Melbourne Observer. November 2, 2016

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CONFESSIONS Wanted: Steve, Glen

■ If you know Steve and Glen then detectives at Monash Crime Investigation Unit would very much like to speak to you. Police are trying to identify the pair after cash and watches were stolen during a burglary in Glen Waverley. Two men have entered a house on Kennedy St via the rear yard about 6.15pm on Friday (Oct. 28). Once inside, they went through the house before locating a safe in an upstairs bedroom. The pair grabbed a wheelie bin and managed to put the safe inside it, taking it back downstairs and out of the house. The safe contained watches and a quantity of cash. No one was home at the time of the incident. Investigators have released CCTV of the pair and they can be heard calling out each other’s names, believed to be “Steve” and “Glen”, during the incident. Police are keen to speak to anyone who might be able to identify the men. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Show takes the lies out of lycra

■ Joana Simmons (aka Joy) is taking the lies out of Lycra with her brand new show Confessions of an Aerobics Instructor She airs her workout and work stories as an aerobics instructor and exercising all sorts of demons from body image to active wear; gym, Jim and Gin.

■ Joana Simmons in Confessions of An Aerobics Instructor

This comedy cabaret features a soundtrack of pop and rock staples, original songs (written by Jamie Burgess- Butch Masters/ Impromptunes) and anecdotes. Joana’s background in comedy makes her a nonconventional and at times nonsensical instructor and combines with her tales of what really happens in the fitness industry. Joana Simmons first started aerobics with her mum in the church hall when she was still in primary school, and started teaching classes when she was 17. Since then, she has instructed a range of programs at gyms all across Melbourne. She has also performed in a variety of festivals across a range of genres including; Melbourne International Comedy Festival, New Zealand Fringe Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival (Putting the G’Day in Cabaret), The Village Festival and Falls Festival. She was a semi-finalist with “Miss Friby (and the Fribbles)” on Australia’s Got Talent. Joana says to ‘Prepare to ‘feel the burn’ and enjoy a strong ab workout from deep belly laughs when sweaty secrets are laid out to dry. The weight is over.’ Date: November 9, 10, 12, 13 Time: 7pm Cost: $25-32 Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Pl, off Little Collins St, Melbourne Bookings: thebutterflyclub.com - Cheryl Threadgold

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Observer The Book of Daughters inc orpor a ting the Melbourne A d vvertiser ertiser, incorpor orpora Ad Melbourne T ict orian Rur al Ne ws Trr ader ader,, V Vict ictorian Rural New and Melbourne Seniors News News.. Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every W ednesda y Wednesda ednesday

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■ Jolt Arts and the Click Clack Project presents The Book of Daughters, with ten sonic shows featuring 38 sound artists and musicians across three nights from November 10 – 12 at the Meat Market, North Melbourne. Featuring leading international sound makers Yoshimio (aka Yoshimi P-We of the Boredoms and OOIOO) and Japanese shamisen master Yumiko Tadano alongside a stellar Australian line up, including acclaimed experimental vocalist Carolyn Connors and celebrated poet berni.m.janssen. Each night begins with Sonic Flock, an experiential aural exhibit with a free-form, immersive art experiment with a rotating roster of local and international performers collected from the The Book of Daughters artist line-up. Housed within a two person teepee, the brief sonic performance unfolds with a work solely for one audience member delivered by one of the artists. With eight teepees populating the foyer, this collectively devised work personifies and embraces the spirit of community. Opening the performance schedule is Shamisen Resonance a sumptuous and mostly solo performance by shamisen (Japanese banjo) and vocal artist Noriko Tadano with a guest appearance by the Duckworth Hullick Duo playing Jonathan Duckworth’s hypnotic RESONANCE Table. Artistically Directed by Belinda Woods, the second performance of the evening, wind spoken, features members of the virtuoso chamber ensemble BOLT Ensemble and the text of performance poet berni.m.janssen, whose musings articulate the threads between landscape, women and sonic utterance. A new solo show from trailblazing vocalist Carolyn Connors, Vocaline, promises to be an unpredictable end to the opening night. In the words of the artist: “My work will include inhalations, exhalations, articulations and resonances. Objects and instruments other than me may be involved. I may or may not yell at the audience quite as much as at recent gigs. Extended vocal techniques are guaranteed.” In the second night opening offering, Cacophony Wolves, the ensemble of rising sound artists known as Noise Scavengers, present a musical interpretation of a deep and frank dialogue with young feminist and postgraduate psychology student Sarah Smith. The physical push that is Cacophony Wolves has been created in collaboration with Dave Brown — one of Australia’s recalcitrant and celebrated guitarists — and includes sound artist James Hullick as a member of the Noise Scavengers. In Tone Being, Coral Speak, awarding winning Perth-based percussionist Louise Devenish performs new works by Cat Hope and Kate Moore, composers at the forefront of international sonic creation. Celebrating living Australian composers, this edition of Experimental Music for One Percussionist was also recently presented for Tura Music’s Scale Variable Series. Australian audiences can now experience the trio Harp Banjo Shamisen Voice, which premiered at JOLT’s Tokyo Festival 2015. Yumiko Tanaka, one of Japan’s most revered shamisen and voice masters, shares the stage with Canadian sound artist Cal Lyall on prepared-banjo and Australia’s own harp master Mary Doumany. The final evening begins with delicate delights in ambient percussion, text and electronic soundscapes, from the women of The Amplified Elephants - Sarah Ellis, Liz Hofbauer, Megan Hunter, Robyn McGrath, Kathryn Sutherland, who have created SHHHH. They are joined by inspiring guest Elephants, percussionist/sound artist Nat Grant and sound artist/ poet Esther Tuddenham. The Melbourne premiere of Slow Riven Whirl features text created from the perspective of a father wishing to understand the challenges his young daughters will face as they grow into adulthood. Written by James Hullick for his daughters, the text rotates around the contemplation of remarkable women felled by misguided communities. The performance is centred around BOLT’s female members with legendary Australian poet berni.m.janssen serving as orator and dramaturg of text.

Drum Drum Solo, a force of nature solo show for drum kit, vocal and electronics by one of Japan’s most visceral sonic adventurers, Yoshimio is a fitting finale. In other incarnations Yoshimio is a member of culture-defining bands — the Boredoms, OOIOO, Free Kittens — and has recorded with the Flaming Lips. A rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s truly great contemporary sonic creators.

Open Studios ■ Maribyrnong City Council will launch its ninth Open Studios in the West on Thursday November 24, inviting you to open a door and discover the hidden creativity of artists living and working in Melbourne’s inner west. Open Studios in the West offers unique opportunities to explore the diverse range of artists’ studios located in Melbourne’s inner west by taking a self-guided tour behind the scenes of a number of creative hubs. The festival explores art behind the scenes and provides an unparalleled opportunity to visit the studios and workshops of local artists, performers, collectives and designers, as well as a number of permanent gallery spaces and exhibitions. For many artists their studio is their second home, and for some, it is their home. Ranging from a back shed to a lounge room, gallery studios and warehouses, you will be fascinated by the sanctums from which artists explore their inspiration and create. In addition to the artists’ studio, collectives, galleries, exhibitions, events and workshops there are also two fantastic Maribyrnong City Council coordinated exhibitions, Dangerous Deeds and This Empty Chair. Dangerous Deeds is a screen based arts installation that presents a snapshot of the Victorian disability movement. It presents unique perspectives on disability culture at a time when the biggest social policy change in 30 years is about to be implemented; the NDIS. This exhibition runs as part of Open Studios, with extended dates until December. This Empty Chair is an exhibition and physical reminder of the plight of writers currently suffering unjust imprisonment as a result of attempts to silence their critical voices; writers from across the globe who have been denied their basic human right to freedom of expression. Watch a demonstration, listen to an artists talk, purchase a work directly from the artist or attend a free workshop. Open Studios in the West will reveal the unique spaces rarely opened to the public. Venue: Various full program available at maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/openstudios Dates: November 24 - 27 Time: Launch 6:30pm Thursday November 24 at VU MetroWest MCC Organised Exhibitions: Dangerous Fields Venue: VU MetroWest 138 Nicholson Street, Footscray Dates: Thursday, November 24. Friday, December 16 Time: Monday Friday 9am 5pm This Empty Chair Venue: Footscray Community Arts Centre 45 Moorland Rd, Footscray Dates: Tuesday, November 15. Wednesday November 30. Time: Monday Friday 9:30am 5pm | Saturday 10am 4pm ★ Venue: Footscray Town Hall Corner Napier and Hyde Streets, Footscray Dates: Tuesday, November 15. Wednesday, November 30 Time: Monday Friday 9am 5pm ★ Venue: Braybrook Community Hub 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook Dates: Tuesday, November 15. Wednesday, November 30 Time: Monday Friday 9am 5pm - Cheryl Threadgold ■ There are more listings in the Observer Showbiz which starts on Page 31.

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens Aries: (March 21- April 20) Lucky colour: blue Lucky day: Sunday Racing numbers: 3-2-7-1 Lotto numbers: 10-16-21-22-26-30 Emotional problems with loved ones could become worse if you are not prepared to give in a bit. Also, people at your place of work seem to be on edge. Tread carefully. Taurus: (April 21- May 20) Lucky colour: pink Lucky day: Thursday Racing numbers: 3-7-2-5 Lotto numbers: 4-11-16-20-27-33 Try to keep cool and understanding with irritating people who could have legitimate reasons to argue. Everyone seems to want a piece of you during this period of time. Gemini: (May 21- June 21) Lucky colour: white Lucky day: Tuesday Racing numbers: 4-1-6-3 Lotto numbers: 8-20-26-31-36-41 There could be some changes expected in your place of work and you could be asked to be more flexible in the future. Most of the changes taking place could benefit you. Cancer: (June 22- July 22) Lucky colour: brown Lucky day: Sunday Racing numbers: 4-3-7-1 Lotto numbers: 10-17-29-35-42-43 If planning travel the next week or two confirmations of booking's and accommodation must be checked. Do not let other people's emotional outbursts ruin your otherwise perfect time. Leo: (July 23- August 22) Lucky colour: grey Lucky day: Saturday Racing numbers: 8-7-1-3 Lotto numbers: 7-9-11-26-34-38 There could be some contact with people connected with your work or hobby. Problems with relatives should be easing out and more time should be given to jobs that interest you. Virgo: (August 23- September 23) Lucky colour: red Lucky day: Monday Racing numbers: 9-4-5-1 Lotto numbers: 19-29-30-33-36-45 Do not be a sucker for a sad story during this period, some might try you out. Concentrate on your own plans and do not let anyone sway you from your chosen path. Libra: (September 24- October 23) Lucky colour: violet Lucky day: Friday Racing numbers: 4-3-1-2 Lotto numbers: 5-14-23-36-38-44 There is a female who is trying to make you believe something, so treat her with caution. Slowly does it as rushing around will almost definitely ruin your carefully thought plans. Scorpio: (October 24- November 22) Lucky colour: green Lucky day: Saturday Racing numbers: 2-1-7-4 Lotto numbers: 11-16-19-20-33-37 Relationship matters should be reasonably good but some friction could be created by refusing to listen to other opinions. Your plans for the future are slowly forming to desired forms. Sagittarius: (November 23- December 20) Lucky colour: lemon Lucky day: Sunday Racing numbers: 9-7-1-4 Lotto numbers: 9-18-27-36-41-45 Maybe you need some fresh air and recreation to get you back to feel good about yourself. Some former confusion in a relationship should be clearing and matters settle down. Capricorn: (December 21- January 19) Lucky colour: rouge Lucky day: Tuesday Racing numbers: 4-3-7-1 Lotto numbers: 10-17-22-26-36-43 Your energies should be unlimited where work is concerned but in relationships you could be feeling helpless. Maybe a good talk could clear the air for everyone and can only benefit. Aquarius: (January 20- February 19) Lucky colour: yellow Lucky day: Thursday Racing numbers: 3-6-1-7 Lotto numbers: 10-16-18-26-30-35-36 No good trying to avoid detection, you are going to be found out now. If you are not ready to confront people say so and ask for more time. Travel could be a temporary solution to your problems. Pisces: (February 20- March 20) Lucky colour: olive Lucky day: Monday Racing numbers: 8-3-6-2 Lotto numbers: 8-14-24-25-33-38 You could find yourself in a situation that requires you to do some fast talking. Being vindictive will not help so make a clean breast of things and it will relieve tension.

Visit Kerry Kulkens Magic Shop at 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Phone/Fax 9754 4587 www.kerrykulkens.com.au Like us on Facebook


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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 7

Showbiz

It’s All About You!

Women’s Circus 25th anniversary

Melbourne

Observer In This 96-Page Edition

Showbiz Extra: Productions out west ...... Page 6 Theatre People: YAPPERS new show ....... Page 8 Melbourne Arts: with Peter Kemp .......... Page 9 Whittlesea Show: Special feature ... Pages 10-11 Freemasons Victoria: Promotion .......... Page 12 West Hollywood: Gavin Wood reports ..... Page 13 Vic Gordon: Kev Trask remembers ........ Page 14 Harness Racing: Len Baker’s column ..... Page 28 Aaron Rourke: Movie reviews .............. Page 34 Mega Crosswords: Lovatts puzzle .... Pages 36-37 Ted Ryan: Oaks day tip ...................... Page 39 Aaron Rourke James Sherlock Cheryl Threadgold Rob Foenander

Observer Showbiz Showbiz

‘Where do the spirits go?’

● Natalie Lucic, Piper Huynh, Rex Pelman, Oti Wiloughby, Achai Deng and Abraham Herasan, Photo: Nico Keenan ■ Global climate politics – where do the spir- Sudanese), Abraham Herasan (Afghani), its go when the water rises? Piper Huynh (Vietnamese), Natalie Lucic Developed and created by the Edge En- (Croatian), Rex Pelman (Samoan) and Oti semble, Western Edge Youth Arts presents Wiloughby (Ghanaian). the premiere of Caliban at The Coopers Writer Georgia Symons says Caliban exMalthouse from November 24 – 26. plores voices we don't often hear in climate Caliban explores the battle ground of glo- discourses, "The Edge Ensemble have culbal climate politics through the eyes of those tural ties to some of the parts of the planet on the front lines. most affected by climate change – places like Set in a not-too-distant future on the brink South Sudan, Western Samoa and Afghaniof climate disaster, Caliban starts where stan. But they also live in Australia – a nation Shakespeare’s The Tempest left off – when with a complex relationship to climate action." the island is submerged in the rising tides, how Edge Ensemble Achai Deng, Abraham will Caliban survive? Herasan, Piper Huynh, Natalie Lucic, Rex Caliban is an Australian re-imagining of Pelman and Oti Wiloughby The Tempest where Ferdinand is an oil baron, Writer Georgia Symons Prospera a scientist and Ariel is an artificial Directors Tariro Movondo and Dave intelligence system with the power to save the Kelman world. Movement Amy Macpherson A new culturally diverse work made in Music and composition Callum Watson Melbourne’s western suburbs, Caliban turns Performance Season November 24 – 26 the climate debate on its head and gives a November 2016 voice to characters from Africa, Afghanistan Time 7pm and the Pacific Islands – areas deeply affected Venue The Coopers Malthouse, Beckett by climate change. Theatre at Big West Festival in 2015, CALIBAN Address 113 Sturt St, Southbank has undergone intensive development and is Tickets $38 Adult / $28 Concession, stunow an entirely new work – it sets a new dent and Malthouse Theatre subscriber benchmark for the Edge Ensemble and brings Groups 10+ $23 Adult / $18 Concession personal stories and passionate perspectives and student on climate change into a main stage theatre Bookings 9685 5111 or space. thecoopersmalthouse.com.au Featuring six young emerging artists, the Western Edge Youth Arts Edge Ensemble represents Australian cultural westernedge.org.au diversity and includes Achai Deng (South - Cheryl Threadgold

■ Launching in 1991, Melbourne’s iconic Women’s Circus celebrates their 25th Anniversary this November by presenting a powerful adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s, The Penelopiad, and a Stories in Motion Exhibition of it’s herstory, with a vibrant collection of photographic archives, oral and written stories, and memorabilia. Running from November 22 - 27, The Penelopiad features an ensemble of 30 members of the Women’s Circus. Exploring the silencing of women’s stories and the prevalence of violence against women in our culture, The Penelopiad is an ancient story that still speaks to us today; a story that gives a voice to the voiceless within history and lets them speak, sing and dance. Running concurrently from November 17 – December 10, Women’s Circus return to their original home at the Footscray Community Arts Centre with Stories in Motion; an exhibition that showcases the Women’s Circus herstory with resources from over 30 original theatrecircus works. Part-interactive, this exhibition looks to the organisation’s rich past and invites audiences to join in celebrating the exciting future ahead. The Penelopiad: November 22 – 27 Tues – Thurs and Sat 8pm, Fri 6pm (Gala Performance), Sat and Sun 2pm Tickets: $30 Full, $22 Concession, $24 WC Members Bookings: 9687 3665 or online via www.womenscircus.org.au Venue: Drill Hall - 395 Barkly Street, West Footscray www.womenscircus.org.au ★ Stories in Motion Exhibition: Opening: Thursday November 17 6pm – 8pm (All welcome!) Exhibition: Friday November 18 – Saturday December 10 Venue: Footscray Community Arts Centre Gabriel Gallery - 45 Moreland St, Footscray

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Driver’s trifecta

■ A 34-year-old driver was going for a trifecta after he was allegedly caught speeding, drug and drink driving in Keysborough on Monday afternoon as part of Police Operation Furlong.

Aggravated burg

■ Police have charged two men following an aggravated burglary in Carlton on Monday. Detectives stopped to make enquiries and located a man who was armed with a baton. The man fled and the detectives chased him on foot for a short distance before arresting him. A second man, also alleged to have been involved in the aggravated burglary, was arrested by uniform police members in a car a short time later.

Fatal at Geelong

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal crash in Corio on Monday night.

147-kmh in 80 zone

■ Police pulled over an orange Holden Commodore on the Belgrave-Hallam Road on Mondayafter clocking it travelling more than 60kmh over the limit in the 80kmh zone. The driver, a 23-year-old Narre Warren North man, was informed that the car would now be impounded for the next month.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Mostly cloudy. 8°-19° Thurs. Sunny. 9°-22° Fri. Cloudy. 10°-27° Sat. Showers. 9°-14° Sun. Cloudy. 13°-19°

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5

THE T OP 5 TOP LA TES T LATES TEST SPORTSBET ODDS 5. 50/1. Geoffrey Edlesten to join the Hare Krishna. 4. 100/1. The state government to enter the pet travel service. 3. 200/1. Germaine Greer caught groping Donald Trump. 2. 500/1. Mariah Carey takes engagement ring to Cash Converters. 1. 10,000/1. Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull to engage in a same-sex marriage!


Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Theatre People

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YAPPERS Premiere Season ‘Quaff’ Photos: Ash Long

● Lulu Moon and Tina Brunt

● Emeli Brunt and Rose McQueen

● Heidi Stewart and Poppy Stewart

● Julian Laucius and Lisa Harding

● Janine Arendsen and Adam Dennis

● Regina Bell and Perry Moon

● Adam Driscioll and Rowan Smith

● Deb Robinson and Lillian Moon

● Lou Fillmore and Richard Lane

● Michelle Mussett and Geoff Leslie

● Helen Jolly and Bec Bowles

● Theatregoers Fay Gillespie and Val Borrie


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Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 9

Showbiz News

Carnival of lost souls Briefs Permission To Speak ■ Chamber Made Opera director and Artistic Associate Tamara Saulwick has collaborated with composer Kate Neal to pair contemporary performance with musical composition and construct a revealing portrait of that which is often left unspoken. Permission to Speak, a choral performance about family relationships, will be presented from November 23 – 27 at Arts House, North Melbourne. What would we say to those who brought us into the world? What will we say to those we leave behind? Poised in the delicate space between concert and theatre performed in the round, Permission to Speak explores the most universal of relationships – that of parent and child – as it exists and evolves through a lifetime. Performance Season: November 23 – 27 Times: Wed – Thu 7:30pm, Fri 9pm, Sat 2pm and 7:30pm, Sun 5pm Duration: 60 mins Post-show Q&A Thu November 24 Address Arts House, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne Tickets Full $35 / Concession $30 / Student $25 B o o k i n g s artshouse.com.au or (03) 9322 3713 Arts House artshouse.com.au - C. Threadgold

■ Nestled somewhere between the madness of a Tim Burton psychosis and darkness of a David Lynch nightmare, The Carnival of Lost Souls tells the tragic tale of unrequited love and loss, set amongst the mayhem and splendour of a 19th Century Circus. Featuring some of Australia’s best physical entertainers, musicians and singers, this ‘Circus Noir’ spectacle delivers a twisted bent on the familiar Circus, Musical Theatre and Cabaret genres and has been developed specifically to play in Spiegeltents on the International Festival Circuits. Making its world debut in Melbourne at the Melba Spiegeltent on November 11-12, the production is backed by a highly emotive original score, taking the audience on a mystical and atmospheric journey into the dark heart of a vintage Circus fraternity where nothing is as it seems. From the thrill of world-class acrobats, jugglers, magicians, aerial and carnival performers to the moving musical soundscape and songs, the underlying tale of desire and betrayal plays out amidst the tableau of the classic Big Top. Featuring Victorian Gothic and Steampunk inspired costuming and stage design, combined with moody and evocative lighting, a magical world comes alive where the line between life and death, absolute and obscure, real and unreal is truly blurred. Venue: The Melba Spiegeltent, 35 Johnston St., Collingwood Dates and Time: November 11 – 12 Doors open 8pm for 9pm show (80min) Tickets: $31.50 - $57.75

By P et er K emp Pet eter Kemp

NGV Friday nights

● The Tarot Ringmaster in The Carnival of Lost Souls.

Colour purple is gold ■ StageArt’s Australian premiere production of The Color Purple – The Musical at Chapel off Chapel is a rare and extraordinary musical treat. An amazingly talented cast tell this tragic and yet heart-warming story with absolute beauty. From the opening number the show captivates with its rousing gospel tunes, rhythmic slave-era anthems, seductive jazz melodies, soulful ballads and breathtaking belters that raise the roof! This Tony Award winning musical by Marsha Norman, Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, is based on the novel by Alice Walker, and the well-known motion picture starring Whoopi Goldberg. Centred on Miss Celie (JaymeLee Hanekom), the story follows her life over a span of about 40 years,

Melbourne Observations

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

The Arts in Melbourne

through abuse, loss and despair, to love and hope. The love for her younger sister Netti (Anna Francesca Armenia) is what keeps her going in her brutal existence. In time she meets two colourful and memorable characters who help to change the course of her life – Sofia (Vanessa Menjiva) and Shug Avery (Thando Sikwila). Hanekom as Miss Celie is brilliant but not just in voice - she conveys a myriad of emotions from naivety, docility, sadness, frustration, doubt and anger, to hope and forgiveness. The emotional harmonies with Armenia were gorgeous. Sikwila’s Shug is a little underplayed but she has the vocals to make it real. Sofia is a feisty and refreshing character and Menjiva plays her with just the right amoun

t of attitude. Male leads, Kendrew A. Heriveaux (Mister) and Iopu Auva’a (Harpo), give stunning performances. The strong and talented ensemble gave exceptional high-energy performances. Particularly enjoyable were Noelani Petero, Sasha Hennequin and Anisha Senaratne as the town’s gossips. There couldn’t have been a dry eye in the house at this powerful and absorbing production of The Color Purple The Musical. Director, Robbie Carmellotti, has not just amassed a superb cast; he has conceived a masterpiece. Performance season: Until November 6, Sunday Matinee at 1.30pm. Venue: Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran Cost: From $49

Blindside

■ For All the Gardens I Could Find Melanie Jayne Taylor creates a comprehensive cataloguing system for the material in her personal photographic archive related to gardens. This act will be developed in consultation with cataloguers and archivists from various collection institutions worldwide. Opening night Thursday November 17 at 6pm - 8pm. ■ Evidence (Again). In 1997 Linda Judge exhibited a series of works at 'Talk', an artists initiative set up by Sandra Bridie on the floor below BLINDSIDE in the Nicholas building. Opening night Thursday November 17 6pm - 8pm. Blindside Gallery. Level 7. Room 14. Nicholas Building . 37 Swanston St. Melbourne.

■ Tony Ellwood, Director NGV, said 'The National Gallery of Victoria is offer an eclectic program of live music that will compliment our two summer exhibitions, David Hockney: Current and Victor & Rolf Fashion Artists. The combination of after-hours exhibition access and diverse live music acts had made Friday nights one of the most popular programs on the NGV calendar. Australian artists in the summer line-up include seminal 1990s pop band Custard, Melbourne singersongwriter Sarah Mary Chadwick Sydney rock band Dappled Cities, experimental quintet Tangents, ARIA Hall of Fame inductees Models, voice of TISM Damian Cowell appearing as par of Damian Cowell's Disco Machine (w2ith Tony Martin, and award-winning blues and country six-piece Cash Savage and the Last Drinks. The New Year will see performances by emerging post-punk stars Gold Claws, io-fi Brisbane trio I Heart Hiroshima, creator of lush synthesiser soundscapes Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith (USA), psychedelic jazz mused experimentalists The Comet is Coming (UK), deft wordsmith and multi-instrumentalist Olympia, underground danceworld legends NoZu. London based electroverts PVT and ARIA Award-winning rockers Dave Graney 'n' the Coral Snakes. Along with headline acts performing in the Great Hall, NGV Friday Nights include after hours entry to major summer exhibitions David Hockney: Current and Viktor & Rolf Fashion Artists, DJs in the NGV Garden, talks and access to food and bars. Superstar provocateurAmanda Palmer breakout talent of the Memphis music scene Julien Baker and Latin GRAMMY-nominated electro-pop El Guincho are among the musicians featured if the next series of NGV Friday Nights, kicking off at NGV International on November 11.

Heidi Talk No 3

■ Art Talk: Reimagining a Modern Landscape: Preston and Cossington Smith. Art historian and curator Ann Stephens explores the painting of Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith for their sources and methods in developing a modernist vision of urban, suburban and rural landscape. Included with museum admission. November 12. ■ Making History: Charles Blackman. Curator Kendrah Morgan leads a tour and discussion of the exhibition Making History: Charles Blackman. Included with museum admission. Sunday November 13.

NGV: David Hockney

■ The National Gallery of Victoria presents a major solo exhibition of one of the most influential artists of the past century, David Hockney: Current, opening November 11 at NGV international. The exhibition, curated by the NGV in collaboration with David Hockney and his studio, will feature more than 700 works from the past decade of the artist's career - some new and most never-beforeseen in Australia - including paintings, digital drawings, photography and video works. The xhibition highlights include more than 500 extraordinary and sometimes animated, iPad digital drawings of still life compositions, self-portraits and large-scale landscapes including scenes of Yosemite National Park. Another highlight is The Four Seasons, Woodgate Woods, a breath-taking and immersive video work showcasing the changing landscape of Hockney's native Yorkshire, each season comprised of nine highdefinition screens.A dedicated 35-metre long gallery lined with more than 80 recently painted acrylic portrait paintings of the artist's family, friends and notable subjects including artists John Baldessari and Barry Humphries will also be a major highlight. Arguably Britain's greatest living contemporary artist, David Hockney, 79, works prolifically as a painter, also experimenting and mastering new technologies, producing thousands of drawings and works created on iPhone, iPad and in video. The artist will create a number of new works for this exhibition including an impressive room installation, which will be exhibited for the first time at the NGV. The exhibition commences on November 11 and runs till March 13.


Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016

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Whittlesea Show

Two-day show on Nov. 5-6

● Inspect the Blackstone engine at the Vintage pavilion at the Whittlesea Show

■ The theme for this year's Whittlesea Show is 'Country Community' which celebrates and acknowledges community groups All things country and community will be showcased. Look for this theme as you explore the displays throughout the Whittlesea Showgrounds on Saturday-Sunday, November 5-6. ATTRACTIONS • Angie the chainsaw wood carver • Glen the Ice Carvings genius • Captain Koala and his friends from the CFA and SES • Tractor Pull – static display • Steam Engines • Camel Rides • Free Stage Coach rides

• Whittlesea Motor Cycle Club on main arena both days • Pockets the clown • Helicopter Rides • Yea and High Country Pipes and Drums VINTAGE This year members have been rebuilding the Murphy engines and should have two of the three operational for the show. Led by Ian Burke, the mobile Gardener engine is well under way for restoration. Works on the ‘Black Saturday’-burnt Labor Engine are nearing completion. A visit to the Vintage Pavilion to sample the history of agriculture in the Whittlesea region is a must. Continued on Page 11


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Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 11

Whittlesea Show People

Whittlesea Show

See and hear running engines, feel the warmth of the blacksmith shop. Both young and old will be fascinated by the Lego display. Work some of the interactive displays, watch demonstrations of sheep shearing, hay making and wool spinning. With tractors, cars and trucks on display it will be a delight for all to see. SHEEP The sheep section has received a healthy lot of entries this year. It will have a full day of judging lined up for Sunday (Nov. 6) with the major prizes Supreme Champion Stud Exhibit and the Best Stud Lamb of the show being top of the list. Make sure you visit this section on Sunday . FOOD EXPO Up on the Showgrounds hill in the Food Expo there will once again be some boutique traders with fine produce: Axedale Olives, Bowl Full of Soul, Callipari Wines, Chef Susie, Choolala, Danish Bakehouse, Koala Honey, Les Crepes Gourmandes, Olive Branch Preserves, Pig In A Box, Pud ForAll Seasons, Seven Hills Tallarook (goat meat), Shaws Road Winery, Timboon Icecream and Turners Bakehouse Eatery from Mernda. AUTHENTIC AUSTRLIAN DUNNY COMP Three independent judges will officiate, with judging to commence at 3.30pm. Competitors are to assemble on the lawn adjacent to the Administration Building, with their building materials, no later than 1.30pm to commence building at 2pm. The aim is to complete building an Authentic Australian Dunny in the time allocated - one hour. PHOTOGRPAHY The Photography Section has been growing steadily over the years and the Whittlesea Agricultural Society thanks the Whittlesea Photography Group for making this happen. With 21 classes from Primary School through to Master Classes this year the Show has had more entries than before. This gives everyone, from local students to award-winning entrants, the chance to showcase their talents. ART Visit theArt Exhibition at the Whittlesea Show, displaying a variety of paintings by various artists – including many local artists. There are: Watercolours, Pastels and Oils covering Landscapes, Portraits and Still Life. GRAND PARADE This is something the Whittlesea Show prides itself on and there are not many shows left that have one – The Grand Parade. It takes place at 3pm both days of the show and is a platform to showcase the prize winners of the Show. ALPACAS The alpacas are a popular attraction. On Saturday there will be a stunning line up of beautiful animals strutting their stuff in the show ring. There will also be a display of beautiful fleeces, some of which will be available to the public to touch and feel the cloudy softness. On Sunday there will be fun and games with the junior judging competition. This event is always entertaining as future breeders strut their stuff and put their alpacas through their paces. There will be displays and demonstrations of alpaca products and processes. HOMECRAFTS In the Homecrafts Pavilion, the special theme is Country Sport. With classes for Open, Primary and Secondary School age, Show goers can enter into the fun and decorate their sporting equipment, make some party pies or knit/crochet items in team colours. All entry fee money will go to a local charity. Sport within the community has been chosen, believing it is not about winning it is about helping build stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities. All are encouraged to show their team spirit.

There is a “Guess the Number of Balls” competition. It is to take place in the marquee at the back of the pavilion and there will be a large number of all different sorts of sports balls. Those who enter will be asked to guess how many are there. Prize is a Rebel Sport $50 gift voucher (both days) The Home Craft section will again have the Bra Competition for the McGrath Foundation; there will be a Decorated Jocks/Boxers competition in aid of Prostrate Cancer via the Ted Whitten Foundation. FARM AND GARDEN In the section, organisers are looking forward to another exciting year. There have been a few small changes to the schedule and in the open section we have added a themed class for ‘Country Community’ and have added ‘Odd shaped Fruit or Vegetable’ to the Children’s section. The quality of the produce was noted on several occasions during judging last year and organisers are hoping for another fantastic display of fresh produce this year. The Show will be offering a Children’s Activity in the Farm and Garden Pavilion across the Show weekend this year. The Whittlesea Garden Club will be available across the weekend to answer gardening questions and welcome new members. WOODCHOP The Woodchop program will showcase some of the best axemen in Victoria and there are two great days of competition and action. Make your way to the Woodchop arena and support the boys chop – the choppers of the future. On Saturday be witness to the 300mm Underhand Victorian State Title. KIDS BUSINESS The ‘Kids Business Tent’ at the Whittlesea Show is a “Free Craft for Children” tent, sponsored by local businesses and supervised by 24 members of Family and Friends from Upper Plenty Primary School throughout the weekend. Kids Business gives every child who attends Whittlesea Show an opportunity to create something for free and take that creation home. Hopefully their creation will inspire the children to enter in the art or craft section for the following year’s show. The ‘Kids Business Tent’ is located next to the Education Pavilion. ANIMAL NURSERY There will be plenty of animals on show – alpacas, sheep, cattle and horses. Visit the Animal Nursery where the kids can get up close and personal with the baby animals. See milking displayed, pet the goats, rabbits and calves. This really is the place where the “City meets the Country”. YOUNG PERSONS COMPETITIONS The Young Persons competitions are sure to attract a crowd. On the Oak Stage on Sunday (Nov. 6) Show goers can witness the entrants being tested on their general knowledge, presentation and personality. Open to contestants from 4 to 17 years of age. Judging begins at 1pm and all entrants will receive a Show Ribbon. Special Guest Judge is Brit from Australia’s Next Top Model. FUN DOG SHOW This is open to all ages this year. Entry on the day – Dogs must be on a short leash at all times. EDUCATION With nearly 5000 exhibits from 34 schools the Education Display in the Chandler Pavilion. GENERAL Trade stalls including: • Showbags • Rides for all ages • Food stalls • Free Public Parking • Local and Community trade stalls

● Graham Simmons of Arthurs Creek with Ian Burke of Mill Park

● Roger Hurrey of Arthurs Creek, Past President of the Show Society

● From left: Bernice Hunter of Eden Park, Anne Reeves of Whittlesea, Aileen Junor of Whittlesea, Lennetta Hurrey of Arthurs Creek, Robin Alford of Arthurs Creek, and Lyn Horman of Eden Park

● Graeme Young of Woodstock with Gordon Beaton of Whittlesea

● Neville Toogood of Whittlesea and Gordon Taylor of Humevale

● Whittlesea Citizen of the Year Bruce Batten, and daughter Emilly, of Wollert, with an English dog cart at the Whittlesea Showgrounds

● Merv Williams, of Grants Rd, supervises the animal nursery

● Volunteer Lois Taylor


Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016

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Keith Wailes: 70 years recognised Bayside District church service

■ The Bayside District Church Service was held at St Peter's Anglican Church, Brighton, on Sunday, October 2. Freemasons Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and District Co-Ordinator, as well as a large contingent of the current Grand team, their wives and partners, and the local Bayside Lodge representatives were in attendance. The service was conducted by the Rev. Jonathon Chamberlain who spoke of the importance of putting the community first and ignoring self. The Freemasons Community Choir, assisted by the Bellarine Community Choir, led the singing and presented an anthem - Break Forth Into Joy - by Caleb Simper. At the conclusion of the service, Brendan Edmonds of Hearts of Oak Lodge No 681 presented a cheque for $1000 to Ray Blessing, the CEO of the Taskforce Community Agency. The Taskforce Community Agency provides food for those living on the streets, training for young people on how to provide for themselves as well community services for alcohol and drug rehabilitation. Grand Master, Don Reynolds, presented Ray Blessing with another $1000 from the Freemasons Benevolent Fund and promised a further $1000 donation to come. These donations will be used by the Taskforce Community to support art therapy classes for those who are recovering from addiction. The congregation of the Church provided morning tea after the service and approximately 20 Grand Lodge officers and brethren of the local Lodges enjoyed lunch at Milanos's restaurant at Brighton Beach. The Bayside District Church Service was a huge success and greatly appreciated by all.

● Colin Stockdale, Keith Wailes and John Evans, incoming Master of Caulfield GrammariansLodge At the conclusion of the ceremony ■ A large number of Freemasons Keith Wailes, a proud Freemason gathered on Monday, October 3, for since 1946, was presented with his 70 an installation ceremony performed for year Jewel by Colin Stockdale and Lodge 364 at the Masonic Centre in John Evans, incoming Master of Moorabbin. Caulfield Grammarians Lodge. Conducted by Garry Sebo, Past Keith Wailes spoke passionately Grand Master, and assisted by the about his pride of being a Freemason 2016-17 Grand Lodge Ceremonial for all these years, and particularly of Team, this installation ceremony the three areas to which he has had marked an important night in the hisdedicated the most time: his charitable tory of Caulfield Grammarians works as a Life Governor of the FreeLodge. masons Homes, visiting, and his pasAs an attendee of the Caulfield Grammar School from 1976 -88, An- Evans, Past Grand Master,who was sion for Music as Choir Master of drew Wailes performed during ‘The installed at this meeting as Wor. Mas- Lodge 364 as well as Choir Master of numerous other Lodges. South’ as a special tribute to John ter.

Senior of the Year Award at Govt. House

■ Neil Thornton, District Coordinator 107, Secretary Marnoo 360, and Sheila Thornton were invited to Government House on Tuesday, October 4, to witness the presentation of the 'Senior of the Year Award' which was hosted by Linda Dessau, Governor of Victoria. Seniors of Victoria contribute immensely to rural, regional and metropolitan areas providing inspiration in a variety of fields including health, education, social welfare, disability and social justice. Light refreshments were provided to the 500+ seniors who assembled in the Ballroom in Government House, followed by a leisurely stroll through the dining room, billiard room, and the immaculately manicured gardens. A jazz band provided entertainment in the Ballroom at the conclusion of the morning event.

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● Sheila Thornton; Linda Dessau, Governor of Victoria; and Neil Thornton.

To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, or attend upcoming public events, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au Or ‘like’ our FaceBook page www.facebook.com/freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.


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Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 13

West Hollywood

Dream Lover, a smash in Sydney

■ Hi everyone, from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

One of the great musicals

■ It only seems like yesterday (nine years ago) that we were talking about Frank Howson's dream of Dream Lover, the musical journey of crooner Bobby Darin's life. Incredible songs that are here for generations. Dream Lover, Mack the Knife, Beyond the Sea and Splish Splash, that's just for starters. An extraordinary story that goes far beyond the song, Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical reveals the amazing life of this legendary American singer, songwriter and actor. An intimate and epic story of an all-round entertainer adored by his fans, Bobby Darin, together with his movie star wife Sandra Dee, provided the iconic soundtrack to a generation. In Australia they are played superbly by David Campbell as Bobby Darin, and Hannah Fredericksen as Sandra Dee. The musical captures the glamour and passion of the big band era, the Rat Pack in Vegas, and the Golden Age of Hollywood, a time of trail-blazing stars, knock-out fashions and life-changing events. Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical is a big show with a big score and a big heart, playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre for an exclusive limited season. Watch out Broadway. Please don't miss this one.

● Pictured nine years ago, when we were talking about the show, at the Melbourne Club in Melbourne, Gavin Wood, Hoteliers Chairman Alan Johnson with writer, producer and director, Frank Howson.

Lost In Space

Don’t waste the moment ■ Seems like just yesterday my radio program director walked into the studios with a new song on a "cart". Actually, the date was 1985 and the song was Much Too Late for Goodbyes from Julian Lennon, the first single from his album, Valotte. Julian being the son of a famous Beatle John Lennon, I was immediately captivated by it, as were our listeners. The song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart. That was then and in Julian's life now, photography is a big hit. His exhibition, Cycle, is on tap at Leica Gallery in Los Angeles until October 17. I had the honour of sitting with Julian recently at the opening to talk about art and life. Bono, The Edge and Randy Jackson stopped by, as did a host of others who appreciate yet another facet of Julian's wide range of talents and interests. "I have always felt that I have observed life in a different way to others," Julian, 53, has said. "Music has always been one creative outlet for me, but now I'm happy to add another one too, that being photography."

Memories of Charmian

■ Charmian Carr will be forever remembered as the beautiful and romantically optimistic eldest von Trapp daughter Liesl from the beloved film, The Sound of Music. Carr, the mother of two who would later become an interior designer, died on September 17, at 73, leaving a legacy of beautiful memories for fans, friends and family. "Charmian will forever be 16 going on 17 to me," said Angela Cartwright, who portrayed Carr's film sister Brigitta von Trapp in the film. "She will be greatly missed." Carr's film ‘siblings’ Nicholas Hammond, Heather Menzies, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner and Kym Karath (The troop was affectionately known and referred to themselves as the "SOM7") mourned the loss of their dear friend, released this heartfelt statement: "Charmian Carr has been a shining light in our lives for more than 50 years. The astonishing beauty that the whole world knew and loved was coupled with an equally beautiful spirit. “The kindness and generosity and the deep affection she gave so freely to her friends and loved ones brought joy to all of us lucky enough to be in her orbit. She was unshakably loyal, someone of tireless energy both in her work and in attending to those in her life. She was and always will be our older sister, both in the eyes of the public and in life. We will always love her, and feel grateful to have been loved by her."

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

Gavin’s Observations ■ Tragic rocker Prince died from a lethal dose of the drug Fentanyl but he was also on a "cocaine diet" that kept him wired for days. "He would sometimes stay up for five days at a time without sleep, food or even water, going nonstop back and forth to the studio," recalled his ex-gal pal Charlene Friend. "I had to sneak in catnaps to keep from passing out from exhaustion. The first time that happened, I asked him, 'How do you do this?' She said Prince answered: "Angel food. Food of the spirit, not of the flesh." Charlene claimed Prince's late half-brother, Duane, also told her the singer was on a "cocaine diet." Authorities say rapper Coolio has been arrested after a loaded firearm was found in a carry-on bag during security screening at LosAngeles International Airport. LAX police were alerted Saturday morning by the Transportation Security Administration and detained a man who claimed the bag was his. Mischa Barton is in a dark downward spiral; say alarmed friends who've talked to sources and things seemed even worse on Emmy night. As her fellow actresses received acclaim, sources say Mischa walked the streets of Los Angeles and wound up in a tattoo parlor.

Speak with Joanna

■ If you are considering a move to Los Angeles or just coming over for a holiday then I have got a special deal for you. We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood. I have secured a terrific holiday deal for readers of the Melbourne Observer. Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the 'Special Rate of the Day'. Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood

■ Netflix is developing a remake of this sci-fi series to be produced by Applebox Entertainment (Nightrise), Legendary Entertainment (Krampus), and Synthesis Entertainment (Poseidon). The series will be executive produced by Kevin Burns (Kendra on Top ), Matt Sazama (The master of disguise), Burk Sharpless (The last witch hunter), Marc Helwig ( Poor Richard's Almanack ), and Neil Marshall ( Hannibal ). Taylor Russell, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins will star. This is an update of the series about an attempt by the US to colonise deep space by sending a single family, the Robinsons, on a 5½-year journey to another planet. But a foreign secret agent, Dr Zachary Smith, sabotages the mission, causing the ship to veer off course and become lost in space. This remake of a sci-fi space drama will provide visible opportunities for a whole host of brands. The futuristic clothing worn by the Robinson family will allow apparel and accessories brands to find creative opportunities for involvement. Food and beverages brands will find distinct opportunities as the Robinson family eats pre-packaged foods. The complicated inner-workings of the spaceship will feature a plethora of equipment, electronics, and parts needed for repairs, as such consumer electronics, Technology and automotive brands will find highly significant opportunities.

WeHo gears up

● Julian Lennon

www.gavinwood.us

■ About 199 years after the bicycle was invented, West Hollywood kick started its WeHo Pedals program to offer the mode of transportation to its citizens and tourists with a few noticeable upgrades since the original model. The bike share program will feature 150 bright green 'smart bikes' at 20 stations around West Hollywood.


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Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016

■ Vic Gordon was born in England in 1911. In 1931 Vic began in show business impersonating the singing group The Mills Brothers in an act called The Six Harmonists and they performed until the war broke out. He took time out from the singing group in 1935 and was in the original London production of Cole Porter's famous musical Anything Goes at the Palace Theatre. Vic was called up to serve in the RAF in 1942 and during this time he entertained the troops with Bill Fraser and Eric Sykes. He was de-mobbed in 1946 and returned to singing in another group called The Four Aces. He advised Eric Sykes to submit comedy scripts to Frankie Howerd who loved the material and Eric went on to write more scripts for Max Bygraves - so it was Vic Gordon who was instrumental in launching the marvellous career of Eric Sykes. Vic was working as a comedian and touring theatres in the UK during the 1950s. In 1954 he appeared in a UK television film with Tommy Cooper titled Panto Parade. Vic came to Australia in 1959 to appear in a Tivoli Show called Diamond Horse Shoe with Peter Coville. The vaudeville comedy team toured Australia in 1960 with the Sorlie's Tent Shows and Vic considered it to be the greatest experience of his theatrical career. Vic Gordon became a cast member of The

Whatever Happened To ... Vic Gordon

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Happy Show which was a children's television variety program on Channel Seven compered by Happy Hammond. Vic played ‘Funny Face’and joined the regulars such as Princess Panda, Bob Horsfall, John Darcy, Roy Lyons and Olivia Newton-John. The Happy Show was on each weeknight at 5pm and it ended in 1965. Things were quiet for Vic Gordon in the years that followed and he got a job as a salesman working for Guest's Furniture. In 1971 Vic was cast as the desk Sergeant Albert ‘Bert’ Kennedy in the television series Matlock Police. \ It was a very popular police drama and it ran for five years on the Ten Network.

● Vic Gordon

Vic co-starred with Michael Pate, Paul Cronin and Grigor Taylor. His film roles included Lonely Hearts, Quigley Down Under, Good Vibrationsand Next of Kin. His television credits included Homicide, Division 4, Round the Twist, Prisoner, Pugwell, Young Ramsey and Neighbours. In the mid seventies Vic was working at Tikk and John's Theatre Restaurant in Russell Street with Maurie Fields, Val Jellay and Judith Roberts. Vic was there for 15 years and when it closed he opened his own Theatre restaurant in Glen Huntley Road and named it The Old Vic. In the years that followed Vic did stand-up comedy, Morning Melodies and also worked at Hancock's Theatre Restaurant. Vic's first wife, Josie, passed away in 1971 and he married Jean Lochead who was a theatrical agent three years later. Vic Gordon passed away in 2003 at the age of 92. Kevin Trask ● Memories Are Made of This - on Mike Till Midnight - 8.10pm, Saturdays on 3AW ● The Time Tunnel - on Remember When 8.10pm Sundays on 3AW ● That's Entertainment - 12 Noon Sundays on 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. Go to www.innerfm.org.au, follow the prompts.

Breaking back into jail each morning ■ Of late there's been much talk about jail time and jails in the NT. Although some circumstances and reports seen a bit gruesome, it must be remembered that the poor old prison warders have a pretty tough time of it as well. I had a couple of mates who worked in the Alice Springs Jail, and they told me fairly hair-raising stories

about inmates' behaviour. I've seen US movies about prisoners in the South working in chain gangs. Although there are no chains involved, prisoners in Alice Springs are let out in groups to perform public tasks. They are often around in their distinctive green uniforms, cleaning up rubbish from beside roads or from the

dry riverbed. It was strange how actually hale and healthy they looked, in comparison to their mates on the outside - good diets, and no grog. And then there was a group of inmates from Darwin a couple of years ago in a minimum security wing who would break out of jail each evening, get on the grog, and break back again early next morning. They did this for a few months before there were caught, to be slapped with some extra time. ■ It seems that when there are miscreants about, there are often "misunderstandings". It's occasionally the case that when such an individual is performing an illegal task, and ends up paying with his life via an injury inflicted while he was thus engaged, is often sadly dubbed by his nearest and dearest as being a "wonderful son", or a "doting father", or a "loving brother". There is always, however, an addendum: "Mind you, he was no angel." There was an incident, years ago, when one particular gentleman was knocking his victim, who was on the ground, about the head with the stock of a 12 gauge shotgun, as he held the barrel. Of course the gun was loaded, and off it went, instantly deceasing the wielder. "He was a loving fiancée - he was just misunderstood." How misunderstood could you get, I thought at the time. And then there was a situation in Alice Springs last week where a 21 year old gentleman, armed with a knife, was about to throw rocks at arresting officers after they sprayed him. So ago he gave a command to his pitbull, which attacked one officer. The attack command was just a misunderstanding, his fiancée told police. ■ A young Darwin lady has inaugurated a new venture which will give locals "something to look forward to each month during the wet season otherwise they tend to hibernate". What else in Darwin - a monthly, themed, pub crawl. The last one last week was for super-heroes, with Superman and about 130 of his mates roaming from pub to pub. The next one is "Pimps and Hoes", in November. This reminds me of an incident few years ago in Alice Springs when my

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 63 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au son Jonas was visiting, and about to attend a fancy dress function in town, clad similarly as Superman. He was about to leave, when the phone rang - it was security, advising that the alarm in the shop had activated, indicating an intruder. Then Jonas diverted to the shop, opened up, to check on whether an intruder had actually intruded. Discovering it was a false alarm, he pondered on the situation of an actual intruder, maybe drunk or not too bright, being confronted by Superman. ■ Some RAAF classified information has just recently been declassified, and one of the documents reveals that any UFO sightings, which had previously been investigated by the body, were, since the mid nineties, being referred to specialist groups. This information has obviously disappointed some local NT UFO enthusiasts who regard this information as being evidence that the powers that be are not taking such sightings seriously. A couple of U.S. ladies paid a visit to Alice Springs when I was there.

They were UFO experts, and were claiming that Pine Gap was actively investigating the phenomenon, which of course was vehemently denied. About the same time I was drinking with a US mate of mine, whose wife was out here working at the Base. We had both been libating in Scotty's pub for a while, so lips were looser than otherwise may have been the case. So I asked him about this and I noted his reply was somewhat evasive. "If you wanted to find out about UFO's, where better a place than right out in the middle of a desert, with clear skies, in a friendly country," he said.

■ Even though I am an avid fisherman, I don't do much hunting these days. In fact I haven't since my childhood when I lived in Kyabram with my parents, and it was de rigueur to hop into the Prefect with Dad and the .410 shotgun and drive along country roads and through the bush, and try and nab a bunny or two for the pot, or a black duck in the season, or helping out Uncle Jack to cull a few cockies and galahs which were nibbling on his newly planted seeds. This is how the term "cocky" for farmers originated - after the farmer had planted his seeds, cockies appeared everywhere, so it seemed as though his seeds had germinated into birds - so hence the name "cocky farmer", just abbreviated to "cocky". All, including the latter, bound for Mum's pot. It was discovered that the galahs and cockies were indeed quite delicious. There are thousands of hunting licenses issued in the Top End every year. There are three basic types two for wild pigs, and one for waterfowl. These are mainly Magpie Geese, big, juicy and succulent for the dinner table. Because their population can withstand a depletion of about 10 per cent of birds and each year, and hunters only take about 5 per cent there's no danger of environmental depletion. Nobody worries about the numbers of wild pigs taken, as they do harm the environment with their habits and antics, so the more hunted the better. - Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’


Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 15

Observer Classic Books

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Little Women (or Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy) Continued From Last Week “Daisy and Demi, just the thing! I knew Teddy would do it,” cried Jo clapping her hands. Teddy certainly had done it that time, for the babies were ‘Daisy’ and ‘Demi’ to the end of the chapter. Chapter Twenty-Nine Calls “Come, Jo, it’s time.” “For what?” “You don’t mean to say you have forgotten that you promised to make half a dozen calls with me today?” “I’ve done a good many rash and foolish things in my life, but I don’t think I ever was mad enough to say I’d make six calls in one day, when a single one upsets me for a week.” “Yes, you did, it was a bargain between us. I was to finish the crayon of Beth for you, and you were to go properly with me, and return our neighbors’ visits.” “If it was fair, that was in the bond, and I stand to the letter of my bond, Shylock. There is a pile of clouds in the east, it’s not fair, and I don’t go.” “Now, that’s shirking. It’s a lovely day, no prospect of rain, and you pride yourself on keeping promises, so be honorable, come and do your duty, and then be at peace for another six months.” At that minute Jo was particularly absorbed in dressmaking, for she was mantua-maker general to the family, and took especial credit to herself because she could use a needle as well as a pen. It was very provoking to be arrested in the act of a first trying-on, and ordered out to make calls in her best array on a warm July day. She hated calls of the formal sort, and never made any till Amy compelled her with a bargain, bribe, or promise. In the present instance there was no escape, and having clashed her scissors rebelliously, while protesting that she smelled thunder, she gave in, put away her work, and taking up her hat and gloves with an air of resignation, told Amy the victim was ready. “Jo March, you are perverse enough to provoke a saint! You don’t intend to make calls in that state, I hope,” cried Amy, surveying her with amazement. “Why not? I’m neat and cool and comfortable, quite proper for a dusty walk on a warm day. If people care more for my clothes than they do for me, I don’t wish to see them. You can dress for both, and be as elegant as you please. It pays for you to be fine. It doesn’t for me, and furbelows only worry me.” “Oh, dear!” sighed Amy, “now she’s in a contrary fit, and will drive me distracted before I can get her properly ready. I’m sure it’s no pleasure to me to go today, but it’s a debt we owe society, and there’s no one to pay it but you and me. I’ll do anything for you, Jo, if you’ll only dress yourself nicely, and come and help me do the civil. You can talk so well, look so aristocratic in your best things, and behave so beautifully, if you try, that I’m proud of you. I’m afraid to go alone, do come and take care of me.” “You’re an artful little puss to flatter and wheedle your cross old sister in that way. The idea of my being aristocratic and well-bred, and your being afraid to go anywhere alone! I don’t know which is the most absurd. Well, I’ll go if I must, and do my best. You shall be commander of the expedition, and I’ll obey blindly, will that satisfy you?” said Jo, with a sudden change from perversity to lamblike submission. “You’re a perfect cherub! Now put on all your best things, and I’ll tell you how to behave at each place, so that you will make a good impression. I want people to like you, and they would if you’d only try to be a little more agreeable. Do your hair the pretty way, and put the pink rose in your bonnet. It’s becoming, and you look too sober in your plain suit. Take your light gloves and the embroidered handkerchief. We’ll stop at Meg’s, and borrow her white sunshade, and then you can have my dove-colored one.” While Amy dressed, she issued her orders, and Jo obeyed them, not without entering her protest, however, for she sighed as she rustled into her new organdie, frowned darkly at herself as she tied her bonnet strings in an irreproachable bow, wrestled viciously with pins as she put on her collar, wrinkled up her features generally as

“How could you mistake me so? I merely meant you to be properly dignified and composed, and you made yourself a perfect stock and stone. Try to be sociable at the Lambs’. Gossip as other girls do, and be interested in dress and flirtations and whatever nonsense comes up. They move in the best society, are valuable persons for us to know, and I wouldn’t fail to make a good impression there for anything.” “I’ll be agreeable. I’ll gossip and giggle, and have horrors and raptures over any trifle you like. I rather enjoy this, and now I’ll imitate what is called ‘a charming girl’. I can do it, for I have May Chester as a model, and I’ll improve upon her. See if the Lambs don’t say, ‘What a lively, nice creature that Jo March is!” Amy felt anxious, as well she might, for when Jo turned freakish there was no knowing where she would stop. Amy’s face was a study when she saw her sister skim into the next drawing room, kiss all the young ladies with effusion, beam graciously upon the young gentlemen, and join in the chat with a spirit which amazed the beholder. Amy was taken possession of by Mrs. Lamb, with whom she was a favorite, and forced to hear a long account of Lucretia’s last attack, while three delightful young gentlemen hovered near, waiting for a pause when they might rush in and rescue her. So situated, she was powerless to check Jo, who seemed possessed by a spirit of mischief, and talked away as volubly as the lady. A knot of heads gathered about her, and Amy strained her ears to hear what was going on, for broken sentences filled her with curiosity, and frequent peals of laughter made her wild to share the fun. One may imagine her suffering on overhearing fragments of this sort of conversation. “She rides splendidly. Who taught her?” “No one. She used to practice mounting, holding the reins, and sitting straight on an old saddle in a tree. Now she rides anything, for she doesn’t know what fear is, and the stableman lets her have horses cheap because she trains them to carry ladies so well. She has such a passion for it, I often tell her if everything else fails, she can be a horsebreaker, and get her living so.” At this awful speech Amy contained herself with difficulty, for the impression was being given that she was rather a fast young lady, which was her especial aversion. But what could she do? For the old lady was in the middle of her story, and long before it was done, Jo was off again, Louisa May Alcott making more droll revelations and committing she shook out the handkerchief, whose em- off her glove, in doing up her cuff, but at last still more fearful blunders. broidery was as irritating to her nose as the both were ready, and sailed away, looking as “Yes, Amy was in despair that day, for all the present mission was to her feelings, and when ‘pretty as picters’, Hannah said, as she hung out good beasts were gone, and of three left, one she had squeezed her hands into tight gloves of the upper window to watch them. was lame, one blind, and the other so balky that with three buttons and a tassel, as the last touch “Now, Jo dear, the Chesters consider themselves you had to put dirt in his mouth before he would of elegance, she turned to Amy with an imbe- very elegant people, so I want you to put on your start. Nice animal for a pleasure party, wasn’t cile expression of countenance, saying meekly best deportment. Don’t make any of your abrupt it?” remarks, or do anything odd, will you? Just be “Which did she choose?” asked one of the ... “I’m perfectly miserable, but if you consider calm, cool, and quiet, that’s safe and ladylike, laughing gentlemen, who enjoyed the subject. and you can easily do it for fifteen minutes,” “None of them. She heard of a young horse at me presentable, I die happy.” “You’re highly satisfactory. Turn slowly round, said Amy, as they approached the first place, the farm house over the river, and though a lady and let me get a careful view.” Jo revolved, and having borrowed the white parasol and been in- had never ridden him, she resolved to try, beAmy gave a touch here and there, then fell back, spected by Meg, with a baby on each arm. cause he was handsome and spirited. Her with her head on one side, observing graciously, “Let me see. ‘Calm, cool, and quiet’, yes, I think struggles were really pathetic. There was no I can promise that. I’ve played the part of a prim “Yes, you’ll do. Your head is all I could ask, for one to bring the horse to the saddle, so she took that white bonnet with the rose is quite ravish- young lady on the stage, and I’ll try it off. My the saddle to the horse. My dear creature, she powers are great, as you shall see, so be easy in ing. Hold back your shoulders, and carry your actually rowed it over the river, put it on her hands easily, no matter if your gloves do pinch. your mind, my child.” head, and marched up to the barn to the utter Amy looked relieved, but naughty Jo took her at There’s one thing you can do well, Jo, that is, amazement of the old man!” wear a shawl. I can’t, but it’s very nice to see her word, for during the first call she sat with “Did she ride the horse?” every limb gracefully composed, every fold you, and I’m so glad Aunt March gave you that “Of course she did, and had a capital time. I lovely one. It’s simple, but handsome, and those correctly draped, calm as a summer sea, cool expected to see her brought home in fragments, as a snowbank, and as silent as the sphinx. In folds over the arm are really artistic. Is the point but she managed him perfectly, and was the life of my mantle in the middle, and have I looped vain Mrs. Chester alluded to her ‘charming of the party.” novel’, and the Misses Chester introduced parmy dress evenly? I like to show my boots, for ties, picnics, the opera, and the fashions. Each “Well, I call that plucky!” and young Mr. Lamb my feet are pretty, though my nose isn’t.” turned an approving glance upon Amy, wonder“You are a thing of beauty and a joy forever,” and all were answered by a smile, a bow, and a ing what his mother could be saying to make the demure “Yes” or “No” with the chill on. In vain said Jo, looking through her hand with the air of Amy telegraphed the word ‘talk’, tried to draw girl look so red and uncomfortable. a connoisseur at the blue feather against the her out, and administered covert pokes with her She was still redder and more uncomfortable a golden hair. “Am I to drag my best dress through foot. Jo sat as if blandly unconscious of it all, moment after, when a sudden turn in the conthe dust, or loop it up, please, ma’am?” deportment like Maud’s face, ‘icily regu- versation introduced the subject of dress. One “Hold it up when you walk, but drop it in the with of the young ladies asked Jo where she got the lar, splendidly null’. house. The sweeping style suits you best, and “What a haughty, uninteresting creature that old- pretty drab hat she wore to the picnic and stupid you must learn to trail your skirts gracefully. est Miss March is!” was the unfortunately au- Jo, instead of mentioning the place where it was You haven’t half buttoned one cuff, do it at once. dible remark of one of the ladies, as the door bought two years ago, must needs answer with You’ll never look finished if you are not careful closed upon their guests. Jo laughed noiselessly unnecessary frankness, “Oh, Amy painted it. about the little details, for they make up the all through the hall, but Amy looked disgusted at You can’t buy those soft shades, so we paint pleasing whole.” the failure of her instructions, and very naturally ours any color we like. It’s a great comfort to Jo sighed, and proceeded to burst the buttons laid the blame upon Jo. Continued on Page 16


Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016

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Observer Classic Books From Page 15 have an artistic sister.” “Isn’t that an original idea?” cried Miss Lamb, who found Jo great fun. “That’s nothing compared to some of her brilliant performances. There’s nothing the child can’t do. Why, she wanted a pair of blue boots for Sallie’s party, so she just painted her soiled white ones the loveliest shade of sky blue you ever saw, and they looked exactly like satin,” added Jo, with an air of pride in her sister’s accomplishments that exasperated Amy till she felt that it would be a relief to throw her cardcase at her. “We read a story of yours the other day, and enjoyed it very much,” observed the elder Miss Lamb, wishing to compliment the literary lady, who did not look the character just then, it must be confessed. Any mention of her ‘works’ always had a bad effect upon Jo, who either grew rigid and looked offended, or changed the subject with a brusque remark, as now. “Sorry you could find nothing better to read. I write that rubbish because it sells, and ordinary people like it. Are you going to New York this winter?” As Miss Lamb had ‘enjoyed’ the story, this speech was not exactly grateful or complimentary. The minute it was made Jo saw her mistake, but fearing to make the matter worse, suddenly remembered that it was for her to make the first move toward departure, and did so with an abruptness that left three people with halffinished sentences in their mouths. “Amy, we must go. Good-by, dear, do come and see us. We are pining for a visit. I don’t dare to ask you, Mr. Lamb, but if you should come, I don’t think I shall have the heart to send you away.” Jo said this with such a droll imitation of May Chester’s gushing style that Amy got out of the room as rapidly as possible, feeling a strong desire to laugh and cry at the same time. “Didn’t I do well?” asked Jo, with a satisfied air as they walked away. “Nothing could have been worse,” was Amy’s crushing reply. “What possessed you to tell those stories about my saddle, and the hats and boots, and all the rest of it?” “Why, it’s funny, and amuses people. They know we are poor, so it’s no use pretending that we have grooms, buy three or four hats a season, and have things as easy and fine as they do.” “You needn’t go and tell them all our little shifts, and expose our poverty in that perfectly unnecessary way. You haven’t a bit of proper pride, and never will learn when to hold your tongue and when to speak,” said Amy despairingly. Poor Jo looked abashed, and silently chafed the end of her nose with the stiff handkerchief, as if performing a penance for her misdemeanors. “How shall I behave here?” she asked, as they approached the third mansion. “Just as you please. I wash my hands of you,” was Amy’s short answer. “Then I’ll enjoy myself. The boys are at home, and we’ll have a comfortable time. Goodness knows I need a little change, for elegance has a bad effect upon my constitution,” returned Jo gruffly, being disturbed by her failure to suit. An enthusiastic welcome from three big boys and several pretty children speedily soothed her ruffled feelings, and leaving Amy to entertain the hostess and Mr. Tudor, who happened to be calling likewise, Jo devoted herself to the young folks and found the change refreshing. She listened to college stories with deep interest, caressed pointers and poodles without a murmur, agreed heartily that “Tom Brown was a brick,” regardless of the improper form of praise, and when one lad proposed a visit to his turtle tank, she went with an alacrity which caused Mamma to smile upon her, as that motherly lady settled the cap which was left in a ruinous condition by filial hugs, bearlike but affectionate, and dearer to her than the most faultless coiffure from the hands of an inspired Frenchwoman. Leaving her sister to her own devices, Amy proceeded to enjoy herself to her heart’s content. Mr. Tudor’s uncle had married an English lady who was third cousin to a living lord, and Amy regarded the whole family with great respect, for in spite of her American birth and breeding, she possessed that reverence for titles which haunts the best of us — that unacknowledged loyalty to the early faith in kings which set the most democratic nation under the sun in ferment at the coming of a royal yellow-haired laddie, some years ago, and which still has something to do with the love the young country bears

the old, like that of a big son for an imperious little mother, who held him while she could, and let him go with a farewell scolding when he rebelled. But even the satisfaction of talking with a distant connection of the British nobility did not render Amy forgetful of time, and when the proper number of minutes had passed, she reluctantly tore herself from this aristocratic society, and looked about for Jo, fervently hoping that her incorrigible sister would not be found in any position which should bring disgrace upon the name of March. It might have been worse, but Amy considered it bad. For Jo sat on the grass, with an encampment of boys about her, and a dirty-footed dog reposing on the skirt of her state and festival dress, as she related one of Laurie’s pranks to her admiring audience. One small child was poking turtles with Amy’s cherished parasol, a second was eating gingerbread over Jo’s best bonnet, and a third playing ball with her gloves, but all were enjoying themselves, and when Jo collected her damaged property to go, her escort accompanied her, begging her to come again, “It was such fun to hear about Laurie’s larks.” “Capital boys, aren’t they? I feel quite young and brisk again after that.” said Jo, strolling along with her hands behind her, partly from habit, partly to conceal the bespattered parasol. “Why do you always avoid Mr. Tudor?” asked Amy, wisely refraining from any comment upon Jo’s dilapidated appearance. “Don’t like him, he puts on airs, snubs his sisters, worries his father, and doesn’t speak respectfully of his mother. Laurie says he is fast, and I don’t consider him a desirable acquaintance, so I let him alone.” “You might treat him civilly, at least. You gave him a cool nod, and just now you bowed and smiled in the politest way to Tommy Chamberlain, whose father keeps a grocery store. If you had just reversed the nod and the bow, it would have been right,” said Amy reprovingly. “No, it wouldn’t,” returned Jo, “I neither like, respect, nor admire Tudor, though his grandfather’s uncle’s nephew’s niece was a third cousin to a lord. Tommy is poor and bashful and good and very clever. I think well of him, and like to show that I do, for he is a gentleman in spite of the brown paper parcels.” “It’s no use trying to argue with you,” began Amy. “Not the least, my dear,” interrupted Jo, “so let us look amiable, and drop a card here, as the Kings are evidently out, for which I’m deeply grateful.” The family cardcase having done its duty the girls walked on, and Jo uttered another thanksgiving on reaching the fifth house, and being told that the young ladies were engaged. “Now let us go home, and never mind Aunt March today. We can run down there any time, and it’s really a pity to trail through the dust in our best bibs and tuckers, when we are tired and cross.” “Speak for yourself, if you please. Aunt March likes to have us pay her the compliment of coming in style, and making a formal call. It’s a little thing to do, but it gives her pleasure, and I don’t believe it will hurt your things half so much as letting dirty dogs and clumping boys spoil them. Stoop down, and let me take the crumbs off of your bonnet.” “What a good girl you are, Amy!” said Jo, with a repentant glance from her own damaged costume to that of her sister, which was fresh and spotless still. “I wish it was as easy for me to do little things to please people as it is for you. I think of them, but it takes too much time to do them, so I wait for a chance to confer a great favor, and let the small ones slip, but they tell best in the end, I fancy.” Amy smiled and was mollified at once, saying with a maternal air, “Women should learn to be agreeable, particularly poor ones, for they have no other way of repaying the kindnesses they receive. If you’d remember that, and practice it, you’d be better liked than I am, because there is more of you.” “I’m a crotchety old thing, and always shall be, but I’m willing to own that you are right, only it’s easier for me to risk my life for a person than to be pleasant to him when I don’t feel like it. It’s a great misfortune to have such strong likes and dislikes, isn’t it?” “It’s a greater not to be able to hide them. I don’t mind saying that I don’t approve of Tudor any more than you do, but I’m not called upon to tell him so. Neither are you, and there is no use in

making yourself disagreeable because he is.” “But I think girls ought to show when they disapprove of young men, and how can they do it except by their manners? Preaching does not do any good, as I know to my sorrow, since I’ve had Teddie to manage. But there are many little ways in which I can influence him without a word, and I say we ought to do it to others if we can.” “Teddy is a remarkable boy, and can’t be taken as a sample of other boys,” said Amy, in a tone of solemn conviction, which would have convulsed the ‘remarkable boy’ if he had heard it. “If we were belles, or women of wealth and position, we might do something, perhaps, but for us to frown at one set of young gentlemen because we don’t approve of them, and smile upon another set because we do, wouldn’t have a particle of effect, and we should only be considered odd and puritanical.” “So we are to countenance things and people which we detest, merely because we are not belles and millionaires, are we? That’s a nice sort of morality.” “I can’t argue about it, I only know that it’s the way of the world, and people who set themselves against it only get laughed at for their pains. I don’t like reformers, and I hope you never try to be one.” “I do like them, and I shall be one if I can, for in spite of the laughing the world would never get on without them. We can’t agree about that, for you belong to the old set, and I to the new. You will get on the best, but I shall have the liveliest time of it. I should rather enjoy the brickbats and hooting, I think.” “Well, compose yourself now, and don’t worry Aunt with your new ideas.” “I’ll try not to, but I’m always possessed to burst out with some particularly blunt speech or revolutionary sentiment before her. It’s my doom, and I can’t help it.” They found Aunt Carrol with the old lady, both absorbed in some very interesting subject, but they dropped it as the girls came in, with a conscious look which betrayed that they had been talking about their nieces. Jo was not in a good humor, and the perverse fit returned, but Amy, who had virtuously done her duty, kept her temper and pleased everybody, was in a most angelic frame of mind. This amiable spirit was felt at once, and both aunts ‘my deared’ her affectionately, looking what they afterward said emphatically, “That child improves every day.” “Are you going to help about the fair, dear?” asked Mrs. Carrol, as Amy sat down beside her with the confiding air elderly people like so well in the young. “Yes, Aunt. Mrs. Chester asked me if I would, and I offered to tend a table, as I have nothing but my time to give.” “I’m not,” put in Jo decidedly. “I hate to be patronized, and the Chesters think it’s a great favor to allow us to help with their highly connected fair. I wonder you consented, Amy, they only want you to work.” “I am willing to work. It’s for the freedmen as well as the Chesters, and I think it very kind of them to let me share the labor and the fun. Patronage does not trouble me when it is well meant.” “Quite right and proper. I like your grateful spirit, my dear. It’s a pleasure to help people who appreciate our efforts. Some do not, and that is trying,” observed Aunt March, looking over her spectacles at Jo, who sat apart, rocking herself, with a somewhat morose expression. If Jo had only known what a great happiness was wavering in the balance for one of them, she would have turned dove-like in a minute, but unfortunately, we don’t have windows in our breasts, and cannot see what goes on in the minds of our friends. Better for us that we cannot as a general thing, but now and then it would be such a comfort, such a saving of time and temper. By her next speech, Jo deprived herself of several years of pleasure, and received a timely lesson in the art of holding her tongue. “I don’t like favors, they oppress and make me feel like a slave. I’d rather do everything for myself, and be perfectly independent.” “Ahem!” coughed Aunt Carrol softly, with a look at Aunt March. “I told you so,” said Aunt March, with a decided nod to Aunt Carrol. Mercifully unconscious of what she had done, Jo sat with her nose in the air, and a revolutionary aspect which was anything but inviting. “Do you speak French, dear?” asked Mrs. Carrol, laying a hand on Amy’s.

“Pretty well, thanks to Aunt March, who lets Esther talk to me as often as I like,” replied Amy, with a grateful look, which caused the old lady to smile affably.

“How are you about languages?” asked Mrs. Carrol of Jo. “Don’t know a word. I’m very stupid about studying anything, can’t bear French, it’s such a slippery, silly sort of language,” was the brusque reply. Another look passed between the ladies, and Aunt March said to Amy, “You are quite strong and well now, dear, I believe? Eyes don’t trouble you any more, do they?” “Not at all, thank you, ma’am. I’m very well, and mean to do great things next winter, so that I may be ready for Rome, whenever that joyful time arrives.” “Good girl! You deserve to go, and I’m sure you will some day,” said Aunt March, with an approving pat on the head, as Amy picked up her ball for her. Crosspatch, draw the latch, Sit by the fire and spin, squalled Polly, bending down from his perch on the back of her chair to peep into Jo’s face, with such a comical air of impertinent inquiry that it was impossible to help laughing. “Most observing bird,” said the old lady. “Come and take a walk, my dear?” cried Polly, hopping toward the china closet, with a look suggestive of a lump of sugar. “Thank you, I will. Come Amy.” and Jo brought the visit to an end, feeling more strongly than ever that calls did have a bad effect upon her constitution. She shook hands in a gentlemanly manner, but Amy kissed both the aunts, and the girls departed, leaving behind them the impression of shadow and sunshine, which impression caused Aunt March to say, as they vanished . . . “You’d better do it, Mary. I’ll supply the money.” and Aunt Carrol to reply decidedly, “I certainly will, if her father and mother consent.” Chapter Thirty Consequences Mrs. Chester’s fair was so very elegant and select that it was considered a great honor by the young ladies of the neighborhood to be invited to take a table, and everyone was much interested in the matter. Amy was asked, but Jo was not, which was fortunate for all parties, as her elbows were decidedly akimbo at this period of her life, and it took a good many hard knocks to teach her how to get on easily. The ‘haughty, uninteresting creature’ was let severely alone, but Amy’s talent and taste were duly complimented by the offer of the art table, and she exerted herself to prepare and secure appropriate and valuable contributions to it. Everything went on smoothly till the day before the fair opened, then there occurred one of the little skirmishes which it is almost impossible to avoid, when some five-and-twenty women, old and young, with all their private piques and prejudices, try to work together. May Chester was rather jealous of Amy because the latter was a greater favorite than herself, and just at this time several trifling circumstances occurred to increase the feeling. Amy’s dainty pen-and-ink work entirely eclipsed May’s painted vases — that was one thorn. Then the all conquering Tudor had danced four times with Amy at a late party and only once with May — that was thorn number two. But the chief grievance that rankled in her soul, and gave an excuse for her unfriendly conduct, was a rumor which some obliging gossip had whispered to her, that the March girls had made fun of her at the Lambs’. All the blame of this should have fallen upon Jo, for her naughty imitation had been too lifelike to escape detection, and the frolicsome Lambs had permitted the joke to escape. No hint of this had reached the culprits, however, and Amy’s dismay can be imagined, when, the very evening before the fair, as she was putting the last touches to her pretty table, Mrs. Chester, who, of course, resented the supposed ridicule of her daughter, said, in a bland tone, but with a cold look . . . “I find, dear, that there is some feeling among the young ladies about my giving this table to anyone but my girls. As this is the most prominent, and some say the most attractive table of all, and they are the chief getters-up of the fair, it is thought best for them to take this place. I’m sorry, but I know you are too sincerely interested in the cause to mind a little personal disappointment, and you shall have another table if you like.” Continued on Page 29


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Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 17

Travellers’Good Buys

with David Ellis

Britain’s smallest police station ■ You wouldn’t want to be claustrophobic if you were a policeman sent to Britain’s smallest-ever police station – because it was so tiny it could accommodate just one officer, or two temporary prisoners if that officer’s stool was taken out. Opened in 1926, the tiny station was created by carving out the inside of a one-hundred year old ornamental stone light in the south-east corner of London’s Trafalgar Square. A series of narrow vertical slots were also cut through the granite walls at the same time, so that an officer inside could keep watch on demonstrations being held in the Square, and in particular those brought on by Britain’s massive General Strike in May of that same year. A phone line linked the cramped officer direct to Scotland Yard, and when he made a call to The Yard the ornamental light on top of the police station would begin to automatically flash – alerting other nearby police that potential trouble was afoot. The tiny station continued to be used for many years by officers patrolling the busy Trafalgar Square, and when ultimately closed was downgraded to a broom cupboard for Westminster City Council street cleaners. Sadly few visitors to the Square today are aware of its history – or of the light atop it that has glowed nightly

for 190 years, apart from during wartime black-outs, and which legend has it was salvaged from Admiral Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory.

● Once Britain’s smallest police station, the light atop it was reputedly salvaged from Admiral Nelson’s HMS Victory.

Melbourne

Observer Wines & Liqueurs

with David Ellis

White cross dresses as red ■ If you’ve a sense for adventure in your pursuit of wine drinking enjoyment, a particularly intriguing drop to search out was released just recently under a Samphire label by Cape Jaffa Winery on South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Interesting because while predominantly Chardonnay with a little Gewurztraminer and Viognier, this one was made more like it was a red than a white, including not only unusually fermenting the fruit on skins, but doing so for six months… something that its makers Derek and Anna Hooper say “called for courage and patience.” The Hooper’s were inspired to create this unique wine after seeing such drops on a visit to Georgia in Europe, and took a largely traditional Eastern European approach to its making on their return home. That effort has rewarded them well, as this is a lovely medium to full bodied wine with lots of mouth-feel and a relatively soft finish. And with its suggestions of tropical fruit flavours it’s also a white you can match up with foods normally paired with reds, Derek and Anna suggesting maybe duck that’s not too spicy, a chicken liver parfait, or a rich stock-based lobster bisque. Pay $29, and if you’ve any problems locating it check out www.capejaffawines.

One to note ■ Tim Adams and Brett Schutz, winemakers at the Clare Valley’s Mr Mick Wines, have released a 2016 Rosé that Mr Mick himself (the late and legendary Mick Knappstein who had a great passion for Rosé,) would be more than delighted with. Because this one’s been made in the style Mick Knappstein enthused over – fresh, easy-drinking and in his words “for everyone to enjoy.” And particularly so with food, yet at the same time also being a great drop to enjoy on its own as an aperitif. With subtle apple, raspberry and strawberry fruit flavours and nice fresh acidity, this is a Rosé that will go perfectly with Asian dishes, or any other foods with a little spiciness. Pay $17, and while enjoying this one raise your glass to the late Mr Mick.

Pictured ■ Certainly different and interesting, it’s a white that was made as if it was a red. ■ A rosé made equally for enjoyment with food, or on its own as an aperitif.

■ The postman has no problem knowing where to deliver the mail to a hotel in Scotland, because it’s the only building on what is the world’s shortest street at just 2.06 metres in length. And how it got its name is just as bizarre as how it became a street in the first place. Because it was back in the 1880s that businessman Alexander Sinclair returned home from working in America, and built himself a three-storey hotel at the junction of Union and River Streets in the little town of Wick in County Caithness. He enjoyed quietly running his Mackay’s Hotel as he named it, when the local council, whose enthusiasm for pedantic regulations was renowned, sent him the strangest of demands. It decreed that because there was a distance of 6 feet 9 inches (2.06m) between where Union and River Streets ended on either side of the skinny end of his wedge-shaped hotel, and that those streets did not actually meet, it was his responsibility to give a name to the space between them because it was outside his hotel. And even more bizarrely, to put a number at the doorway facing that space, as it now led into his hotel “off a street.” Deciding that those on the council were of the same ilk as the cantankerous and forever grumbling Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Mr Sinclair cheekily put “Ebenezer Place” above the top floor window of his hotel – and No 1 not just above the door, but on either side of it. And they all remain there to this day, still warmly welcoming guests to Mackay’s Hotel.

■ Students at an automotive college in America’s New York State have set themselves a massive task – they’re rebuilding the world’s longest car, a Cadillac-badged monster that’s a whopping 100 feet, or just over 30 metres long. The flamboyant auto was built in Burbank, California in the late 1980s by car buff Jay Ohrberg, who is both a collector and a specialist-vehicle builder for local movie and TV studios. Basically a super-stretched 1970’s Cadillac Eldorado and named American Dream, the monstrous 26-wheeler (with those wheels not only in front and back, but centre as well) had a special swivel in the middle so it could navigate around corners, and be taken apart for transporting on a low-loader to filming sites. And on the road it needed specialist drivers both at the front and the rear. Luxuries included a “living room” with a lounge and multiple-seat dining table with candelabra, a kingsize bed, heated Jacuzzi tub, and an extended boot with splash pool and diving board covered by a folding landing pad for its own helicopter. When Hollywood eventually lost interest in the American Dream it was simply abandoned in an open carpark and slowly stripped; in 2012 the New York Autoseum automotive teaching museum in the village of Mineola bought the forlorn-looking wreck at auction, and today it is being slowly rebuilt as a teaching project for students. And that project, staff say, could take years.


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Homemaker

rec21164


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Showbiz


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Places To Go


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Quantity Surveyors

Property depreciation services Just Depreciation is always going the extra mile to help all our clients whenever we can. We have decided to answer some of our frequently asked questions to help give you some advice and get a better understanding of our services to save you time and money. If, for any reason, there are still questions you would like to ask us about our property depreciation services then don’t hesitate to call our friendly team who would be only too happy to help. My property is old is it worthwhile getting a report prepared? Yes, all properties regardless of age have some form of depreciation. The fixtures and fittings in the property must be valued at the date that you first make the property available for rental. Just Depreciation recommend reports for all residential properties no matter how old the building may be. I have owned the property for a number of years and not claimed any depreciation, have I missed out? No, we will start your report from the first date of rental and your accountant can apply to the Taxation Office to get previous returns adjusted. It’s never too late to claim any property depreciation. How long does the report last for? Our reports have 10 years of detailed information and enough detail for your accountant to expand on the individual items after this date so you won't have to arrange for a another report unless you carry out major renovations or improvements. Do you guarantee your report will be worthwhile? Yes of course, and we guarantee that if you do not receive a deduction that is twice the amount of our fee in the first year, then the report will be free. We believe this is the fairest and best possible outcome either way for our clients. What is the process? Do I have to make appointments? No, we make the appointments on your behalf via your rental manager and liaise with tenants for a suitable time for the property inspection so you need not worry about a thing. What happens at the inspection? We measure the property, take photos, take note of all depreciable items and any capital building write off deductions that may apply and then return to the office to calculate and process the report.


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Places To Go


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Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

Racing Briefs

Uncle Wingnut back in form Wine Extra

Harness Racing

MACHRA meeting

Sing praises

■ The Annual General Meeting of the Metropolitan and Country Harness Racing Association (MACHRA) is to be held at the Taylors Lakes Hotel - Taylors Lakes on Wednesday, November 23, commencing at 7.30pm - all welcome.

This Week’s Meetings

■ Wednesday - Bendigo, Thursday - Yarra Valley, Friday - Ballarat, Saturday - Melton, Sunday Mildura, Monday - Stawell, Tuesday - Kilmore.

Horses To Follow

■ Ya Bowen Delight, Paying Your Way, Miss Noelle, Sondrel, Anybeach Anywhere, Keayang Da Vinci, Rosanna Raider, Giant Steps, ICourtsinsession, Into The Unknown.

Successful dubt ■ Andy and Kate Gath's recent stable addition Star Of Memphis made a successful debut in Oz by taking the 3Y0 Pace over 2150m at Bendigo on Tuesday. First up since winning at Oamaru a month earlier, Star Of Memphis a Rock N Roll Heaven-Star Of Venus gelding was sent forward from gate five to lead and was always in control. Although tackled seriously by Keayang Da Vinci on the final bend, Star Of Memphis was too strong at the finish, winning by 3.4m in a rate of 1-57.2.

Ran home, 3 back ■ Rochester trainer Shane Eeles combined with Chris Alford to land a stable double at Bendigo on Tuesday with 6Y0 Courage Under Fire gelding Terror Man taking the C2 class Pace over 1650 metres in a brilliant 1-54.5 and 6Y0 Live Or Die mare Pushinupdaisies the C1 class over 2150 metres in 156.5. Terror Man ran home from three back the markers, while Pushinupdaisies led throughout.

Lasted by half-head ■ Much travelled 10Y0 Courage Under Fire g Fiery Achiever chalked up his 14th victory at start 125 when greeting the judge in the Claimer at Bendigo. Trained by Laura Crossland in the Goulburn Valley, Fiery Achiever driven by partner David Moran peeled wide off a one/one trip on turning to just last by a half head from Aldebaran Macha in 1-56.6.

Added to tally ■ Longlea trainer Glenn Sharp has his team firing at present, adding another race to the tally when 8Y0 Noopy Kiosk/Disco Dance gelding Gidah (Zac Phillips) led virtually throughout from a 40 metre backmark in the Trotters Handicap for T1 or better class over 2150 metres at Bendigo on Tuesday, defeating Opia and Tella Tall Tale (a stablemate of the winner) in 2-04.4. Glenn was also victorious with another member of the team Spud (Tennotrump/Move On By) in the T0 & T1 Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres at Shepparton on Wednesday. With Josh Duggan in the sulky, Spud was given every chance one/one, running home to score from Muscletonian and Surmo Grin in a thrilling finish the margins a head by a half neck in 2-04.2.

First start in Oz ■ At Kilmore on Friday, Bettor's Delight-Kotare Yoyo filly Kotare Yarra, a half sister to Kotare York (Mach Three) having her first start on Australian soil, snared the 3Y0 Pace over 2180 metres. Trained and driven by local Phillip Walters, Kotare Yarra showed plenty of speed from outside the front line to cross Erico shortly after the start and was never headed, defeating a death-seating Anybeach Anywhere on debut who was game in defeat by a head only in 2.00.2.

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

■ Multiple cups winning 9Y0 Christian CullenPaula's Way g Uncle Wingnut returned to the winners list when successful in the feature race of the evening at Mildura last Wednesday - the $5,000 C5 or better class mobile pace over 2190 metres. Trained in the Swan Hill district by Joe Costa for the Costa family, Uncle Wingnut starting from the extreme draw settled at the tail of the field as polemarker Flagbearer held out the long odds-on favourite Gollahman (gate 6). Commencing a forward move three wide racing for the bell, Uncle Wingnut (Damian Wilson) was trapped wide for rest of the journey, rallying over the concluding stages to register a tough 3.2 metre margin over Road To Rock (one/one) in a MR of 1-59.4. Gollahman was a head away third. It was Uncle Wingnut's 20th victory in 99 outings.

Weaved

■ Another Kiwi bred to win on the night was Mach Three 6Y0 gelding Dark Side for local Luke Watson in the C1 class over 2190m. Driven a dashing race by wife Kathy weaving in between runners from gate two on the second line to lob one/one, Dark Side after easing three wide at the bell, dashed to the front prior to the home turn to score by 2 metres in advance of Ya Bowen Delight in 1-59.8.

Novelty

■ Veteran Beeac trainer Dick Lee combined with Terang's Jason Lee to land the C2 & C3 class Pace over the novelty journey of 1200 metres at Horsham on Monday with Great Britain bred Mach Three/Yankee Prestige 8Y0 mare Reeds May, leading throughout to

Handy ■ Ultra consistent McArdle 5Y0m Courtney John snared the C1 class Pace over 1690m at Kilmore for Glenn Douglas. Always handy, Courtney John when taken wide on turning ran home best to prevail over the hot favourite Time Keepa Lombo (three wide last lap) by 1.2m in 1.58.8.

Quinella ■ In form 4Y0 McArdle entire Franco Jameson trained at Melton by Adam Kelly and driven by Zac Phillips, led throughout from gate three to easily account for Colleens Medley which trailed by 6.5m in the 1690m C1 class Pace at Kilmore, giving New Zealand breds the quinella.

Harness Review

■ Listen to Len Baker on Harness Review, 8pm-10pm Mondays, on 97.9 FM, streamed in 979fm.com.au

More art at Moreland ■ MoreArt enlivens the public spaces of Moreland with 16 large scale and intimate art projects popping up in unusual and unexpected locales, in a free program of offerings from October 28 to December 18. In its seventh incarnation, this year’s MoreArt explores the theme of passage, tempting creativity and innovation as the artists transform the urban environments within the City of Moreland into vehicles for contemplation, celebration and imagination.

■ It doesn’t take much to have us singing the praises of Neil McGuigan for what he gets up to at McGuigan Wines in the Hunter Valley, and none more so than after we get down and cosy with one of his Semillons. For if the Hunter is acknowledged as the world’s premier region for the best of Semillons, and the McGuigan Bin Series Semillons renowned globally as the company’s most-awarded wine, it must mean Neil is justified in taking a bow for the international recognition these of his are accorded. And if you’ve a very special event coming up and are thinking seafood at the heart of it, an ideal wine to match would be the 2013 vintage of the McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon. For here’s a wine from a season that while it saw many a challenge thrown up at the team – from dry and cool, to heatwaves and rain – is fresh and light in its younger years, but then goes on to develop into a classic rich honey and toasty Hunter style Semillon with nice long cellaring potential. At $30 make it a feature alongside fresh prawn cocktails to kick off special events, and go on to share it with main course platters of grilled seafoods. ★ ONE TO NOTE: Bill Calabria has a most more-ish Durif under the 3 Bridges label of his Calabria Family Wines in the NSW Riverina, a wine that’s big enough to stand up to the gutsiness of a hearty osso bucco, braised oxtail or a good Rogan Josh (lamb curry.) This interesting varietal whose quite tiny berries produce a wine almost impenetrably black in the glass, originated in France, but today is found mainly in only Australia (principally the Riverina and Rutherglen in Victoria,) and in California and Israel. Bill Calabria’s 3 Bridges Durif is intensely flavoured with dark plums, Morello cherries, coffee and coconut to the fore, has toasty vanillin oak and a nice little spiciness. At $25 it’s a great match with those dining suggestions above.

It’s perfect

■ Peter Logan has been making Chardonnay at his Logan Wines at Orange in the NSW Central West for some nineteen years now, yet he still muses over whether he’s got it as perfect as has been his goal. “In fact I’m not sure that gaol will ever be reached,” says Peter, “even though every year we continue to evolve this wine towards an even better place.” And that includes as a sideline to that continuing evolution, now achieving exceptional sales not just here in Australia, but throughout Asia and in northern Europe as well. Made from cold climate fruit (his vineyards are some 970m above sea level,) Logan Chardonnay has always been a wine of elegance and sophistication, and with his latest, now- available 2015, Peter strove to create a drop that would be “elegant but not anaemic, savoury with a touch of fruit, and having minerality with texture.” And beautifully balanced, it boasts a nice mix of subtle fruit flavours, plus a touch of almond, on a mineral palate with a gentle smoothness to it. And while it spent some time in oak prior to bot-

tling, this has not overpowered the wine’s fruit characters. Pay $25 and enjoy it with shellfish, a seafood pie or chicken terrine. Is that perfect? ★ ONE TO NOTE: Although launched only in 1996, the Barossa Valley’s Pepperjack Wines have amassed an extraordinary following of devotees to their bold, rich and vibrant reds that are made purely with steak lovers in mind. And while still young, they’ve heritage in being part of Saltram Wines that was founded in the Barossa 157 years ago by English immigrant William Salter and his son Edward, with an initial 4ha of Shiraz, and their cellar simply a hole in a hillside. A just-released Pepperjack 2015 Barossa Shiraz is all concentrated layers of blackberry, blue fruits and oak, nicely balanced with soft tannins for absolute full-on flavour; and at $30 it’s made to enjoy with just one thing, your favourite steak.

Clementine ■ To mark the company’s 20th vintage, winemaker Peter Logan has released a very special 2016 Pinot Gris from his Logan Wines at Orange in NSW’s Central West. Very special because firstly this wine has an unusual orange hue to it from including the grape skins in the ferment, something that is normally done only with red wines not with whites, and secondly because he’s named it Clementine – after little daughter of he and wife Hannah (who is also Logan Wines’ General Manager.) “We named it Clementine because like its namesake this wine has a vibrant spark to it, is a little unorthodox, makes an impression, demands your attention, is pretty, plus it’s also complex and it puts a smile on your face,” Peter says. And he says that including the skins in the ferment has given this Pinot Gris a fuller range of complex flavours than normal, a tang on the palate, and a crunchy finish from the tannins released into the wine from the skins. “The flavours are more savoury than traditional Pinot Gris, and with the tannin cleaning the palate it makes for a great drop with a charcuterie board or cheese platter,” Peter adds. And we like it too for its good-value price tag of $23. ★ ONE TO NOTE: New Zealand’s quirky-named Squealing Pig has released its first ever Syrah, from the 2015 vintage in Hawke’s Bay on the east coast of the country’s North Island. The country’s oldest wine region dating back to 1851, Hawke’s Bay enjoys plenty of sunny days, and a particularly warm 2015 vintage resulted in fruit that year with great concentrations of flavour and ripeness, and resultant wines of wonderful elegance. Red berries and dark cherry fruit flavours, coupled with dusty tannins in this 2015 Squealing Pig Syrah, make for it being a great match alongside lamb loin chops topped with a fennel relish. Pay $26 at Vintage Cellars. - David Ellis


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Observer Classic Books From Page 16 Mrs. Chester fancied beforehand that it would be easy to deliver this little speech, but when the time came, she found it rather difficult to utter it naturally, with Amy’s unsuspicious eyes looking straight at her full of surprise and trouble. Amy felt that there was something behind this, but could not guess what, and said quietly, feeling hurt, and showing that she did, “Perhaps you had rather I took no table at all?” “Now, my dear, don’t have any ill feeling, I beg. It’s merely a matter of expediency, you see, my girls will naturally take the lead, and this table is considered their proper place. I think it very appropriate to you, and feel very grateful for your efforts to make it so pretty, but we must give up our private wishes, of course, and I will see that you have a good place elsewhere. Wouldn’t you like the flower table? The little girls undertook it, but they are discouraged. You could make a charming thing of it, and the flower table is always attractive you know.” “Especially to gentlemen,” added May, with a look which enlightened Amy as to one cause of her sudden fall from favor. She colored angrily, but took no other notice of that girlish sarcasm, and answered with unexpected amiability . . . “It shall be as you please, Mrs. Chester. I’ll give up my place here at once, and attend to the flowers, if you like.” “You can put your own things on your own table, if you prefer,” began May, feeling a little conscience-stricken, as she looked at the pretty racks, the painted shells, and quaint illuminations Amy had so carefully made and so gracefully arranged. She meant it kindly, but Amy mistook her meaning, and said quickly . . . “Oh, certainly, if they are in your way,” and sweeping her contributions into her apron, pellmell, she walked off, feeling that herself and her works of art had been insulted past forgiveness. “Now she’s mad. Oh, dear, I wish I hadn’t asked you to speak, Mama,” said May, looking disconsolately at the empty spaces on her table. “Girls’ quarrels are soon over,” returned her mother, feeling a trifle ashamed of her own part in this one, as well she might. The little girls hailed Amy and her treasures with delight, which cordial reception somewhat soothed her perturbed spirit, and she fell to work, determined to succeed florally, if she could not artistically. But everything seemed against her. It was late, and she was tired. Everyone was too busy with their own affairs to help her, and the little girls were only hindrances, for the dears fussed and chattered like so many magpies, making a great deal of confusion in their artless efforts to preserve the most perfect order. The evergreen arch wouldn’t stay firm after she got it up, but wiggled and threatened to tumble down on her head when the hanging baskets were filled. Her best tile got a splash of water, which left a sepia tear on the Cupid’s cheek. She bruised her hands with hammering, and got cold working in a draft, which last affliction filled her with apprehensions for the morrow. Any girl reader who has suffered like afflictions will sympathize with poor Amy and wish her well through her task. There was great indignation at home when she told her story that evening. Her mother said it was a shame, but told her she had done right. Beth declared she wouldn’t go to the fair at all, and Jo demanded why she didn’t take all her pretty things and leave those mean people to get on without her. “Because they are mean is no reason why I should be. I hate such things, and though I think I’ve a right to be hurt, I don’t intend to show it. They will feel that more than angry speeches or huffy actions, won’t they, Marmee?” “That’s the right spirit, my dear. A kiss for a blow is always best, though it’s not very easy to give it sometimes,” said her mother, with the air of one who had learned the difference between preaching and practicing. In spite of various very natural temptations to resent and retaliate, Amy adhered to her resolution all the next day, bent on conquering her enemy by kindness. She began well, thanks to a silent reminder that came to her unexpectedly, but most opportunely. As she arranged her table that morning, while the little girls were in the anteroom filling the baskets, she took up her pet production, a little book, the antique cover of which her father had found among his treasures, and in which on leaves of vellum she had beautifully illuminated different texts. As she turned the pages rich in dainty devices with very par-

donable pride, her eye fell upon one verse that made her stop and think. Framed in a brilliant scrollwork of scarlet, blue and gold, with little spirits of good will helping one another up and down among the thorns and flowers, were the words, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” “I ought, but I don’t,” thought Amy, as her eye went from the bright page to May’s discontented face behind the big vases, that could not hide the vacancies her pretty work had once filled. Amy stood a minute, turning the leaves in her hand, reading on each some sweet rebuke for all heartburnings and uncharitableness of spirit. Many wise and true sermons are preached us every day by unconscious ministers in street, school, office, or home. Even a fair table may become a pulpit, if it can offer the good and helpful words which are never out of season. Amy’s conscience preached her a little sermon from that text, then and there, and she did what many of us do not always do, took the sermon to heart, and straightway put it in practice. A group of girls were standing about May’s table, admiring the pretty things, and talking over the change of saleswomen. They dropped their voices, but Amy knew they were speaking of her, hearing one side of the story and judging accordingly. It was not pleasant, but a better spirit had come over her, and presently a chance offered for proving it. She heard May say sorrowfully . . . “It’s too bad, for there is no time to make other things, and I don’t want to fill up with odds and ends. The table w “I dare say she’d put them back if you asked her,” suggested someone. “How could I after all the fuss?” began May, but she did not finish, for Amy’s voice came across the hall, saying pleasantly . . . “You may have them, and welcome, without asking, if you want them. I was just thinking I’d offer to put them back, for they belong to your table rather than mine. Here they are, please take them, and forgive me if I was hasty in carrying them away last night.” As she spoke, Amy returned her contribution, with a nod and a smile, and hurried away again, feeling that it was easier to do a friendly thing than it was to stay and be thanked for it. “Now, I call that lovely of her, don’t you?” cried one girl. May’s answer was inaudible, but another young lady, whose temper was evidently a little soured by making lemonade, added, with a disagreeable laugh, “Very lovely, for she knew she wouldn’t sell them at her own table.” Now, that was hard. When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated, at least, and for a minute Amy was sorry she had done it, feeling that virtue was not always its own reward. But it is, as she presently discovered, for her spirits began to rise, and her table to blossom under her skillful hands, the girls were very kind, and that one little act seemed to have cleared the atmosphere amazingly. It was a very long day and a hard one for Amy, as she sat behind her table, often quite alone, for the little girls deserted very soon. Few cared to buy flowers in summer, and her bouquets began to droop long before night. The art table was the most attractive in the room. There was a crowd about it all day long, and the tenders were constantly flying to and fro with important faces and rattling money boxes. Amy often looked wistfully across, longing to be there, where she felt at home and happy, instead of in a corner with nothing to do. It might seem no hardship to some of us, but to a pretty, blithe young girl, it was not only tedious, but very trying, and the thought of Laurie and his friends made it a real martyrdom. She did not go home till night, and then she looked so pale and quiet that they knew the day had been a hard one, though she made no complaint, and did not even tell what she had done. Her mother gave her an extra cordial cup of tea. Beth helped her dress, and made a charming little wreath for her hair, while Jo astonished her family by getting herself up with unusual care, and hinting darkly that the tables were about to be turned. “Don’t do anything rude, pray Jo; I won’t have any fuss made, so let it all pass and behave yourself,” begged Amy, as she departed early, hoping to find a reinforcement of flowers to refresh her poor little table. “I merely intend to make myself entrancingly agreeable to every one I know, and to keep them in your corner as long as possible. Teddy and

his boys will lend a hand, and we’ll have a good time yet.” returned Jo, leaning over the gate to watch for Laurie. Presently the familiar tramp was heard in the dusk, and she ran out to meet him. “Is that my boy?” “As sure as this is my girl!” and Laurie tucked her hand under his arm with the air of a man whose every wish was gratified. “Oh, Teddy, such doings!” and Jo told Amy’s wrongs with sisterly zeal. “A flock of our fellows are going to drive over by-and-by, and I’ll be hanged if I don’t make them buy every flower she’s got, and camp down before her table afterward,” said Laurie, espousing her cause with warmth. “The flowers are not at all nice, Amy says, and the fresh ones may not arrive in time. I don’t wish to be unjust or suspicious, but I shouldn’t wonder if they never came at all. When people do one mean thing they are very likely to do another,” observed Jo in a disgusted tone. “Didn’t Hayes give you the best out of our gardens? I told him to.” “I didn’t know that, he forgot, I suppose, and, as your grandpa was poorly, I didn’t like to worry him by asking, though I did want some.” “Now, Jo, how could you think there was any need of asking? They are just as much yours as mine. Don’t we always go halves in everything?” began Laurie, in the tone that always made Jo turn thorny. “Gracious, I hope not! Half of some of your things wouldn’t suit me at all. But we mustn’t stand philandering here. I’ve got to help Amy, so you go and make yourself splendid, and if you’ll be so very kind as to let Hayes take a few nice flowers up to the Hall, I’ll bless you forever.”as just complete then. Now it’s spoiled.” “Couldn’t you do it now?” asked Laurie, so suggestively that Jo shut the gate in his face with inhospitable haste, and called through the bars, “Go away, Teddy, I’m busy.” Thanks to the conspirators, the tables were turned that night, for Hayes sent up a wilderness of flowers, with a loverly basket arranged in his best manner for a centerpiece. Then the March family turned out en masse, and Jo exerted herself to some purpose, for people not only came, but stayed, laughing at her nonsense, admiring Amy’s taste, and apparently enjoying themselves very much. Laurie and his friends gallantly threw themselves into the breach, bought up the bouquets, encamped before the table, and made that corner the liveliest spot in the room. Amy was in her element now, and out of gratitude, if nothing more, was as spritely and gracious as possible, coming to the conclusion, about that time, that virtue was its own reward, after all. Jo behaved herself with exemplary propriety, and when Amy was happily surrounded by her guard of honor, Jo circulated about the Hall, picking up various bits of gossip, which enlightened her upon the subject of the Chester change of base. She reproached herself for her share of the ill feeling and resolved to exonerate Amy as soon as possible. She also discovered what Amy had done about the things in the morning, and considered her a model of magnanimity. As she passed the art table, she glanced over it for her sister’s things, but saw no sign of them. “Tucked away out of sight, I dare say,” thought Jo, who could forgive her own wrongs, but hotly resented any insult offered her family. “Good evening, Miss Jo. How does Amy get on?” asked May with a conciliatory air, for she wanted to show that she also could be generous. “She has sold everything she had that was worth selling, and now she is enjoying herself. The flower table is always attractive, you know, ‘especially to gentlemen’.” Jo couldn’t resist giving that little slap, but May took it so meekly she regretted it a minute after, and fell to praising the great vases, which still remained unsold. “Is Amy’s illumination anywhere about? I took a fancy to buy that for Father,” said Jo, very anxious to learn the fate of her sister’s work. “Everything of Amy’s sold long ago. I took care that the right people saw them, and they made a nice little sum of money for us,” returned May, who had overcome sundry small temptations, as well as Amy had, that day. Much gratified, Jo rushed back to tell the good news, and Amy looked both touched and surprised by the report of May’s word and manner. “Now, gentlemen, I want you to go and do your duty by the other tables as generously as you have by mine, especially the art table,” she said,

ordering out ‘Teddy’s own’, as the girls called the college friends. “‘Charge, Chester, charge!’ is the motto for that table, but do your duty like men, and you’ll get your money’s worth of art in every sense of the word,” said the irrepressible Jo, as the devoted phalanx prepared to take the field. “To hear is to obey, but March is fairer far than May,” said little Parker, making a frantic effort to be both witty and tender, and getting promptly quenched by Laurie, who said . . . “Very well, my son, for a small boy!” and walked him off, with a paternal pat on the head. “Buy the vases,” whispered Amy to Laurie, as a final heaping of coals of fire on her enemy’s head. To May’s great delight, Mr. Laurence not only bought the vases, but pervaded the hall with one under each arm. The other gentlemen speculated with equal rashness in all sorts of frail trifles, and wandered helplessly about afterward, burdened with wax flowers, painted fans, filigree portfolios, and other useful and appropriate purchases. Aunt Carrol was there, heard the story, looked pleased, and said something to Mrs. March in a corner, which made the latter lady beam with satisfaction, and watch Amy with a face full of mingled pride and anxiety, though she did not betray the cause of her pleasure till several days later. The fair was pronounced a success, and when May bade Amy goodnight, she did not gush as usual, but gave her an affectionate kiss, and a look which said ‘forgive and forget’. That satisfied Amy, and when she got home she found the vases paraded on the parlor chimney piece with a great bouquet in each. “The reward of merit for a magnanimous March,” as Laurie announced with a flourish. “You’ve a deal more principle and generosity and nobleness of character than I ever gave you credit for, Amy. You’ve behaved sweetly, and I respect you with all my heart,” said Jo warmly, as they brushed their hair together late that night. “Yes, we all do, and love her for being so ready to forgive. It must have been dreadfully hard, after working so long and setting your heart on selling your own pretty things. I don’t believe I could have done it as kindly as you did,” added Beth from her pillow. “Why, girls, you needn’t praise me so. I only did as I’d be done by. You laugh at me when I say I want to be a lady, but I mean a true gentlewoman in mind and manners, and I try to do it as far as I know how. I can’t explain exactly, but I want to be above the little meannesses and follies and faults that spoil so many women. I’m far from it now, but I do my best, and hope in time to be what Mother is.” Amy spoke earnestly, and Jo said, with a cordial hug, “I understand now what you mean, and I’ll never laugh at you again. You are getting on faster than you think, and I’ll take lessons of you in true politeness, for you’ve learned the secret, I believe. Try away, deary, you’ll get your reward some day, and no one will be more delighted than I shall.” A week later Amy did get her reward, and poor Jo found it hard to be delighted. A letter came from Aunt Carrol, and Mrs. March’s face was illuminated to such a degree when she read it that Jo and Beth, who were with her, demanded what the glad tidings were. “Aunt Carrol is going abroad next month, and wants . . . ” “Me to go with her!” burst in Jo, flying out of her chair in an uncontrollable rapture. “No, dear, not you. It’s Amy.” “Oh, Mother! She’s too young, it’s my turn first. I’ve wanted it so long. It would do me so much good, and be so altogether splendid. I must go!” “I’m afraid it’s impossible, Jo. Aunt says Amy, decidedly, and it is not for us to dictate when she offers such a favor.” “It’s always so. Amy has all the fun and I have all the work. It isn’t fair, oh, it isn’t fair!” cried Jo passionately. “I’m afraid it’s partly your own fault, dear. When Aunt spoke to me the other day, she regretted your blunt manners and too independent spirit, and here she writes, as if quoting something you had said — ‘I planned at first to ask Jo, but as ‘favors burden her’, and she ‘hates French’, I think I won’t venture to invite her. Amy is more docile, will make a good companion for Flo, and receive gratefully any help the trip may give her.” “Oh, my tongue, my abominable tongue! Why

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Observer Classic Books From Page 29 can’t I learn to keep it quiet?” groaned Jo, remembering words which had been her undoing. When she had heard the explanation of the quoted phrases, Mrs. March said sorrowfully . . . “I wish you could have gone, but there is no hope of it this time, so try to bear it cheerfully, and don’t sadden Amy’s pleasure by reproaches or regrets.” “I’ll try,” said Jo, winking hard as she knelt down to pick up the basket she had joyfully upset. “I’ll take a leaf out of her book, and try not only to seem glad, but to be so, and not grudge her one minute of happiness. But it won’t be easy, for it is a dreadful disappointment,” and poor Jo bedewed the little fat pincushion she held with several very bitter tears. “Jo, dear, I’m very selfish, but I couldn’t spare you, and I’m glad you are not going quite yet,” whispered Beth, embracing her, basket and all, with such a clinging touch and loving face that Jo felt comforted in spite of the sharp regret that made her want to box her own ears, and humbly beg Aunt Carrol to burden her with this favor, and see how gratefully she would bear it. By the time Amy came in, Jo was able to take her part in the family jubilation, not quite as heartily as usual, perhaps, but without repinings at Amy’s good fortune. The young lady herself received the news as tidings of great joy, went about in a solemn sort of rapture, and began to sort her colors and pack her pencils that evening, leaving such trifles as clothes, money, and passports to those less absorbed in visions of art than herself. “It isn’t a mere pleasure trip to me, girls,” she said impressively, as she scraped her best palette. “It will decide my career, for if I have any genius, I shall find it out in Rome, and will do something to prove it.” “Suppose you haven’t?” said Jo, sewing away, with red eyes, at the new collars which were to be handed over to Amy. “Then I shall come home and teach drawing for my living,” replied the aspirant for fame, with philosophic composure. But she made a wry face at the prospect, and scratched away at her palette as if bent on vigorous measures before she gave up her hopes. “No, you won’t. You hate hard work, and you’ll marry some rich man, and come home to sit in

the lap of luxury all your days,” said Jo. “Your predictions sometimes come to pass, but I don’t believe that one will. I’m sure I wish it would, for if I can’t be an artist myself, I should like to be able to help those who are,” said Amy, smiling, as if the part of Lady Bountiful would suit her better than that of a poor drawing teacher. “Hum!” said Jo, with a sigh. “If you wish it you’ll have it, for your wishes are always granted — mine never.” “Would you like to go?” asked Amy, thoughtfully patting her nose with her knife. “Rather!” “Well, in a year or two I’ll send for you, and we’ll dig in the Forum for relics, and carry out all the plans we’ve made so many times.” “Thank you. I’ll remind you of your promise when that joyful day comes, if it ever does,” returned Jo, accepting the vague but magnificent offer as gratefully as she could. There was not much time for preparation, and the house was in a ferment till Amy was off. Jo bore up very well till the last flutter of blue ribbon vanished, when she retired to her refuge, the garret, and cried till she couldn’t cry any more. Amy likewise bore up stoutly till the steamer sailed. Then just as the gangway was about to be withdrawn, it suddenly came over her that a whole ocean was soon to roll between her and those who loved her best, and she clung to Laurie, the last lingerer, saying with a sob . . “Oh, take care of them for me, and if anything should happen . . . ” “I will, dear, I will, and if anything happens, I’ll come and comfort you,” whispered Laurie, little dreaming that he would be called upon to keep his word. SoAmy sailed away to find the Old World, which is always new and beautiful to young eyes, while her father and friend watched her from the shore, fervently hoping that none but gentle fortunes would befall the happy-hearted girl, who waved her hand to them till they could see nothing but the summer sunshine dazzling on the sea. Chapter Thirty-One Our Foreign Correspondent London Dearest People, Here I really sit at a front window of the Bath Hotel, Piccadilly. It’s not a fashionable place, but Uncle stopped here years ago, and won’t go anywhere else. However, we don’t

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mean to stay long, so it’s no great matter. Oh, I can’t begin to tell you how I enjoy it all! I never can, so I’ll only give you bits out of my notebook, for I’ve done nothing but sketch and scribble since I started. I sent a line from Halifax, when I felt pretty miserable, but after that I got on delightfully, seldom ill, on deck all day, with plenty of pleasant people to amuse me. Everyone was very kind to me, especially the officers. Don’t laugh, Jo, gentlemen really are very necessary aboard ship, to hold on to, or to wait upon one, and as they have nothing to do, it’s a mercy to make them useful, otherwise they would smoke themselves to death, I’m afraid. Aunt and Flo were poorly all the way, and liked to be let alone, so when I had done what I could for them, I went and enjoyed myself. Such walks on deck, such sunsets, such splendid air and waves! It was almost as exciting as riding a fast horse, when we went rushing on so grandly. I wish Beth could have come, it would have done her so much good. As for Jo, she would have gone up and sat on the maintop jib, or whatever the high thing is called, made friends with the engineers, and tooted on the captain’s speaking trumpet, she’d have been in such a state of rapture. It was all heavenly, but I was glad to see the Irish coast, and found it very lovely, so green and sunny, with brown cabins here and there, ruins on some of the hills, and gentlemen’s countryseats in the valleys, with deer feeding in the parks. It was early in the morning, but I didn’t regret getting up to see it, for the bay was full of little boats, the shore so picturesque, and a rosy sky overhead. I never shall forget it. At Queenstown one of my new acquaintances left us, Mr. Lennox, and when I said something about the Lakes of Killarney, he sighed, and sung, with a look at me . . . “Oh, have you e’er heard of Kate Kearney? She lives on the banks of Killarney; From the glance of her eye, Shun danger and fly, For fatal’s the glance of Kate Kearney.” Wasn’t that nonsensical? We only stopped at Liverpool a few hours. It’s a dirty, noisy place, and I was glad to leave it. Uncle rushed out and bought a pair of dogskin gloves, some ugly, thick shoes, and an umbrella

and got shaved à la mutton chop, the first thing. Then he flattered himself that he looked like a true Briton, but the first time he had the mud cleaned off his shoes, the little bootblack knew that an American stood in them, and said, with a grin, “There yer har, sir. I’ve given ’em the latest Yankee shine.” It amused Uncle immensely Oh, I must tell you what that absurd Lennox did! He got his friend Ward, who came on with us, to order a bouquet for me, and the first thing I saw in my room was a lovely one, with “Robert Lennox’s compliments,” on the card. Wasn’t that fun, girls? I like traveling. I never shall get to London if I don’t hurry. The trip was like riding through a long picture gallery, full of lovely landscapes. The farmhouses were my delight, with thatched roofs, ivy up to the eaves, latticed windows, and stout women with rosy children at the doors. The very cattle looked more tranquil than ours, as they stood knee-deep in clover, and the hens had a contented cluck, as if they never got nervous like Yankee biddies. Such perfect color I never saw the grass so green, sky so blue, grain so yellow woods so dark, I was in a rapture all the way. So was Flo, and we kept bouncing from one side to the other, trying to see everything while we were whisking along at the rate of sixty miles an hour Aunt was tired and went to sleep, but Uncle read his guidebook, and wouldn’t be astonished at anything. This is the way we went on. Amy flying up — “Oh, that must be Kenilworth, that gray place among the trees!” Flo, darting to my window — “How sweet! We must go there sometime, won’t we Papa?” Uncle, calmly admiring his boots — “No, my dear, not unless you want beer, that’s a brewery.” A pause — then Flo cried out, “Bless me, there’s a gallows and a man going up.” “Where, where?” shrieks Amy, staring out at two tall posts with a crossbeam and some dangling chains. “A colliery,” remarks Uncle, with a twinkle of the eye. “Here’s a lovely flock of lambs all lying down,” says Amy. “See, Papa, aren’t they pretty?” added Flo sentimentally. “Geese, young ladies,” returns Uncle, in a tone that keeps us quiet till Flo settles down to enjoy the Flirtations of Captain Cavendish, and I have the scenery all to myself. To Be Continued Next Issue

Observer Crossword Solution No 11 F L OP P I E R A Z U K I N CHOR T L E S E N U D I V S H E E P S N O M H AGU R EG I ME N N D N P E B B F OR E S AW I W N R N UN S T UD I E D N N N N S L I A I S I NG O R E U VO L T AGE E U L NON D E POS E D R V MO I S E NC AMP M I L L E A P L E T SGO G A R E Y R I E ME A N T N E W B A N A L T R E L A Y S X T H A I L A PO L L O O E A R I N S P L A S T E R P R R E N I MA R T I N I I P G E N I CHO L A S T O L T A OU T S I D E R S N P I S EMB A S S Y I A R MA NG I N I T I A L N L A Y E A S H Y E N A S B A D MA T U MA RGA R E T N G N E E I D E S C E ND S

E X C A V A I GU Y RO A E L MA ND E E N N H E C T L E R L EON P W F UNG HUN I L L U S T O O H E C K L E K V R A I S E T N N OUGH T N I S AM I D I E UNCOU D U U F OS U L I L L OY D E M L F I B R E T U N ODDME V S S E NME S R E A I N T R T R H E A V L E M R E P A T M C H A B I T A A I T URNO G N S CO T S

A T E E L DOR A DO T ON E D E A F H A S T E N W NOM M V O P E S N A Z A R E T H WA R B L I NG D Y L A N N S OV E R E C G L A O I NDOOR S R P R E T T Y N Y L ON O M T A S T E L H I C L GA ND E R D H A S B E E N T E N S E S T I ORD E A L O A E E R H E A T S I N I TW I T S ME A T A X E N T C N E R I R S I N A N E T R AGE D I E S S UND A E S OR B S R F M I E E B T S E T S E EGG F L I P S P S A L M U I D U O T T E R S E A RMU F F S A I R B A S E O M D M Y T OMB T T R M I A OW O V I N E L E S S E E S I P N OWN N A NGE R L V T O T EM E DGE D E M E A D OW L E E A I D E M A N T I N K I R E L A ND MOB S G N AGGE D M V P O I R CH E E P E I P L E P A L A T I A L I P L A Z A E R A I A C U S U A L R R T A T T L E S S U I T K ME A S L Y S P I N E T S N T HOU P I P L E A T WE DGE A L E A D T O I E D R S I I M I NC E C R T RUC E N E R V E U T T E R E D I P A K T ROA R E E E N T S S T A L L I NG R E A P E R S E A V E S E N I E T L I H M P A S T E RN E NG I N E E R OP E N A I R S AGS T M C E O N R ROA S T UN S C E N T E D T E E N AGE W C L R U N E S T S L A S H T MA R A UD S R E S P E C T R E L A T E D N L S T L A S S E N T N S L A C K E N CH A F F C E P A S S E E S U E T F I A NC E E T D E S I S T T BON E L K NOA H T G E V E R O I L P A I N T MA NHO L E S R A YON E N U P S I O T MA N N EG L I GE E S P A C I OU S


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Nadia Tass’s Uncle Vanya White Day Dream

● David Whiteley (Vanya), with Olga Makeeva (background), in Uncle Vanya. ■ Annie Baker’s new version of Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov is being presented from November 15 to December 17 at Red Stitch Theatre. Directed by NadiaTass, the story is set in the countryside. Lust, boredom and life. In this fresh translation of her favourite play, Annie Baker employs her famed attention to detail and understanding of the idiosyncrasies of human behaviour to breathe new life into Vanya, Astrov, Sonya, Yelena, Serebryakov and company’s ceaseless and familiar pursuit of happiness. The Australian premiere of Baker’s newest play features ensemble member and former Artistic Director, David Whiteley in the title role, alongside ensemble actors Rosie Lockhart, Olga Makeeva, Ben Prendergast and Eva Seymour and guest actors Justin Hosking, Kristof Kaczmarek and Marta Kaczmarek. Set and costume is by Sophie Woodward, with lighting by David Parker, and composition and sound from Daniel Nixon. Season: Tuesday, November 15 to Saturday, December 17 Previews: Tuesday November 15, Wednesday Nov. 16 and Thursday Nov. 17at 8pm Times: Wednesday – Saturday at 8pm; Saturday matinee at 3pm; Sunday at 6.30pm Venue: Red Stitch Actors Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St., St Kilda ● Angelo De Cato plays Stine in City of Angels. Prices: $20 – $45 Photo: Gavin D Andrew Bookings: 9533 8083 redstitch.net ■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Incpresents - Cheryl Threadgold City of Angels from November 4 – 19 at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute. The story tells when Hollywood offers New York novelist Stine the opportunity to adapt his books into a film for the ■ Chamber Made Operadirector and ArtisticAssociate Tamara Saulwick has collaborated with composer Kate Neal to pair consilver screen, he packs up and moves to the home of perentemporary performance with musical composition and construct nial sunshine, palm trees, and stars. a revealing portrait of that which is often left unspoken. Tony Award-winning City of Angels moves between the Permission to Speak, a choral performance about family rebeautiful Technicolor world of Hollywood and Stine’s glamlationships, will be presented from November 23 – 27 at Arts orous film noir-in-progress of the same title. House, North Melbourne. While Stine’s movie plays out in black and white, Stine What would we say to those who brought us into the world? finds the dangerous temptations of the world of Los AngeWhat will we say to those we leave behind? les – the distraction of women, the lure of fame, and the Poised in the delicate space between concert and theatre artistic compromises being made right and left – all too performed in the round, Permission to Speak explores the most colourful. universal of relationships – that of parent and child – as it exists Assistant Director Amy Jenkins, said” “Our talented and evolves through a lifetime. cast are doing a fabulous job of realising the rich score and Built from interviews with people of all ages, Permission to book. It’s really exciting.” Speak interweaves the complexities, parallels and paradoxes of For more than 60 years Williamstown Musical Theatre this dynamic relationship – manifested through the speaking, Company has been perfecting its craft and providing high sounding and singing human voice. quality entertainment for both the Hobsons Bay commuMusings, diatribes, recollections and hindsight find voice as nity, as well as Melbourne’s theatre going audiences. four performer-vocalists are fused in choral counterpoint with Performance Season: November 4 – 19 an assembly of pre-recorded voices, offering multiple perspecVenue: Williamstown Mechanics Institute (Corner of tives on the contemporary experience of family. Melbourne Rd and Electra St, Williamstown). Performance Season: November 23 – 27. Times: Wed – Thu Tickets are available online by visiting WMTC’s website 7:30pm, Fri 9pm, Sat 2pm and 7:30pm, Sun 5pm. Duration: 60 www.wmtc.org.au or by calling 1300 881 545 mins Post-show Q&A Thu November 24. Bookings - Cheryl Threadgold artshouse.com.au or 9322 3713. artshouse.com.au

City of Angels

Permission to Speak

● David Baker, Melanie Keely and Leisa Prowd in White Day Dream. Photo: Paul Dunn ■ Swathes of white engulf JenniferTran’s ethereal set. It is other-worldly and ghostly. It takes some time to realise that it is conjured entirely from white plastic bags. The soundscape designed by Dan West is eery and atmospheric: the sound of water as rain, amplified drips and gushing waterfalls is interspersed with West’s original music and a snippet of Shostakovich. Lighting designer Richard Vabre switches the mood from warm summer to ice castle. Bambang Karim’s bright, multi-coloured art projections are reflected onto panels of translucent plastic bags. Against this beautiful background, the Weave Movement dancers present a series of vignettes evoking dreams and memory. Throughout Trevor Dunn performs text by Anthony Riddell; surreal existential musings such as “Does cola have a philosophy?” and “Who is your favourite diseased person?” Directed and choreographed by Yumi Umiumare combining elements of Japanese Butoh theatre and cabaret, often this was a truly visceral experience with emotions such as joy, happiness, melancholy, fear and rejection played out on stage. It is also funny. A razzle dazzle circus scene erupts halfway through the narrative. Emma J. Hawkins as aerial artiste and her wonderful purring cat with plastic bag ears stand out among many stand out moments. Tim Crafti dancing engulfed in a white sack, Trevor Dunn’s jokes and Emma Norton’s kung fu triumph also deserve a mention. But it is when all the dancers are on stage as a collective that this production is at its most powerful. There is just so much to take in. Performances: Until November 6 Times: Thurs. – Sat. 8pm, Sun. 5pm Tickets: $35 Full, $28 Concession and Groups 8+, $25 Student Groups 10+, $20 Arts Access Victoria and Auslan users (please book AAV and Auslan tickets via jflorence(at)artsaccess.com.au) Bookings: 9662 9966 or online at www.fortyfive downstairs.com Venue: fortyfivedownstairs - 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne www.weavemovementtheatre.com.au - Review by Kathryn Keeble

At Kingston Art Centre

■ The Longbeach Storybook Yarn Art Trail exhibition, showcasing works created for the highly successful 2014 and 2015 Storybook Yarn Art Trail by the Urban Art Group, is on at Kingston Arts Centre. Made predominately from yarn, the works depict characters and scenes from children's storybooks and were displayed in community centres, schools, aged care centres and parks throughout Chelsea and Frankston. Venue: Kingston Arts Centre 878 Nepean Hwy. Moorabbin. open from Friday November 25 - Thursday December 22. - Peter Kemp


Page 32 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Observer Showbiz

LOCAL THEATRE

Radio

Sound of Music, Garland

News around Victoria

ABC’s pop-up

Country Crossroads info@country crossroads.com.au Rob Foenander

New from Billy

■ Well respected Melbourne singer-songwriter Billy Bridge has released his new single from the highly acclaimed album Stories Through Time. The song Just Us continues on from the other tracks which Billy describes as an album of self-penned Australian stories. More details: www.billybridge.com

Tamworth 2017

■ The countdown is on for the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival . Australia's premier event for country artists will run from January 20-29 and features both the A-list of performers and a host of up-and-comers. Numerous Victorian singers and songwriters also make the annual Tamworth pilgrimage to showcase their new material. It's an important time to gain networking opportunities that arise.

Adrian re-elected

■ Congratulations to Adrian Morton on being re elected President of Casey Community Radio 97.7FM for 2017. Adrian is also the presenter of the Saturday program The Other Side of Country which commences at 11am. Bryce Eishold, 21, continues on as Vice-President, a position he has held for the past four years. Bryce has been an amazing volunteer at Casey since 2004 and is the youngest ever VP. - Rob Foenander

More Showbiz Briefs ■ Stan Grant will be joining the ABC in the newly-created role of Editor (Indigenous Affairs Coverage), and will also host a new Friday night current affairs program. Stan will lead ABC News' coverage of Indigenous affairs overseeing planning and content coordination nationally. He will also fill in for Leigh Sales on 7.30. ■ Adam Shand has resigned from 3AW’s sister station 6PR, where he has been Drive Presenter for the past two years. His last show will be on December 2.Adam will be returning from Perth to Melbourne. ■ Sabra Lane will be new Presenter on ABC Radio's current affairs program, AM.

r Obser vbeiz On This Day Show

Wednesday Thursday November 2 November 3

■ Ian Maurice, formerly of Brisbane radio station 4BC, celebrates today. Racing driver Alan Jones was born in Melbourne in 1946 (70). Singer K D (Kathryn Dawn) Lang was born in Canada in 1961 (55). She is a frequent visitor to Australia

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

■ Shannon Reid, forradio producer, enjoys her birthday today. Actor Charles Bronson was born in 1921. He died aged 81 Singer Lulu (Marie L awrie) was born in Glasgow in 1948 (68). Actress Rebecca Gilling was born in Sydney in 1953. She is 63.

■ ABC Classic FM, in association with industry partner Australian Music Centre, has created Classical Now, a month-long 24/7 digital pop-up station. The station will showcase the breadth of Australian classical music performed by Australia’s orchestras, chamber groups and independent artists. Presenting “art music for the here and now”, the Classical Now schedule includes: ■ New and recent operas from Short Black Opera, Sydney Chamber Opera, Chamber Made Opera (Melbourne) and other leaders in Australia’s burgeoning chamber opera scene. ■ Recordings and interviews with contemporary musicians from ABC Classic FM’s New Waves podcast ■ Personal Aussie picks introduced by 40 of Australia’s outstanding under-40 classical musicians ■ Featured tracks across the month celebrating the 30th birthday of celebrated Aussie international chamber ensemble Elision. ■ New releases and gems from the ABC archive. Regular featured content programming: ■ 9am and 4pm, 40 Under 40 Picks ■ 10am and 5pm, Artist interviews from the New Waves Podcast and the ABC Classic FM archive ■ 12noon and 7pm, The Big Listen – selected symphonies, operas and other long-form works

Ratings

■ The next radio ratings survey results are due to be announced on Tuesday (Nov. 8). This will be the seventh survey for the year. The eighth and final survey for the year is due to be released by GFK Radio Audience Measurement on Tuesday, December 13.

What a find

● Francis Greenslade ■ What an amazing find ... Francis Greenslade has popped up as a presenter on ABC Classic FM. The actor, a star of Winners and Losers, and also well known for his comedic appearances on ABC-TV, showed an extraordinary knowledge of classical music.

3MP goes, new station ■ 3MP 1377 is no longer ... it has been re-branded as Classic Rock. The AM station, with a digital sister station, aims to fill in some of the gaps left by Triple M abandoning its digital station. The Classic Rock format is aimed at male listeners in their 30s and 40s, similar to sister station 1116 SEN.

RSN team is axed ■ Greg Newman from Jocks Journal reports that the RSN Sports Heaven breakfast team of Michael Christian and Mick McGuane were told on Monday that their contracts would not be renewed next year. Their replacements haven’t been named but Daniel Harford, who currently cohosts drive at SEN, and racing broadcaster Jason Richardson have both been sounded out by RSN management.

● Cabaret performer Charlie Daley ■ Australia’s only vaudeville theatre, Speakeasy HQ, in Flinders St , Melbourne, will come alive with The Songs of The Sound of Music and the Judy Garland Songbook between November 6 and December 22, on dates and times specified below. Relive music from the timeless film and musical The Sound of Music, while hearing tales of the real family the songs are based on. Hum along with classic songs such as My Favourite Things, Climb Every Mountain and Do-Re-Mi. performed by Melbourne cabaret performers Alexandria Avery, Mitchell Hurrey and Charlie Daley. Also, join award winning cabaret artist Charlie Daley as she remembers the songs made famous by the one and only Judy Garland. Get Happy, The Man that Got Away, Swanee, and of course Somewhere Over the Rainbow, are just a few of the iconic songs in her repertoire. Charlie’s career has spanned 15 years and four continents, and she promises audiences an enjoyable afternoon of entertainment. Speakeasy HQ boasts being the only vaudeville theatre to operate in Australia since the Tivoli closed in Bourke St in 1968. The Songs of the Sound of Music Performance Dates and Times: Sunday, Nov. 6, 4pm; Sunday, Nov 13, 2pm; Sunday, Nov. 20, 3pm; Saturday, Nov. 26, 7.30pm; Saturday, Dec, 10, 6.30pm; Sunday, Dec `18, 4pm; Thursday, Dec. 22, 7.30pm Venue: Speakeasy HQ – Apollo Theatre, 522 Flinders St, Melbourne. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/Booking/ BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=239949 and www.speakeasy.hq.com.au Judy Garland Songbook Dates and Times: Sunday, Nov. 6, 2pm; Sunday, Nov. 20, 2pm; Saturday, Nov. 26, 6.30pm; Saturday, Dec. 10, 7.30pm; Sunday, Dec. 18, 2pm; Thursday Dec. 22, 6.30pm. Venue: Speakeasy HQ – Apollo theatre, 522 Flinders St., Melbourne. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/ Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=239951

KATANDRA SCHOOL

■ Katandra School in Ormond know how to put on a concert. This year’s annual production was fantastic with bright colourful, effective costumes, a variety of performance styles, and a number of stand out moments. From foundation year to the year six graduates, every child had a starring moment either on stage or screen. The audience was kept entertained throughout with pre-recorded dances and montages cleverly used during scene changes. From an adaptation of The Three Little Pigs to synchronized swimming (complete with a shark scare) there was humour, along with learning opportunities incorporating PBS Panda and friends. Turn To Page 35 Melbourne

Observer

Friday Saturday November 4 November 5 ■ Entertainer Barry Crocker is 81 today. He was born in Geelong in 1935. Newsman Walter Cronkite was born in 1916. He died in 2009, aged 92. Actor Art Carney was born in 1918. He died aged 85 in 2003. MASH’s Loretta Swit is 79 (1937).

■ Beverley Gilchrist Strong, well known in Melbourne Entertainers’ Club, celebrates her birthday today. Roy Rogers (Leonard Slye) was born in 1912. He died in 1998 Actress Vivien Leigh was born in 1913. She died aged 57 in 1967. Singer Art Gar-funkel was born in 1941

Sunday Monday November 6 November 7

Tuesday November 8

■ Ian Turpie was born in Ferntree Gully in 1943. He died in March 2012. US actor Sally Field was born in Pasadena, California, in 1946. Orchestra leader Ray Conniff was born in 1916. He died in 2002, aged 85. Singer P J Proby (James Smith) is 76.

■ US singerPatti Page was born as Clara Fowler in 1927. Adventurer Hans Tholstrup was born in Holland in 1944 (72). Singer Minnie Ripperton was born in Chicago in 1948. She died aged 31 in 1979. American singer Leif Garrett was born in 1961 (55).

■ Actor Denise Roberts was born in Scotland on this day. Evangelist Billy Graham was born in 1918 (98). Australian soprano Dame Joan Sutherland was born in 1926. She died in 2010 (83). Model Jean Shrimpton was born in England in 1942 (74).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates. Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication. Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com


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ShowBiz!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 33

Observer Showbiz

Shooting It Out

● Author Nicole da Silva. ■ Some 300 crime fans from all over Australia are expected at SheKilda3: One-Day Crime Spree – Sisters in Crime Australia’s 25th anniversary convention on Saturday, November 19 at the St Kilda Town Hall. The One-Day Crime Spree – which will actually run for a-day-and-a-bit – will involve 50 leading novelists, true-crime writers, screenwriters, lawyers, producers, publishers, and scholars. “Scene of the crime’is St Kilda Town Hall where Sisters in Crime held the first SheKilda to celebrate its 10th anniversary back in 2001. SheKilda was the world’s first women’s crime writing convention. “St Kilda Town Hall is also where Kerry Greenwood’s 1920s’ sleuth, Phryne Fisher, was shot at. Just opposite is the Greyhound Hotel, the favourite watering hole of Leigh Redhead’s stripper-turned-private eye, Simone Kirsch,” said Carmel Shute, co-founder and national co-convenor. Convention-goers will have the opportunity to win a bag of crime books in the Murder at the Town Hall Competition for the best opening paragraph of a story inspired by the ‘body in the crime scene’ in the foyer. Shute, who says her name predestined her to become a Sister in Crime, said that the organisation had done a huge amount to support women crime writers, provide a forum for discussion and convince publishers to take a punt on local female talent. “Twenty-five years ago there were half a dozen Australian women with crime books out. Our annual Scarlet Stiletto Short Story Competition has been a springboard into publication with 21 winners, including category winners, going on to have books published,” Shute said. Preceding the convention’s Saturday program of panels is a Friday afternoon of workshops on writing Young Adult (YA) crime (with Ellie Marney) and ‘winning’Scarlet Stiletto stories (with Professor Christina Lee). The workshops, to be held in St Kilda Library, will be followed by Booze, Books and Broads with leading YAauthor Melina Marchetta, who’s recently turned to adult crime, in conversation with P.D. Martin. SheKilda3 officially opens at 9.30 am on Saturday 19 November with a keynote address by Professor Sue Turnbull, a Sisters in Crime National CoConvenor for more than two decades and a crime reviewer for Fairfax Media. Throughout the day, there will be simultaneous sessions in the hall and council chamber and speed pitching sessions with publishers, agents and producers. Publishers include Cate Blake (Penguin Random House), Lindy Cameron (Clan Destine Press), Helen Goltz (Atlas Productions), Angela Meyer (Echo Publishing) and Jodie Webster (Allen & Unwin). Also participating are producers Fiona Eagger (Every Cloud Productions), Sue Maslin (Film Art Media) and ‘script doctor’Karin Altmann (ScriptWorks). Turn To Page 35

TV, Radio, Theatre Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour

Seminar: a comedy ■ In Seminar: A Comedy, a provocative play from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck, four young fiction writers sign up to work with Leonard, an international literary figure, to teach them about their craft, and get way more than they bargained for. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon, and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this biting Broadway comedy. Presented by Artefact Theatre Company and directed by Matthew Cox, the cast includes Dion Mills, Ra Chapman, Cazz Bainbridge, Darcy Kent and Mark Yeates. Performance Dates: November 9 – 26 Times: Tues.-Sat. 8 pm, Sun. 6.30pm, Sat 3 pmnudity.

● Dion Mills and Darcy Kent Venue: Chapel off chapeloffchapel.com.au Chapel – The Loft This performance conDuration: 90 minutes tains coarse language and (No Interval) nudity. Bookings: 8290 7000. - Cheryl Threadgold

From Here To Maternity

Servant of Two Masters

● Liliana Braumberger (Dottore), Matthew O'Reilly (Arlecchino), and Ange Arabatzis (Pantalone) in A Servant of Two Masters. Photo: Teresa Noble ■ An enjoyable production of A Servant of Two Masters played at the Richmond Theatrette presented by the Northern Theatre Company (formerly Moreland Theatre Company). The cast of 11 players delivered some terrific performances in the zany theatrical style of Commedia Dell’arte, using improvisation, mask work, skilled physicality and comedic timing true to the traditional Commedia art form. Based on the play written by Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni in 1746, the Northern Theatre Company’s show was directed by Remy Scholten, who is to be congratulated on achieving such fine performance results. The talented cast included Kieran Gould-Dowen and delightful Perri Espinoza as young lovers Silvio and Clarice, and servants Matt O’Reilly (Arlecchino), Sam Browne (Brighella), Roison O’Neill (Smeraldina), and Riannon Berkeley and Ethan Back (Zani). Particularly strong performances were enjoyed from the Heads of House played by Evangelos Arabatzis (Pantalone) and Liliana Braumberger (Dottore), and Kate Barford (Beatrice) and Conrad Glissmann-Gough (Florindo). Steve Gagen’s set and Edie Jade’s lighting designs were effective, and Perri Espinoza’s costume design was colourfully authentic. - Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Tattoo Expo

● Mikhaela Ebony and Lana Meltzer We are introduced to the joys of baby ■ At Chapel off Chapel the theatre is filling to capacity. Many of the blogs, Yummy Mummy Facebook theatregoers are visually pregnant. All pages, baby memes, baby Pilates; the have come to see From Here to Mater- list goes on. Rob Sowinski and Bryn Cullen’s fun, nity. In a way the cast are preaching to the clever set accompanied by Russell converted but often hilariously so. This Goldsmith’s excellent musical interludes show is a fun, light-hearted look at the and Piper Huynh’s fun screen projecoften challenging first year of parenthood. tions mean that the performance never Created by Mikhaela Ebony and flags in between the frequent costume Lana Meltzer with assistance from play- changes. Costume and prop designer Lauren wright Elise Hearst, 25 per cent of all ticket sales are being donated to PANDA Heron provides some stand-outs to the which provides ongoing support for par- production including her ‘egg’ babies and ents suffering from depression and anxi- a charmingly reticent vagina. When a parent is stuck in that fog of ety. Best friends Mik (Ebony) and Lana sleeplessness it’s often hard to imagine (Meltzer) stumble through their first year that it will ever get better. Yet those of us (and our offspring) who in ‘Babyland’; a rollercoaster of the highs and lows of new parenthood in the 21st survived that first year relatively unCentury. Ebony and Meltzer perform a scathed look back with nostalgia and series of comic skits punctuated by au- wonderment at how fleeting it was. - Review by Kathryn Keeble dio-visual projections and music.

■ The annual Australian International Tattoo Expo will return to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from Friday, November 18 – Sunday, November 20 . More than 10,000 local tattoo enthusiasts are expected to attend this event, with a line-up featuring over 250 international and local tattoo artists including: Corey Devine from Los Angeles, Ink Master guest Jesse Smith from Richmond, Virginia, USA, plus leading artists from Japan, Thailand, Bali and Australia. A program of entertainment will roll out across the three days featuring daily tattoo contests, live music, a vintage car display, bar and more. Additionally, pyro-fire-aerial performance group Pyrohex with Cervena Fox, straight from the UK will be performing in Melbourne for the first time, are set to draw a crowd. The Girls of Ink competition also returns and will see tattooed ladies compete for the ultimate Girls of Ink title. Lovers of all things vintage and traditional style are also in luck, as the Stealth Photographics Pin Up Pageant crowns the 2016 winner. Attendees can get inked on the spot, or shop from a range of vendors selling everything from tattoo supplies, to the latest in street-wear and alternative fashions. Tickets are available for purchase online at tattooexpo.com.au, or at the door. Performances: November 18-20 Times: Fri and Sat 10am -10pm; Sun 10am 6pm Venue: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Tickets: Adult $25 online or $30 at the door. Children 13-17: $10 (door only. Children 12 and under free tattooexpo.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold


Page 34 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Observer Showbiz What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs

● Stephan James gives a standout performance as legendary athlete Jesse Owens in Race. FILM: RACE: Genre: Biography/Drama/Sport. Cast: Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Carice van Houten, Jeremy Irons, William Hurt. Year: 2016. Rating: TBC. Length: 134 Minutes. Stars: Rating: ***½ Verdict: The fascinating and long overdue biopic of Jesse Owens', who's quest to become the greatest track and field athlete thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy. Direction by veteran Stephen Hopkins and screenplay lack solidity and strong emotional grip it truly deserves to achieve, however, more than enough exists throughout with this extraordinary true story to make compelling viewing. Standout performances in particular come from Stephen James as the legendary Jesse Owens, Jeremy Irons as leader of America's Olympic organizations, and Carice van Houten as legendary and controversial German filmmaker, Leni Riefenstahl. Beautifully filmed by Australian cinematographer Peter Levy, fine special effects and period detail, all combine convincingly and respectfully enough to create one of history's darkest and most controversial moments in sport. FILM: GHOSTBUSTERS: Genre: Action/Comedy/Sci-Fi. Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth. Year: 2016. Rating: PG. Length: 116 Minutes. Rating: Stars: **½ Verdict: Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original box office hit, paranormal activists Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth, all come together through a series of comic mishaps to save the world from a mysterious evil and powerful demon known as Rowan who can exercise control over human forms and save the world. Basically a remake of the 1984 original starring Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and Rick Moranis, this is an inferior effort due to the lack of a well known and respected cast (with the exception of Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig), muddled and flat humour, unbalanced story structure, sloppy pacing, inferior performances, far too much dialogue, and overall length. Older generations and die-hard fans of the original may find the all too many moments of Déjà vu seriously off putting. FILM: WAR GAMES - 30th Anniversary Edition: Genre: Thriller/Sci-Fi//Adventure.. Cast: Matthew Broderick, Dabney Coleman, Ally Sheedy. Year: 1983. Rating: PG. Length: 114 Minutes. Format: Stars: ***½ Verdict: With the ever changing world of computer technology since this first hit out screens in the still Cold War period 1983, it may be somewhat dated now, but this adds to the innocence and ignorance of those early days, as a young computer buff unknowingly finds a back door into a military central computer in which reality is confused with game-playing of Thermo Nuclear War, resulting in a global alert and the real possibly starting World War III. A standout adventure ride filled with nail-biting tension increasing to unbearable heights as world nuclear war gets closer and closer and they try to stop it. Sharp and tight script is driven by knife-edged direction by John Badham, and capped off top performances, this is a great thrill ride with plenty of food for thought! - James Sherlock

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Movies, DVDs With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke

Shin Godzilla, Hell or High Water ■ Shin Godzilla. (M). 120 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas. Big budget reboot of the indefatigable giant lizard, given the kind of care and energy that is required to entertain his huge fan base. Like other entries in this long-running series, there is a lot of talk, but the film-makers cleverly intersperse the big guy amongst the human conflict. When a huge eruption happens out at sea, the federal government are immediately on the back foot trying to figure out what the cause is. One public servant, going on the data he has collected, suggests the existence of a giant underwater creature, a theory that is unanimously laughed at. When the creature turns out to be real, the race is on to try and defeat it, before the mutated reptile destroys the entire city. A lot of money has been spent on this production, and it shows, with an impressive array of physical, miniature, and CGI effects, and some of the action set-pieces are genuinely eye-popping. The other surprise asset is the film's satirically focused attack on government bureaucracy, noticeably critiquing mistakes made after recent, infamous nuclear disasters. As the film progresses, there are also comments made about the use of nuclear weaponry, and how once used, it can then be too readily relied upon again, even though better options may be available. The production has managed to amass a huge cast (there are apparently around 300 speaking parts), with well-known actors filling even minor roles. Those expecting a slam-bang finale may feel that the concluding confrontation is somewhat anti-climactic, but it does fit in with the themes elaborated on beforehand. After the disastrous, wrong-headed 1998 version (directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Matthew Broderick), there have only been a handful of Godzilla films since - including the enjoyable Godzilla 2000 (1999), the uneven but unfairly panned Godzilla : Final Wars (2004), and the wonderfully respectful Godzilla in 2014. This smart, stylish, and intelligently large-scale entry (which has been a box-office sensation) should ensure that Godzilla will continue to rock our screens for years to come. RATING - **** ■ Hell Or High Water (M). 102 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas. A lean, elegiac mix of classic western morals and post-GFC tragedy, this incredibly smart, boldly committed drama proves to be one of the most refreshingly individualistic films to come out of Hollywood in many a moon. The story follows brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster), the former a law-abiding citizen who is getting over a bitter divorce, while the latter is a wildly unpredictable ex-con who has arrived back at the family farm after the death of their terminally ill mother. The two have taken on the de-

ceased matriarch's crushing debt, with a foreboding deadline that will soon see the bank take control of their property. What the bank doesn't realise is that Toby and Tanner are the elusive criminals who are currently robbing their branches in the local areas, using that stolen money to stop the ruthless financial institution from ruining their family heritage. Hot on their heels are Texas rangers Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and his native American partner Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham), who are dealing with their own interpretation of partnership and law enforcement. This is a film that does not have a single wasted moment. Every second of this mooddrenched tale is devoted to character and locale, building a world that may appear to reside in the 21st century, but is filled with the kind of history and authoritarian scorn of a time long since gone. British director David Mackenzie (Young Adam / Perfect Sense / Starred Up), in the same way Ted Kotcheff did with Wake In Fright, brings an ingenious, outsider's point-of-view to a story that is unique to its setting, capturing the specific environment with a flavour that is both rugged and fragile. This would fit in nicely with classic parables helmed by veterans such as John Ford, Anthony Mann, Robert Aldrich, Walter Hill and John Sturges. When you add a trenchant script by Taylor Sheridan (Sicario), and heartfelt performances across the board (Bridges gives yet another Oscar worthy turn), Hell Or High Water is a movie that will easily sit amongst the best of the year, and don't be surprised if it turns out to be a dark horse contender at next year's Academy Awards. RATING - ****½ ■ Elle(MA). 130 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas. After a 10-year hiatus, controversial director Paul Verhoeven returns to the big screen with Elle, and anyone who thought the often maligned auteur may have become rusty during his time off, will be in for a formidable shock. Isabelle Huppert stars as Michele Leblanc, a cold-hearted businesswoman who runs a successful video game company. When she is raped during a violent home invasion, Michele attempts to track down the mysterious assailant, sparking a cat-and-mouse game that intensifies a cruel perspective that dates back to her dark, familial past. Verhoeven has always tackled thorny subject matter in a way that is both provocative and vibrant, one of very few film-makers who can combine subversive themes with mainstream entertainment. From his earlier Dutch work such as Turkish Delight, Spetters, and The Fourth Man, to his Hollywood output which includes Flesh And Blood, Robocop, Total Recall, Basic Instinct, and Starship Troopers, Verhoeven is deceptively brilliant in knowing when to cross the line, and executing each experience with a deliciously dark sense of humour. Turn To Page 39

Top 10 Lists OCTOBER 23 to OCTOBER 29 THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. GIRL ON THE TRAIN. 2. INFERNO. 3. MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN. 4. DEEPWATER HORIZON. 5. THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. 6. MASTERMINDS. 7. BRIDGET JONES'S BABY. 8. THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS. 9. STORKS. 10. SULLY. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: OCTOBER 20: BOYS IN THE TREES, CAFE SOCIETY, JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK, KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES, OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL, POI E, THE NEON DEMON. OCTOBER 27: BRANAGH THEATRE LIVE: THE ENTERTAINER, DOCTOR STRANGE, ELLE, HELL OR HIGH WATER, ROBINSON CRUSOE, ROYAL OPERA: NORMA. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE [Action/Sci-Fi/Jeff Goldblum, Liam Hemsworth]. 2. THE LEGEND OF TARZAN [Action/Adventure/Alexander Skarsgard, Margo Robbie]. 3. GHOSTBUSTERS [Horror/Comedy/Melissa McCarthy , Kristen Wiig, Chris Hemsworth]. 4. THE CONJURING 2 [Horror/ Supernatural/Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson]. 5. ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS [Fantasy/Adventure/ Johnny Depp]. 6. SWISS ARMY MAN [Adventure/ Daniel Radcliffe, Paul Dano, Mary Elizabeth Winstead]. 7. ELVIS & NIXON [Comedy/Biography/Drama/Michael Shannon, Kevin Spacey]. 8. RACE [Biography/Drama/Sport/ Stephan James (Jesse Owens), Jason Sudeikis]. 9. X-MEN: APOCALYPSE [Action/ Adventure/Sci-Fi/Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender]. 10. CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE [Comedy/Action/Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart]. Also: QUEEN OF THE DESERT, CAPTAIN AMERICAN: Civil War, FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS, WARCRAFT, THE JUNGLE BOOK, HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE, ME BEFORE YOU, THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: OUR KIND OF TRAITOR [Thriller/ Ewam McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard, Naomie Harris]. ICE AGE - COLLISION COURSE [Animated/Adventure/Ray Romano, Denis Learly]. LIGHTS OUT [Horror/Maria Bello, Gabriel Bateman/Teresa P almer]. THE PURGE - ELECTION YEAR [Horror/Mykelti Williamson, Elizabeth Mitchell]. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLURAY THIS WEEK: OUR KIND OF TRAITOR [Thriller/ Ewam McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard, Naomie Harris]. Turn To Page 39


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Observer Showbiz

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 35

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

‘Wicked’ at Whitehorse ‘Allo ‘Allo at Mt Eliza

Melbourne

Observer ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS

SHOWS

■ NOVA Music Theatre: Wicked Until November 6 at the Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading. Director: Noel Browne; Musical Director: Phil Osborne; Choreographers: Wayne Robinson, Dean Robinson and Kristen Mihalos.. Bookings: 1300 304 433 or www.novamusictheatre.com.au ■ Wyndham Theatre Company: The Lyons (by Nicky Silver) Until November 5. Director: Robert Harsley. Further details: www.wyndhamtheatrecompany.org.au ■ The Colac Players: The Curious Savage (by John Patrick) Until November 5 at the Carolyn Theatre, Red Rock Regional Theatre and Gallery, 520 Corangamite Lake Rd., Cororooke. Director: Teresa Robertson. Tickets: $28/$25. Bookings: Cow Lick Bookshop 03 52321072 ■ Horsham Arts Council Inc: The Wedding Singer Until November 5 at 80 Wilson St., Horsham. .Director: Libby Brennan. Tickets: $30/$25. Bookings: 03 53829555. ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Tomfoolery (by Tom Lehrer) Until November 12 at 29 Burke Rd., East Malvern. Director: Annie Blood. Bookings: 1300 131 552. ● Michael Redmond and Georgy Charles in ‘Allo ‘Allo ■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: City of Angels in Frankston. Photo: Grant Kennedy November 4 - 19 at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr ■ Frankston Theatre Group presents ‘Allo ‘Allo from No- Electra St. and Melbourne Rds., Williamstown. Tickets: $35/ vember 18 – December 4 at the Mt Eliza Community Centre, $31. Bookings: 1300 881 545. Mt Eliza. ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Inspector Drake's Last Case Written by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, and directed by (by David Tristram) November 4 - 19 at the Shirley Burke TheRob Lister, all is included: Rene’s Café, the priceless portrait atre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Jeff Saliba. Bookings: in the sausage, British airmen, a threatened visit from the www.mordialloctheatre.com 9587 5141. Führer, and the menacing Herr Flick of the Gestapo. ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Daylight Saving Rene may keep himself alive, but will Herr Flick discover (by Nick Enright) November 10 - 20 at the Strathmore Commuthe sausage? And will any of them ever understand Officer nity Centre, Cnr Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Director: Crabtree’s terrible French? George Benco. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284 Cabaret style. BYO drinks and nibblies. www.stagtheatre.org/reservations Performances: November 18, 19, 25, 26 at 8.00pm; No- ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Other People's Money Novemvember 27 and December 4 at 2.00pm ber 10 - 26 at Brighton Arts and Culture Centre, Cnr Wilson and Venue: Mt Eliza Community Centre, Canadian Bay Rd, Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Ewen Crockett. Bookings: Mt Eliza. www.brightontheatreco.com. Tickets: $28/$26/$20/$15/$10. ■ Frankston Theatre Group: 'Allo 'Allo! (by Jeremy Lloyd Bookings: 1300 665 377. and David Croft) November 18 - December 4 at Mt Eliza Community centre, Canadian Bay Rd., Mt Eliza. Director: Rob Lister. SISTERS IN CRIME: SHOOTING IT OUT Tickets: $28/$26/$20/$15/$10. Bookings: 1300 665 377. ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: One Man, Two Guvnors (by ● Continued from Page 33 Richard Bean) November 18 - December 3 at 36 Turnham Ave., Topics under debate include domestic noir, detectives with a Rosanna. Director: Chris Baldock. Tickets: $27/$24. Bookings: difference, unlikely heroes, mystery with history, where to draw 9457 4117 or www.htc.org.au the line in Young Adult fiction, what true crime teaches us about the law, crime on the screen and romantic suspense – or as SisAUDITIONS ters in Crime is calling it, “What’s love got to do with it?” At 4 pm, attendees will gather in the hall for The Great De- ■ Beaumaris Theatre: A Chorus Line November 12, 13 bate: Dames vs Dicks: Dicks should stick to writing hardboiled 10.00am - 5.00pm at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt; Musical Director: Rhonda and dames should stick to writing cozies. Following a cocktail party from 5.30pm-6.15 pm, the 23rd Vaughan; Choreographer: Camilla Klesman. Enquiries and furScarlet Stiletto Awards for short stories will commence. Profes- ther information: www.beaumaristheatre.com.au sor Turnbull will talk to Nicole da Silva (Frankie in Wentworth) ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Counting Sparrows (by Alison Campbell Rate) November 13 and 14 at Malvern Theatre, 29 prior to the awards’ presentation. This year, to mark the 25th anniversary, a special Silver Sti- Burke Rd., East Malvern. Audition bookings: 0416 141 838. letto Award, open only to previous trophy (first-prize) winners, ■ Phoenix Theatre Company: The Addams Family Novemwill be offered. This means that some first prize winners ‘banned’ ber 14, 15 at 7.00pm, Dance auditions November 17 at 105 from entering again (but recast as Scarlet stiletto judges) after Leeds St., Doncaster East. Director: Craig Maloney; Musical winning ‘two shoes’ have, just for this year, were allowed to Director: Tony Toppi; Choreographer: Renee Maloney. Audition bookings: 9012 5897.or email compete. Men, aka ‘Brothers-in-Law’ are, as usual, always welcome. auditions@phoenixtheatrecompany.org The Sisters in Crime speakers include Hilary Bonney; Robin ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Bad Jews (by Joshua Harrison) Bowles; Honey Brown; Anne Buist; Fiona Eagger; Cath Ferla; November 19 and 20 at Williamstown Little theatre, 2 Albert St., Fleur Ferris; Kylie Fox; Sulari Gentill; Anna George; Kerry Williamstown. Director: Tess Maurici Ryan. Audition bookings: Greenwood; Narrelle M Harris; Wendy James; LA Larkin; terese_m@hotmail.com Kathryn Ledson; Kelly Lefever; Christina Lee; Rebecca Lim; ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Who'sAfraid of Susanna Lobez; Emily Maguire; Melina Marchetta; Ellie Virginia Woolf? (by Edward Albee) November 21 and 22 at Marney; P D Martin; L J M Owen; Bronwyn Parry; Vikki 7.00pm at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Cnr Loeman and Petraitis; Shivaun Plozza; Leigh Redhead; Angela Savage; Napier Sts., Strathmore. Director: Natasha Boyd. Further deJanice Simpson; Lucy Sussex; Kendall Talbot; Sue Turnbull; tails: www.stagtheatre.org Ann Turner; Emma Viskic; Nova Weetman; and Sue Williams. ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Face to Face November 27 at The Brothers-in-Law speakers are Robert Gott; Andrew Nette 3.00pm and November 28 at 7.30pm at Brighton Theatre, Cnr. Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Tim Long. Audiand Jock Serong. tion enquiries: 0429 995 699. www.sistersincrime.org.au/shekilda3-one-day-crime-spree/ ■ Frankston Theatre Group: The Importance of Being EarKATANDRA SCHOOL nest (by Oscar Wilde) December 13 and 14 at the Mt Eliza Community Centre, Canadian Bay Rd., Mt Eliza. ● Continued from Page 33 OUR TEAM As aptly commented on by ‘MC Bruce’ it was refreshing to be in the audience of such a supportive community, with the ■ Theatre reviews in the Melbourne Observer are contributed children really enjoying and complementing the performances of their classmates. There was a buzz in the auditorium with a by an honorary team including Mark Briggs, Rita Crispin, Margenuine sense of achievement, well deserved for a primary tin Curtis, Barbara Hughes, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, Graeme McCoubrie, Catherine school production with children of diverse abilities. Congratulations to Marnie and the whole staff, with special McGregor, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Jill Pageand Elizabeth Semmel. These reviewers provide their own time, and cover mention to those who bravely donned swimming tutus. their own transport costs, with the aim of fostering the non-proWell done Katandra, see you next year. fessional theatre sector in Victoria.

● Liam Gillespie, Ken McLeish, Nick Cheadle rehearse One Man, Two Guvnors in Rosanna. Photo: David Belton ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents One Man, Two Guvnors from November 18-December 3 at 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna. Written by Richard Bean and directed by Chris Baldock, this mix of satire, slapstick and witty one liners, with its roots in Commedia Dell’arte, pays homage to British comedy. It's 1963 and England is swinging. One easily-confused and ever-ravenous Francis Henshall finds himself a minder of two men, a gangster and a criminal in hiding, both of whom are linked in a web of schemes, extortions and romantic associations. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart at all costs. But it’s tricky. Mistaken identities, cross dressing and multiple mishaps soon coalesce to engulf him in pandemonium. In addition to the cast, the production will also have a quartet of musicians on stage for the entire evening, making up a 1960s skiffle band. Performance Season: November 18 – December 3, with two extra performances on Tuesday, November 20 and 27. Times: 8 pm evening performances. Matinees at 2 pm on November 20, 27 and December 3. Tickets: $27/$24 Bookings: 9457 4117 or www.htc.org.au

MOON OVER BUFFALO

● Meet the cast and crew of the Basin Theatre Group’s comedy Moon Over Buffalo: Janet Francis (Stage Manager), Kendal Brown (Howard), Janet Withers (Ethel), Steve Saul (Paul), Chris Shaw (George), Susan Carty (Charlotte), Don Black (Richard), Kerrie White (Armourer), Aimee Short (Eileen), Joe Tuppenney (seated,Director) and Marian Armitage (Asst. Stage Manager). Photo: Gary Fevreau ■ The Basin Theatre Group presents Ken Ludwig’s madcap comedy Moon Over Buffalo from November 11 to December 3 at The Basin Theatre in Doongalla Road. Under the direction of Joe Tuppenney, the show centres on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s, who are currently playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in repertory in Buffalo, New York with five actors. On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with a young ingénue, they receive word they might have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if liking what he sees, might cast them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything goes wrong, abetted by a visit from their daughter’s clueless fiancé and uncertainty about which play they’re actually performing, caused by Charlotte’s deaf old stage-manager mother who hates every bone in George’s body. Performance Season: November 11 – December 3. Venue: The Basin Theatre, Doongalla rd., The Basin. Tickets: Evening and Matinee performances: $25 Groups 10 or more on the same evening: $20 All four seasons: $80. Bookings: Bookings: 1300 784 668 (7pm-9pm only) www.thebasintheatre.org.au


www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 2, 2016 g 36 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, y, g November , Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 11 Across

1. More droopy 6. Dig 11. Legendary gold city (2,6) 15. Having a poor ear for pitch (4-4) 20. Relations 21. Undue speed 22. Pen name, ... de plume 23. Gleefully chuckles 24. Tent supports (3,5) 25. Jesus' home town 27. Singing with trills 28. Prima donna 29. Writer, ... Thomas 31. The O of PTO 32. A wolf in ... clothing (5'1) 36. ANC hero, Nelson ... 37. Within house 38. Lovely 41. Dutch centre of govt, The ... 44. Fishing-line fibre 45. Sample 48. Way of life 49. Very busy 52. Goose & ... 56. Out-of-vogue star (3-4) 57. Small stone 58. Most uptight 61. Arduous experience 62. Foretold 63. West African nation, Sierra ... 64. Warms 65. Fools 66. Cleaver 67. Without artifice 71. Toadstools 73. Silly 75. Catastrophes 80. Ignore 82. Ice-cream desserts 83. Globes 85. Acting as go-between 86. Treat cruelly (3-3) 88. African disease fly 90. Nourishing drinks (3,5) 91. Bible song 93. Current flow rating 94. Interjectors 95. Ski headwear accessory 96. Military flying facility (3,4) 97. No part 99. Burial vault 100. Removed from power 104. Hoist (flag) 105. Cat cry 106. Of sheep 107. Leaseholders 111. Slightly wet 113. Crab's pinch 114. Have 115. Wrath 117. Pitch tent 118. Should, ... to 121. Tribal post, ... pole 122. Moved slowly 125. Field 126. Jump high 127. The ... of Capri 129. Assistant 131. Opposed to 132. Releases grip (4,2) 135. Among 136. Emerald Isle 139. Hordes 140. Scolded 144. Eagle's nest 145. Chick's call 146. Aimed 147. Disengage (train carriages) 148. Splendid (mansion)

Across

Down

149. Public square 150. Lacking originality 152. Customary 154. Baton races 157. Flying saucers (1,1,2) 158. Blabs 162. Matching outfit 163. Meagre 166. Flag down (cab) 167. Speech defect 169. Butterfly catchers 171. Biblical you 172. US moon rocket 173. Composer, Andrew ... Webber 175. Cloth fold 176. Chock 179. Culminate in (4,2) 180. Wash lightly 182. Recline, ... down 183. Repetitive strain injury (1,1,1) 184. Grind (meat) 186. Powder, ... of Paris 189. Thread 190. Peace pact 191. Sense receptor 192. Said 196. Tenant's payment 197. Bellow 198. Vermouth cocktail 199. Remnants 201. Playing for time 202. Harvesters 203. Roof overhangs 204. Last Russian tsar 205. Entangle 208. To the rear 210. Bridge designer 211. Sector 212. Outdoors (4-3) 213. Sinks in middle 215. Unfavoured horses 219. Lead-in 221. Sunday joint 223. Not perfumed 227. Juvenile 228. Ambassador's office 230. Move with effort 231. Cut wildly 232. Pillages 233. Mutilate 234. Admire 238. Delighted 239. First 240. Meal 243. Approval 246. Loosen 247. Dough ingredient 250. Corn husks 251. Out of style 253. Laughing scavengers 256. Frequent visitor 257. Female betrothed 258. Cease 262. Spy, ... Hari 263. Steak cut (1-4) 266. Ark builder 268. WA wine-growing region, ... River 269. Business income 270. Artist's medium (3,5) 271. Sewer coverings 272. Born as 273. Man-made fabric 274. Raises (the ante) 275. Climbs down 276. London/Edinburgh express, Flying ... 277. Lacy robe 278. Roomy

1. Confronts 2. Holed atmosphere layer 3. Erect (3,2) 4. ... out a living 5. Coming up (of sun) 7. Red pepper spice 8. Brutal 9. Michael Flatley's Lord of ... (3,5) 10. Simple 11. Famous volcano 12. Inclinations 13. Continually (2,3,2) 14. Phenomenal 15. Turrets 16. Actor, ... Sharif 17. Fire fragment 18. Remove from home 19. Misty 24. Pastime 26. Multitude 30. Lounges about 33. Barn dance 34. Distinguished 35. Actor, Sam ... 38. Ringing (of bell) 39. Nudged 40. Drama venue 42. Afresh 43. Unties 46. Junkies 47. Compared to 49. Cooperative 50. Top of head 51. List down 53. Non-believer in God 54. Roman moon goddess 55. Staff schedules 59. Proximity 60. Able to be rubbed out 67. Uncared-for 68. Traffic jam (5-2) 69. Undoes (envelope) 70. Sly suggestion 72. Opening 74. Telling 76. Debatable 77. Energies 78. Copy 79. Siblings 81. Until now 84. Mattress frame 87. Paint thinners 89. Called 91. Autocue 92. Insane lady 98. Fireplace shelf 101. TV host, ... Dingo 102. Egg shapes 103. Give work to 108. Stoat 109. Colloquial language 110. Inspire 112. Inventiveness 116. Feared Mongolian ruler (7,4) 119. Inattentive 120. Grotesquely 123. Small coffee cup 124. Welcoming 128. Clinging gastropods 130. Hero-worship

Down 132. Feebler 133. Fish commercially 134. Survive (3,2) 137. Turn out 138. Disgust 141. Granny Smith fruit 142. Cogwheel set 143. Personal memoirs 151. On dry land 153. Lucky charm 155. Dismiss (from college) 156. Map book 159. Desire for food 160. Tethered (4,2) 161. Pleads 164. Swiftly 165. Fluid unit 168. Laziness 170. Glimmers 173. Unused portion 174. Public referee 177. Filth 178. Coming into view 181. Water (pasture) 185. River flows 186. Allspice 187. Orange/pink shade 188. Libya's capital 193. Afternoon break 194. Vote back into office (2-5) 195. Wanted 200. Uniformity 201. Divide 206. Not either 207. Car horns 208. Takes into custody 209. Type of spanner 211. Appoints 214. Sultan's wife 216. Sissy 217. Austere 218. Disappoints 220. Hobo 222. Conscious (of fact) 224. Held tenderly 225. Subtleties of meaning 226. Infinite 229. Famous US university 232. Army dining room 235. And so forth (2,6) 236. Greek philosopher 237. Coffee drug 241. Legal trade ban 242. Lawsuits 244. Surgical blade 245. Kissing & cuddling 248. Eases off 249. Which 251. Repressed, ... up 252. Postage stickers 253. Hot & damp 254. Gains 255. Proverb 259. Moral principle 260. Eskimo hut 261. Cricket matches 262. Fix 264. Roughage 265. Midday 267. Padlock clasp


Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 37

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Page 38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Sport Extra

Major upgrade for Ballarat ■ Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club will undergo a major facelift courtesy of a $170,000 funding announcement. Racing Minister, Martin Pakula, visited the Ballarat track to announce the funding, which goes towards an upgrade of the club's function centre. A new children's playground, also part of the funding, has already been built on site. New carpets, tables and chairs will be installed in the indoor club rooms, to enhance facilities for patrons and participants. Funds have been allocated through the Gtate Government's Victorian Racing Industry Fund. Club President Alf King said his organisation is delighted to receive such important funding from the state government. “We are thankful for the support of the Victorian Government, which will ensure that our club remains a hub for entertainment in the region." King said. Ballarat conducts two race meetings each week, on Monday afternoon and Wednesday night.

Shootout ■ The four-dog Shootout will take place at Sandown Park tomorrow night (Thursday, November 4). A quality field will assemble for the $50,000 winner take all contest, from 12 original nominations. “We’re delighted with the final field, this is going to be one of the races of the year,” Michael Floyd, Racing and Media Manager at Sandown Park, said. “All four greyhounds are proven

Greyhounds

with Kyle Galley at the highest level of the sport and are capable of carving out serious times. All four will appreciate the extra room afforded by the format of the race – it’s going to be fun seeing what these greyhounds are capable of doing with a clear run.” The box draw was conducted live at Sandown Park last Thursday night, with Dundee Osprey in box one, Outside Pass box three, Zambora Brockie box five and Worm Burner box seven. Reserves are Blazin' Bomber and Unlawful Entry. November is the big month of the year for racing at Sandown Park, with the Melbourne Cup being the highlight.

Meadows upset ■ Gippsland sprinter Dundee Osprey caused somewhat of an upset in winning the Group One Topgun at The Meadows on Saturday, October 22. Prepared by Geoffrey Scott-Smith, Dundee Osprey started at 6/1 and prevailed in wet conditions, winning by three lengths in the $215,000 race.

Dundee Osprey has now won over $345,000 in stakes, having collected 14 wins from only 33 starts. The greyhound has thrust his Pakenham South trainer into the spotlight, with victories in the Speed Star and Harrison-Dawson races at Sandown Park also carrying Group One status. The Topgun Stayers race on the same night at The Meadows was won by Burn One Down for trainer Jason Thompson. It was a big weekend for the Thompson clan as Jason's son Ben rode the winner of the Sale Cup gallops race the following day.

Busy month ■ November is a busy month at Bendigo, and there have been changes to the club's trials schedule to accommodate a number of extra activities at the venue. No trials will take place at Bendigo on November 7 and 8 due to a conversion of the club's generator. Trials are also cancelled on November 19 as the Ready2Race series heats are being held on this day. Track maintenance will occur on November 21, and the Ready2Race series continues on November 24 and 26, so no trials will take place on those days.

■ Wednesday: The Meadows (Day), Bendigo (Twilight), Cranbourne (Night), Ballarat (N); Thursday: Shepparton (T), Sandown Park (N), Warrnambool (N); Friday: Sale (D), Bendigo (T), Geelong (N); Saturday: Traralgon (T), The Meadows (N); Sunday: Healesville (D), Sandown Park (D), Sale (T); Monday: Ballarat (D), Traralgon (T), Shepparton (N); Tuesday: Horsham (T), Geelong (T).

● McCallum Disability Services members after the Great Chase at The Meadows. Photo: Clint Anderson


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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 39

Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

Oaks: Yankee Rose to blossom

■ Top Sydney filly, Yankee Rose, has the Oaks at Flemington tomorrow (Thurs.) at her mercy. The top class filly showed how good she was with a great third in the Cox Plate, behind champion mare, Winx, in dreadful conditions at Moonee Valley. The three year-old has only seven starts for four wins and two seconds, which includes a great second to Capitalist in the Golden Slipper only beaten a half- length. Yankee Rose's four wins speak for themselves starting off in October last year when she won at Rosehill, then she came out and won the Golden Gift. She then went on to win the Sires Produce Stakes at Randwick over 1400 metres. Yankee Rose got into a bit of trouble behind Astern in the Golden Rose and missed a place for the first time. Plus it was a top class field including the top colts. She then ran a gallant second to the One Thousand Guineas winner, Glamour Doll in the Flight Stakes over 1600 metres, only beaten a half- length. Prior to the Cox Plate she was sent out for the first time over 2000 metres, and came from a near impossible position at the back of the field to win the Champion Stakes over 2000 metres. Then it was onto the Cox Plate trying to become the first three-year old filly to win the Plate since Surround back in 1976. We all know how good Winx is and Hartnell also, but to run third was a great effort, and she will now very short over the 2500 metres of the Oaks. Bookmakers have installed the Darren Weir filly Tiamo Grace as second favourite, with ordinary form to her credit, before her second to Eleonora, in the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield. Prior to her second she had run third at Swan Hill, won at Donald and third at Murtoa. Hardly the right form for the classic. On the next line is the winner of the Ethereal, Eleonora, who won in good style despite a couple of just runs at her previous starts. Of the others Harlow Gold is probably a rough chance, but she appears to lack the class needed to win a classic like the Oaks over 2500 metres. The Sydney filly Savvan, is on the next line under the care of young James Cummings, Bart's grandson. She too has ordinary form coming into the big one. Whichever ever way you look at it, Yankee Rose appears to be the one they have got to beat. She is outstanding.

Darley Classic best

■ The Darley Classic race on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnivalat Flemington has attracted one of the best ever fields to contest the race up the straight 1200 metres at Flemington. The early favourite is the Blue Diamond Stakes winner, Extreme Choice, who returned with a big win in the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley. He has been made favourite in front of top Sydney three-year old, Astern, from the Godolphin camp, under the care of astute trainer, John O'Shea. He also was in the Coolmore. Astern won the Golden Rose in Sydney, defeating the Caulfield Guineas winner Divine Prophet who finished fourth. The stable has a big opinion of the colt, who is by the American sire, Medaglia D'oro, from the good mare Essaouira, out of the top sire Exceed and Excel. The Robbie Griffith's top sprinter, The Quarterback, is next in the betting and is a straight six-specialist, who always runs his best races down the Flemington straight. His run in the Manikato at Moonee Valley on a track that doesn't suit his type of galloping when he flashed home to run just behind the placegetters over 1200 metres. Then we have the top New South Wales galloper, Fell Swoop, who flew home in the Manikato to just go down to fellow

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 34

Top 10 Lists

ICE AGE - COLLISION COURSE [Animated/ Adventure/Ray Romano, Denis Learly]. ICE AGE - COLLISION COURSE 3D [Animated/Adventure/Ray Romano, Denis Learly]. LIGHTS OUT [Horror/Maria Bello, Gabriel Bateman/Teresa Palmer]. PURGE - ELECTION YEAR [Horror/Mykelti Williamson, Elizabeth Mitchell]. THE MAGICIANS: Season 1. ASH VS EVIL DEAD: Season 1. 12 MONKEY'S: Season 2. NEW RELEASE AND RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD THIS WEEK: None Listed for This Week. NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE MAGICIANS: Season 1. ASH VS EVIL DEAD: Season 1. BLUE BLOODS: Season 6. 12 MONKEY'S: Season 2. MADAM SECRETARY: Season 2. - James Sherlock ■ From Page 34

Rourke’s Reviews

● Yankee Rose on Cox Plate day. Photo: Racing Photos Sydneysider, Rebel Dane. He is one of the best sprinters going around in Australia. Of the others, Our Boy Malachie is another with top credentials, and is a very strong sprinter.

Ted Ryan

Bendigo beauty

■ Bright sunshine good weather and good fields had racegoers making their way to the Bendigo race track last week with a big crowd attending for the 10-event program. The racing was spot with the international galloper, Francis of Assisi, winning in truly dominant style, with Second Bullet coming home well to run second. The favourite, Our Century, raced by leading owner Lloyd Williams, was always a long way back and although he finished well was never going to beat the winner. Francis of Assisi was having his first run in Australia for trainer Charlie Appleby, who won the Geelong Cup with Quewy, both winners ridden by leading jockey, Kerrin Mc Evoy. Appleby was hoping to get a run in the Melbourne Cup with Quewy, and with Francis of Assisi winning has helped his stablemate getting up the rung a little closer in getting a start. One of the highlights of the day as usual was the Fashions on the Field with many men and women joining in to show their best. Another highlight was that racegoers could get a photo of the Melbourne Cup which was on display, with a $2donation going to the local Rotary Club. This proved very popular with the racegoers. - Ted Ryan

Tapping into David Birke's openly sadistic screenplay with knowing glee, Verhoeven delivers the kind of picture that Alfred Hitchcock would be making if he was still alive today; stylish, clinical, and brutal, but also devilishly funny. Huppert commands the screen in a role she has made her own over the years, perfectly balancing Michele between the horrific and humorous. Elle is a welcome return for a director who is regularly dismissed and misunderstood, and given his memorable body of work, this is an addition that is one of his very best. RATING - ****½ - Aaron Rourke

OK: John O’Keefe

■ PRE-TEEN TATTS: It only takes one complaint against a TV commercial for the Advertising 'Police' to conduct an investigation. Someone complained against the NAB spot depicting youngsters mimicing popular AFL players. Reason for complaint was that some of the child actors wore imitation tatts, encouraging pre-teens to storm tattoo parlours. How trivial. The advertising police agreed and dismissed the complaint. ■ AFL ON NOTICE: Warch out Gillon and fat cats at AFL House. Mike Brady is currently working on two seperate assignments to create national anthems for other sporting codes. Objective to develop feel good singalongs to challenge Up There Cazaly ■ STOUSH: After 26 years with Network Nine, Michael Usher defected to Seven and the legal letters commenced. Nine is incensed at Seven using footage of Usher when he was employed at Nine. Usher made an impressive debut reading the weekemd news - he took line honours by a sizeable number over Nine in Sydney ratings. Sixty Minutes is still in turmoil; legendary Producer Gareth Harvey has quit - he started in 1979 when the program first went to air. ■ PURSE STRINGS: The Federal Government has decided to end future funding of Sounds Australia at end of 2016. The decision will do immeasurable damage to touring groups and festivals, and apart from anything the export market for Aussie music. Expect musos to turn up the protest volume. - John O’Keefe

Short Shots

● Extreme Choice, an easy winner at Caulfield. Photo: Racing Photos

■ Brian Cadd will take to the stage for an historic Melbourne performance celebrating 50 years in the music industry and a new album release, Bulletproof. The show is at the Palms at Crown is on Friday, November 18. ■ ABC TV, Double J and iview will simulcast Crowded House’s performance live from the Sydney Opera House on Sunday, Nov. 27.


Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Page 41

Real Estate


www.MelbourneObserver.com.au y

Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016 p

Yea: 7 Hamilton Hume Terrace

For Sale $535,000

When only the best will do: This superb sandstone home is for the discerning buyer. Oozing quality, space and charm the home has 4 generous sized bedrooms all with robes, the master has an en-suite and there is a large family bathroom. The open plan kitchen/dining living area reflects a modern family's required space. The formal living area allows for quite conversation with friends. A large study/ home office. With high ceilings, oversized doors, carpet mixed with low maintenance tiling and quality fixtures this home is certainly one to look at. The home is complemented by a well set out garden and there is a garage for two cars. • Superb sandstone home/ Steel frame construction • Four generous bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Formal living plus casual living-dining-kitchen • Large Office / Study with home base business potential • Quality fixtures and fittings throughout • Underfloor heating • Close proximity to High School, Golf Course and Racecourse • Bike track into town connecting with the Goulburn Valley Rail Trail The complete home for the growing family

Kerryn Rishworth, Sales Manager Landmark Har Harcc ourts Y Yee a tr eet, Y ea VIC 337717 A 5522 High SStr treet, Yea W w w w.landmarkhar ww .landmarkharccourts. ourts.ccom.au

P 5797 2799 M 04 1234 6169 E kerryn.r@landmarkharcourts.com.au


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Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, November 2, 2016

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