The Local Paper. Eastern Suburbs Edition. Wed., Feb. 8, 2023

Bert’s Home Care

SAFER JOURNEYS IN WARRANDYTE

■ Motorists across Melbourne’s north-east are experiencing smoother, safer journeys thanks to the completion of important road maintenance works on a key arterial road.

Melissa Horne, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, said the $4 million road rehabilitation works along a 1.7-kilometre stretch of Yarra St and Ringwood-Warrandyte Rd in Warrandyte have strengthened and restored the condition of the road for years to come.

As part of the works, crews have replaced the road surface, repaired the structural layer of the road and upgraded line marking between Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Rd and Jumping Creek Rd.

Drainage and other maintenance works were also undertaken to future-proof the road.

The works were part of the State Labor Government’s $780 million investment to rebuild, repair and resurface more than 1,600 kilometres of the state’s roads.

Across the state, crews will deliver more than 1300 individual road maintenance projects, patch thousands of potholes and replace and repair 20,000 roadside signs.

Final finishing works are also continuing as part of the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade, with new traffic lights at the Main Rd intersection already making it safer – easing congestion for more than 60,000 motorists who drive through this busy corridor each day.

Minor works are continuing to take place at the Fitzsimons Lane intersections at Main Rd and Porter St, as well as the Foote St and Williamson Rd intersection which will be completed in early 2023.

“We have been able to get on with completing these important works as part of the ongoing investment in upgrading and maintaining Victoria’s road network,” said Ms Horne.

“These works are built to last and ensure motorists in Warrandyte can experience smoother, safer and more reliable journeys for years to come.”

Sonja Terpstra, Eastern Metropolitan Region MLC, said: “The completion of works at Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte is a boon for all road users – ensuring better traffic flow and safer, smoother travel.”

● Melissa Horne, Minister for Roads and Road Safety

The Local Paper

Vale Howard Purcell

■ A true son of Yea, Howard William Purcell, died on January 13, at the age 83, following a long illness.

The funeral service was held at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity at Ivanhoe Grammar School on January 24, with burial that same afternoon at Yea Lawn Cemetery.

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In the eulogy delivered by family friend Geoff Brown (Executive Officer of Old Ivanhoe Grammarians), Howard was remembered for his Yea family and business roots, his Ivanhoe Grammar School connection, his long service as a Freemason, and his community associations.

Howard Purcell was born on September 19, 1939. His mother was Mary Stuart ‘Joy’ Purcell (nee Sergeant). His father, Bill, and uncle George, were Ivanhoe Grammar School boarders in 1920. His uncle, Harold, attended in 1933-34. Howard attended from 1957.

Bill (BEM) assisted School founder Sydney Buckley evacuate the Ivanhoe pupils to Yea’s Beaufort House in 1942, during World War II.

There is a photo of Howard on his fourth birthday, surrounded by Ivanhoe students.

He received halfcolours for football, and was a handy batsman in the 2nd XI.

In 1963, Howard began courting a young nurse, Beverley Hacquoil. Bev and Howard had known each other as children in Yea.

They married in 1965. Son Stuart arrived in 1967.

Local Briefs College grows

Geoff Brown mentioned that Stuart had returned home for the past three years, to play his part in attending to his parents.

Howard joined Freemasonry in 1960, first as a member then Master of the Duke of Clarence Lodge, Yea, and later at Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge where he was Master for three years.

In recent years he was presented with his 60-year jewel.

Long Shots

■ Australian Christian College, a rapidly growing national provider of top-notch schooling, has announced the transfer of Australis Christian College into the network.

Australian Christian College Hume Ltd was granted campus registration on December 31, by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority.

For the past six years the campus has had a steady stream of enrolment growth, gaining approximately 80 students from Prep to Year 8 during that time.

“Over the past few months enrolments have grown to over 100 for the 2023 school year with staff morale remaining incredibly high and supportive throughout the change of governance,” said a representative.

This school is well positioned in the rapidly expanding area between the Melbourne CBD and the Mornington Peninsula.

Features Editor: Peter Mac

Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Mike McColl Jones, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Jim Sherlock, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, Gavin Wood, John O’Keefe

Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Sherryn

Danaher, Mary Downie, Peter Green, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel

Logistics: Steven Andrews, Graeme Hawke, Susan Karolyi, Gary McQuade

Credit Manager: Michael Conway OAM, Fast Action Debt Recovery, 0402 142 866

Celebrating 54 years in local media

A Masonic Commemoration Service was led by Haydn Gregson and Todd Little.

The service at Ivanhoe was led by Canon John Sanderson, and a tribute was paid at Yea Lawn Cemetery by Gary Pollard.

Howard’s many Yea involvements included the Apex Club, Boundary Creek Cricket Club and the Yea Football Club.

In addition to his community contact through E.S. Purcell & Co., the family had a deep involvement with the Yea CFA.

Geoff Brown mentioned Howard’s involvement as an Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Councillor, donating a library, a seat of learning, and a bequest.

“For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

“Well done, good and faithful servant,” Mr Brown said.

Arrangements were in the hands of Selwyn Allen & Co.

The transfer of registration brings with it a campus name change to Australian Christian College - Casey and it also joins the Christian Education Ministries group at a corporate level. This brings to 12 the CEM network of schools in Australia.

Newly appointed ACC Casey Principal Darryl Pollard says he is energised ahead of the new school year and welcomes the growth that will come from being part of the CEM network.

Award winners

■ Maxine Gross was one of two recipients for the Boroondara Citizen of the Year Award, acknowledging her charity work as co-founder of You Matter which helps survivors of family violence to restart their lives.

John Unkles was also recognised as 2023 Citizen of the Year for his tireless volunteering with the Camberwell Hockey Club, for over 35 years.

Mike and Ben Zhou were joint winners of the 2023 Young Citizen of the Year for their ongoing community contribution through Christmas busking.

Box Hill link

■ Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad charged two people last week following an investigation into significant money laundering by an offshore organised crime syndicate.

Two warrants were executed at addresses in Port Melbourne and Melbourne, with further searches at residential properties in Melbourne and Box Hill.

A 39-year-old Port Melbourne man was charged with the Commonwealth offences of directing activities of a criminal organisation, dealing with proceeds of crime ($10,000,000+), dealing with proceeds of crime ($1,000,000+), dealing with property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime, offence committed for the benefit of an organisation and offence committed at the direction of an organisation.

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In a move to Melbourne, Howard secured a good job with Safeway, and later with the Knorr family’s supermarket at East Ivanhoe.

Howard and Bev jumped at the opportunity of returning to the country, purchasing the Whitfield General Store.

After three years there, they retired, returning to Melbourne (Viewbank), where Howard found a comfortable job ferrying cars for Courtney and Patterson.

In their leisure time, Howard and Bev enjoyed 26 cruises, a trip on the Flying Scotsman, and an excursion to Gallipoli where he found his grandfather’s grave.

A 31-year-old Melbourne woman was charged with the Commonwealth offences of dealing with proceeds of crime ($1,000,000+), dealing with property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime, offence committed for the benefit of an organisation and offence committed at the direction of an organisation

The duo was remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 31.

Police subsequently seized an Audi Q5 and a number of bank accounts and bank cards in various names.

The investigation commenced in 2021 when detectives from the Major Drug Squad uncovered an alleged Malaysian money laundering syndicate as part of a separate investigation.

Investigators worked with AUSTRAC to identify offenders, trends and methods used by the syndicate.

Police will allege at least $25M over a three-month period was collected, deposited or channelled in cryptocurrency by the syndicate.

The 39-year-old Port Melbourne man is believed to have been acting as a mule for the offshore syndicate, collecting money and depositing it into various bank accounts.

● ● Howard William Purcell

Yarra City Council has again been certified as a carbon-neutral organisation through the Australian Government’s Climate Active program. Yarra was the first council in Victoria – and just the second in Australia – to be certified carbon neutral in 2012 and has been certified as compliant every year since. “Our long-held certification as a carbon-neutral organisation demonstrates Yarra’s commitment to addressing the climate emergency head-on through measurable actions,” said Yarra Council Mayor Cr Claudia Nguyen.

Whitehorse City Council proposes to impose a requirement for the property at 10 Winton St, Burwood to carry out drainage works. The works involve the installation of an outfall drain from the property to the Council’s external drainage system and, in the opinion of the Council, are required for the proper drainage of the buildings and improvements erected on the property and the surface and storm water from the land.

Prime Minister at Box Hill

■ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other esteemed guests were welcomed to Box Hill for the 2023 Whitehorse Lunar New Year Festival.

The event, hosted by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse with a long history of support from the Whitehorse City Council, celebrate dthe year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture.

Guests included Andrew Giles, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs; Colin Brookes,Victorian Minister for Multicultural affairs, Michael Sukkar MP, Dr Carina Garland MP, Keith Wolahan MP, Paul Hamer MP, Will Fowles MP, John Mullahy MP, Matt Fregon MP, Ms Jess Wilson MP, Dr Matthew Bach MLC; Mr. Zeng Jianhua, Acting Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne, Victorian Multicultural Commission; chairperson Vivienne Nguyen and vice chair and Whitehorse local Mr Bwe Thay, Bihong Wang, President of the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse.

Mayor Cr Mark Lane said: “I’m not surprised so many leaders have made the effort to come to Box Hill to celebrate Lunar New Year.”

Warrant over cannabis

✔Maroondah’s most inspirational community members were honoured at an Australia Day event held at Ringwood Lake Park on January 26.

Monash Council’s bin collection contractor, Solo Resource Recovery, has reported a shortage of available drivers that mean some streets in Monash have had missed bin collections on their scheduled day. A small number of bins have been missed, with most properties having bins collected as scheduled. “Council is working with our contractor to assess and action any bins that are missed, including scheduling follow up truck runs with our contractor and Council staff re-visiting missed collections,” said a Council representative on Monday (Feb. 6).

Former Keysborough MLA, Martin Pakula, has landed a job with the Australian Football League. The former Labor MP will work one day a week as a major projects advisor, concentrating on the AFL’s proposal for a 19th side based in Tasmania. ● ● ● ● Martin Pakula

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A Springvale family elebrated a decision to mark their entry with their long-held special set of numbers after it delivered them three Division One wins in the one Tattslotto draw just before Christmas. The ticket scored three of the seven Division One wins in the draw. Their ticket scored a total prize of $2,349,901.83. The family were oblivious to their good fortune until they checked their ticket on Christmas Eve. Their winning entry was purchased at Southvale Newsagency, 565 Springvale Rd, Springvale South.

■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Elphas Komen Kamuren. A warrant has been issued for the 25-year-old man’s arrest in relation to possess cannabis.

Kamuren is described as 180cm tall, short black dreadlock style hair and shaved at the sides, brown eyes, and a slim build.

He is known to frequent the CBD, Fitzroy and Heidelberg areas, and is believed to be utilising public transport.

Investigators have released an image of Kamuren in the hope someone may have information on his current whereabouts. Anyone who has other information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 .

This luxury 4 bed, 4 bath modern accommodation in the heart of beautiful Port Douglas awaits you!

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● Anthony Albanese

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● Maroondah award winners Jackson Smith, Alyssa Solidaga, Kham Liam, on behalf of the Chin National Day Festival, and Dennis Johnston.

Lemon Tree on Dreg St

■ There is a beguiling simplicity to Amy May Nunn’s Lemon Tree on Dreg Street

The set (Casey Harper-Wood) with its single flat for a house front and representation of a lemon tree has a Play School feel about it but the human drama of identity, connection and loss would have you believe we are in Chekov’s cherry orchard.

Much of this can be attributed to Nunn’s script which is hilariously comic in places but effortlessly swings into the underlying emotion of individuals struggling for sympathy and understanding.

The mixture of poetic lyricism, dialogue and the absurd is dazzling. Possum (Michelle Perera) is about to marry the lemon tree which lies in the backyard where Twiglet (Ayesha Harris-Westman) and Boots (Ziggy Resnick) live.

A cow loving celebrant (Milo Hartill) comes to officiate but there’s a development vulture (Alex Donnelly)wanting the property.

This mix of characters enable an array of contemporary issues like urbanization, tradition, relationships, betrayal and love to come to the fore. The cohesion of the cast is exemplified in the songs which punctuate the performance.

● ● ● ● ● Continued Next Page

DOES HIMSELF A FAVOUR

BURSTING WITH ENERGY

■ Frenzy Theatre’s production of Motherlod_^e is a wild ride of a show, bursting with energy and imagination, that ran at Theatre Works in St Kilda last month.

The multi-media production is predominantly set inside a theatrically-realised version of the computer game The Sims, that is the PC game is literally brought to life inside the theatre with Frenzy actors playing game characters.

Sarah (actor uncredited), once a keen Sims player as a teenager, revisits her old PC as an adult and jumps back into the game (real people playing the game are shown in videos projected onto a screen at the back of the stage).

The script is credited as being created by Frenzy Theatre Co, Belle Hansen and Matilda

Gibbs, with Amelia Newman as dramaturg. In addition, Flick is the show’s producer with Matilda Gibbs its creative producer and Belle Hansen director.

There is a lot to admire in the work of cast and crew under Hansen’s direction.

Much lively sound and movement takes place as various game characters interact, with plenty of shenanigans going on; two scenes in particular are side-splittingly hilarious i.e. when the devil arrives and when two female characters hop into bed together. The physicality of the performers is a highlight of the production as they bring the Sims characters to life.

There are certainly shortcomings with some aspects of the production.

● ● Continued Next Page

● Alex Donnelly and Michelle Perera in Lemon Tree on Dreg Street. Photo: Jack Dixon-Gunn.

‘The man with the magic hands’

■ Health practitioner Michael Nixon-Livy has the reputation internationally as ‘the man with the magic hands’.

He has returned to Australia after assignments that have seen him practise in clinics in France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Italy and Belgium.

In addition to his teaching commitments, Michael and wife Jo have settled at Macleod where they are raising their two young daughters, aged 6 and 3.

Michael is enthusastic about sharing his services with a method that he developed in the 1990s.

The method - which he says is particularly effective is treating back pain and neck pain - involves a stand-out technique, that Michael teaches to other health professionals including chiropractors and osteopaths.

The technique is gentle contact with points in the body that alerts the body to re-set. The same points that link physical issues in the body, can also affect the emotional operation of the body.

Michael says it is quite an empowering process to assist people re-set their own emotional status and nervous system.

This looks after the whole person in integfrated systematic ways.

Michael labels his care as a ‘Neurostructural Integration Technique’ (NST), and says that leading health authorities believe it to be the world’s premier ‘handson’ technique.

His aim always is for pain removal and rejuvenation.

“Using highly specialised softtissue manipulation, NST is able to reset the body’s muscle tensional system causing safe, natural auto regulation to occur within the spinal column and its structures, therby rapidly eliminating pain and symptoms, while restoring postural integrity and vitality.

“Typically an NST session induces deep relaxation followed by profound and often miraculous results.

“Clinical research has confimred that even in chronic cases, more than 80 per cent of NST recipients are symptom free in 1-5 sessions.

“Safe for all conditions and age groups, an NST session may last anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the individual’s presenting symptoms.”

Appointment fees are $200, which are often fully or partly refundable by some health insurers.

Conditions that respond well to NST include:

■ Back pain, neck pain and all spinal conditions.

■ Leg, knee, ankle and foot conditions.

■ Shoulder, elbow, wrirst and hand conditions.

■ Headaches including migraines.

■ Cranial conditions including whiplash.

Speedy pain relief

■ Arthritis and joint conditions.

■ Accident and sporting injuries.

■ Digestive and intestinal conditions.

■ Asthma and respiratory conditions.

■ Menstrual, fertility and menopausal conditions.

■ Pre and post-natal conditions.

■ Infant and child conditions.

■ Acute and chronic fatigue.

■ Stress conditions and emotional depression.

Michael says that natural law dictates that the body will intelligently reverse patterns of imbalance and dysfunction based on its inherent resources to do so.

As lifestyle irregularities undoubtedly have their consequences for our health, each individual’s response to NST is an honest expression of their body’s unique state of wellbeing.

■ Pain removal and rejuvenation are key at NST Health.

Practitioner Michael NixonLivy says an inspiration for his practice was the life work of Tom Bowen from Australia and Major Bertrand DeJarnette from USA, who he describes as “two greats” in the Sprinal Integration field, using Advanced Kinesiology.

Michael says he was able to isolate then integrate the intrinsic elements of both men’s work into a new Spinal Integration super technique called NST.

Since its European launch in 1996, NST has grown to become a global phenomena in the spinal, sporting and natural health fields.

Michael says that temporary corrective responses may be experienced as the body returns to balance, such as tiredness, general body aches, toxic and emotional releases all of which should be regarded in a very positive therapeutic light.

Michael was born in Melbourne in 1954. He holds qualifications in Osteopathy, Psychology, Applied Physiology, Bowen Therapy , Science and Art.

He is founder of the highly acclaimed Neurostructural Integration Technique - NST and has travelled the world teaching NST to groups of chiropractors, osteopaths, pyshiotherapists, manual therapists and a variety of other health professionals.

Michael encourages people to take control of their health.

As a member of the Australian Traditional Medical Society, he is keen to guide his clients, and also offers counselling. He is registered to provide this service, holding a Diploma.

● ● ● ● Michael Nixon-Livy with wife Jo at NST Health.

● ● ● ● Michael Nixon-Livy treats patients at NST Health in Macleod.

● ● ● ● Michael Nixon-Livy

Auditions

■ Playhouse Players Inc: Dracula (by Bram Stoker) February 9,12,16 and 19 at Fitzroy. Director: Peter Nathan. All bookings and details: 0407 204 000 or petertn@ icloud.com

■ The Mount Players: Buried Child (by Sam Shepard) February 11, 12 at 10.00am at The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Robert Wallace. Audition enquiries: Karlana Santamaria (Producer) 0412 131 260

■ Peoples Playhouse: Elf the Musical, February 17, 18, 19. Frankston. Enquiries: Email peoplesplayhousek4k@gmail.com

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Jumpers for Goal Posts (by Tom Wells), February 19 at 1pm, February 20 at 7pm at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Bruce Akers. Email bwakers27@hotmail.com to book audition time and date.

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Molly Sweeney (by Brian Friel) February 19 at 6pm. February 20 at 7pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Joan Moriarty. Audition bookings: 0447 742988.

■ PLOS Musical Productions: Strictly Ballroom February 25 – 28, Call-backs March 14. Frankston. Further details: www.plos.asn.au

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): An Inspector Calls (by J. B. Priestley) February 26, 27 at 7pm at Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Roderick Chappel. Audition bookings: roderickchappel@ozemail. com.au or call 9718 0486 or 0414 748 308.

■ Avid Theatre and Ardour Productions: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (by William Shakespeare) March 14, 7pm –10pm; March 18, 2pm – 5pm at Malvern Community Church Hall, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Nicholas Opolski. Audition enquiries: nopolski@hotmail.com or 0400 507 788.

- Cheryl Threadgold

From Previous Page

Lemon Tree on Dreg St

The harmonies are tight as is the interaction between the cast. The characters can be absurd and intense yet they all find the emotional centre when it is required. Director Miranda Middleton has found the balance where this is concerned. There are times when caricature and extremes are called for but moments when there is pathos and vulnerability.

Aron Murray’s lighting design evokes an Australian dawn to begin the play and there’s an Australian soundscape (Oliver Beard) that places you in an urban quarter acre where there’d be the ubiquitous lemon tree waiting for a morning supplement of nitrogen. The simple illumination of globes in the tree is enough to have us believe the lemon tree says, “I do” during the ceremony and Beard’s original compositions are touching.

This play should not work given the scope of the subject matter and extremes of character, but the underlying poetic sensibility allows for it to be appreciated on multiple levels. It is raucous and irreverent but also moving and evocative and a tribute to the theatrical vision of Dirty Pennies Theatre Project.

Presented at Theatre Works as part of the 2023 Midsumma Festival.

- Review by David McLean

From Previous Page

Bursting with energy

There is some clunky use of screen projections not making much sense or being too hard to read.

And the energy gets a bit manic and overthe-top in parts of the second half of the show; there’s a sense of ideas being run out of.

However, overall Motherlod_^e is a riot of a show which displays Frenzy’s young troupe of creatives as having grand ambitions and, more importantly, the chops and know-how to realise them.

www.flickflickcity.net

- Review by Peter Murphy

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

AMERICAN IDIOT Confidential

■ Following the widely acclaimed Victorian premiere of Freaky Friday, new musical theatre company Theatrical presents their production of the two time Tony Award winning musical, American Idiot.

The Chapel Off Chapel production features music by five-time GrammyAward winning rock band Green Day, with the book and lyrics written by lead vocalist Billie JoeArmstrong, alongside Tony Award winning director and co-writer Michael Mayer.

Playing for a strictly limited season from March 9-26, be sure to grab your tickets while you can via theatrical.com.au.

Featuring songs from the Grammy Award winning multi-platinum album of the same name and its follow-up album release 21st Century Breakdown, American Idiot tells the story of Johnny, Tunny and Will navigating a post-9/11 world and their journeys trying to break free from suburbia.

Music Theatre Guild Award nominated director Scott Bradley (Rock of Ages, Hairspray) explores the journey of the three young boys as they seek adventure and fulfilment beyond the constraints of their small-town lives through the music and lyrics of American Idiot.

“ Theatrical are amazing to work with. It’s a joy to watch close friends and connections grow and foster, and it really reflects on stage and in the show we are doing,” says Scott.

The all-out rock opera features the entire tracklist of Green Day’s iconic album American Idiot, including the titular song American Idiot, Wake Me Up When September Ends, 21 Guns and Boulevard of Broken Dreams , amongst other fan favourites.

Beyond American Idiot’s entertaining and nostalgic 2000s rock hits, the show explores themes of youth angst, broken relationships, love and loss.

Mat Dwyer (Shrek: the Musical, All Shook Up, Rock of Ages) is ready to rock his first leading role as Johnny, alongside recently returned Broadway Dance Centre & Steps student Ronald Mackinnon (The Polar Express) as Will , and WAAPA graduate John Mondelo (Spring Awakening, Miss Saigon) as Tunny.

“When I saw the energy and skill in the dances and heard everyone sing together, I knew I really wanted to be a part of that. I've loved working with everyone involved in American Idiot and I can already tell this will be a huge, energetic, fun show,” says Mat.

The lead cast is joined by more talented principal cast members named after memorable Green Day songs featured in the musical, including Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Award winner Will Huang (Heathers, Jersey Boys) as St Jimmy, Romy McIlroy (If/Then, NBC’s LaBrea) as Whatsername and Tashiya Prins (Annie, Fame) as Extraordinary Girl.

Harmony Thomas-Brown (Guys and Dolls) will step into the shoes of Heather, Will’s girlfriend, while experienced Theatrical actor Tom Martin (Freaky Friday) will return to the Chapel Off Chapel stage in the role of Favourite Son. An ensemble cast of nine talented stage performers round out the stage telling of a story that traverses the hardships and hope of youth.

Theatrical is a not-for-profit and registered charity from Executive Producer Andrew Gyopar (Spring Awakening, The Boy From Oz, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Rock of Ages, Seussical, Little Women the musical, If/THEN, Freaky Friday), an independent musical theatre company with a mission to engage with all minorities, and provide opportunities for disadvantaged and underrepresented groups who might not otherwise have access to musical theatre.

The company launched with a dedicated Theatrical Community Shed (Victorian Men’s Shed Association member), welcoming people of all gender identities, ability and ages. The program seeks to offer enriching training opportunities for those that may have not yet have had the privilege of access to theatre skills training.

“ Theatrical believes that community-made performing arts is a great way to bring people

Johnny. together. To share skills, socialise and to promote positive mental health,” says Andrew Gyopar.

Theatrical Community Shed is a place for non-performers to experience the joy of being part of a musical theatre production.

Theatrical’s Community Engagement Manager Megan D’Souza says it allows people to use their skills, or learn new skills, to create part of the show and then get to see their work up on stage, meeting a whole lot of new people during the process.

“We have carpenters, fashion designers, interior designers, teachers and administrators who would never have considered themselves as theatre people before they got involved with Theatrical Community Shed.

“Not everyone can afford singing and dancing lessons and not everyone wants to be on stage in the spotlight.

“Theatrical Community Shed enables us to have a much more diverse community involved in creating musical theatre,” says Megan D’Souza.

Theatrical will run workshops this year for those who may not have had access to musical theatre, aimed at helping underrepresented groups of people build their skills and confidence in many disciplines of theatre production.

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On

Oracle

■ Oh God! Literally! Gods and goddesses abounded in The Athenaeum Theatre’s Oracle in a triumphant opening night.

Bass G Fam, Director, Writer and Producer, has gathered an array of talented men and women to give creative life to a childhood fascination with the signs of the Zodiac.

Fam also designed the sensational costumes and Jazmin Varlet was glorious as the blind, visionary narrator, Oracle. Thunder, lightning, and a backdrop of ancient Greece provided a dramatic opening as Varlet, suspended above the stage, declared “I am Oracle”.

Grouped into Air, Earth, Fire and Water, actors personified the myths of the Zodiac signs, performing daring aerial acrobatics and superb dance.

Air sign Libra, saw Keeva Svikart as an Egyptian goddess performing a belly dance; Gemini’s ‘twins’ (Jack Dawson and Reed Kelly) demonstrated brilliant harmony on a trapeze, and beautiful Aquarius (Rhys Lightning) happily bathed in, and spouted water.

Earth signs had Reid McGowan as Taurus the bull, ( Zeus in disguise), seducing Europa (Isobel Moore) while employing sensuous acrobatics.

Virgo’s petite Persephone (Natalya Alessi), is taken to the underworld by Hades, then finally allowed equal time in heaven. Seth Scheuner, in glittering silver mesh, embodies Capricorn.

Fire signs included feisty, sexy Bettie Bombshell as a fire-eating, whip-wielding Leo. Whew! Vampish, horned Sagittarius, (Danny Golding), sported breathtakingly high, black stilettos and ‘furry’legs. Adam Malone as Aries, spun multiple, spinning hoops brilliantly.

There was nothing ‘watery’ about the water signs. Cancer (Soliana Ersie) is bravely protecting the daughters of Poseidon from a giant squib; a lithe Emily Chivers is Scorpio, killing Orion, destroyer of animals; and Pisces (Zoe Marshall), is transformed to a fish to escape the killer Typhon.

Lisa Herbert, a white-winged angel, led wonderful dancers, Beth Cain, Alfie D’Elia, Lexi Bassile, Thomas Remaili, Tomek Choreography by Josephine Magliolo was exceptional. Stage management, music, costumes, lighting and performers, created an eye-popping (and given the lack of a safety net, heart-stopping) production.

Congratulations to all.

Season: Until February 11 Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street Bookings: athenaeumtheatre.com.au via Ticketmaster - Review by Juliet Charles

ARE WE THERE YET?

■ This delightful play presented by Arts Centre Melbourne and CBD KIDS at The Playhouse is written by Finegan Kruckemeyer and based on the book written by award-winning author and illustrator Alison Lester. Ms Lester based her story on an actual journey.

The familiar words “Are We There Yet?” have been heard countless times by parents on long car journeys.

Directed by Liesal Badorrek, this journey commenced in South Australia when the family of five embarked on a road trip around Australia. The story is told by the children as seen through their eyes. Grace is the main character and story teller, accompanied by her two brothers Luke and Billy.

The family drive across the Nullarbor, visit the quokkas on Rottnest Island, Perth, Broome, the Outback, the Top End, Kakadu, Cairns, Surfers Paradise, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Phillip Island before arriving home along the Great Ocean Road.

Somehow the question “Are We There Yet?” becomes irrelevant as the vastness and wonders of Australia unfolded.

Grace (Annie Stafford), Luke (Alex Packard) and Billy (Samuel Welsh) combine to give strong, excellent performances.

Mum and Dad’s part in this trip is cleverly told to the audience by the three children and is appropriately staged in a caravan.

This play is humorous, reflective, and an accurate portrayal of an Australian family holidaying for, as Grace says, “the whole winter (school) term”, giving them an insight into the stunning and magical wonders of Australia. Judging by the audience reaction, we all resonated with the family tales.

As this was a school holiday event, it is appropriate to add a comment made by a seven-year old: “Their trip was long. I really enjoyed the bit where they met the fuzzy animals called quokkas. It was funny and it inspires you to be brave, bold and go through anything.”

A “must see” school holiday entertainment for 5-12 year olds.

- Review by Jill Page

● ● John Mondelo as Tunny, Ronald Mackinnon as Will and Mat Dwyer as

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria: Only Make Believe February 11, 12 at 2pm at The Knowe, Sassafras. Devised and presented by Geoffrey Urquhart and Robert Ray. Bookings: gsov.org.au

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: All My Sons (by Arthur Miller) February 8 – 24 at 24 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Loretta Bishop. Bookings: www.wlt.or.au

■ Peridot Theatre: Night Must Fall (by Emlyn Williams) February 9 – 19 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Alison Knight. Bookings: www.peridot.com.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: Confusions (by Alan Ayckbourn) (a series of five one-act plays, featuring the same cast) February 9 – March 4 in The Lowe Auditorium, The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Chris Procter and five other directors. Bookings: https://www.1812theatre.com.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Ladykillers (by Graham Linehan) February 17 – March 4 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Chris McLean. Bookings: 9457 4117 or email boxoffice@htc.org.au.

■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Revlon Girl (by Neil Anthony Docking) February 17 – March 4 at the Brighton Cultural Centre, Carpenter St., Brighton. Director: Natasha Boyd. Bookings: www.brighton theatre.com.au

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Effect (by Lucy Prebble) February 17 – March 4 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Claire Abagia. Bookings: 9587 5141 or www.mordialloc theatre.com

■ LilydaleAthenaeum Theatre Company: Family Values (by David Williamson) February 9 – 25 at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Ian Frost. Bookings: www.lilydaleatc.com

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Theatre Sports Improv Competition, February 11 at 8pm at Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Eltham. Director: Travis Eccles. Bookings: www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: The Beast (by Eddie Perfect) Until February 18 at The Woodbin Theatre, Coronation St., Geelong West. Directors: Derek Ingles and Kat Eadie. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251200 or www.geelongartscentre. org.au

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Ladies’ Day (by Amanda Whittington) February 17 –March 4 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: www.malvern theatre.com.au

■ The Basin Theatre Group: Two and Two Together (by Derek Benfield) February 23 –March 5 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Bob Bramble. Bookings: www.thebasintheatre.org.au

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Fortune’s Fools (by Fredrick Stroppel) February 23 – March 4 at Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Audrey Farthing. www.stagtheatre.org

■ The Mount Players: The 39 Steps (by John Buchan) (adapted by Patrick Barlow, Nobbie Dimon and Simon Corble) A play for radio adapted and directed by John Rowland. February 24 – March 12 at The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: John Rowland. Bookings: www.themount players.com

■ Eltham Little Theatre: A Play in a Day (or Two) February 24 and 25 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Bella Preston. Bookings: www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ Gemco Players (A Gemco in the Park Production): Much Ado About Nothing (by William Shakespeare) March 3 at 6.30pm; March 19 at 6.30pm at the Gus Ryberg Amphitheatre, Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Rd., Emerald. Director: Sharon Maine. If weather is unsuitable for outdoor performance, the show will be presented at The Gem, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Bookings: www.gemcoplayers.org

- Cheryl Threadgold

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

■ What a joyous start to my theatre year was had by experiencing the Australian Shakespeare Company’s Much Ado About Nothing in Melbourne’s splendid Botanic Gardens.

Glen Elston’s team excelled again in marrying nature with the artifices of modern technology and dramatic creativity.

The stars twinkled above while trees and shrubs changed colour as we listened to 80s tunes (original music Paul Norton) blending with Shakespeare’s centuries -old poetry and prose.

The Roadies (Officers of The Watch) entranced us from the start introducing the arrival of Benedick’s Boy Band and Beatrice’s Girl Band and the verbal battle of the sexes took off.

This talented young team of performers revelled in the romantic games and verbal oneupmanship of alternately Beatrice and then Benedick, delighting Leonata’s (Claire Nicholls) court with delicious song and dance parody. Spoiler alert – look out for the cows.

Shakespeare’s bawdy humour was well balanced as the nasty Don John, Kevin Hopkins revealed his dastardly plan, leading to the dramatic scene as Hero , Larisa Teale , is falsely accused at the altar by Claudio, Alex Cooper.

Beatrice, Anna Burgess and Benedick, Nick Cameron carried the high drama of the Kill Claudio scene perfectly. By now we are absolutely involved in this love charade.

Stage choreography (Sue-Ellen Shook), particularly of the useful roadie boxes, almost vaudevillian at times, enabled the story to romp along at a lively pace thanks to the delightful , ubiquitous Roadies (Madeleine Somers and Tony Rive).

Sound in outdoor productions can be uneven, but Will Leslie and Joshua Sunderland were

all over it.

Even with the occasional wind vagaries the clarity of diction in prose and song was outstanding and Paul Norton and Tony Harvey’s music was always complimentary, never taking over . Colourful costumes (Karla Erenbots) suited the fun design of the show perfectly.

A splendid steel scaffold stage with wide ranging lighting rig awaited our arrival with our picnic basket and rug – and there were fast delivered coffee or drinks available at interval.

A range of seating choice was available from A Reserve at $110 (inc seat + drink) right down to lawn comfort with your own blanket $25

Unfortunately by the time you read this Much Ado About Nothing will have just finished, but look out for further Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare Under The Stars –and book early to avoid real disappointment.

- Review by Maggie Morrison

THIS MOMENT IN TIME

■ Conductor Vicky Jacobs firmly believes that everyone has the right to sing.

It is that thought many years ago, that led her to establish Melbourne’s own Glee Club, operating out of iconic cabaret venue The Butterfly Club.

Glee Club is a choir with a difference, without auditions and with a relaxed attitude to the weekly sessions.

“Our famous singalongs are like being in a choir, without having to commit to being in a choir,” Vicky explained.

“We don’t mind if your voice is fit, rusty or never-brought-out-in-public-before – we just love getting together for a big group sing of the world’s greatest pop songs.”

The emphasis at Glee Club is always on fun, and it’s normal practice to grab yourself a glass of something at the bar and bring it to rehearsal with you.

The Glee Club program for 2023 looks terrific, with a new chapter of Glee Club opening in Hawthorn on Monday, February 27, at 7 pm.

It will launch with an ever-popular Abba singalong. There’s also a special Beatles singalong happening at Sorrento on Sunday, March 5.

In fact, Glee Club seems to be taking over Melbourne, with a Glee for Kids group, Glee West, and for those who fancy a more serious approach, there is Glee Plus that has regular rehearsals leading up to a prestigious gig.

So if you have every fancied singing but thought you couldn’t do it, Vicky Jacobs is keen to get you on board.

A busy freelance musician, Vicky adjudicated the classical junior vocal section at the historic Royal South St reet Eisteddfod in Ballarat last year, and is currently conducting the orchestra for the Adelaide season of the musical Hairspray.

To find out all the different locations of Glee Club, go to gleeclubsinging.com – there is sure to be a pub near you hosting a regular Glee Club session.

- Julie Houghton

The Ladykillers

■ It’s something we have all experienced – a delayed flight to either a destination of hope and excitement, or on the other hand, a return to the mundane.

In the case of This Moment in Time, the wait brings an unlikely chance meeting that has unexpected consequences.

The play, performed at the Butterfly Club, portrays an intimate encounter between two strangers waiting at Melbourne’s international airport terminal – Sam (Ruby Vadiveloo) reluctantly returning to life in her adopted hometown New York (while hard to imagine life in New York would be mundane – she has lived there for 10 years) and Theo (AlistairWard), looking for adventure and re-invention following a devastating relationship breakup.

What begins as an awkward exchange between strangers eventually develops into a series of conversations that are both honest and soul-baring.

Ward also wrote the play, inspired by real conversations in airport terminals, and has crafted a realistic dialogue between two characters with very different stories. They may have

little in common on the surface, but each is in search of their own truth and meaning.

Vadiveloo was marvellous as the cynical Sam, initially a little too self-absorbed in her own world to appreciate Theo.

Ward is exceptional as the self-conscious Theo desperately trying to be the person he wants to be but really isn’t.

It was the wonderfully underplayed interactions that made this so genuine. The soliloquy may be a cliched theatre technique, but as intended, they provided insight into Sam and Theo’s thoughts and feelings.

Sound (including airport announcements) and lighting (Jasmine Tolentino) were effective and the evident restraint of the production a credit to director Mashaka Gunnulson.

This Moment in Time was well-crafted and packs a lot into the 45-minute run time.

Pansy Productions is a relatively new company, launched in 2021, and while the company’s three productions have all been written byArtistic Director Ward, they aim to produce works by emerging writers in the future.

Review by Beth Klein

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents the classic thriller farce The Ladykillers from February 17 to March 4 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna.

Written by Graham Linehan and directed by Chris McLean, The Ladykillers is set in 1950s London, England, where a sweet little old lady, alone in her house, is pitted against a gang of criminal misfits.

Posing as amateur musicians, Professor Marcus and his gang rent a ‘rehearsal room’ in the lopsided house of sweet but strict Mrs Wilberforce. The villains plot to involve her, unwittingly, in Marcus’ brilliantly conceived heist job. But, when Mrs Wilberforce becomes wise to their ruse, Marcus concludes there’s only one way to keep the old lady quiet. With only her parrot, General Gordon, to help her, Mrs Wilberforce is alone with five desperate men. Who will be forced to face the music?

Performance Dates: February 17 - March

4. Venue: 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Bookings: 9457 4117 or email boxoffice@

● ● Madeleine Somers and Anthony Rive (The Roadies) in Much Ado About

Nothing. Photo: Ben Fon

● ● ● ● Ruby Vadiveloo and Alistair Ward. Photo: Edward Broadbent

● Vicki Jacobs

MARGINS OF PERSUASION

■ An adaptation of Jane Austen’s last novel, Sharmini Kumar’s The Margins of Persuasion, is the story of Anne (Avril Good), the middle daughter of a baronet, persuaded to turn down the offer of marriage to Captain Wentworth (David Kerr), a poor sailor.

Eight years later, with the prospect of spinsterhood and unrequited love on the horizon, chance brings the two together.

Highlighting Austen’s understanding of marriage as often the only route to women’s financial security and social respect, Anne’s friend Mrs Smith (Tania Robinson), an impoverished widow decidedly down on her luck, is at the mercy of a cad, Mr Elliott.

The social implications of various issues—the slave trade and class mobility—are relayed through servants (Robinson and Ricardo Magno) acting as a kind of Greek Chorus, adding a deeper context to the play.

Presented in the Bishop’s Parlour, Abbotsford Convent, the space works well to provide a Regency drawing room's intimate, convivial atmosphere.

However, the production overall is a little too solemn and too slow.

Where Austen’s novel poked fun at the mores of society, the play is earnest and lacks much of Austen’s satirical wit.

The earnestness often extends into characters.

Although well played, Anne feels too serious and meek, and the dashing Captain Wentworth is a little dull.

Dax Carney is wonderful as Anne’s snobbish godmother Lady Russell, and Emily Scerri is equally spirited as Anne’s flighty sister, Mary.

Both add a much-needed spark to light up the show.

An audience member is roped in as the dastardly, duplicitous Mr Elliott

This genius directing decision lifts the production and provides some much-needed humour.

Presented by 24 Carrot Productions at TheAbbotsford Convent

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

The Lost King

■ The Lost King is less the story of finding the bones of Richard III than a woman undergoing a mid-life crisis.

What unfolds is a ripping yarn about an obsession.

Sally Hawkins is terrific as amateur historian Phillipa Langley in this feel-good detective story co-written by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope and directed by Stephen Frears.

Inspired by a production of Shakespeare’s version of Richard, Langley embarks on a quest.

Recently divorced and overlooked at work, Hawkins’ Langley is fragile and vulnerable, yet with a steely determination to find the last Plantagenet King.

She is also determined to rescue his reputation, much maligned by the Tudors and Shakespeare.

Throughout, a vision of Richard, played by Harry Lloyd, visits Langley spurring her on despite numerous setbacks.

The villains turn out to be the academics who dismiss her and, secondly when her “hunch” proves correct, usurp her by taking all the credit for the discovery.

Don’t mistake a good story for the facts; this subplot is highly contentious.

The writers have thoroughly embraced the idea of artistic licence in composing the script.

The actual academics in question have threatened legal action against the producers.

When Richard’s bones are finally revealed lying under a Leicester council car park, it’s a bit of an anti-climax—we’ve known he was there all the time.

The bones reveal that Richard had a curvature in his spine, so Shakespeare’s hunchbacked king was correct.

Other Tudor slanders, that Richard murdered the princes in the tower or that he was a usurper, remain unresolved.

In the end, the facts don’t matter.

This is Hawkins’s film, and we are gunning for her all the way.

Now showing in cinemas. Distributed by Transmission Films

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

The Boy From Oz

■ PLOS Musical Productions welcomed 2023 with the Australian musical The Boy From Oz, exploring the life of legendary Australian entertainer and songwriter, Peter Allen.

Opening night of the season commenced on New Year's Eve at 5.30pm, and the Frankston Arts Centre foyer buzzed with excitement as a full capacity audience anticipated another quality PLOS show, then afterwards celebrating New Year's Eve.

The show's highly skilled production team included director, Paul Watson, musical director, Nathan Firmin , choreographer Venessa Paech, and production manager/costume co-ordinator Brett Wingfield, who reimagined this version of The Boy From Oz in a minimalist style aiming to invite focus on the story.

Two mobile spiral staircases either side of the stage, one footed by a grand piano and the other with an upright piano, worked effectively for songs and conveying the storytelling, as well as helping showcase the performers, enhanced by Brad Alcock's fabulous lighting designs and sound design by Marcello Lo Rocco.

Nathan Firmin's sensational orchestra rendered the tunes with gusto, and Venessa Paech's snappy dance

routines and choreographed group movement were terrific.

Hats off to the talented, hard-working cast, including the vibrant Ensemble and excellent dancers.

Unfortunately it is not possible to mention everyone, but Drew Downing did sterling work as PeterAllen, as did star of the future, Isaac Russo (Young Peter Allen). Particularly outstanding performances for me were Adrienne George (Judy Garland) and Melinda Gregory (Peter’s mother, Marion).

The delightful Young Person’s Ensemble at the end was a unique addition. Congratulations to all involved.

PLOS’s great new VIP Experience offers ‘the ultimate theatre experience’ for $80. As well as supporting a wonderful local theatre company, supporters enjoy preferential seating access to the PLOS VIP area of the Frankston Arts Centre foyer, a complimentary drink, program and showbag treats. Email mail@ plos.asn.au for more details.

PLOS Musical Productions’ JulyAugust show will be Strictly Ballroom, The Musical, directed by Karl McNamara with musical direction by Bev Woodford.

www.plos.asn.au

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Virginia

■ La Mama Theatre presents Virginia from February 14 - 26 at 205 Faraday St, Carlton.

Described as “A lyrical drama of a great creative mind, shaped by love and war”, Virginia explores the emotional life of Virginia Woolf, her close unity with her husband Leonard Woolf, and her relationship with Vita Sackville-West.

Written by Edna O'Brien and directed/designed by Nicholas Opolski, the play draws word and image from Virginia Woolf's novels, letters, diaries and other writings, from Leonard Woolf's autobiography and Quentin Bell's biography of Virginia.

Virginia will be performed by Heather Lythe (Virginia), Beth Klein (Nessa/Vita) and Marc Opitz (Father/ Leonard). Sound/lighting design is by Shane Grant.

Bookings and tickets: 9347 6948 www.lamama.com.au

Welcome to 2023

■ After what turned out to be a pretty forgettable year, he we are in 2023, and one hopes that this one will be much more positive.

I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas and New Year, and were able to catch up with loved ones.

Over the break, I managed to see some interesting movies, some fantastic, some, well, far from it.

Here is a short list of some the movies I experienced during this time. Here’s to what we all hope is, a much better year.

Strange World (PG). ****. An odd flop for Disney, this is actually one of the studio’s better animated films in recent years.

Missing (R). ***½. Fascinating mixture of family drama and serial killer thriller, this works best when it concentrates on the former.

Pinocchio (M). ****. Guillermo del Toro’s thoughtful take on the classic tale, harking back to the darker tone of the original source material.

The Banshees Of Inisherin (M). ****. Low-key, somber but also funny examination of a friendship gone sour. Terrific performances and script.

Final Cut (M). **½. Disappointing, laboured remake of the brilliant 2017 Japanese film, and is overlong to boot.

My Broken Mariko (M). ***½. Measured drama, with nicely timed moments of humour, about a young woman dealing with the suicide of a childhood friend.

Skinamarink (M). ****. Bizarre, ultra low budget thriller is in the same vein as David Lynch’s classic Eraserhead. Definitely not for all tastes.

Sadako DX (M). ***½. Surprisingly good entry in the seemingly never-ending Ring series. A smart sense of humour helps a lot.

Sick (MA). ***. Writer Kevin Williamson attempts to emulate his Scream success, with uneven results. Well directed by John Hyams.

Avatar : The Way Of Water (M). *½. Badly written, ludicrously overlong sequel to the 2009 mega hit. Excellent effects, but that’s it.

BonesAnd All (MA). ****. Deliberately paced, absorbing drama with moments of horror. Strong performances across the board.

Jung_E (M). ***½. The director of Train To Busan returns with an intriguing sci-fi/drama/action film, but it feels like a set-up for either a series of movies or a TV series.

Pearl (MA). ****½. Gorgeously designed and filmed horror/drama that features an astonishing performance from Mia Goth. A prequel to X, and is to be followed soon by

MaXXXine.

Candy Land (R). ***½. Graphic horror/thriller has an interesting setup, with a group of central characters that draws the audience in. Good performances too.

The House (M). ***½. Captivating animated film is made up of three stories, each one centring on a different home and how it affects its inhabitants.

Tar (M). ****½. Very Kubrickian examination of a person’s life slowly changing in major ways. Cate Blanchett is excellent, and writer/director Todd Field’s execution of the story is outstanding.

Weird : TheAl Yankovic Story (M). ***½. Another nice surprise, this very funny parody of the usual Hollywood biopic has its slow spots, but overall is a lot of fun.

What To Do With The Dead Kaiju? (M). ***½. Deadpan comedy sends up the Godzilla films (particularly Shin Godzilla) in amusing fashion, even if it’s a bit too lowkey for its own good at times. Impressive cast.

Special Delivery (MA). ***½. Female variation on The Transporter movies, this is very entertaining in its own right, with an impressive central performance by Park So-dam.

Marcel The Shell With Shoes

On (G). ***. Charming semi-animated film unfortunately can’t overcome its short film subject matter.

TheAmazing Maurice (PG). ***. Enjoyable animated film based on the Terry Pratchett book, and features an all-star voice cast. Barbarian (MA). **½. Some nice twists are undermined by a midsection that is full of rampant stupidity, in this okay horror outing.

M3GAN (M). **. Interesting concept quickly runs aground, turning into a rip-off of the 2019 Child’s Play remake.

Operation Fortune : Ruse de Guerre (M). **. Dull and derivative spy movie is everything you’d expect from Guy Ritchie. A movie made with sequels in mind.

A Man Called Otto (M). **½. Watchable but overly sentimental remake of the 2016 Swedish film. Elvis (M). **. Flashy but empty look at parts of the entertainer’s life, as seen through the eyes of Colonel Tom Parker. One-note and underwritten.

Violent Night (MA). **. A great premise goes wanting as Santa Claus tries to stop a group of terrorists on Christmas Eve.

- Aaron Rourke

● Heather Lythe (Virginia Woolf) rehearses Virginia with Marc Optiz at La Mama Theatre.

● Aaron Rourke

Local TheatreLocal Theatre

Enter tainment

Nosferatu Melbourne Women In Film Festival

■ Malthouse Theatre presents the gothic drama Nosferatu from February 10 to 26 at the Merlyn Theatre, Southbank

Written by Keziah Warner and directed by Bridget Balodis, the cast includes Jacob Collins Levy, Sophie Ross, Keegan Joyce, Max Brown and Shamita Siva.

Set in Tasmania, in a mining town called Bluewater, the locals are desperate to restore the place to its glory days and put their faith in a mysterious investor with a green thumb and appetite for blood.

Vineyards are planted and money flows for the first time in years ... so when people start disappearing, no one dares to ask why.

Based on the 1922 silent film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, this script was commissioned by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation.

Performance Details: February 10-26

Venue: Merlyn Theatre, The Malthouse, 113 Sturt St, Southbank

Bookings: malthousetheatre.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

The Man From Earth

■ Cracked Actors Theatre, located at Powerhouse on Albert Park Lake, is an independent production company whose mission is to provide quality, affordable entertainment for local artists.

Also playing at the theatre was The Thespian Theatre Company’s production of The Man from Earth, a stage adaptation of Jerome Bixby’s screenplay directed by Mark Stafford.

Sam Zawadi gave a notable performance as Professor John Oldman, who surrounded by packing boxes and with the removal van on his doorstep, gathers a group of colleagues to join him for a farewell drink in his home.

They are puzzled by his hasty decision to leave, especially as he’s well-liked and has promising career prospects. He shocks them with his revelation that he is a cro-magnon, 14,000 years old and has roamed the earth for 140 centuries.

He moves on every 10 years, fearing, through no signs of ageing, discovery of his mortality

Drawing them into his life of pain, falsehoods and dilemmas, a dialogue ensues with this coterie including a biologist, anthropologist, art history professor and devout Christian and historian.

As they question him, their own academic disciplines, perspectives, belief systems and realities are called into question.

Has he been influenced by his encounters with the Babylonians, van Gogh, Columbus and Buddha, to name a few, or has he been their influencer?

Doubting John’s sanity, the group’s friend, distinguished psychiatrist, Will Gruber, is called in to clarify the matter. This move provides one of many twists to this thought-provoking play.

While the subject matter is deep, this commendable production is very accessible thanks to the writing, direction and to each cast member’s skill in portraying the frailties of the ordinary man.

Cracked Actors Theatre's latest production is In The Ghetto, playing until February 12 at Power House on the Lake, Level 1, 34 Lakeside Dve, Albert Park.

- Review by Sherryn Dannaher

CRUEL INTENTIONS

■ David Venn Enterprises (The W edding Singer, Bring It On: The Musical) announce the return of Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical by popular demand to Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre in Collins St from February 16.

Audiences will be able to sing-along to the line up of back-to-back hits including Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve), Every You and Every Me (Placebo), Bye Bye Bye (*NSYNC), Sometimes (Britney Spears), Just A Girl (No Doubt), Foolish Games (Jewel), Genie In A Bottle (Christina Aguilera), Candy (Mandy Moore), Breakfast At Tiffany’s (Deep Blue) and more.

Performance Details: From February 16

Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne Bookings: www.cruelintentions.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Kovid Rat Kabarett

■ Ella Filar and Cerise De Gelder have created Kovid Rat Kabarett Goes Spiral - What Doesn't Kill You Mutates and Tries Againuntil February 12 at La Mama Courthouse, Drummond St, Carlton.

It is performed by Ruth Katerlos, Chris Molyneux, Isabella Gilbert, Adam Ibbetson, Maureen Hartley, Ella Filar (keyboard), Martin Zakharov (sax), and Sally Banks (violin).

Promotional material for the show says "the COVID-19 pandemic generated the biggest global psycho experiment in history.

“At one point almost half of the world population were under strict lockdown orders and injected with substances.

“ In isolation on a treadmill of self-exploration, Karen, Adam, Claire and Andrew begin to identify as Lebo Rats.

“But as the acclaimed Rhodent Cerise de Gelder has been writing for the independent theatre scene for nearly 20 years.

“During lockdown she accepted the challenge "to add a touch of sanity to Krows Bar Kabaret’s crazy world." She didn’t succeed but she had fun trying.

Ella Filar was once hailed Melbourne's 'Queen of Cabaret'. Her original style draws on the Left-of-Berlin European post war heritage of Brecht/Weill, Grimm's Fairy Tale and Judeo Christian ritual.

Performance Season: Until February 12

Times: Wed 6.30pm, Thur-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 4pm

Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton

Duration: Approx. 60 minutes

Tickets: $30 full price, $20 concession

Bookings: 9347 6948 www.lamama.com.au www.crowsbarcabaret.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Glamour Pussy

■ Glamour Pussy and the Hip Replacements will be presented as a Sunday Soirée on the last Sunday of each month at 3pm at The Alex Theatre, St Kilda. The next show will be on Sunday, February 26.

Directed by Shaun Murphy, GlamourPussy shares the secrets of getting older that no-one tells you about. Dressed for success, GlamourPussy's mission is to spread the good word as she sings of the joys of post-menopause.

“GlamourPussy came about because I found myself at a ‘certain age’ - post-menopause and feeling fabulous," says creator Naomi Eyers "But all the messages were, “you’re done, love,” yet I felt far from it. Actually, I felt better than I had for as long as I could remember.

"Then something glorious started to happen. The less 'visible' I was to the outside world, the more ‘visible’ I became to myself, and others like me. This spark came from within, and not from being reflected and affirmed externally. It was like I stepped through the mirror to the real world: The world of GlamourPussy.”

Performance Details: Last Sunday in month.

Next show: February 26 at 3pm

Venue: Alex Theatre, 135 Fitzroy St., St Kilda

Tickets: $39 Full, $35 Concession, $35 Groups (6+)

Bookings: www.glamourpussy.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

House of the Heart

■ Cabaret provocateurs Finucane and Smith celebrate the Lunar New Year in Melbourne, melding the ancient with the contemporary for House of the Heart - a cabaret of home, belonging, journey and heart.

Until February 12, Chinese Museum’s Dragon Gallery will become a velvety lair filled with song, opera, storytelling and dance particularly spotlighting Chinese, Chinese diaspora and First Nations artists.

Inspired by nearly a decade’s collaboration in China and Australian adventures, House of the Heart is an intercultural celebration of home, ancestors and how we get there - a cocktail of voices, stories and artforms across ages, those from far away and those who have always been here.

Surrounded by large scale processional dragons and beneath intricate Chinese lanterns; indie-pop composer and vocalist Sophie Koh; proud Ngarluma First Nations jazz blues legend Lois Olney, rising talent Chinese classical singer Zitao Deng, cellist Xiao Xiao and dancer Paul Cordeiro will take to the stage.

The work also stars guitar virtuoso Dave Johnson, visual artist Emma Luk with Musical Director Rachel Lewindon, and is hosted by head diva and art alchemist Moira Finucane.

A revolving cavalcade of Finucane and Smith’s dancers, storytellers and singers will grace the stage during the season including country legends The Muirs – the soulful duo of Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri artist Glennys Briggs (whose father and Jimmy Little’s father travelled together in a vaudeville band) and guitarist/singer Ian Muir; Melbourne’s celebrated gender transcendent diva Mama Alto; 88-year-old theatre maven Shirley Cattunar; and barkeep songbirds Lachlan Bartlett and Jens Radda.

The show's directors, Moira Finucane and Jackie Smith, were fascinated by the artistry, cultures, devotional art and operas of China; and began working in Hong Kong 20 years ago, and since 2014 have worked extensively in China and with Chinesediaspora artists.

After two decades of creating multiawarded cabaret across the world, Finucane and Smith have forged a partnership in the heart of one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns to create this new work.

"The work is a perfect match for a vibrant partnership with the Chinese Museum. We have long been members and admirers of the Museum and its unique place in preserving, celebrating and exploring the contribution and history of Chinese people in Australia,” says co-director Moira Finucane.

Performance Details: Until February 12 (Thurs-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 6pm)

Venue: Chinese Museum, Chinatown Melbourne, 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne

Tickets: $88 front row seats, $68 general Bookings and Information: www. finucaneandsmith.com

JUST BRIEFLY

■ The annual Melbourne Women in Film Festival has announced its 2023 program, including Freshly Squeezed Shorts, Next Gen Shorts and Reel Shorts.

Through the theme Connections, MWFF will explore creative collaborations and community through a dynamic program for its seventh year from February 23-27 at ACMI.

On Saturday, February 25, MWFF announces the Australian premiere screening of Patricia Cornelius’ award-winning drama, SHIT, starring Peta Brady, Sarah Ward and Nicci Wilks.

SHIT is a psychological drama which unfolds over one long night of incarceration in a bleak holding cell. Caged for hours on end, Billy, Bobby and Sam reveal their stories of a lifetime of violence, abuse, and institutionalisation.

Told with unsentimental, sometimes comical, often gut-wrenching insight. SHIT is directed by Susie Dee and co-produced by Trudy Hellier.

Other program highlights in the full MWFF program include screenings, special events, panels, workshops and education programs, whilst showcasing the best Australian, Aotearoa New Zealand and Pasifika women’s and gender diverse stories on screen, taking place at ACMI , the official presenting partner of the festival.

Melbourne Women in Film Festival aims to expand the vision of gender equality and diversity in the Australian screen industries and culture by creating dynamic and inclusive spaces that bring diverse practitioners and audiences together to be moved by compelling, provocative, and entertaining cinema.

For full program details, visit mwff.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Midsumma Festival

■ The Midsumma Festival is finally here with more than 200 events across Melbourne and beyond.

The program boasts a diverse range of events, including the very best comics from Melbourne's thriving queer comedy scene, as well as a First Nations Drag Festival and even a Glam Slam in partnership with the Australian Open Some program highlights for the first week of the Festival include:

A Safe(R) Space Outdoor exhibition. Until March, Franklin Street Frames

Visual artists have been selected by Midsumma and the Metro Tunnel Creative Program to exhibit their work inside the Franklin Street Frames beside Melbourne City Baths. The works have been created by each artist to speak to Midsumma Festival's signature programA Safe(R) Space and what that means to each artist.

The five final artists, selected by an industry panel, include EmikoArtemis, Zoë Bastin, Kim Leutwyler, J. Rosenbaum and Wet And Free. They each delivered six works which explore the intersectional identity between different facets of queer communities exploring what defines a safe space for artists and communities.

ACMI X Midsumma. Until Feb. 12,ACMI ACMI will host a curated selection of contemporary and classic queer cinema, including Plein Soleil, Flee, Stranger by the Lake, Joyland, Loving Highsmith and Moonage Daydream.

Midsumma is Australia's premier LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural organisation. Sharing the lived experiences of voices at the margins, expressions of queer history, and the celebration of new ideas and stories that come to life through world-class art and performance.

Midsumma Festival 2023 - runs until February 12

Full program at midsumma.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

At the Gardens

■ Hello Sunshine, an all new music and food festival, is coming to the historic Caribbean Gardens at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges on Saturday, February 11.

● ● Kirby Burgess and Drew Weston in Cruel Intentions. Photo: Nicole Cleary

● ● Jacob Collins Levy in Nosferatu.

Photo: Kristian Gehradte

- Cheryl Threadgold

● ● ● ● Melbourne Opera will present The Ring Cycle Cultural Festival, a regional Australian first coming to Bendigo in March-April.

● ● ● ● A tattoo event, Inked Expo, is at the Melbourne Showgrounds from February 10-12.

■ I will never forget a wet May morning in 1992 when I went to see world famous female impersonator Danny La Rue in a concert at the Melbourne Town Hall

I arrived late and caught the last 20 minutes of the show which also featured Lennie Holmes, who became a dear friend of mine in later years.

I had my tape recorder with me in the hope of getting an interview with Danny

I had spoken to the promoter earlier and was told "Come backstage and let's see what happens."

I was lucky to sit down with Danny in his dressing room between shows and record a radio interview.

I noticed that he had a small statue of the Virgin Mary on his make up table.

He told me that he carried the statue with him all over the world and said a little prayer before every show.

It was the day that Marlene Dietrich passed away and Danny wanted to pay tribute to his friend on radio.

Danny La Rue was born Daniel Patrick Carroll in County Cork, Ireland, in 1927.

He served in the Royal Navy and then became a very popular "comic female impersonator" in stage productions, film and television.

He made his West End debut in a revue at the tiny Irving Theatre.

Danny became a phenomenal success and worked in pantomimes playing "The Dame" with

Whatever Happened To ... Danny La Rue

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

characters such as Queen Passionella, Queen Daniella and the "Very Merry" Widow Twankey. His shows packed out many venues, which included the London Palladium

His comedy film Our Miss Fred made in 1972 was recently shown on Australian television.

Danny La Rue appeared onstage in more than 30 Royal Performances and three Royal Command Performances

He opened his own nightclub in Hanover Square in 1964, attracting celebrities such as Judy Garland, Shirley MacLaine, Shirley Bassey, Noel Coward, Zsa Zsa Gabor and his dear friend Marlene Dietrich.

Danny created history in 1982 by becoming

the first man to play ‘Dolly Levi’ in a very successful production of the stage musical Hell o Dolly

He worked mainly in the UK but has also toured Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Middle East, New Zealand and Australia

He was a friend of my cousin Diana Trask

Danny La Rue was created a member of the Order of the British Empire in 2002 for his work with AIDS charities.

One of his favourite sayings was, "I've made millions and lost millions but I'm still here."

Danny did not enjoy the best of health in his later years.

One of his last onstage appearances was in a theatrical biography show on his life where he sang and was interviewed by Jerry Lane a t Benidorm Palace in Spain

Sadly, Danny La Rue passed away in 2009 at the age of 81.

It was an honour to talk to Danny La Rue face to face on that rainy day in 1992. My favourite Danny La Rue song is On Mother Kelly's Doorstep

Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AW -

The Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Philip Brady and Simon Owens.

And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.. www.innerfm.org.au

GERTRUDE EDITIONS AT GEELONG GALLERY

St John’s Passion

■ The Melbourne Recital Centre on Good Friday (April 7) at 2.30pm will feature the grandeur of Bach’s St John Passion - for the first time performed by MBC with a small choir.

Rturn on Sunday, April 9 at 7pm to hear the full massed choir in Handel’s Messiah.

On Saturday afternoon, April a8, t 5pm - violin virtuoso Rachael Beesley performs Bach Sonatas and Partitas.

For Good Friday’s St John Passion, Melbourne Bach Chamber Choir is joined by a superb group of soloists.

Andrew Goodwin’s masterful narration as the Evangelist and Elwood's Christopher Hillier’s moving Jesus frame the commentary of soloists Lorina Gore, SallyAnne Russell (Maidstone), Henry Choo (Vermont South), Jeremy Kleeman (Kensington) and James Emerson (Essendon) as Pilate.

Brunswick East's Rick Prakhoff conducts with Rachael Beesley (Richmond) leading a full orchestra;

Rachael returns the next afternoon, Saturday 5pm, with her virtuosic rendition of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas.

Melbourne audiences will have the opportunity on Easter Sunday to experience Handel’s Messiah at Easter, the festival for which Handel conceived this masterpiece.

The full massed Melbourne Bach Choir bring the incredible richness of Handel’s iconic score to the spectacular atmosphere and stunning acoustic of the Melbourne Recital Centre, with soloists Lorina Gore (soprano), Belinda Paterson (mezzo-soprano), Andrew Goodwin (tenor) and Simon Meadows (bass-baritone).

All bookings: www.melbourne recital.com.au

More information www.mbc.asn.au

- Geoff Sirmai

■ The Gertrude Editions is a series of limited edition works released annually by Gertrude Contemporary since 2002.

The Gertrude Editions promotes the connection between leading Australian artists and new studio artists at what is widely acknowledged as the prime incubator for visual artistic talent in Victoria.

In 2020, Geelong Gallery received the gift of 15 Gertrude Editions from local collectors Robert and Gail Bett and family, who had collected works since the release of the first edition by Ricky Swallow.

The Gertrude Editions exhibition provides an unique and valuable overview of Australian contemporary art from 2002 to 2019.

Exhibition closes March 13. ★

A Tale of Two Cities – Prints from the Colin Holden Collection

This exhibition is drawn from the extensive Colin Holden Collection of prints held at Geelong Gallery, it presents a selection of early 20th century depictions of Melbourne and Sydney by key members of the Australian Painter-Etchers’ Society: John Shirlow, AH Fullward, Sydney Ure Smith and Jessie Traill.

TheAustralian Painter-Etcher’s Society was established in 1920 by artists committed to the practice and promotion of etching in Australia.

Exhibition closes March 13. ★

Future Creatives 2023

In this inaugural exhibition, Geelong Gallery celebrates the achievement and creative practice of young emerging artists living in the Geelong and surrounding region who completed their Certificate of Education in 2022.

Future Creatives showcases young people’s creative talent and design and provides a valuable opportunity to support the professional development of career pathways and future tertiary studies in art and design.

Exhibition closes March 13.

Geelong Gallery

60 Little Malop St, Geelong

■ Make the most of the sunshine and take the opportunity to explore the hid-

The Arts

Anthony Hudson returns to 3AW

with Peter Kemp

den gems of street art that are dotted throughout Ringwood. Two tours will run in February and your booking includes a free coffee voucher from Eastland.

Next tours Sunday February 12 and Friday March 24., 11am to 12.30pm. Meet at Realm, Ringwood cost 410.

Arts in Maroondah

32 GreenwoodAve, Ringwood

At Hawthorn

Romancing the Streetscape celebrates the streetscape and buildings of Melbourne and surrounds, highly realistic and evocative images of inner-city scenes reflect the romanticism often associated with traditional landscape painting.

Exhibition closes Saturday April 15.

★ Banana by Vanessa Bong is a community exhibition exploring what it means to be Asian Australian.

Focusing on themes of food, family, displacement, and belonging, this exhibition draws on personal experience that reflect how Bong’s heritage blended with her upbringing.

Exhibition opens Wednesday February 22 and closes Saturday April 8.

HawthornArts Centre

Town Hall Gallery

360 Burwood Rd Hawthorn

- Peter Kemp

■ Anthony Hudson has quit his post at SEN calling football to move back to 3AW where it all began 32 years ago. At 3AW he will be in charge of AFL broadcasts of Friday night games. He is one of the finest, most accurate callers in the land and has also been signed to commentate for Nine Footy

Living off the grid

■ Denham Hitchcock has resigned from his investigative role on Seven's Spotlight hour. He plans to sail around the seas with wife and child writing stories he comes across en -route.

He has sold his home in Sydney and intends living a near self-sufficient life including living off the grid as he travels from port to port. Denham has notched up 27 years working in newsrooms at Seven and Nine. Bon Voyage Denham and family.

Down Memory Lane

■ If you were a fan of Young Talent Time on Ten you may recall talented teen singer Bobby Driessin. He died, aged 58. His death is surrounded by mystery as little is known of his life after YTT . He vanished and did not reply to many attempts to invite him as a guest to the YTT anniversary parties last year.

For the diary

■ Boom, Crash Opera will make two Melbourne performances in June singing best of their 90s and beyond pop/rock songs- Brunswick Ballroom, June 16, and next day June 17 at the Wool Exchange, Geelong . Tickets from usual agencies.

Passion Project

■ Brian Cadd, Russell Morris, Glenn Shorrock, Melinda Schneider, Angry Anderson have joined forces to record 'I Still Can't Believe' as their passion project with profit on sales to Wayside Chapel.

- John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● Danny La Rue

● ● Anthony Hudson

Across

Across Down Down

167. Scamp

168. Laid slates

169. Upper-class

171. Document, Magna ...

172. Glossy black bird

175. Entrails

176. Lubricates

179. Breakfast dish

180. Cow flesh

182. Flowers, sweet ...

184. Chirps

185. Castle water ditch

186. 24 December, Christmas ...

188. ... Lang Syne

189. US anti-crime agency (1,1,1)

190. Measure (out)

191. Fifth musical note

193. Own 194. Father 196. Verge

197. Fiesta, Mardi ...

198. Medicine amounts

200. Unhappiest

205. Vicious dog

207. Second-hand vehicle (4,3)

210. Playwright

211. Reparation

212. In a frenzied state

213. Grass skirt dance

214. USA nickname, Uncle ..

216. Steals from

218. Created

219. Prepare (newspaper)

220. Tights

224. Coffee style

227. Spiky plant, ... vera

229. From Bangkok

230. Abhor

231. Gallantly

232. Dr Jekyll & Mr ...

233. Heredity unit

235. Out of order

237. Solidifies

239. Actor, Richard ... 241. Timepiece 244. Forewarning 246. Blankness

... & twos 252. Depletes 254. Crave 256. Heaven's ... Gates 258. French Mrs

259. Pins for hammering

260. Romantic US falls 263. Internal 264. Lump of gold

265. Legless grub

267. Actress, ... Kidman

270. Digit

271. Funeral Mass

272. Actor, Dustin ...

273. Lewd

274. Loses (hair)

277. London nightspot

279. Make (wage)

281. Throw out

284. Only fair (2-2)

286. Crustacean with nippers

288. Small distance measures

292. Yoga master

294. Raw metals

295. Domestic servants

298. Screen legend, Sophia ...

300. From Emerald Isle

301. Sum up

303. Baby's skin problem, ... rash

306. Bashfulness

308. Japan & Korea are there

309. Oil-exporting cartel

311. Throb

314. Mushy

315. Energetic

316. Do the dishes (4,2)

317. Throng

318. Former spouses

319. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2)

320. Tennis ace, ... Sampras

321. Urges

322. Sense

323. Blunted

324. Movie actors (4,5)

1. Renovate (2,2)

2. Become distorted

3. Suggest

4. Kuwaiti rulers

5. Clean break

6. Flees to wed

7. Delay

8. Bathroom fixtures

9. Fall asleep (3,3)

10. Brigand

11. Revolve on axis

12. Stood against

13. Smudge

14. Palestinian chief, ... Arafat

15. Pour carelessly

16. Aida or Carmen

17. Potters' ovens

18. Pantomime lead

19. Observes

24. Rebukes, ... over the knuckles

28. Put on ... & graces

30. Spoken 31. Hideous

33. Irritated the skin

35. Incidental comments

37. Clarified butter 38. Curry & ... 40. Face veils 42. Physical activity 44. Portugal's capital

143. Huge stone blocks

145. Tomahawk

151. Enormous

154. Men's Singles champion, .. Agassi

156. Lustre

159. One, numero ...

164. Totally

169. Cougars

170. Steam burn

173. Influences

174. Short, witty remark

177. Author, ... Asimov

178. Take oath

181. Whirling (of water)

183. Women warriors

187. Wantonly destroy 192. Female hormone

195. Current of air

199. Supervise

201. Points gun

202. Anti-flood embankment

203. Genuine fact 204. Implicit 206. Gay 207. Non-rural 208. Cheap, a ... a dozen 209. Lends a hand to 213. Smacks

215. Strolling

217. Killed

221. Helium & hydrogen

222. Not ever

223. Cut with scissors

224. Charlotte Bronte novel, Jane ...

225. Withdraw, ... out

226. Poet, ... Allan Poe

228. Legal trade bans

234. Phone security device

236. Wrongdoers

238. Terminate

240. Singer, ... Orbison

242. Normally (2,1,4)

243. Peculiarity

245. Mussels or clams

247. Peppermint essence

248. Nut fastener

250. Scientist, Albert ...

251. Weasel-like animals

253. Overfill

255. College test

257. Recline lazily

258. Restaurant list

261. Lovers' fling

262. Military forces

265. Valuable ores, precious ...

266. Garden ornament

268. Hex

269. The Continent

275. Jolly laugh (2,2)

276. Rounded roof

278. Hampers

280. Pressurised spray

282. Delights

283. Dollar division

285. Properly positioned, in ...

287. Steam generator

289. Tripoli citizen

290. Impersonates

291. Melted

292. Barked shrilly

293. Potato

296. Colorado ski resort

297. Writer, ... Thomas

299. Obtain (funds)

302. Two-door car

304. ... Fools' Day

305. Earnest requests

306. Crown Princess of Denmark

307. Opera singer

308. Yes votes

310. Head cook

312. Charismatic air

313. Spreading trees

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads com.au

Pickups album

■ Melbourne band The Humbuckin Pickups has released its new album. Titled Just Like Winter, the 12-song collection of original compositions will be sure to please their large fan base. Andrea Rowe says in her album review, Just Like Winter is filled with such honest and observant lyrics and leaves a listener with room to think about the wonder of people and place. facebook.com/TheHumbuckinPickups

Judy Australia 1964

■ The 1964 Judy Garland tour toAustralia will be relived with some of the country’s finest performers taking to the stage to once again bring life to the songs and the story behind the controversy that the tour caused in Melbourne. Starring multi-award winners Nina Ferro and Matt Hetherington, Judy Australia 1964 recreates the dramatic rollercoaster that was Judy Garland's infamous tour down under. The three-show season is performed at The National Theatre St Kilda on Friday-Saturday, February 10-11 as part of Midsumma Festival. www.midsumma.org.au/judy-1964

Andrew’s Gold

■ Melbourne Country Music troubadour

Andrew Swift has won the 2023 CMAA Male artist of the year award. The annual Tamworth Festival and its Golden Guitar presentation night have already given him two previous awards. Andrews’ surprise win came despite no album release in 2022 and no nominations in other categories.

NEW VERSION OF ‘THE HOURS’

■ Based on Virginia Woolf’s classic novel, Mrs Dalloway , the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Hours by Michael Cunningham and the Academy Award-winning film by Stephen Daldry, the Met Opera’s exhilarating new version of The Hours, with a score by Kevin Puts and a libretto by Greg Pierce, is ambitious in its scope.

Clarissa Vaughan, a wellheeled New York book editor in 1999 sung by Soprano Renée Fleming, the Mrs Dalloway of Cunningham’s novel based on Woolf’s character, is organising a party for her friend Richard, a poet who is dying of AIDS

In Richmond, England, in 1923, Virginia Woolf, sung by mezzosoprano Joyce DiDonato, is contemplating starting her novel.

In Los Angeles, 1949, housewife Laura Brown, sung by soprano Kelli O’Hara, thinks about a birthday.

This is an opera about women trapped in the trivialities of their domestic spheres, making meaning from women’s day-to-day minutiae - buying flowers, baking a cake, dealing with the cook.

Underlying the busy domesticity, inner thoughts invade with a sense of wanting more, increasing despair, an unshakeable dread flayed by pain.

The chorus is a constant presence vividly intoning the interior monologues of the central characters and lushly connecting time,

space, and story shifts.

Designer Tom Pye’s striking, multilevel, modernist set moves the action effortlessly between modern-day apartment, post-war kitchen, and 1920s country house studio, bonding the narratives.

Puts’ score beautifully incorporates the essence of each timeline.

The interplay of time and space come together in an arresting final trio.

“Here is the world, and you live in it, and you try to be. And you try. And you try.”

The finale is all the more poignant with the knowledge that Woolf succumbed to her inner demons.

Now showing in selected cinemas. Details: https:// sharmillfilms.com.au/met-operalive/the-hours/

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

Snuff Puppets

■ Midsumma Festival X Ignite Melbourne presentsSnuff Puppets’ Cochlear, a 15-metre inflatable inner ear and performance-installation designed to amplify voices from the frontlines of gender, on February 10 and 11, 11am - 3pm at the Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne. Free Entry.

The audience is invited to step inside this most unique body part and ‘whisper loudly’ into the inner ear of the public, creating an intimate space that presents giant Human Body Parts as symbols of our

shared humanity. Developed by Snuff Puppets Director, Nick Wilson, and Resident Artist, Opal, the Cochlear performance-installation is inspired by the need for more active and engaged listening in safe spaces for trans and gender nonconforming people within the community.

Opal, a multidisciplinary queer artist, has created an immersive and interactive performance piece as Cochlear reveals a world of curving lines, soft-edged chambers, geometric forms and colour-saturated light, while also playing the stories of 10 trans and gender-diverse collaborators over speakers throughout the space.

This vast Cochlear creates an interactive world that challenges the silencing of gender minorities by amplifying their voice, and in doing so, pushes against these harmful stereotypes and cultural norms within society.

Event Details:

Date and Time: February 10, 11 from 11am - 3pm

Location: Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne: Peppercorn lawn, St Kilda Rd end of park

Free Entry

https://www.midsumma.org.au/ whats-on/events/cochlear-bysnuff-puppets-alexandra-gardens/

- Cheryl Threadgold

Dawkins speaks

■ World-renowned evolutionary

biologist, author, and public intellectual, Richard Dawkins, returns to Australia for a national tour, commencing in Melbourne on Friday, February 17 in The Plenary Theatre, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf.

With a different host in each capital city for an unscripted conversation, the Melbourne event will be hosted by Professor Peter Singer.

One of the most respected scientists of our time, Richard Dawkins speaks frankly about the importance of science and reason and is known for his unapologetic appraisals of critical thinking.

Dawkins is the best-selling author of landmark books The Selfish Gene and The God Delusion.

After last touring here in 2018, the preeminent thinker—and prominent atheist—returns to tackle a variety of topics in conversation, spanning science, religion and more.

Professor Peter Singer was born in Melbourne and educated at the University of Melbourne and the University of Oxford.

In 2012 Singer was made a Companion of the Order of Australia.

Event Date: Friday, February 17

Venue: The Plenary Theatre, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South wharf.

Bookings: www.tegdainty.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

A INNINGS E KAPUT T E

ECHOED K CRITIC N UNSAFE I GARRET

R A R OSLO N SHIPSHAPE B MELD X O S ARISE ESAU L R T M S NOUN REUSE K GOBI LISA IRAQI TEEN GAME S A SIGN COSTUMES L DESERTER ONCE F

DRIP SITE O D P ILK V R H OMIT MAAM

I A O STREAMING NOISINESS S M W

MANSION T A N S NEE D E G S TIDYING

U I D PENNY MONO EWER MODEM N N R

MUCH D ARE EYED BBC NERO ADO G MARE

B KAISER G S MEAL ASTI L U NORMAN E

OUST A C LETGO NYMPH MILAN O E MEAD N C NIECE E ROD IMP I TILED M L

POSH D L CARTA RAVEN OFFAL I I OILS

U CEREAL T D BEEF PEAS I E TWEETS W

MOAT N EVE AULD FBI METE SOH N HAVE

A L D DADDY EDGE GRAS DOSES T A A

SADDEST N R T Y CUR Z M V S USEDCAR

I Y R DRAMATIST ATONEMENT R I I

AMOK HULA U C N SAM N R R ROBS MADE S EDIT LEGGINGS M ESPRESSO ALOE S E THAI HATE NOBLY HYDE GENE S

AMISS SETS V I L R A GERE WATCH

O B I OMEN E EMPTINESS A ONES S R F

DRAINS O DESIRE N PEARLY I MADAME D R NAILS X NIAGARA O INNER M R

NUGGET L MAGGOT F R NICOLE S NUMBER E O REQUIEM N HOFFMAN U LUSTFUL L E

SHEDS S T SOHO A I EARN R E EJECT

SOSO S CRAB MILLIMETRES YOGI S ORES H MAIDS LOREN IRISH RECAP NAPPY N MODESTY ASIA D B M A O OPEC PULSATE

PULPY LIVELY I WASHUP HORDE U L

HONOLUA BAY TAKES A.G. HUNTER CUP

■ Two big meetings to end the TAB Nights Of Glory Carnival were held on Friday and Saturday night and what great spectacles they were.

Victoria’s biggest race of the season – the $500,000 Del Re National A.G. Hunter Cup was held at Melton on Saturday, with the $300,000 Woodlands Stud Great Southern Star for Trotters on Friday.

The A.G. Hunter Cup – the Melbourne Cup of Harness Racing brought together a great and even field with Victoria Cup winner Copy That the favourite – the winner being the Emma S tewart/Clayton Tonkin (Cardigan) trained 6Y0 Somebeachsomewhere-National Gallery gelding Honolua Bay raced by Lauriston Bloodstock Pty Ltd (Managed by Anne Anderson).

Coming off a mind boggling second in the Ballarat Cup on January 23 behind Copy That, Honolua Bay driven by David Moran who had won the cup with Lochinvar Art in 2021 was eased at the start from gate four to settle three back in the moving line as Mach Dan roared across the face of the field from outside the front line, but couldn’t head off polemarker Spirit Of St Louis.

The outside division chopped and changed after Inter Dominion winner I Cast No Shadow (gate three) vacated the one/one spot to race exposed with favourite Copy That (gate six –one/two) following him forward to occupy that position with two laps to travel. These moved pushed Honolua Bay back a spot in the running line.

Racing for the bell Anthony Butt set Rock N Roll Doo alight to circle the field and join the leader being trailed up by Old Town Road from the tail who then crossed to face the breeze.

A hush came over the crowd shortly after when Copy That after choking down was eased out of the race by Blair Orange taking no further part. This now relegated Honolua Bay to five back in the running line.

Running along the back straight on the final occasion, Mach Dan commended a three wide forward move from four back with David Moran and Honolua Bay immediately following.

In a great tactical display by Moran, Honolua Bay was switched to be on Spirit Of St Louis’ back on turning and using the sprint lane to perfection, Raced clear over the concluding stages to record a 4.7 metre victory over I Cast No Shadow (four wide on straightening), with Old Town Road third a half head away. Mach Dan was fourth 1.8 metres back and Expensive Ego fifth a further five metres away. Spirit Of St Louis gave ground after being given no respite to finish sixth 13.7 metres from the winner.

In quarters of 30.2, 30.3, 28.5 and 28.3 for the last 800 metres after a lead time of 80.3 seconds, Honolua Bay returned a rate of 1-55.2 which was 2 seconds outside Tiger Tara’s 153.2 set in 2019.

■ The Great Southern Star with heats and final on the same night saw Inter Dominion champ Just Believe add another string to his bow. Probably a certainty beaten in his heat after coming from near the rear to be beaten by 1.9 metres by former champion juvenile Plymouth Chubb which led throughout, Just Believe had luck go his way when drawing the pole, but had to be used up over the 1720 metre trip to try and retain the lead as both Aldebaran Zeus (gate three) and Musafa Metro (gate five) burnt away, with heat winner Im Ready Jet (gate two) holding his ground, however Mufasa Metro (third in his heat after trailing Majestic Man) had superior speed to cross and assume control hitting the front straight with a lap to travel.

Giving a sight approaching the home turn, Mufasa Metro was nabbed over the concluding stages by Just Believe along the sprint lane, with Im Ready Jet third after moving to shadow the leader in the final circuit.

Raced by the Iona Trotter Syndicate who have had a season never to be forgotten, trained by Jess Tubbs and driven by husband Greg Sugars, Just Believe scored by 3.6 metres from Mufasa Metro, with Im Ready Jet third a neck away. The mile rate 1-55.5 which was 2.5 seconds outside Tornado Hanover’s 1-53.1 set in 2021.

At Wedderburn

■ Maryborough hosted a terrific Wedderburn

Harness Racing

Monday at Mildura

■ Mildura also raced on Monday and Charlton’s Shane and Ryan Sanderson chalked up another victory with in-form 7Y0 Art MajorSahara Miss gelding Sahara Tiger who scored in the fast class race of the night, the Thanks Julie Smith Pace over 1790 metres.

Restrained from outside the front line to settle four pegs as old timer Bernie Winkle a winner of over $633,000 led from gate three (which was actually gate four) after scratchings with regular reinsperson Ellen Tormey in the sulky.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

fixture to commence the week on Monday January 30 with provided plenty of action throughout the afternoon.

■ Nagambie trainer/driver Mel Thackeray was successful with 4Y0 Aldebaran Eagle-Aldebaran Turnpike mare Aldebaran Tanisha in the 1st division of the Aldebaran Park Platinum Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.

Raced by breeder Aldebaran Lodge Pty Ltd along with Danny and Mel Thackeray, Aldebaran Tanisha coming off a tough second at Kilmore on January 19 led throughout from gate two, easily accounting for Keayang Zendaya (gate four) which broke in the score up (one/ two – one/one at bell) by 17.8 metres in a mile rate of 2-05.6. Cronk came from the rear for third 13.8 metres back.

■ The second division saw Daisy Bouchea, a 4Y0 daughter of Danny Bouchea and Bellerina Spur part-owned, trained and driven by Stawell’s Jason Ainsworth lead throughout from the pole to record an effortless 14.4 metre margin over the hot favourite Fredrhys which galloped away as the start was effected giving away a tidy start to settle at the tail with the exception of Windy which was tailed off after galloping prior to the start taking place.

Rated to perfection, Daisy Bouchea gave her rivals the slip on the home turn to coast to the wire in advance of Fredrhys which raced exposed at the bell and battled on gamely. Poppy Popstar also bad away made ground to be one/ one at the bell and three wide on the home turn when third a half head away. The rate 2-06.1.

■ Eleven year old Noopy Kiosk-Baby Button gelding Chrisken Kiosk part-owned, trained and driven by Gruyere hobbyist Ken Browne seems to have been going round forever and at start number 181 which consists of 9 wins and 42 placings, snared the Bob Steel Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres.

Prone to make mistakes at times, Chrisken Kiosk on this occasion did everything right lobbing one/one from gate four after Supplanter after a daring drive by Herbie saw Supplanter make a forward rush from three back in the running line at the bell to cross the poleline leader Beware The Fury racing for the bell.

This left Chrisken Kiosk exposed for the final circuit but showing plenty of tenacity, wore down Supplanter to score by 1.4 metres in a rate of 2-02.5. Mystic Chip starting outside the front line made an unusual gallop shortly after the start, but ran on late for third 2.9 metres away.

■ Form analyst, race caller and host at times Rob Auber and partners owners of 5Y0 Art Major-Bellas Delight mare Le Belle Bijoux would have been thrilled when she broke back into the winners list for the first time since August last year by taking out the 1690 metre Vale Bill Yorston Pace.

Given a lovely trip by Michael Bellman one/ one from gate four trailing the heavily supported My Ultimate Levi which had moved to shadow the leader Goodtime Halo racing for the bell.

When My Ultimate Levi raced to the front on the final bend, Le Belle Bijoux was poised to pounce on his back and that she did in the shadows of the post to prevail by a half head in a thrilling finish. Reason To Be which trailed the pacemaker was third 6.5 metres away after easing wide approaching the home turn. The mile rate 1-55.1.

Coming away from the markers to race exposed at the bell, Sahara Tiger raced by a large syndication including HRV Chairman Dale Monteith, Board member Peter Watkinson and breeder Bruce Paul outstayed the former Mildura ‘Horse Of The Year’ to register a strong 6.6 metre margin returning a mile rate of 158.4. Wiltshire Boulevard was third 14.1 metres back after trailing the leader.

■ Red Cliffs owner/trainer Reece Moore who had a great season last year is continuing on the good work and 9Y0 Village Jolt-Priscilla Presley gelding White Star Village driven by ‘star’ reinsman Jack Laugher led throughout from gate three to land the Weightman’s Packaging & Stationery Pace over 2190 metres (his 19th in 155 outings).

Always in control, White Star Village just lasted to defeat Flame Buster (three pegs – four wide on turning) by a half neck, with Woody Nightshade (three wide last lap from the rear) third 2.7 metres away. Reece is always on the lookout for a horse to join the stable.

Geelong victories

■ Geelong raced on Tuesday with an interesting program and Gordon trainer/driver Ryan Duffy who stables at the McGuigan property was successful aboard Kvintet Avenger-Sheza Spur 3Y0 gelding Nuclear Attitude in the Haras Des Trotteurs 3Y0 + Maiden Trotters Maiden.

Given an easy time from inside the second line following polemarker Mont Sally, Ryan eased Nuclear Attitude three wide on the final bend and he ran home nicely to record a 1.9 metre victory over the pacemaker, with Mriya Dream third a neck away after racing exposed from the bell after a slow beginning from the extreme draw. The mile rate 2-05.6.

■ Terang’s Mattie Craven snared the 2100 metre Southern Cross Feeds Pace with Rubens Plight, a 4Y0 gelded son of Western Terror and Im Wrongly Accused.

Leading out from gate two before allowing polemarker Lord Verde to move around him, Rubens Plight enjoyed a cosy passage and dashed through along the sprint lane on turning to win by 3.1 metres over Final Peace out wide from mid-field, with Mister Macedon a game third 2.3 metres away after racing uncovered. The mile rate 1-57.7. Matty and partner Amy Day are to become parents in a few months time.

■ Local Anakie part-owner/trainer Tim Bolitho’s horses always run well at Geelong and 10Y0 Tell All-Monaco Miss gelding Morvah chalked up his 14th success in 140 starts when successful in the B&S Stock & Pet Supplies Pace over 1609 metres.

With James Herbertson in the sulky, Morvah was eased three wide from three back in the last lap, sustaining a long run to prevail by a neck from the hot favourite Chogi which led from the pole. Cornish Smuggler a stablemate of the winner was a tough third 7.1 metres back after racing in the open. The mile rate 1-59.4.

■ Ex-New Zealand brothers Craig and Tony Jamieson training out of the Cranbourne complex landed the Devcon Properties Trotters Mobile over 2100 metres with 6Y0 Peak-Sapient mare B K Merlot in a mile rate of 2-01.2. Settling near last from gate three on the second line, B K Merlot was sent forward prior to the bell to park outside the leader Hes Themightyspin (gate six) momentarily before gaining cover from the favourite Stockman Peter which had followed her forward.

When Stockman Peter raced clear prior to the home turn he looked all over a winner with B K Merlot giving chase.

Shifting away from the markers in the straight,

■ Wednesday – Stawell/Shepparton, Thursday – Bendigo, Friday – Geelong, Saturday –Melton, Sunday – Kilmore, Monday –Warragul, Tuesday – Mildura.

Stockman Peter was claimed by B K Merlot using the sprint lane to go down by 1.6 metres. Goodtimedonthesash ran home out wide from mid-field for third 11 metres back.

Double day

■ Two meetings were held on Wednesday –Horsham in the afternoon and Bendigo at night.

Veteran Hamilton trainer Jim Barker combined with granddaughter Jackie Barker to land The WeeklyAdvertiser 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1700 metres aboard Four Starzzz SharkNymeria gelding Underattack returning a mile rate of 1-59. Carrying the Team Teal colours, Underattack began fast to lead from gate six and couldn’t be caught although at times it looked like he would.

Giving plenty in the straight, Underattack scored by 1.2 metres from I Knew Not Where which raced outside him for most of the journey, heading him in the straight. Betting On Courage which trailed the winner used the sprint lane for third 1.1 metres back.

■ Stawell’s Jason Ainsworth trained and reined 5Y0 Shadow Play-Ganehigh mare Tallaras Shadow to snare the 2200 metre Horsham Cup Sunday Feb 26 Pace.

Taken back to the tail from gate three as I Betuwantano led from gate four, Tallarah Shadow enjoyed a nice trail forward in the last lap trailing Ubetcha Tigerpie forward three wide.

Peeling wide in the straight Tallarah Shadow finished best to blouse the pacemaker, with Ubetcha Tigerpie holding down third.The margins 1.2 metres by a half head in a mile rate of 2-00.8.

■ Mattie Craven was victorious with Mach Three-Shes A Cool Lady 5Y0 gelding Hes A Cool Mach in the $45 Dining Feb 26 Book West Side Pace over 2200 metres.

Handing the reins to Greg Sugars, Hes A Cool Mach (gate two) led all of the way at a slow tempo (first quarter 32.3), having plenty left in the tank to register a 2.2 metre margin over Jilliby Selwood which raced outside him in a rate of 200.2 (last half 55.9). Over The Odds after trailing the winner from the pole was third 1.1 metres away.

■ At Bendigo, Bowenvale trainer Gerard Jamieson was successful with 5Y0 Julius Caesar-Black Magic Lady gelding Sunday Mornings who led throughout from the pole in the Bendigo Locksmiths Pace over 1650 metres.

Driven by Jack McKinnon, Sunday Mornings gave his rivals the slip on the final bend to blitz his rivals by 45.7 metres in a mile rate of 157.4 from Fred Ned and Tormentare which both gave chase in the straight from mid-field with 3.3 metres separating the pair.

■ Popular local owner/trainer Trevor Monk’s 5Y0 Western Terror-Blue Seelster gelding Blue Cannon did a big job to win the Smartline Personal Mortgage Advise Pace over 1650 metres. Trapped wide from gate five, reinsman Rod Petroff had no option but to go back to the tail of the field as Good Feelings led from gate four. Going forward three wide uncovered in the last lap, Blue Cannon sustained a long run to gain the day easily at the finish from Le Spartacus (one/three) which followed him home running into the home turn. Trumpys Legend (one/one) was third. The margins 5.6 by 4 metres in a mile rate of 1-58.8.

- Len Baker

■ One of three two-year-old classic races will be run at Sandown, prior to the Blue Diamond Final day on February 25.

The first of the Blue Diamond Previews for colt and fillies was run on Australia Day at Sandown, with some good runs.

The first of these was in the Colts section, with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, winning with a smart type in The Instructor.

Having his first start at the tricky Sandown track with the downhill run from the 1000 metre start, he handled the sharp turn well.

With the track at Caulfield classic under renovation, the Blue Diamond will be run for the first time at Sandown.

The Instructor is superbly bred being by the classic sire, Russian Revolution, out of Right of Way, and is bred for speed.

Handled superbly by top Victorian rider, Justin Childs, he showed outstanding pace, to career away winning in great style.

He was quickly elevated to favourite for the Diamond by Neds Betting.

The Instructor, on that run, has got to be hard to beat

On the second line of betting is the James Cummings colt, Barber , who scored in great fashion, back on November 5.

He won in great style, and was an early favourite for the Magic Millions. He is however been back right into favourtism. Keep your eye on the market.

CLASSIC RACES AHEAD OF BLUE DIAMOND Ted Ryan

This is along with some outstanding young racehorses like Le Kirk and Sneaky Five.

Recent carnival stars include, Bella Nipotina, Tuvalu, Lost and Running, and Masked Crusader, and fan favourites like Gytrash, Kenedna, and Hey Doc.

Traditionally there is incredible value to be found at the PremierYearling Sales - there have been 22 Group One winning graduates since 2018.

Twelve of these could have been purchased for $100,000 or less, including Santa Ana Lane, Bella Nipotina, Beat the Clock, Seabrook, Spright and Savatoxl.

This year an outstanding collection of 816 yearlings have been catalogued for sale at their Oakland Precinct over the three days of March 5-7.

The catalogue is made up of representatives from the best Victorian farms and breeders, supplemented by drafts from leading interstate breeders as well as a select range of wellcredentialled yearlings from New Zealand.

But the big mail is that he is all class, and Cummings has a big opinion of the Exceed and Excel colt.

Another earlier favourite was the Peter and Paul Snowden two-year-old Kings Gambit, by I Am Invincible, who bolted in at his debut, blitzing them in the Debutant Stakes at Caulfield back on October 8.

However, at his next start he was surprisingly beaten by another good colt in Red Resistance, prepared by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

I would say forget that run, as he is much better that that, as proven by his big effort at Caulfield.

Another of our leading trainers, Annabel Neasham, looks like she has another smart one to be added to her star-studded stable, with horses like Zaaki and Mugatoo.

A nice filly by the name of Learning to Fly was impressive at her first start winning the Widden Stakes for the fillies at Rosehill.

The daughter of theAmerican stallion, Justify, showed what she had beating the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace filly, Steel City.

The leading team of Maher and Eustace atoned with a nice win by their colt, Veecee, by Golden Slipper winner Capitalist , winning at his first start at Flemington over 1100 metres up the straight.

He went under the hammer for $750,000 at theAdelaide sales, and looks a nice type.

He was engaged at Sandown on February 5, as we were going to press.

Leading Victorian trainers, Mick Price and Mick Kent Junior, produced a nice filly, when they won with Charm Stone in the Darley Ottawa Stakes at Flemington back on November

Freedman

, having her first start and was impressive. She is by the former Queensland sprinter, Spirit of Boom, and showed plenty at her first start.

In my next column I will follow up the other main chances in the Blue Diamond in the market, and other moves.

Inglis Sale

■ The Chief Executive of the Inglis Group, Sebastian Hutch, is onfident that the upcoming Yearling Sales starting on March 3, will once again prove a big winner.

Since 2019, graduates of this sale have won 25 of Australia’s Open $1 Million races plus, with winners including the likes of the world’s best sprinter, Nature Strip.

It is one of most well-diversified yearling sale catalogues they have put together with the progeny of 133 different stallions being presented by 67 individual vendors.

All yearlings offered at the 2023 Premier Yearling Sale are eligible for the $7.55 million Inglis Race Series including the $ 2 million Inglis Millennium, One Million Inglis Sprint and the One Million, Inglis Pink Bonus Series. I will follow up some of the progeny up for sale from March 5, in the next edition.

VOBIS sires boost

■ Good news all round with news that the joint Racing Victoria and Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria initiative will provide owners with the opportunity to win a share of $7.5 million in VOBIS Sires Boost vouchers.

This has put a big smile on the faces of those who back the VOBIS moves.

Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)

● Daumier ridden by Mark Zahra wins the Neds Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse on February 26, 2022. (Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

trained De Sonic Boom

3, in Cup Week over 1000 metres. This followed up on her good third at her first start at Flemington behind, Zulfiqar, beaten just under two lengths.

On the next line is the Anthony and Sam

Freemasons Victoria. Australia Day 2023.

● ● ● ● A cheque for $8000 - $2000 more than 2022 - was presented to Bayside Community Relief at the Australia Day barbecue, attended by more tnan 120.

● ● ● ● Chris Dzanovski was Auctioneer.

● ● ● ● Tsen Thau Shin and Frank Foo.

● ● ● ● Mark Gealer and Harry Blatt.

● ● Peter Henshall, Deputy Grand Master-Elect.

● ● Johnny Chbib, Raji Ravan and David Foong.

● ● ● ● Sharon Henshall and Jill Dyce.

● ● Lynne Stockdale and Sue Benedykt.

● Shawn Momen.

Broome Beach Resort welcomes all guests to this relaxing retreat, situated at Cable Beach in the magnificent Western Australian coastal town of Broome. Within a short leisurely stroll to the iconic Cable Beach, Day Spas, restaurants, cafes and bars, Broome Beach Resort is the ideal 4½ star family resort. Set amongst lush, tropical gardens, each of our fully selfcatering, air-conditioned 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments are well appointed and feature full kitchen and laundry facilities, a spacious open plan dining and living area, a private verandah and free WIFI and FOXTEL. Free off-street parking is also available for in-house guests' vehicles.

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FORM 7 Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Minister for the Crown administering the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Minister) declares that by this notice the Minister acquires the following interest in part of the land described as Lot B on Plan of Subdivision 830157L contained in Certificate of Title Volume 06824 Folio 626, being that part of the land shown as Baltrum Drive R1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision 912246G depicted below:

Interests Acquired: That of Calogero Pitinga and Gordon Angelo Pitinga (registered proprietors) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 5.2.3 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 for the purpose of road construction for access purposes in relation to the Wollert Central proposed Primary School.

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 10 October 2022.

Published with the authority of the Minister.

For and on behalf of the Minister

Signed: NICOLE POPE

Name: Nicole Pope

Director, Property – Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA)

Date 15 December 2022

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W e Premium Co

Greensborough Pty Ltd applied to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation on [date] for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at Shop 121C, 25 Main St, Greensborough VIC 3088.

Any person may object to the grant of this application on the grounds that:

• it would detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated, and/or • it would be conducive to or encourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol.

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BEDROOM SUITE. Near new. QS Bed, large dressing table, bedside tables. Toorak. 0412 728 133. F-I

ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA. Complete full set with 24 volumnes of 1965 edition. Maroon ‘leatherette’ covers. Original wooden shelving unit. GC. $50. Ashburton. 9885 2203.F-I

FLOOR MATS. Honda Accord. Euro luxury MY12 Genuine, front and rear. Genuine cargo mat/boot liner. Colour: Grey/black. EC. $85 ONO. Gladstone Park. 0402 282 477. F-I

KITCHEN ‘Cupboards and drawers in various sizes in American oak timber. $300 ONO. East Iavnhoe. 00418 322 569.

LOUNGE SUITE. ‘Fler’

Modular 6 Seater L-shaped Corner Unit with Fluro Light Sand Colour, would suit large room or Man Cave. EC. $200. Endeavour Hills. 0468 954 177.

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OVEN. Fisher and Paykel, double doors, approx. 6 years old with new element and all shelving. $300 ONO. East Ivanhoe. 0418 322 569.

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RECLINER CHAIR Princess, on wheels, with full tilt, pressure care, manual and pump. Hardly ever used. EC. Cranbourne. 0452 442 561.

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ROCKING CHAIR. Antique. American style, adult size, spring based, casters, carved timber frame, EC. Upholstery in need of replacing. GC. $100. Croydon. 0408 332 181.

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PUMP. Yardworks. 1100W model. YW1100TP integrated trolley. 4600 litres per hour. EC. $65 ONO. Gladstone Park. 0402 282 477.F-I

WHITE METAL BATH. Removed from a bathroom reno. Original from 1960s. No leaks or damage. surplus to needs, use for an animal water trough, lily pond, raised garden bed or could put back into a house. Pick-up in Watsonia. GC. $50 ONO. 0408 704 995.F-I

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TANDEM TRAILER. 10’ x 5’, all steel construction, lights, brakes all in good working order. Made by Forest Hill Trailers. GC. $2000. Croydon. 9726 8513.F-I

VEGEPOD. Medium size. 2 covers. Base has been assembled (never used). One opened box which contains the cover/poles and joiners and a new unopened cover and all accessories/instructions. New cond. $250 ONO. Seymour. 0438 228 617.

‘BE MY VALENTINE’ MOLLY ROSE MARKET. From moreish chocolate to groovy candles, Molly Rose at 279 Wellington St, Collingwood, will be filled with sparkling jewellery and beautiful smells by local makers and creators. Sunday, February 12. 12 Noon5pm. Free entry

CHOIR - YARRA GOSPEL COMMUNITY CHOIR. Starts on Thurs., Feb. 9. Weekly. 7.15pm. Join us singing in harmony in a friendly inclusive group. First night free. no auditions. Sheet music, wine and cheese supper provided. $12.50 per week. At St John’s Anglican Church, 552 Burke Rd, Camberwell. 0421 277 862. www.yarragospel.org F-I

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MELBOURNE ADULT MIGRANT ENGLISH PROGRAM VOLUNTEER TUTOR SCHEME INFORMATION SESSION

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MOONEE PONDS BAPTIST CHURCH , 4 5 Eglinton St, 5.30pm Mondays, supports those from Moonee Valley in a tough place. All welcome for a free hot meal from 5.30pm on Mondays. If you have food handling, listening o cleaning skills, then contact us to help out. 0466 075 820. UFN

MORNINGTON Dutch Australian Seniors Club. Meets weekly in Tyabb Community Hall, Frankston-Flinders Rd, Tyabb on Mondays, 10am2pm. Morning coffee, games of Klkaverjas and Rummicub. New members welcome. Nel, 0414 997 161. Paula, 5779 8291. UFN

SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING. Lessons and practice, 7.30pm -10pm Wed. Scots Church Hall, Yea. $5. Dance: 1st Saturday of month. 7.30pm11pm. 0490 42 5

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CAR REG. No.

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

BIRTHDAYS GALORE IN SHOWBIZ WORLD

■ Hi everyone, remotely from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites in West Hollywood comes this week’s news.

Molly’s 80th celebration

■ The biggest birthday celebrated by all of Australia is the 80th birthday for pop music and television guru Ian Alexander Meldrum AM.

I was fortunate to host the private party which was put on by Jayco Caravans owner Gerry Ryan on the Princes Deck at the Prince Hotel in Acland St, St Kilda.

It was a beautiful night with Molly’s friends. John Blackman brought Dicky Knee to the party, Red Symons, Wilbur Wilde, Billy Slater and Russell Morris were some of Molly’s friends enjoying the night.

Ramada Hotel and Suites West Hollywood Managing Director Alan Johnson and international film director Rod Hardy also celebrated their birthdays as well as King of Pop Normie Rowe

I am very lucky to be celebrating my birthday next week, so it’s celebrations all round and a great big Happy Birthday to all.

Butter shortage

■ Grandma’s favourite sugar cookies might be missing a crucial ingredient. While inflation has infiltrated much of the grocery store, few items have been affected more than butter, which, could spell a holiday disaster.

The problem starts with cows, rising costs for feed and labour have led farmers to reduce their cattle herds, causing a series of ripple effects: Milk production was down 1 per cent through June, compared to a typical annual growth rate of 1.5 per cent-2.5 per cent,

The dairy pecking order gives bottlers first priority; then manufacturers of ice cream, yogurt, and cheese; then butter churns, which have been left in short supply. Making matters worse, butter churns usually produce most of their butter in the first half of the year, storing it in preparation for the holidays.

How bad is it? Some might say we’re nearing a meltdown: Butter prices are up 25 per cent , trailing only eggs the leading grocery store inflation item, up 40 per cent.

Butter in cold storage facilities was down 21 per cent in July to its lowest level since 2017. Butter producers are telling retailers not to offer heavy discounts during the holidays in case they can’t replenish supply, and some bakers are now hoarding butter to build up their own “butter army” for the holidays.

On top of all this, the latest foodie trend, with 10.5B+ views on TikTok, is charcuterie-style “butter boards.” Of course, a solution to all this would be turning to margarine.

Weapons billions

■ The leading manufacturers of assault rifles used to perpetrate the deadliest mass shootings in the United States have collected more than $1 billion in revenue over the past decade as gun violence across the country has surged, according to a House investigation set to be presented on Capitol Hill.

The findings, released before a congressional hearing on the marketing of assault rifles, indicate that the gun industry has thrived by selling and marketing military-grade weapons to civilians, specifically targeting and playing to the insecurities of young men, while some have made thinly veiled references to white supremacist groups.

The House Committee on Oversight and Reform opened an investigation into the gun manufacturing industry in May after the gun massacre in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 19 elementary school students and two teachers and a racially motivated mass shooting in a Buffalo supermarket that killed 10 people.

Ageing process

■ Being unhappy or experiencing loneliness accelerates the aging process more than smoking, according to new research.

An international team says unhappiness damages the body’s biological clock, increasing the risk for Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses.

The team reports that they detected aging acceleration among people with a history of stroke, liver and lung diseases, smoking, and in people with a vulnerable mental state.

Interestingly, feeling hopeless, unhappy, and lonely displayed a connection to increasing a patient’s biological age more than the harmful impact of smoking.

Out and About Care eats into bottom line

■ With the help of a consulting firm, the Providence hospital system trained staff to wring money out of patients, even those eligible for free care.

In 2018, senior executives at one of the country’s largest nonprofit hospital chains, Providence, were frustrated. They were spending hundreds of millions of dollars providing free health care to patients. It was eating into their bottom line.

The executives, led by Providence’s chief financial officer at the time, devised a solution: a program called RevUp.

Rev-Up provided Providence’s employees with a detailed playbook for wringing money out of patients even those who were supposed to receive free care because of their low incomes, a New York Times investigation found.

In training materials, members of the hospital staff were instructed how to approach patients and pressure them to pay. “Ask every patient, every time,” the materials said. Instead of using “weak” phrases like “Would you mind paying?” employees were told to ask how patients wanted to pay.

Soliciting money “is part of your role. It’s not an option.” If patients did not pay, Providence sent debt collectors to pursue them.

Cheating the Govt.

■ Nearly 50 people in Minnesota have been charged with laundering an estimated $250 million in pandemic relief aid, which was intended to provide meals to children from lowerincome families.

The case is the largest fraud scheme to take advantage of federal pandemic programs, according to the US Justice Department.

Prosecutors claim 47 individuals tied to Minnesota-based non-profit Feeding Our Future falsely reported serving tens of thousands of meals to children across 250 sites and sought reimbursement for the cost of those meals from the Department of Agriculture’s Federal Child Nutrition Program.

The individuals then allegedly laundered the funds through shell companies to buy luxury cars, property, jewellery, and other personal items.

They have been charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery. To date, more than $8B in suspected pandemic fraud has been found, including in more than 1500 criminal cases.

● ● Birthday boys: Molly Meldrum, Gavin Wood and Lee Simon.

● ● ● ● Birthday boys: Gavin Wood, Alan Johnson and Rod Hardy.

● ● Ramada Plaza West Hollyood.

● ● ● ● Normie Rowe.

Theatre Extra

In The Ghetto

■ Cracked Actors Theatre presents In The Ghetto by James May until February 12 at Power House on the Lake, Level 1, 34 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park.

Described as a ‘loaded contemporary queer drama’, InThe Ghetto tells of two misfits living in Melbourne’s ‘Gay Ghetto', Prahran in the noughties.

Their volatile relationship is punctuated with bitchy back-biting, financial stress, and addiction. Jet wants a stable home for their ‘imaginary daughter.’ Quiver is a macho larrikin who flirts with the drug trade.

Directed by Colin Morley and described as “a passionate love story in a chaotic landscape of ribald antics, fear and wild aspiration”, In the Ghetto also pays tribute to the 50th anniversary in 2023 for the Australian Parliament passing a motion that "in the opinion of this House homosexual acts ... should not be subject to the criminal law".

Cracked Actors Theatre held a writing competition at Midsumma 2022 titled '50 Years: Queers and Pioneers', to find a play that brought the Zeitgeist of the movement today into context for Midsumma Festival 2023.

Cracked Actors Theatre Company Manager Sarah Yeung explains the reasons for selecting James May's play: " ... because as well as encapsulating the fighting spirit of those pioneers of the early movement, it demonstrates that the struggle continues, and that activism is as essential as ever to ensure a future free of prejudice.

“He unflinchingly addresses the ‘elephants in the room’ facing society today, like the fact that there is still no HIV vaccine or cure (he has lived with HIV for many years) and that the scourge of meth addiction along with partner violence is not equitably addressed across disparate communities."

Content Warnings – This play contains adult concepts, coarse language, drug references, smoke effects, self-harm references, themes surrounding mental illness and loud music.

Performance Details: Until February 12

Venue: Cracked Actors Theatre, Power House on the Lake, Level 1, 34 Lakeside Dve, Albert Park Bookings: midsumma.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Romeo and Juliet

■ The Australian Shakespeare Company presents William Shakespeare's timeless tale of love at first sight, Romeo and Juliet, under the stars from February 10 to March 11.

Audiences are encouraged to pack a picnic and take advantage of the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens as the sun sets before the show.

Directed by Glenn Elson with choreography by Scott Jackson, the show stars Alison Whyte, Nicole Nabout and Wolfgang Reed, the show will be presented on the outdoor stage at Melbourne’s picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens, and is perfectly timed for Valentine's Day.

Glenn Elston, Artistic Director at The Australian Shakespeare Company said, “Romeo and Juliet is a celebration of the joy of love, the power of family, the value of friends and the futility of hate.

“Our adaptation of Romeo and Juliet will melt the hardest heart and inspire the better part of human nature, and we can’t wait to bring it to Melburnians during the month of love.”

Catering is also available on-site before the show.

Where: The Southern Cross Lawn - Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens, 100 Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Performance Dates: February 10 - March 11

Bookings: www.shakespeareaustralia. com.au 8676 7511 Via Ticketmaster. Tickets can be purchased on site approx. 1 hour before show time, subject to availability.

Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes (incl. 20 minute interval).

Tickets are available at shakespeareaustralia.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Local Sport

■ Diamond Valley Cricket Association. Barclay Shield. North Eltham Wanderers v Riverside 5/107 S Villani 37 DS Lakhi 2/26

JC Young 2/44. Epping 9/180(cc) T Emmins

43 NJ Gardiner 30 SA Barker 28 O Toussaint

5/55 v Rosanna. Research Eltham Collegians v Rosebank Eltham College. Banyule 90 JD

Poyser 30 AA Elward 4/31 DR Gilbert 3/6 DH

Bedurke 2/7 v Diamond Creek 3/114 RA Phelan

53* T McLean 48 JN Wilson 3/26. Heidelberg

v Macleod 4/110 S Lumsden 39 I SpencerJones 34. Money Shield. Bundoora United v Montmorency 8/290(cc) R Coleman 79 J Taylor 73 A Bennett 49 J Crook 42 R Commandeur

3/30 RM Gaylard 2/86. Bundoora Park 64 N

Sharma 5/17 SS Taggar 4/21 and 1/21 v Bundoora 8/111(dec) R Singh-Dhillon 31 B

Entertainment

The Mousetrap

■ The 70th Anniversary Australian production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap will have a limited season at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne from February 17.

The Mousetrap is directed by Australian theatre icon Robyn Nevin, with costume design and associate set design by Isabel Hudson, and lighting design by Trudy Dalgleish. The Mousetrap is produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia.

The ensemble cast consists of international theatre star Anna O’Byrne (My Fair Lady, Love Never Dies) as Mollie Ralston, Helpmann Award winner Alex Rathgeber (Anything Goes, The Phantom of the Opera) as Giles Ralston, Laurence Boxhall (As You Like It, Jumpy) as Christopher Wren, Geraldine Turner (Present Laughter, Don's Party) as Mrs Boyle, Adam Murphy (Shakespeare in Love, Aladdin) as Major Metcalf, in her professional stage debut Charlotte Friels as Miss Casewell, Gerry Connolly (Cyrano de Bergerac, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui) as Mr Paravicini, and Tom Conroy (Jasper Jones, My Brilliant Career) as Detective Sergeant Trotter.

Jack Bannister (Romeo and Juliet, Lysa and The Freeborn Dames), Elisa Colla (My Fair Lady, Wicked) and Chris Parker (Daylight Savings, The Club) complete the cast as standbys.

The Mousetrap had its world premiere on October 6, 1952 at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham. After a brief tour, it opened in London’s West End on November 25, 1952 at the Ambassadors Theatre, where it ran until March 23, 1974. It immediately transferred to the larger St Martin's Theatre next door, where it continues to this day.

The longest-running West End show, it has by far the longest run of any play anywhere in the world, with more than 28,500 performances so far. The play has a twist ending, which the audience are traditionally asked not to reveal after leaving the theatre.

Agatha Christie originally wrote the story as a short radio play entitled Three Blind Mice, which was broadcast in 1947 as a birthday present for Queen Mary.

She eventually adapted the work into a short story before again rewriting it for the stage as The Mousetrap

Ironically, Christie did not expect the play to run for more than a few months and stipulated that no film of The Mousetrap be made until at least six months after the West End production closed.

Seventy years on, as the show continues its historic London run, a film adaptation looks unlikely at this stage.

Venue: Comedy Theatre, Melbourne

Season: From February 17, Performance Times Wed-Thurs 7:00pm, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1 and 6pm

Prices: From $69.00 (Transaction fees apply)

Bookings: ticketek.com.au or phone 13 28 49 Groups 8+ call 9299 9873 themousetrap.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Mary Poppins

■ Mary Poppins, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s new production has arrived at Her Majesty's Theatre and will be playing there until the end of April.

Seen by tens of millions of people worldwide, this stage adaptation of the stories by Aus-

Healy 3/19 H Culph 2/3 S Patil 2/17. Plenty v Mernda. Lower Eltham v Lalor Stars. Laurimar v Eltham 9/209(cc) M Chrimes 50 S Sceney

49 P Richardson 4/33. ■ North Metro Cricket Association. Jika

Shield. Preston Baseballers 1/69 L Hill 37*

def Reservoir Cobras 66 A Boughton 5/21 J

Boughton 3/14 J Walker 2/12. Rivergum 1/

104 J Bonnici 41* M Perri 38* defHoly

Trinity 102 MW O'Brien 37 DK Young 3/17 M

Perri 2/20 S Neary 2/21. Old Ivanhoe 6/166 J

Roman 36 N Cox 28 M Adams 2/28 B Burfitt

2/40 defNorthern Socials 163 A Kumar

Badwal 70 J Shepherd 4/19 CJ Cleland 3/43

J Hollaway 2/11. Donath 9/146(cc) J Hopkins

25 N Singh 3/36 P Capaldo 2/18 B Barker 2/ 23 def by Keon Park 6/214(cc).

tralian-born author P.L. Travers have been delighting a whole new generation of theatregoers in Sydney and Brisbane.

The all-Australian cast is led by Stefanie Jones as Mary Poppins and Jack Chambers as Bert.

Marina Prior is returning to Cherry Tree Lane in the dual roles of Bird Woman and Miss Andrew for Melbourne, and will be joined by Tom Wren as George Banks, Lucy Maunder (Winifred Banks), Hannah Waterman (Mrs Brill), Gareth Isaac (Robertson Ay), Robert Grubb (Chairman and Admiral Boom), Chelsea Plumley (Miss Andrew), Cherine Peck (Mrs Corry), Lisa Sontag (Miss Lark), Kade Hughes (Neleus), Stephen Anderson (Park Keeper) and Andrew Broadbent (Policeman).

The company is completed by Hayden Baum, Cara Bessey, Katrina Bickerton, Molly Bugeja, Emily Casey, Ed Deganos, Joshua Gordon, Kimberley Hodgson, Gareth Jacobs, Hollie James, Sebastian Johnston, Genevieve Kingsford, Zoe Komazec, Sasha Lian-Diniz, Noah Missell, Ellie Nunan, Max Patterson, Jamie Reisin, Taylor Scanlan, Jacob Steen, Patrick Whitbread and Paul Whiteley, with eight performers to share the roles of Jane and Michael Banks in Melbourne.

Tickets are available via Ticketek premier.ticketek.com.au

MaryPoppinsMusical.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

MILF & Mistress

■ Ali Henderson (Jennifer Vuletic) is a high school English teacher living the suburban dream with her partner, two kids, multiple pets and a growing longing for something more.

She is also one-half of the only rainbow couple in the street and the school and the tediousness of all that entails.

A life spent in middle-class suburbia has meant endless invasive questioning on how LBTQI couples actually “do” things.

Reflecting on these questions, Ali comes to realise that she and her partner, both middleaged women, have settled into a rather dull existence, particularly in the bedroom, and Ali wants more.

Where some women are content with a “pamper package” or regular visits to the hairdresser, Ali embarks on an adventure into BDSM, researching swinger groups, and fetish clubs, before finally settling on visits to a dominatrix.

Niggling doubts and imposter syndrome threaten to scupper Ali’s adventure in its infancy.

Luckily Ali overcomes her fear of the unknown and embraces her new-found sexual awakening.

Directed by first-timer Di Toulson, this fantastic new play by acclaimed playwright, Jane Montgomery Griffiths, is an impactful comment on invisibility and reclaiming agency.

David Nelson’s visual design is most effective in creating a filmic illusion of the dungeon scenes where Vuletic’s nudity never feels exploitative.

Millie Lavakis-Lucas’s sound design overlays these scenes with evocative recordings that play to the senses.

Presented as a monologue, Vuletic is terrific as Ali.

Engaging, insightful, and imbued with both comedy and pathos, this beautifully written play has it all.

Let’s hope that we see more from this firstrate creative team.

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens

ARIES: (March 21-April 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 8,3,4,5

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,27,34,45,

During this period you should be able to do more to achieve a better financial future. Unwise to flirt indiscriminately or you cold ruin a long term friendship.

TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 8,3,4,5

Lotto Numbers: 8,12,14,34,45,11,

Most could be rather impressionable where romance is concerned what you say without thought could hurt others. But for the most part of this should be a happy and healthy period.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 6,8,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 1,16,24,35,41,22,

A really romantic time although you could be embarrassed by another’s spending. Excellent stars for work or partnership matters. Reasons to celebrate and your future is looking good.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 6,7,8,4

Lotto Numbers: 6,13,24,34,41,22, Lovers quarrels could easily spoil the otherwise perfect atmosphere, try to avoid friction with everyone. Some good news regarding expenses and career matters.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7,2,5,6,

Lotto Numbers: 7,13,24,31,22,20

You could be inclined to flirt and this can cause serious case of the jealousies at home. Do not take anyones love or support for granted or it will backfire on you.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Dark Green

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 6,8,2,4

Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,41,22

Surprises at home and a happier time is indicated most will be feeling more romantic than usual and this could make them more impressionable for advances.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 7,2,3,6

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,19,34,41,22,

Before you act in the matters of pleasure it would be wise to count the financial cost. You need to be more careful than every not to overspend for close family and friends.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8,2,3,5

Lotto Numbers: 1,6,23,38,41,10

You could be more emotional during this period and realise how much those around you mean to you. Unexpected news concerning money matters should be very welcome.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 7,9,4,1, Lotto Numbers: 7,12,24,3,4,45, Opportunities at work could overcome some confusion concerning finances and in many cases a complete turn about to your most pressing problems. You could be more persuasive on your love talk.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8,9,4,3,

Lotto Numbers: 6,3,12,24,41,22, You may have to ask or answer some awkward questions, however, most should be happier about their future plans. Avoid lending money to friends or it is likely to be a long time coming back.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 6,9,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 6,13,24,35,45,20, Travel plans could be on your mind, stay out of friction at work. However, do not be afraid to speak your mind. News concerning some of your more remote hopes should make you happier and on good terms with all.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4

Lotto Numbers: 1,5,23,25,45,33, Not the best time for long distance travel although career or business matters can improve. Some unexpected gossip you overheard may have some impact on your future plans.

KERRY