Dorothy,  Drury’s  cousin.    All  played  their  parts  well  and  were  believable  in  their  roles.Terry  took  on  the  additional  role  of  a  look  alike  using  a  South  African  accent  which  made  this  character  distinctly  different  and  believable.The  set  designed  by  Tom  Bayford  looked  authentic.    The  lighting  and  the  sound  effects  were  all  on  cue,  although  the  gun  shots  were  a  touch  tinny.    All  in  all  the  large  opening  night  audience  were  appreciative.

REV

IEW

S Ap

ril &

May

201

3

9

AWAYAdelaide Uni Theatre Guild

Review by Jacqui Mulady May 4 2013

Michael  Gow’s  play  is  read  in  the  majority  of  secondary  schools  as  part  of  the  English  curriculum.    It  might  also  be  useful  as  a  Social  Studies  exercise.The  student’s  first  offering  for  2013  works  in  the  Little  Theatre  fully  utilising  the  atmosphere  of  an  intimate  setting.Unfortunately  some  of  the  characterisation  did  not  work  as  well.  Kelly  Mildenhall  in  particular,  whilst  funny  at  the  start,  became  exceedingly  grating  as  time  progressed.    I  don’t  believe  this  was  necessarily  due  to  her  acting  ability  but  the  overstatement  of  a  stereotype.    Ben  Todd  on  the  other-­‐hand  was  exceptional  as  the  “under-­‐the-­‐thumb”  husband  just  wanting  to  keep  the  peace  for  the  sake  of  his  daughter.      Robert  Bell  shone  as  both  Rick  and  the  MC  of  the  Park  Talent  Night  (not  however  reminiscent  of  Dirty  Dancing).      Sophia  Dooley  as  a  wife  and  mother  suffering  depression  after  losing  her  only  son  during  the  Vietnam  War  was  exceptional.    Joshua  Coldwell  as  the  Headmaster,  Alex  Daly  as  Tom  and  Karen  Burns  as  Meg  were  also  credible.    The  rest  of  the  ensemble  was  exceedingly  versatile  performing  anything  from  portraits,  mirrors  and  furniture.    Maxim  Bevan  in  particular,  whilst  appearing  a  little  self-­‐conscious,  stole  several  scenes.I  liked  the  director’s  use  of  the  split  levels  of  the  theatre  and  the  interaction  with  the  audience  throughout.    Overall  Aldo  Longobardi  has  done  a  reasonable  job  of  this  production.    This  was  helped  exceptionally  well  by  Richard  Parkhill’s  outstanding  lighting  which  set  every  mood  perfectly.

BRIGADOONMetropolitan Musical Co

Review by Wendy Mildren May 9 2013

It  is  always  a  bold  move  to  put  on  a  show  as  well  known  and  loved  as  Brigadoon,  but  The  Met  pulled  it  off  brilliantly,  complete  with  pipers!Leonie  Osborn  as  director,  Jillian  Gulliver  as  vocal  director,  Gordon  Combes  as  musical  director  and  Carmel  Vistoli  as  choreographer  all  handled  their  portfolios  with  great  skill.Elizabeth  Riley  has  a  magnificent  soprano  voice  and  looked  and  acted  the  part  of  Fiona  splendidly.    She  maintained  a  Scottish  accent  throughout  and  was  a  joy  to  listen  to.      Daniel  Fleming  played  the  slightly  bemused  love  interest  and  sang  well,  his  voice  blending  beautifully  with  Elizabeth’s.    Their  version  of  Heather  on  the  Hill  was  a  standout.Jared  Frost  who  played  the  eager  bridegroom  had  a  magnificent  tenor  voice  and  his  version  of  I’ll  go  home  with  bonnie  Jean  was  beautifully  performed.    Barbara  Nutchey  played  the  happy  bride  and  performed  her  dances  with  great  grace.    Jacinta  Vistoli  as  the  lusty  Meg  Brockie  sang  her  two  songs  with  great  verve.Angus  Smith  in  the  non  singing  role  as  Tommy’s  cynical  drunken  friend  was  excellent  and  his  scene  trying  to  avoid  Meg’s  sexual  advances  was  a  highlight.The  ensemble  singing  was  a  joy  to  listen  to.    Their  opening  song  set  the  standard  for  the  rest  of  the  show.  The  set  worked  well  and  the  inventive  use  of  the  scrim  set  the  mood  for  each  scene.    The  program  noted  that  the  correct  tartans  were  unavailable,  however,  the  costume  crew  managed  very  well.    The  audience  was  vocal  in  their  appreciation  and  most  went  out  of  the  theatre  singing  the  songs!

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALMurray Bridge Players & Singers

Review by Dave Smith May 18 2013

Murray  Bridge  Players  and  Singers  brought  life  and  energy  to  this  bright  production.  Directors  Ken  and  Chris  Melville  assembled  a  large,  mostly  young  cast  and  with  good  music  and  sharp  choreography,  they  succeeded  with  this  tale  of  the  competing  influences  of  sport,  theatre,  friendship  and  love  among  the  students  of  East  High.Musical  director  Ian  Colley  smoothly  ran  the  music  from  his  keyboard  supported  by  Chris  Overton  on  percussion.  The  combo  worked  well  and  Ian  sensitively  supported  the  performers  while  skilfully  managing  the  music  for  the  slick  scene  changes.Jake  Salter  as  Troy  and  Anika  Bartholomeusz  as  Gabriella  came  across  as  genuinely  nice  people  and  coped  well  with  their  large  and  demanding  roles.  They  grew  in  power  and  confidence  as  the  play  progressed  and  by  the  wonderful  final  chorus  and  curtain  calls  were  really  belting  it  out.Tim  Hodgen  as  Chad  and  Cassandra  Brion  as  the  irritating  drama  club  president  Sharpay,  played  solid  supporting  roles,  while  Steve  Angove  and  Janene  Overton  in  the  adult  roles  of  Coach  Bolton  and  Ms  Darbus  the  drama  teacher  had  strong  moments.Kurt  Miegel  played  Ryan  to  perfection.  He  had  a  secure  stage  presence  and  sang,  acted  and  moved  with  skill,  confidence  and  subtle  humour.  Katelin  Kneebone  as  Taylor  stood  out  to  a  similar  degree.  She  was  strong  when  necessary  and  had  controlled  and  sensitive  characterisation,  all  with  an  easy,  natural  style.The  action  moved  well,  assisted  by  a  simple  and  effective  set  which  enhanced  the  mood  of  the  whole  piece.

REV

IEW

S M

ay 2

013

10

>The cast of I bet your life

at Tea Tree Players

<Hi jinx in kilts - that’s bravery at Brigadoon!

<It must be love at White Horse Inn with the cast of SALOS

>Three cheers for the cast of High School Musical at Murray Bridge

SPO

TLIG

HT

ON

YO

U M

ay 2

013

11

May 18-June 1HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALThe famous musical on stageMURRAY BRIDGE PLAYERS & SINGERS

July 26-August 3DRINKING HABITSMeet the wine making sisters of Perpetual SewingVENTURE, venturetheatrecompany.com.au

October 17-26GREASEGrease is the word!THE MET, metmusicals.com.au

May 22-June 1I BET YOUR LIFEA dying man hires a hitman by mistakeTEA TREE PLAYERS, teatreeplayers.com

July 26-August 3FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWDThomas Hardy’s haunting, brooding romanceINDEPENDENT, independenttheatre.org.au

October 31-November 9THE CLUBDavid Williamson’s footy classicGALLEON THEATRE, galleon.org.au

May 24-June 1HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYINGMARIE CLARK MUSICAL, marieclark.asn.au

August 2-417th BALAKLAVA EISTEDDFODBands, ensembles and a finale concertbalaklavaeisteddfod.org.au

November 7-16CORPSE!A frightfully funny comedy about rival twinsTHERRY DRAMATIC SOC, therry.com.au

June 6-15LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICALBased on the novel by Louisa May AlcottTHERRY DRAMATIC SOC, therry.com.au

August 3-17RICHARD IIIShakespeare’s favourite villainTHEATRE GUILD, adelaide.edu.au/theatreguild

November 8-23A LITTLE NIGHT MUSICMoving moments of regret and desireHILLS MUSICAL, www.hillsmusical.org.au/

June 14-23WIND IN THE WILLOWSA new adaptation of Toad’s classic taleHILLS YOUTH THEATRE, sct.org.au/hyt/

August 10-18POCAHONTASNative American lore and beautiful musicHILLS YOUTH THEATRE, sct.org.au/hyt/

November 8-16PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLDThe greatest Irish comedy ever writtenINDEPENDENT, independenttheatre.org.au

June 14-16SPOTLIGHT ON 30 YEARSA celebration of BCA’s historyBALAKLAVA COMM ARTS, 8862 1173

August 21-31MEET MY HUSBANDSA comic look at advertising and the mediaTEA TREE PLAYERS, teatreeplayers.com

November 19-23A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVALAlan Ayckbourn’s take on the Beggar’s Opera!ST JUDE’S PLAYERS, 8270 4205

June 20-29TAINTED LOVEJulie’s friends think they’ve come to see her gazebo!SPOTLIGHT THEATRE, venuetix.com.au

August 22-25THE GYPSY BARONPopular Johann Strauss MusicalSALOS, 8294 6582

November 21-30MYSTERY OF THE HANSOM CABA comedy melodrama with a local twist!ADELAIDE REP, adelaiderep.com

June 20-29NEVILLE’S ISLANDA comedy in thick fog by Tim FirthADELAIDE REP, adelaiderep.com

August 22-31PRIVATE LIVESNoel Coward’s wildly funny masterpieceTHERRY DRAMATIC SOC, therry.com.au

November 22-29DAD’S ARMYDon’t panic it’s the Home Guard!NTC, noarlungatheatrecompany.com.au

July 3-27THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERASurrender to the music of the nightMATT BYRNE MEDIA, mattbyrnemedia.com.au

September 5-14VANITY FAIRBecky Sharp as you’ve never seen her before!ADELAIDE REP, adelaiderep.com

What’s next?You tell us!

July 11-132061 A SPACE IDIOCYYouth and Junior group productionTEA TREE PLAYERS, teatreeplayers.com

October 2-12NANNA’S NAUGHTY KNICKERSBridget and Grandma become roommates.TEA TREE PLAYERS, teatreeplayers.com

July 19-27OLIVER!Timeless musical based on DickensGILBERT & SULLIVAN SOC, gandssa.com.au

October 4-19THE LADY IN THE VANA quirky but true tale from Alan BennettSTIRLING PLAYERS, stirlingplayers.sct.org.au

July 25-August 3THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAYSA Premiere of a side-splitting hole-in-one farceST JUDE’S PLAYERS, 8270 4205

October 4-26RESERVOIR DOGSTarantino’s blood-soaked heist live on stage!MATT BYRNE MEDIA ,mattbyrnemedia.com.au

July 26-28ALICE IN WONDERLANDDisney’s musical versionADELAIDE YOUTH THEATRE, ayt.com.au

October 5-19HOLY DAYAndrew Bovell's mystery about survivalTHEATRE GUILD, adelaide.edu.au/theatreguild

Who’s on first?

WH

AT’S

ON

LIS

TIN

GS

June

201

3

.............................................................................................................Name

.........................................................................................................Address

......................................................................................................................

........... ....................................................................................Postcode Email

.........................Preferred phone My membership is renewal new

I am applying for Group membership $75 Individual membership $25

.................................................. ...................................................Signed Date

Get your own copy of ENCORE mailed to you each month!

Everything you want to know, News from SA’s amateur theatre scene, Coming soon previews, Opportunities to audition or direct, Reviews of past shows, Every Month!

$25 gives you 11 issues of Encore a year, PLUS a username and password for access to the members area of our website so you can read our reviews as soon as they are posted. Groups pay $75.

Sign up NOW at tasaonline.org.au

If undeliverable, return to:

THEATRE ASSOCIATION OF SA INCPO Box 187PARK HOLME SA 5043

Encore Magazine

PRINT POST

PP 535513/0007

POSTAGEPAID

AUSTRALIA

PREFER SNAIL MAIL?Mail this form: TASA PO Box 187 PARK HOLME SA 5043, Enclose a cheque, or deposit the funds into the TASA bank account.Theatre Association of SA IncBSB 105124 Account 457326840.Please advise us of your transfer at treasurer@tasaonline.org.au