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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018
VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
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S TATE EDITION Vol 50 No 1691 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969
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146 ARGUS ST, CHELTENHAM VIC 3192 TEL: 9585 2822 KINGSTONFUNERALS .COM.AU FRANCSHISEES WANTED URGENTLY Melbourne Metro and Country Vic Options available; Some territories already trading; Some leads provided Low cost entry
● Morgana O’Reilly, Jake Speer, Gyton Grantley, Alison Whyte and Grant Piro in Hand To God ■ There’s something going on down in St Kilda. The Alex is unleashing menace on Fitzroy Street. Once you’ve got the smell of it, you’ll want to hold your breath because you know you’re about to pounced on, but by what? Aleksander Vass of Vass Productions has clinched a deal, to let loose on Melbourne audiences, What effect will this wild, blasphemous the hilariously wicked five Tony Tyrone have on those congregated? What will happen to sweet, innocent Jessica Award nominated Broadway hit, (Morgana O’Reilly)? and Australian premiere of Hand What will cocky, bad-boy Timothy (Jake To God and at affordable ticket Speers) be forced to confront? Where does Pastor Greg (Grant Piro) sit in prices.
TONY AWARD WINNER BEING STAGED AT ST KILDA
CENTRE STATE DRILLING
● See advert, back page
Vass has appointed the acclaimed, radical director Gary Abrahams to steer a strong cast of proven Australian talent. The setting is a quiet church basement in suburban Texas, where Margery (Alison Whyte) has rallied a small youth group to put on a Christian puppet show. What can go wrong? Plenty. Gyton Grantley plays Margery’s mild-mannered son Jason, whose foul-mouthed sock puppet, Tyrone, has Gyton splitting mind and body in two, acting as both protagonist and antagonist.
the pulpit? And Margery? No one will come out unscathed as secrets are revealed and hypocrisies are exposed. Will the world be a better place? Be prepared for outrageous laughter as playwright, Rob Askin, through Jason’s ID Tyrone, oversees Melbourne rolling in the aisles of the Alex’ and out onto Fitzroy St. Language and sexual references. The Alex Theatre, Level 1, 135 Fitzroy St. St Kilda Dates: Strictly limited season from 22 February Bookings; Ticketek.com.au - Sherryn Danaher
First issue for 2018
Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, Februar y 7, 2018
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Best Places
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Showbiz News
It’s All About You!
Melbourne
Dream Lover breaks records Observer
■ Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical smashed the record for the highest number of pre-opening ticket sales for summer musicals at Arts Centre Melbourne. It has been playing to full houses since the first preview on December 27. Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical explores the extraordinary story of the Grammy Award-winning singer and Oscar nominated actor. David Campbell stars as Bobby Darin. Marina Prior plays the dual roles of former showgirl Polly, Bobby Darin’s mother (who is revealed to be his grandmother), and the cut throat Mary Douvan, Sandra Dee’s mother. Hannah Fredericksen plays Sandra Dee; Martin Crewes plays Steve Blauner, Darin’s oldest friend, biggest fan and longtime manager. Marney McQueen fills the role of Nina, Darein’ sister; and Rodney Dobson plays Charlie, the partner of Nina. Dream Lover was written by Frank Howson and his cousin John-Michael Howson. Almost one-in-three people are coming from outside of Melbourne with a staggering 20 per cent of sales coming from regional Victoria. “I am delighted with the way the audiences from both near and far have embraced the Melbourne season of Dream Lover and to have broken the pre-opening Summer Musical sales record at the Arts Centre Melbourne is just the icing on the cake,” said John Frost, on behalf of his co-producers John and Barbara Gilbert.
In This Edition
News: Showbiz - Aust. Day honours Local Theatre: Giant coverage Melb. Confidential: $28 million fortune Gavin Wood reports from West Hollywood Country People: Rotary Art Show Kevin Trask: Whatever Happened John O’Keefe: Craig McLachlan latest Obsserver Classic Books Movies and DVDs: Jim and Aaron Observer Racing: Ted Ryan Harness Racing: Len Baker Local Theatre Country Music Radio Column Mega X-Word
Observer Showbiz
Latest News Around Victoria
Lord Mayor quits ● Hanna Fredericksen who plays Sandra Dee. Photo: Kevin Trask
■ Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has quit amid bombshell sexual harassment allegations. He maintains that he is totally innocent and claims he has been denied natural justice.
Man in Black
■ Tex Perkins is reprising his The Man In Black – The Johnny Cash Story role. Tex, along with the Tennessee Four and Rachael Tidd, will hit the road throughout May. He will play at Frankston, Bendigo and St Kilda.
Top journo dies
■ Journalist Michael Gordon has died after suffering a heart attack while swimming at Victoria’s Phillip Island.
ESSO probe
■ Allegations of a seal being killed on an oil platform, and drugs on and offshore, are being investigated by Esso, reports the Gippsland Times. A social media report alleges the seal was deliberately killed by improvised steel with fabricated points on the end, with the implements found on sea deck next to the dead seal. a computer tablet, which had captured images of the seal, was seized by the company.
Forecast ● David Campbell as Bobby Darin in Dream Lover. Photo: Kevin Trask
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Today (Wed.). Mostly sunny. 19°-36° Thurs. Mostly sunny. 21°-32° Fri. Partly cloudy. 19°-31° Sat. Partly cloudy. 16°-29° Sun. Scattered showers. 14°-23°
Mike McColl Jones ● Don and Anne McQueen at the opening night of Priscilla
Show business couple on the ‘pink carpet’ ■ Don and Anne McQueen, former proprietors of the Hume and Hovell cricket ground at Strath Creek, were guests on the pink carpet at the opening night of Priscilla: Queen Of The Desert held last week at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne. The couple are active members of the
Melbourne showbiz fraternity. A daughter, Marney, is currently appearing in a major role in Dream Lover at the Arts Centre, Melbourne, and had previously appeared in Priscilla. Don McQueen is an active Rotary volunteer, and is a bush poetry event participant.
Top 5
THE T OP 5 C OMMENT S HEARD TOP COMMENT OMMENTS DURING THE FIRST WEEK IN THE JUNGLE. 5.“My agent needs SpecSavers. I asked to be on MKR” 4. “While I was eating the anus, I couldn’t stop thinking of Ossie Ostrich”. 3.“She really is a Bimbo. She reckons She just saw Skippy”. 2.“Hey, who left a dummy behind. 1.“I hear they’re renaming the show ‘I’m a Dickhead, get me out of here”.
Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, Februar y 7, 2018
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Observer Showbiz
Observer Gilligan’s Island Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold and team
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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with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21-April 20) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 3-1-7-9 Lotto Numbers: 3-13-23-33-34-40 You could be meeting someone who set your britches on fire. Love and all that goes with it will be very much on your mind. Joint financial matters are in a healthy state. TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Pink Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2-1-7-7 Lotto Numbers: 2-12-20-29-37-45 Love is the main topic on your agenda at the present time. A new love affair or an existing one will really turn you on. Travel is indicated for business reasons.A legal matter may need attention.
Our Team Editor: Ash Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Columnists: Len Baker (harness racing), Matt Bissett-Johnson (cartoonist), David Ellis (wine and travel), Rob Foenander (country music), Kerry Kulkens (astrology), Nick Le Souef (outback Australia), Mike McColl Jones (life), Greg Ne wman (r adio ), T erry Radf or d ((C C ourt ewman (radio adio), Terry Radfor ord roundsman), Aaron Rourke (movies), Ted Ry an (r acing), Jim Sherlock Ryan (racing), (movies, DVDs), Cheryl Threadgold (local thea e ), K e vin T sho wbiz), theatt rre Ke Trrask ((sho showbiz), Wood (Hollyw Veritas, G avin W ood (Holly w ood). Honorary Reviewers: Mark Briggs, Rita Crispin, Martin Curtis, Sherryn Danaher Danaher,, Barbar a Hughes, L yn Hurs t, K athryn Barbara Lyn Hurst, Ka Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, Gr aeme McC oubrie therine , McGr egor Graeme McCoubrie oubrie,, Ca Catherine McGregor egor,, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Jill Pa g e ylie Rackham, Elizabeth Semmel. e,, K Kylie Arts: Peter Kemp. Distribution: Sam Fiorini, phone 9482 1145
Your Stars
GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Brown Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 6-6-2-8 Lotto Numbers: 1-10-11-32-37-42 An existing romance could be fading into the background; but don't lose heart, a new and exciting one is just around the corner. Money matters should be easing. CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Purple Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2-1-6-4 Lotto Numbers: 2-12-20-27-31-38 The right planetary aspects are favouring your love life. Love and marriage is in the air; new contacts are indicated. Money should be easier to obtain than you think.
● Meet the cast of Gilligan’s Island: (back row, from left) Belinda Jenkin, Joshua Monaghan, Lauren Jimmieson, Sam Marzden, Alexia Brinsley, Frank Kerr, Kaya Byrne (left in front row), Riley Nottingham and Molly Fisher ■ It’s ‘Ship Ahoy!’ at Chapel off Chapel from and Patrick Robinson and Alice Breedon February 15-March 4 when Gilligan’s Island: were first class as Flotsam and Jetsam. The Musical takes the stage. This co-producDaragh Wills (Sebastian). David Torr (King tion between television production house Hum- Triton), John Tacey (Grimsby), Aidan Niarros drum Comedy and theatre company Left Bauer (Chef Louis) and Pete Nicklen (Pilot) completed Productions presents this official musical ad- the strong cast of principals and energetic, talaptation of the 1960s iconic American TV pro- ented ensemble. gram. As a regular visitor to Disneyland and familGilligan's Island: The Musical features a iar with various orchestral renditions of Disney book by original series creator Sherwood shows, I congratulate Malcom Huddle and his Schwartz and Lloyd J Schwartz, and original wonderful orchestra on achieving a musical music penned by Hope Juber and Laurence sound and quality equal to the best. Juber (guitarist for Paul McCartney and Wings). Bravo to all at PLOS Musical Productions The show will be directed by James Cutler for once again presenting high quality musical with musical direction by Xavier McGettigan. theatre as family entertainment for theatregoers The cast includes Sam Marzden (the Skipper), of all ages. - Review by Cheryl Threadgold Kaya Byrne (the Professor), Joshua Monaghan and Lauren Jimmieson (Mr and Mrs Howell). Molly Fisher (Mary Anne), Alexia Brinsley (Hollywood actress Ginger). ■ Surely Glen Elston’s annual productions of Venue: Chapel off Chapel, South Yarra Shakespeare in The Botanical Gardens, Season: February 18 – March 4 Melbourne must now have reached iconic ratwww.leftbauerproductions.com ing. These productions, which combine the fabulous natural beauty of the Gardens, modern technicals, plus a wonderful family picnic environment are a must for so many in our city. ■ PLOS Musical Productions welcomed 2018 This year’s production, A Midsummer with their sparkling production of Disney’s The Night’s Dream, is one of the best ever. Actors Little Mermaid. with physical skills combine with terrific charThe audience sat entranced as Malcom acterizations; modern jokes are “cheek by jowl” Huddle’s orchestra rendered the Overture, and with some lovely poetry; and the story of true stunningly effective projected images and light- love that “never did run straight” is as clear as ing effects transformed the Frankston Arts its complexity can allow. Centre theatre into the magical world of ‘under As always the lighting (Thomas Roach) on the trees, shrubbery and sky gives a great emothe sea’. Young mermaid Ariel’s father, King Triton, tional kick along to the audience, particularly in forbids visits to the land of humans above the the fairy scenes. Likewise the sound adds depth sea, but on one visit, Ariel falls in love with Prince to the story, magic to fairyland, and generally keeps Eric. She negotiates with sea witch Ursula to be us totally immersed in the fun of everything. This year’s production sees a theme of fithuman for three days, plans go awry, followed ness and adds some marvelous gymnastics from by a ‘happily ever after’ ending. Beautifully staged, and directed by Gina Puck (Benson JackAnthony) and Acro Fairy Goss, with entertaining choreography from (Fletcher O’Leary.) The mechanicals added Karissa Robertson, the show’s aesthetics were their fair share of this physicality , and coupled enhanced by Brad Alcock’s superb lighting de- with Sue Ellen Shook’s choreography added sign, and Brett Wingfield’s fabulous, colourful greatly to audience enjoyment. costumes. However modernised Shakespeare plays Hannah Kyberd was delightful as Ariel, the are, one ought never to forget the poetry of the Little Mermaid, fulfilling audience expectations great Bard, and this was especially well proof the well-known character with her expres- jected via (Anna Burgess) Hippolyta/Titania, sive face and lovely singing voice, capturing (Benson JackAnthony) Puck/Philostrate, and Ariel’s down-to-earth personality and adven- James Biasetto (Oberon/Theseus/ Quince‘s)work. turous determination. Fortunate indeed is Melbourne this summer Scott Hili (Scuttle) was terrific, and Ariel’s to have had the Pop Up Globe visit for four sisters added oomph to the show, portraying their months with their wonderful shows, and now roles with gusto: Tiffany Pickthall (Aquata), Glenn Elston’s ‘The Australian Shakespeare Sarah Govan (Andrina), Saskia Scott (Arista), Company’ with their new interpretation of A Ally Bruce (Atina), Tayla Holmes (Adella) and Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sienna Iscaro (Allana). Don’t let a little over keen modernisms put Space prevents mentioning all the talented you off; get along with your picnic basket and performers, but Jesse Thomas was perfectly cast bask in your own summer night’s great enjoyas Prince Eric, Thomas Waterworth was great ment. Few tickets left, but get on to as Flounder (alternating with Lenny Thomas), shakespeareaustralia.com.au well before
Midsummer Night
Little Mermaid
LEO: (July 23-August 22) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3-7-6-6 Lotto Numbers: 7-16-25-29-37-40 Many will be falling in love, or chasing that special person that could fulfil their wildest romantic interests. However, finance wise you will have to learn to curb your spending. VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 7-7-2-1 Lotto Numbers: 7-14-15-27-35-42 Many surprises in your love life. You are not quite sure what to do, or whom to choose, there is no clear cut way. If you use your creative abilities, you could stand to make some extra cash. LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Brown Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 3-4-5-8 Lotto Numbers: 12-13-14-35-44-45 Don't let things slide financially, or you might as well light the BBQ with the money. After that you can let your hair down and have yourself a ball or two! SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5-4-5-7 Lotto Numbers: 5-13-14-16-28-31 Telling it straight is what a Scorpio does best, except this time. Your info needs checking or it could trigger a monumental mess. Get the facts straight before shooting off your mouth, then keep a low profile. Keep any new plans for ventures on ice for the moment. SAGITTARIUS: (November23- December20) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2-3-9-5 Lotto Numbers: 2-14-18-23-33-34 It is party time and for once you can afford to cut loose something more than hot air. Having a fling with someone shady could land you in hot water. Take time out to cheer up a friend who might be down in the dumps. CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 4-3-5-8 Lotto Numbers: 4-12-14-26-29-30 Your little reserve could suddenly go up in smoke. Depression is the order of the day. You could feel deserted; may be your deodorant has gone sour. Getting a hot session between the sheets could give temporary relief, but you could regret the hasty act later on. Seems to be a shortage of cash and "how is your father" this period. AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 6-2-9-3 Lotto Numbers: 6-11-18-21-26-35 This period will find you in first place and you finish by a nose! Brown-nosing that is! Well we all have to do that sometime or other, if the stakes are high enough. Eating humble pie now will lead you into a better position later. PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2-4-2-6 Lotto Numbers: 2-4-20-24-28-37 Neighbourhood hassles could evolve into a lousy situation and put you through a load of changes you are not ready for. You'll have either to take drastic action or find yourself another abode. You may have to step on a few toes; don't be shy about it. KERRY KULKENS PS YCHIC LINE 190 2 240 051 or 1800 727 727 CALL COST: $5.50 INC G.S. T. PER MIN. MOB/PAY EXTR A. VISIT KERR Y KULKENS MAGIC SHOP AT 1 693 BURW OOD HWY BELG RAVE PH/FAX (0 3) 9754 4587 W WW .KERRY KULKENS.C OM.AU Like us on Facebook
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Melbourne Arts Kingston call-out
■ Callout for Exhibitions at Kingston Arts in 2018-01-28 Kingston Arts is currently seeking applications for both solo and group exhibitions for July -December in 2018! We aim to provide a dynamic program of visual arts by local, emerging and established artists to explore cotemporary art in supportive environment which pioneers through provoking and professional exhibitions. Eligible artistic practices include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, installation, video, performance and sound. Apply kingstonarts.com.au/exhibition. Kingston Arts 979 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin.
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 11 Melbourne
Observer
Showbiz News
‘Rumours’ is a farce
Rita takes JMH spot
Ange wins AM
■ The television industry’s Angelo Frangopoulos has become a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Australia Day Honours “for significant service to the broadcast media sector, to higher education and the promotion of journalistic standards, and to the community”.
Kevin, Mark axed
● Cathie Lee (Cookie), Alastair Rice (Ernie), Jeanne Snider (Claire), Mandy Lay (Chris) (seated) and Gavin Baker (Lenny) in Rumours. Photo: Karim Ghantous. ■ Peridot Theatre presents Neil Simon’s clasThe actors include Mandy Lay and Paul sic farce Rumours until February 17 at the Uni- Wanis (Chris and Ken Gorman), Jeanne Snider corn Theatre, Mt Waverley. and Gavin Baker (Claire and Lenny Gertz), Set in an elegant home in upstate New York Cathie Lee and Alastair Rice (Cookie and Ernie in the 1990s, four formally-attired couples ar- Cusack), Alexandra Octavia and Matt Higgs rive for a dinner-party to celebrate the 10th wed- (Cassie and Glenn Cooper), Alison Knight (Ofding anniversary of Deputy Mayor Charlie Brock ficer Welch) and Gilbert Gauci (Officer and his wife, Myra. Pudney). The notable guests include the host’s lawyer, Particularly enjoyable were the strong accountant, therapist and a fellow politician. performative energies from Alexandra Octavia An entertaining mystery captivates the audi- and Matt Higgs, and well-delivered monologue ence when the guests arrive to find the house from Gavin Baker. empty, food prepared, but no sign of any serThe show’s aesthetics are enhanced by vants or the host and hostess. Amanda Thompson’s set, which immediately The first guests heard a gunshot on arrival, transports the audience into this upmarket 1990s and the host is reported to be upstairs bleeding world, and Jen Hunt’s era- authentic, beautiful from a gunshot wound. costume design. All too familiar themselves with rumor-monPeridot Theatre’s Rumours is a fine example gering and its self-destructive nature, the upmar- of quality theatre in the ‘burbs’, and the warm ket guests manipulate the truth to conceal a hospitality extended during interval and pre and potential scandal involving Charlie. post show is greatly appreciated by patrons. What ensues is farcical chaos, embellished If you enjoy a well-presented farce, then ruby strange phone calls, a lost crystal, and the mor has it this show should not be missed. arrival of two Police officers. Performance season: Until February 17 Director Eyawn Harry has assembled a terVenue: Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secrific cast, and expert portrayal of the guests’ di- ondary College, Lechte Rd, Mt Waverley versified personalities adds interesting dimenBookings: 9808 0770. sion to this stylishly presented romp. - Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Delilah at Butterfly Club ■ Left of Centre Theatre Company is staging Delilah at the Butterfly Club from February 20 for one week. Directed by Romi Kupfer (VCA) and written by Clare Hennessy (NIDA, Old Fitz) Delilah a legend turns into a suburban nightmare. This rework of the biblical account unpacks love, loyalty, and the boundary between a bad situation and a lethal one.
Melbourne Observations
with Matt Bissett-Johnson
■ Graham William Burke of South Yarra was named in the Australia Day Honours, with an AO (Officer in the General Division), recognised for “distinguished service to film production, marketing, exhibition and distribution, to the broadcast media industry, to the leisure and recreation sector, and to the community”. ■ Herald Sun columnist Rita Panahi has taken John-Michael Howson’s seat on 3AW’s Sunday Morning program. She is working alongsideDarren James and Nick McCallum.
Heide Art Kinder
■ This guided tour and workshop for parents and carers with pre-primary children and toddlers is followed by morning teq from Cafe Heide. BYO smock. JENNY WATSON: THE FABRIC OF FANTASY Thursday February 15. 10am -11.30pm POP-UPCINEMA Alice through the Looking Glass Enjoy an open air screening of the fantasy adventure family movie Alice Through the Looking Glass in the beautiful gardens of Heide. Pre-show entertainment from 6pm. Film commences approxiamateley at 7.30pm. BYO chairs, blankets, picnic and drinks. Saturday, February 17. 6pm -9pm. GARDENTALK. John and Sandy reed. The Gardeners. Join Heide gardener David Murphy for a walk through the Heide gardens touching upon the social history and sharing anecdotes of the Reeds as working gardeners. BYO sunscreen and water. Thursday, February 8 at 11am. ARCHITECTURETOUR Heide II a Gallery to be lived in In 1963 the Reeds commissioned David McGlashan of architectural firm McGlashan and Everist to build a home that had a sense of mystery and romance, and one that would house their growing art collection- 'a gallery to be lived in'. Join a volunteer guide and learn about the design and construction of Heide II, the iconic modernist building that recently won the Victorian Enduring Architecture Prize. Sunday, February 11. & Sunday February 25, from 2pm. Botanical illustrations by Ruth Jackson 32 Greenwood Ave. Ringwood. Ruth is a Botanical Illustrator who has lived most of her life in the Maroondah area. For more than 20 years she has worked as an environmental activist and has used her illustrations to help people become interested in local plant life. Visitors to this exhibition at Maroondah Access Gallery will see a large number of 'Ruth's original illustrations, depicting Maroondah's bushland species, for the first time. With native varieties of orchids, lilies, wildflowers and fungi, this special exhibition offers audiences an introduction to the intricate beauty of the natural world around them. Exhibition: Until March 9. Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. - Peter Kemp
Local People AO for film man
Performed entirely by women, it asks: What would you be willing to sacrifice if push came to shove, and that shove could kill? Left of Centre Theatre Company is all about female empowerment and equality within the arts. In 2017 alone, 47 women died in Australia from domestic violence and in 2016 this number was 74 – that’s more than one woman a week. If fatalities were occurring in these numbers for any other reason, a national emergency would be declared. Left of Centre Theatre says storytelling is their ticket into this emergency. This production opens on February 20 for one week. Bookings recommended. Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne Tickets: thebutterflyclub.com - Cheryl Threadgold
Degani strife
■ A Degani Bakery Café at Benton's SAquare, Mornington, has agreed to backpay staff almost $10,000 after a Fair Work Ombudsman audit found employees as young as 18 were being underpaid. The Fair Work Ombudsman discovered the underpayments during a self-initiated compliance activity commenced in 2016 that involved audits of 14 Degani branded cafes in and around Melbourne
■ Kevin Hillier and Mark Fine have been dropped from the SEN 1116 line-up, under changes made to the Melbourne radio station under its new CEO-designate Craig Hutchison. Cricket identity Rodney Hogg has also been dropped from the station’s line-up. Sam McLure, who built his radio career on 3AW Sports Today, will host a 6pm-7pm weekday program on SEN. Matt Granland has joined the 3AW football team after being dropped from the SEN line-up.
OAMs for Glenn and Michael
■ The name Glenn Elston regularly appears in the theatre columns of the Melbourne Observer. The Shakespeare director was accorded an OAM honour on Australia Day “for service to the performing arts”. Mr Elston has recently been involved with productions including Godspell In The Garden, Tinkerbell and The Wind In The Willows. ■ Michael William Mace OAM ofOrmond has been recognised “for service to community theatre”.
Alliance Francaise
■ The Alliance in association with The Torch & Yalukut Weelam Ngargee, the Alliance presents Dumbadha Munga, an exhibition exploring the two relationship between arts workers from The Torch and the artists they support. Exhibition: Until March 28. Alliance Francaise Melbourne. 51 Grey St. St Kilda. - Peter Kemp
Kew Court House
■ Italian Virtuoso! comes to the Kew Court House on Saturday, March 3. It brings together the expertise of guitarist Massimo Scattolin, Melbourne violinist Erica Kennedy, and chamber cellist Josephine Vains.
String Quartet
■ The Australian String Quartet invites lovers of music, food and wine to its three-day festivals at Dunkeld (Southern Grampians) April 13-15 and April 15-17.
$100,000 prize
■ Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced Sarah Krasnostein the winner of Australia’s richest literary award for her first book, The Trauma Cleaner: One Woman's Extraordinary Life in Death, Decay & Disaster. Krasnostein won the $100,000 Victorian Prize for Literature at the 2018 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards ceremony at MPavilion. - Ash Long
Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, Februar y 7, 2018
Observer Magazine
MARKETING FEATURE
Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood
West Hollywood meetsVictoria ■ Hi everyone, from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.
Billions back to the US
WeHo-Melb. connection n It's not every day that international film director Rod Hardy and international hotelier Alan Johnson find themselves back in their hometown of Melbourne together. The two gentlemen spend most of the year at their respective West Hollywood offices. Alan Johnson is Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites in West Hollywood. and Rod Hardy could be anywhere in the world directing movies. Here they are lunching at the Botanical Hotel in South Yarra.
Goodbye Matt Lauer
● Alan Johnson and Rod Hardy
■ All Matt Lauer-linked talent is being axed at Today in the wake of the disgraced anchor's departure, including his favourite producer and contributors possibly including chef Giada De Laurentiis. While trumpeting that Katie Couric is returning to NBC to co-host the Olympics opening, the network quietly announced that Lauer's top producer, Don Nash, "has decided to step away from his executive producer role at Today" after nearly 30 years at the show.
Amazon expands
Radio at its silliest ■ Hugh Wilson, who created the CBS comedy WKRP In Cincinnati and directed the raucous hit film Police Academy in 1984, died at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was 74. Hill & Wood Funeral Services of Charlottesville announced the death. No cause was given.
House of Horrors ■ The 13 siblings imprisoned by their parents in a California "horror house" were given just one meal a day and only allowed to shower twice a year, according to a horrific new report. A law enforcement source told NBC that rooms in the fourbedroom house were found soaked with urine. The news comes as investigators try to obtain statements from the adult children, who are being treated in Corona Regional Medical Centre while doctors are treating their underage siblings at a separate facility. Their parents, David and Louise Turpin, were arrested after their 17-year-old daughter escaped the house where three children were later found shackled to furniture and alerted police they were being held against their will. The couple faces nine counts of torture and 10 counts of child endangerment. The victims' ages range from 2 to 29, but investigators say they all look much younger, likely from stunted growth due to malnourishment.
GavinWood
From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd
■ Amazon said that it had whittled the list of possible homes for its second headquarters to 20, including centres of technology like Boston and some surprise locations like Columbus, Ohio. The full list of finalists leans toward locations in the Midwest and South and on the East Coast, and away from the tech-saturated hubs of the West Coast. Many of the finalists, including Dallas, Denver, Raleigh and Washington, were considered shoo-ins from the moment Amazon announced the search, largely because of the attributes that the company said it was seeking for its second home. Those criteria included a metropolitan area with a population of greater than one million and the ability to attract and keep strong technical talent. More unexpected was Amazon's selection of locations not typically thought of as tech centers, such as Columbus, Indianapolis, Miami and Nashville. Los Angeles was the sole city from the West Coast to make the cut. Just as surprising was Amazon's rejection of applications from Detroit, Phoenix and San Diego. Although it received bids from regions in Mexico, Amazon narrowed its finalists to just American locations and one city in Canada: Toronto.
Weinstein wound up ■ While disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is reportedly running low on cash, his former company has managed to keep paying its employees in the wake of the scandal that rocked the company. Final details are being hammered out in a sale of the Weinstein Co. that is expected to be announced soon. The film firm's being bought by a group led by Maria Contreras-Sweet, whose offer reportedly includes renaming the company and installing a women-led board.
Britney signs for LV
Out and About ■ Former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus enjoyed S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez. Jon Hamm stopped by Trois Familia. Music Producer Jerry Moss sat with Richard Donner at Mr. Chow. Ty Burrell checked out Eataly in Century City. Jaclyn Smith had dinner at Farmstop. Arianna Huffington shared the room with Howard Kurtzman for dinner at Toscana in Brentwood. Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Reiner also were in, separately. Charo had lunch at Il Fornaio in Beverly Hills. Riley Keough was at Deliah. Larry Flynt enjoyed dinner at Lawry's in Beverly Hills. Kristen Stewart checked in at Mary Coffee. Zoey Deutch lunched with family at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Adam Levine helped celebrate Chloe Bridges' birthday at Cleo Third Street in LA. It wasn't easy to command the spotlight at Stella McCartney's starry fall 2018 fashion show in Los Angeles, but new couple Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson turned many heads. While Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Quincy Jones, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson held court at Tuesday's event in Hollywood, the Coldplay front man was seen massaging the Fifty Shades Darker star's neck as they took in performances by Leon Bridges, Grimes, St. Vincent and Beck. Meanwhile, Sir Paul jumped onstage to sing Beatles songs Helter Skelter and I Saw Her Standing There with a cover band as the crowd went wild.
■ Apple, which had long deferred paying taxes on its foreign earnings and had become synonymous with hoarding money overseas, unveiled plans that would bring back the vast majority of the $252 billion in cash that it held abroad and said it would make a sizable investment in the United States. With the moves, Apple took advantage of the new tax code that President Trump signed into law. A provision allows for a one-time repatriation of corporate cash held abroad at a lower tax rate than what would have been paid under the previous tax plan. Apple, which has 94 per cent of its total cash of $269 billion outside the United States, said it would make a one-time tax payment of $38 billion on the repatriated cash. For years, Apple had said it would not bring its foreign earnings back to the United States until the corporate tax code changed, because such a move would be too costly. Now Apple's bet to hold back on paying such taxes is reaping rewards under the Trump administration.
■ Britney Spears has reportedly signed a deal for a new Las Vegas residency in 2019 just weeks after completing her last run in the city. The 36-year-old pop star is said to be returning to the stage for a new residency at Las Vegas' Park Theatre, inside the Monte Carlo resort, shortly after Lady Gaga completes her residency there. John Fogerty says he's annoyed that Taraji P. Henson's new film, Proud Mary, borrows from his popular song's name without his involvement. Fogerty does not own the rights to his infamous song. In a statement, he says "it irks me when people seek to capitalise on the popularity of my music" for their own financial gain. Henson plays a hit woman in Proud Mary. Its trailer uses Tina Turner's version of Fogerty's 1969 song. ● Matt Lauer
Nightstick to the knee ■ Tonya Harding's comeback tour just took a nightstick to the knee over her own greed and denial. The disgraced figure skater was dumped by her own publicist/agent for demanding that journalists pay fines if they dare ask about the kneecapping Nancy Kerrigan suffered ahead of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Michael A. Rosenberg, who represented Harding during the I, Tonya promotional tour, revealed the demand in a Facebook post
www.gavinwood.us
Ask for special rate
■ 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 and The Local Paper. Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the 'Special Rate of the Day'. Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com Gavin Wood
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 13
Metropolitan and Regional Victoria
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Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, Februar y 7, 2018
Country People
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Rotary Club of Yea Art Show Opening Night Photos: Ash Long
● Thérèse McGregor and Cindy McLeish MLA
● Art Show Chairman John Sinclair and Charter President Daryl Callander
● Will de Castella, David Ngo and Philip Clancy
● Art Show judge Julian Bruere with Rotary President Marj Hamilton
● David Anderson, Master of Ceremonies
● Yea Rotarians Charles Rattray and Ian Lynch
● Anne Reid and Sharon Fox
● Richard Forde and Frank Hargrave
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 15
Melbourne
Confidential
Observer boss leaves $28 mil.
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
Good Muslim Boy
● Osamah Sami in Good Muslim Boy. Photo: Zan Wimberley ■ Award winning writer, actor and comedian Osamah Sami brings the stage adaptation of his memoir, Good Muslim Boy to Malthouse Theatre from February 9 March 4. Written by Osamah Sami, Good Muslim Boy is a hilarious and heartbreaking story of a young man wrestling with his father’s legacy and what it means to be a ‘good Muslim’. Meet Osamah Sami: a schemer, a dreamer and a madcap anti-hero whose questionable life choices keep leading to cataclysmic consequences... despite his best laid plans. By the age of 13, Osamah had survived the Iran–Iraq war, peddled fireworks and chewing gum on the Iranian black market, proposed ‘temporary marriage’ not once but three times, and received countless floggings from the Piety Police for trying to hold hands with girls in dark cinemas. Even in Australia, life has been eventful. He faked a perfect Year 12 score and acceptance into a University of Melbourne medical degree (and got away with it for a whole year) and escaped an arranged marriage by literally running away on his wedding day. Directed by Malthouse Theatre’s 2016 Director in Residence, Janice Muller, this Kafkaesque tale makes light of spectacular absurdity, and highlights the beautiful contradictions found at the cross currents of two cultures. Performance Details: February 9 – March 4 Venue: Malthouse Theatre, Southbank Bookings: boxoffice@malthouse theatre.com.au or 9685 5111 - Cheryl Threadgold
RADIO BRIEFS
Dead Set Legends
■ St Kilda champion Leigh Montagna and Triple M Footy news breaker Jay Clark will head up Dead Set Legends on Triple M Melbourne each Saturday morning in 2018. - Jocks Journal
Adelaide show
■ SEN’s Melbourne audiences will be listening to a radio show hosted from Adelaide with the appointment of Kane Cornes to its Friday morning spot. He will fill the space left by Gerard Whateley, who will take Friday mornings off to allow him to call the football on Friday nights - Jocks Journal
Gold 104.3 faces listener revolt over UK import
■ Melbourne radio station Gold 104.3 is receiving listener backlash after last week announcing that a British radio personality will replace breakfast hosts Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann and Jo Stanley. Christian O’Connell of Absolute Radio has quit his UK job to take up the breakfast show role at the Melbourne FM station. Listeners were quick to respond on the radio station’s Facebook page: ■ Sarah Morton: “Still not entirely sure why you’d sack the top rating breakfast show in Melbourne then employ an ‘international radio star’.” ■ Livinia Natoli: “It was a silly move on Gold's behalf. They have lost me. I listen to KIIS now.” ■ Madey Atmaja: “Should bring Stubbsy out of his retirement.” ■ Steve Szmerling: “Everytime Gold gets to number one in the ratings, they axe their DJ's, it's like when Grubby and Dee Dee were at Gold.” ■ Robbie Shaw: “I won’t be listening to gold once he starts the breakfast show.” ■ Cindy Lopes: “Are you guys serious? You ditch No 1 duo in breakky radio for some international person. What happenned to home grown are the best ... I won't be listening to Gold in the morning - very disappointed the big bosses at Gold think this is a good idea.” ■ Michelle Lewis: “Wow can believe you are replacing a great Aussie team with someone I’ve heard of from overseas. So disappointed that your not supporting Australian talent. Guess I will be looking for a new station like fox for Aussie morning crew.” ■ Rebecca Curtain: “Just another reason why I changed to Fox. Gold and KIIS both sacked their local morning show hosts for international hosts. Not interested in investing in our local talents.” ■ Rob Vegas: “Haven't listened to Gold 104.3 in the morning since they got rid of Grubby and Dee Dee - bring them back! And the guy that did the Steve Bracks voice.” ■ Donna Everitt Fisher: “So do you think we dont have great people in Australia ? Why do we need to use imports .... Someone who knows nothing about our life/country? Business executives never cease to amaze me.” ■ Mel McBride: “So you had two perfectly good hosts and you bring a Pom in. Who is he? Really disappointed Gold.. You've lost me in the mornings.” ■ Derek Somers: “Not winning Gold with this poor decision, everyone has there own reason for listening but you can’t look past the ratings of who was the best breakfast show. I changed to Gold FM when it was Gold and worth listening to and now in one stupid move you’re gone from Gold to Bronze. I feel sorry for the remaining talent and staff who won’t have a chance to shine with a loss of listeners.” ■ Liz Day: “He isn't local - nothing against the man I am sure he is great at what he does - but radio needs local input, information, location awareness ... as has a smaller audience. But I will still listen, give him a fair go.” ■ Tom Britton: “So you sack two talented and popular australians for a pommy that no one here has heard of time to find a new station. Gone from Gold to Fool's Gold.” ■ Lesley Wright: “Really disappointed in this decision ... hopefully the ratings will show Gold what a mistake they have made ... off to find a new station in the morning.” ■ Sue Murchie: “Who is this man Gold FM? Never heard of him. What does he do? Sorry may have to change stations also. I can't see too many positive comments here either.” ■ Rohan Brown: “Good to see that Gold has no idea about what listeners like (hint its not pom's) I hope the next survey puts them a firm last and all of there advertising sponsors drop them as well. ■ Karen Joseph: “Pity Gold has not listened
● Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann and Jo Stanley were fired from Gold 104.3 after winning the FM ratings.
● UK radio presenter Christian O’Connell is to be the new Gold 104.3 breakfast show presenter to its listeners ... we matter and know what we like but obviously Gold couldn't care less ....you had no 1 and threw it away ... hope you get the people's message Gold.” ■ Philip Rogers: “Really guys I used to listen but you dump the best presenters and expect loyalty. Getting used to Nova100, Light FM and The Fox now.” ■ Jacqui Shanks: “So does that mean Troy (Ellis) has got the flick too?” ■ Sharron Watson: “You sacked a great duo and replace with an import . Shame!” ■ Dominic Anthony Papasergio: “Why? You had the best breakfast program and have made a huge mistake.” ■ Jennifer Snape-Witteveen: “I can't believe I held out for this, adios Gold.” ■ Josephine Kain: “Very disappointing. We have great Aussie talent. Time to find a new station.” ■ Leanne Scicluna: “Not happy abut this. won't listen to the morning show.” ■ Barbara Coco: “Why replace the best morning team with an overseas announcer? Sorry you've lost me Gold.” ■ Jim Higgon: “So you sacked a couple of Australians to import a host, poor form Gold, bye bye from me.” ■ Kate Hubbard: “This is disgusting Gold 104.3. Surely there are good Australian radio presenters you could have got. I bet you he doesn’t even know anything about Melbourne.” ■ Faye Sutton: “You sacked the top rating breaky show hosts to replace them with a foreigner most of us have never heard of? Doesn’t make sense to me. I’ll give him a go - but will turn off if he’s no good.” ■ Angela Wright: “Wonder how long he will last before they sack him too! ■ Dale Bigham: “Who? You’ve lost another listener, not that you care obviously. Bye!” ■ Sophie Beckwith: “Who is he? Whats wrong with home grown talent. You have lost me as a listener.”
● The late Peter Isaacson: ran the Observer from 1977-1989 ■ A fortune worth more than $28 million was left by the late Melbourne publisher Peter Isaacson when he died last year. Isaacson, a former publisher of the Melbourne Observer, owned a publishing empire over half-a-century. Isaacson, who was 96, had been a battle pilot in World War II, and had built up the largest independent publishing empire in Australia, including dozens of trade and local newspapers and magazines. Isaacson’s declared personal estate included his Toorak home valued at $4M, artwork valued at $1.2M, loan accounts of $11.3M with his family trust, and shares and bank deposits of another $6M or so. There were many small companies in the Peter Isaacson Publications stable which are understood to have vested in other trusts or family members. Isaacson’s wife, Anne, died in 2016, after a marriage of 66 years. Most of his estate was bequeathed to his surviving family, including sons Tony and Tim, their partners, children and also to his nephews and nieces; further specific bequests totalling nearly a million dollars were left to friends and old employees. A feature of Isaacson’s Will was his wish for the disposal on his war medals and his library. He directed that these items should first be offered to his family, but if they did not want them they should go to well regarded Australian institutions – the medals to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook or the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, his aviation books to the Australian Defence Forces Academy, and his media library to the Faculty of Art, Design and Communications at RMIT University. At the time of his death, Isaacson’s only vehicle was an older Volvo which he treasured and though he was famous for his flying daring – even flying a four-engined English bomber under Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1943 – no aircraft is listed among his assets. Peter Stuart Isaacson was born in July 1920 in England to Jewish parents, but came to Australia as a child and started work at The Age in Melbourne aged 17. After his stint with the Air Force during the war, he launched his first newspaper, the Elsternwick Advertiser, in 1947. Staff who worked for him remember him as a tough and demanding boss, but with a generous nature and an impish sense of humour. One Melbourne journalist, regarded by Isaacson as a bit proud and self-indulgent, received a request from Isaacson Publications for “a first person account of the male menopause”. Although raised in a Jewish home, Isaacson was not a deeply religious man. He directed that his body should be cremated, the ashes placed with those of his parents Arnold and Caroline and that a memorial service be conducted jointly by Rabbi John Levi and Uniting Church minister Dr Francis Macnab. - From a correspondent
Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 17
Observer Showbiz
Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold and team We Were There
● Jodie Le Vesconte and Leah Baulch. Photo: Daniel Burke ■ “Positive women” are words sometimes spoken in this piece , and at first I interpreted “women thinking positively.” But the message is rather “ thinking positively about HIV positive women”. We Were There is the result of years of planning and developing and is an inaugural work from collaborators Gavin Roach and Dirk Hoult of Tilted Projects . Some 15 different women, related in some way to women diagnosed HIV positive, were interviewed over a considerable time, so that virtually verbatim theatre could be presented; a piece of theatre with personally researched, meaningful words, sentences, aspirations, tears and laughter, spoken by four female actors. From the non-informed belief that any woman diagnosed HIV must have had a contaminated blood transfusion or dirty needle experience , to the shock of being hit with the news that you are HIV, to the embarrassed non acknowledgement of those around you - offering silence or untruths about your life and death - this piece covers heart breaking, but also sometimes whimsically comical , stories. And it presents a positive picture of the shades of coping with the dreaded news that HIV or AIDS have entered your world. Four women moved through character reactions to their own news or news of others. A simple choreography of movement, often moving chairs, sometimes added a rhythmic poetry to a change in focus. Background sound (Connor Ross) underlined the dramatic mood changes. The cast (Perri Cummings, Olivia Monticciolo, Leah Baulch, Naomi Rukavina) mostly faced us directly, as if chatting to friends, sharing stories. It was easy to listen, to think, to absorb the stories. I suspect that decades ago information like this would have been clinical, harsh and frightening. This style urged us to empathise and to learn. And to respect those who had the courage to care for those affected both then and now. We Were There was presented by Tilted Projects at Chapel off Chapel. - Review by Maggie Morrison
est show, Hold Me, I Beg You, at the Butterfly Club before touring to the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Hold Me, I Beg You is a well-written expose about thoughts and emotions associated with depression and suicide, presented by four individuals recounting personal stories. Any sense of predictability about one monologue following the other soon vanishes, because Gould-Dowen skilfully interconnects characters to ensure smooth and interesting transitions between monologues. The competent cast includes Candice Lillian (Lion), Melina Wylie (Elephant), Sam Browne (Crocodile) and Matt O’Reilly (Wolf) who present their stories in naturalistic, conversational style, which adds impact to various emotions. Occasionally, pacey dialogue risks sounding garbled, but overall these actors deliver excellent performances. Each character tells a different story based on the theme of depression from a different perspective, including victim, sibling, counsellor and rescuer. Gould-Dowen says he named the characters after strong animals, and has written the monologues in a way to enable anyone of any age, gender or race, to play any of the roles. Hold Me, I Beg You creates public awareness of those suffering depression and having suicidal thoughts, reminding us that we can play a helpful role by recognising symptoms, listening and respecting all human beings, whether or not (as described matter-of-factly in the play), a person is categorised as a ‘norm’ or ‘noose’. Sharing a hug can mean a lot too. Congratulations to Gould-Dowen and his team on another successful, well-researched production, and for establishing a presence in Melbourne theatre. Kieran Gould-Dowen’s next play, Fall On Death Ears, can be seen at The Butterfly Club in late April. - Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Out Of Character
■ Eve was misunderstood. The Wife of Bath somewhat inconvenienced by love and Jane Eyre surprised by Rochester. These key women form the foundation of a satirical exploration by Cristina Wells of women in literature in her solo show, Out of Character. Serving as a narrator is the Wicked Witch of the West, the audience is initially curious when encountering a character whose shoes have been stolen while she lies under a three ton house that’s fallen from the sky. It’s not until she dons her witch’s cap that we realise we’re not in Kansas but on stage in the Butterfly Club. The satire is at its acerbic best when Eve points out the injustice of her ongoing reputation when compared to Adam’s ineptitude and the moral and ethical odds being stacked against her by mighty deities who are the epitome of good and evil. She didn’t stand a chance. The round of applause for this vignette was well deserved. Unfortunately, Cristina doesn’t employ the same talent of dissection with her other characters. The Wife of Bath’s clothing, propensity for gossip and social status would have provided ample ammunition for satire which was missed and the excerpt from Jane Eyre seemed more a reconstructed dialogue rather than a deconstruction of what Jane and Rochester’s conduct implied about social mores and attitudes. Ending with one of her own musical compositions, the show seemed to drift structurally. The cutting commentary used with Eve was not sus● Candice Lillian (Lion), Melina Wylie tained. The historical analysis of how women have (Elephant), Sam Browne (Crocodile) portrayed in literature not quite realised. and Matt O'Reilly (Wolf) in Hold Me, I been And while the final rap/opera encore was an Beg You. ingenious concept with biting lyrics, her creden■ Since writer/director Kieran Gould-Dowen tials as a singer of opera would have to be quescommenced presenting his shows in Melbourne tioned. over the past year or so, he has built a good Originally developed as part of Melbourne following and reputation for thinking beyond University’s Mudfest festival, there is potential the square to create original narratives, and for in this piece worthy of development. presenting a good show. The indignation so apparent in Eve could well Gould-Dowen has now formed the company be the raison d’être for all the other characters. Thatcher’s Boy Theatre, and presented his lat-
erature that perpetuates inequality and exposing that to scrutiny is not only topical but confronting intellectually and dramatically. Sustaining a solo performance for an hour is also no mean feat. - Review by David McLean
QV Outdoor Cinema
● QV Outdoor Cinema ■ The QV Melbourne Outdoor Cinema has returned and runs until March 31 with a new Flick Fest program of themed film screenings and special events, including live performances, pop-up bars, and bring your dog charity screenings. AV Melbourne is extending the warmth of summer with a new season of their outdoor deckchair cinema until March 31. The Indian summer season, dubbed Flick Fest, is a new program of themed film screenings, with a curated selection of everything from cult classics to recent hits. Special pre-film events will include live performances, guest appearances, pop-up bars, bring-your-dog charity screenings, A Dog’s Valentine and more. Melbourne’s only silent cinema is located right in the heart of the city on the Astroturf lawn in QV Square. The intimate open-air deckchair cinema remains one of the city’s most affordable outdoor cinemas. Tickets at $12 (plus $1 booking fee) include deckchair seating and high quality headphones for every audience member. Sessions begin at 8:30pm Thursday to Sunday nights until March 31, with special event screenings commencing at 7:30pm Tickets are on sale now via qvcinema.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
Tristan and Isolde
Hold Me, I Beg You
● Lee Abrahamsen (Isolde) and Neal Cooper (Tristan in Melbourne Opera’s Tristan and Isolde. ■ Melbourne Opera presents Richard Wagner’s romantic drama Tristan and Isolde on February 7 at 6.30pm at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda and on February 10 at 6.30pm at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University. Following the success of Tannhäuser and Lohengrin, Melbourne Opera is once again turning its attention to Wagner’s rich repertoire. Lauded as Wagner’s greatest ever opera,
and Isolde sees an international tenor and globally acclaimed Wagnerian maestro come together with Australian singers and musicians.re. In a major coup, internationally acclaimed Wagnerian specialist, Anthony Negus, will make his Australian debut conducting Melbourne Opera’s Tristan and Isolde. Celebrated as one of the great Wagner interpreters of his generation, Negus spent more than 10 consecutive years conducting Wagner’s Ring while last year he was awarded the Wagner Society’s Reginald Goodall MemorialAward for outstanding services to Wagner’s music and musical life. “We are all very excited to be presenting the Australian debut of one of the world’s great Wagnerians, Anthony Negus. “With maestro Negus at the helm, this promises to be a truly memorable production,” says Melbourne Opera director Greg Hocking. Tristan and Isolde will star Neal Cooper as Tristan. Neal comes to Melbourne following a string of successful international starring roles from Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House to the Metropolitan Opera (‘the Met’) in New York. An accomplished Wagnerian tenor, Cooper performed a title role in the Wagner 200 Celebrations at the Royal Festival Hall. He also happens to be the nephew of boxing heavyweight champion Sir Henry Cooper. Neal will be joined by Australian opera star Lee Abrahamsen who returns to Melbourne Opera to perform the romantic lead, Isolde. Lee will take the Palais stage following a dazzling 2017, which saw her make her Opera Australia debut as the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, sing Puccini’s Tosca with the Australian Discovery Orchestra, and round out the year by singing the national anthem to a stadium sized audience from the roof of the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day. Melbourne Opera’s new production of Tristan and Isolde is directed by Suzanne Chaundy. “Tristan and Isolde is far more than a love story. Time stops as we explore the inner lives of the characters. “As they are taken to the outer limits of love, it becomes an ecstatic expression of the human condition,” says Suzanne. Suzanne’s production is set in a poetic and symbolic world, realised by a combination of epic scale scenic elements, macro video design, advanced digital mapping and extreme slow motion footage. Tristan and Isolde famously possesses some of history’s most important operatic music, including the stirring Prelude to Act 1 and one of opera’s longest and most famous love duets O sink hernieder, Nacht der Liebe. Other cast include Sarah Sweeting (who received a Green Room Nomination for her performance as Venus in Tannhäuser) as Isolde’s handmaid Brangäne, while Australian baritone Michael Lampard will perform the role of Kurwenal. Celebrated Melbourne Opera regulars Steven Gallop and Jason Wasley will perform the roles of (King) Marke and Melot respectively. Melbourne Opera, which receives no government funding, is Victoria's busiest opera company, staging three or four full-scale main stage productions and many concerts – including significant international touring – each year. The company gives emerging singers and musicians invaluable professional experience in the company of distinguished experienced artists. As well as mainstream repertoire, Melbourne Opera is committed to presenting lesser-known masterpieces. Tristan and Isolde is Melbourne Opera’s first production of its 2018 season, following a sold out concert tour of China in December 2017. Tickets for the Palais Theatre are on sale via Ticketmaster on 1300 111 011. Tickets for Robert Blackwood Hall are on sale via Monash University on 9905 1111. www.melbourneopera.com - Cheryl Threadgold
Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, Februar y 7, 2018
Showbiz People
● Naz Tedesco and Alan Pearsall
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
The Unbelievables - Opening Night Arts Centre Melbourne Photo: Mark Gambino
● Heidi Victoria and Ange Phillipou
● Lisa Edwards and David Mann
● Sandra Gaitatzis and Helen Reizer
● Jarryd Byrne, wife Alexandra, daughters Isobel and Indiana
● Harrison Greenbaum and Emi Secrest
● Spencer McLaren and Chris Wright
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 19
Observer Showbiz
Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold and team Burlesque By Force
tion world, Amazing Grace features choreography and staging that breaks away from the rules of traditional calisthenics. With a cast of more than 30 of Australia’s elite calisthenics and musical theatre performers, this production is nothing short of spectacular. Amazing Grace features new arrangements of more than20 songs, ranging from classical to musical theatre favourites performed by a live orchestra. Calisthenics is a local invention combining elements of gymnastics and dance. The highest accolade for a competitor is to be named Most Graceful Girl at the Royal South Street (RSS) competitions. Joining the Amazing Grace cast are both past and present Graceful Girls including half of this year’s RSS Graceful solo finalists and five national winning soloists. Amazing Grace’s creator and director Karen Jemison has teamed with renowned calisthenics choreographers Jeanne Sorich and Lucinda Williams, both previous Graceful Girl winners and two of Australia’s top calisthenics coaches to create the show. ● Brodie John in Burlesque by Force Performances from February 9 -11 at the NaPhoto: Daniel Purvis tional Theatre, St Kilda. Tickets from $45 www.nationaltheatre. ■ Questions of consent, sexual trauma and silence-breaking are answered in a raw combina- org.au or Box Office: 9525 4611 - Cheryl Threadgold tion of true story and poetry. Taboos are shattered in this one-man show exploring personal accounts of sexual trauma and approaches to moving forward, invoking burlesque and poetry as coping mechanisms. The premise of Burlesque by Force introduces the audience to a burlesque performer, played by the show’s co-creator Brodie John, in their dressing room going through the motions of deconstructing their character to reveal the truths and torment that have pushed them to wear the performer’s mask to manage their pain. Layer by layer the audience learn about what it means to survive sexual violence. “I was abused by my best friend, and it took me nearly 10 years to face that, long after I’d been assaulted and harassed repeatedly by other men both gay and straight. What made it so hard to understand was that I’d never known it could be like that, more subtle and sinister than the clear violations I’d seen on film and TV,” Brodie reports. “Then the more I looked, the more I realised how common it is in our sex-positive society to perpetuate this stereotypical idea of someone ● Charlie Lord who can’t defend themselves against someone who can’t control themselves, and how much shame is being spread out there”. “It’s our aim to utilise these stories, told in a theatrical but honest way, to liberate those conversations and empower people to speak up.” Burlesque by Force is co-created by Marissa Bennett, a Melbourne-based actor and director who has returned from a stint with Bell Shakespeare whose objective with the work is to “investigate how survivors of sexual abuse cope, and the schism that exists between the ‘Character’ one presents to the world, and the ‘Self’ that abides beneath”. In the wake of exposed sexual predators, the #metoo and #timesup movements, Burlesque By Force gives audiences a chance to engage with these confronting topics in a safe and open way. Grab your tickets and keep the conversations growing. Dates: February 7-11 ● Ben Mortley and Shannon Ashlyn Time: 7pm in Zelos. Cost: $32 / $28 / $25 The Butterfly Club. 5 Carson Pl, off Little ■ Zelos (from the Greek meaning Zeal and Passion, but also Jealousy and Suspicion) Collins St, Melbourne The clue is in the title of this engrossing Tickets: thebutterflyclub.com - Cheryl Threadgold film, which deals with the relentless ripples that ebb and flow through a previously happy twoyear relationship, following a brief holiday affair from the female. ■ Manilla Street Productions presents AmazThere are many unusual aspects to this film ing Grace, a calisthenics musical production – it is heavily female in all aspects, written from February 9 -11 at the National Theatre. (Claire J. Harris) directed (Jo-Anne Brechin) Amazing Grace takes the world of calisthen- and mostly produced and crewed by females, ics to mainstream audiences with a new produc- including Emma Paine as cinematographer. tion showcasing the strength, grace and artistry Externalixing what is so often painfully inof this unique Australian artform. ternalized is an interesting journey, and via Amazing Grace combines the best of calis- Paine’s terrific cinematography we empathise, thenics (perfectly synchronised choreography) become frustrated with, get angry with, feel with the vocal and theatrical highs of musical hopeful with both Bernard (Ben Mortley) and theatre. Freed from the confines of the competi- Sarah (Shannon Ashlyn).
Zelos
Amazing Grace
We are presented with some marvellous, long “thought moments”.The journey is never boring, thanks to the whimsy and light relief at times from Harris’s writing. And thanks also to the “I’ll get on with life” positive attitude of friend of both, Rebecca (Ainslie McGlynn). As Bernard slowly realises that he’s perhaps a bit in love with her, Rebecca’s down to earth attitudes to a far wider world out there makes for really deep thinking about the positional importance of a sexual transgression. This character is vital to realisation at the end that Bernard “had to go back” to say that he could not go on, just as Sarah “had to go back” just to hear him say those words. This is fine film work in every aspect and hearty congratulations are in order for the entire team. And the Alex Theatre in St Kilda with its nod to the nostalgic glamour of the past was a perfect venue for Zelos’ Melbourne premiere. It was interesting to be at a showing when sex therapists were there for discussion afterwards. One query - if the transgression had been by the male, might the story have unfolded differently, made interesting discussion. The film now moves to Sydney, so if you’re going there do see it … .and if there is discussion , go there and throw the issue open. These issues should be explored. - Review by Maggie Morrison
Myers, a balloon salesman from Clifton Hill. Myers took them on to fame and his own vast fortune, however they were kept prisoner throughout their lives until they were emancipated at 21 in a highly publicised court case. After numerous failed efforts to find love and marriage, they ended up working as strippers in their later lives and then going to work weighing fruit for a grocer before dying alone and friendless from the flu. Colleen Burke’s family lived close by in the US at the time the sisters died. The Burke family were preparing the make the same trip across the sea back to Australia. Burke’s sister was treated as a freak at the time that many people with disabilities were shut away and forgotten in institutions. At the age of 21 Burke discovered her own ’freakdom’ and despite her anomaly that caused a great deal of grief, found her own taste of freedom. Colleen Burke has the unique perspective and agency to discuss the chequered history of “freak culture”. Bookings highly recommended. Dates: Until February 11 Time: 8.30pm Cost: $25-$32 Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne Tickets: The Butterfly Club - Cheryl Threadgold
Life In A Puppet
■ New Zealand company, White Face Crew, draws on the timeless art of mime (the French variety), physical comedy and clowning, in their delightful production, La Vie Dans Une Marionette, or Life in a Puppet. Performed for a short season at the Arts Centre in January, La Vie Dans Une Marionette had young and old giggling in their seats. For early arrivals the show begins before entering the theatre with the hilarious Jarod Rawiri meeting and greeting in the foyer. Inside the theatre he continues to interact with the audience as they take their seats, with inane observations and constant ramblings in his obligatory and gorgeously flawed French accent. Rawiri later steals the show with his unique interpretation of the moon and a frustrated and intelligible deliveryman. This touching story is both funny and a tad sad. When lonely pianist (Tama Jarman) purchases a puppet (Christopher Ofanoa) to keep him company a special kind of magic develops between them. The delightful and artistic unveiling of the puppet is a beautiful and classic mime moment. This is no ordinary puppet, and no ordinary story. Ofanoa, a professional dancer with the New Zealand Dance Company and a choreographer/ dancer with an Auckland hip hop outfit, seamlessly and fluidly brings life to the puppet. Music by Yann Tiersen and Tama Waipara creates a beautiful and comforting connection between the puppet and pianist. La Vie Dans Une Marionette has all the elements to delight a child and equally adults - a touch of magic, physical comedy and cheeky naughty bits - though multiple two-finger gestures in my view are inappropriate for a children’s show. A delightful evening of theatre - the White Face Crew are bringing back mime. - Review by Beth Klein
Cleave
■ Daisy and Violet Hilton were conjoined twins born in 1908 in Brighton, England. They were the highest paid Vaudeville act of the 20s and 30s. Colleen Burke was born with twin internal sex organs, and had a ‘twin’ sister who was born with cerebral palsy. Cleave is a night of intimate storytelling and puppetry that intertwines the narratives of these two sets of most unusual twins. The Hilton Twins were exploited from the day they were born. When their appearance at Luna Park, Melbourne, at the age of four failed to draw big audiences, the sisters went to an outback circus where they encountered Mike
● Daisy and Violet Hilton
Sound of Falling Stars
■ The Sound of Falling Stars features 31 of the most popular and beloved voices of the 20th century – artists responsible for songs that have served as soundtracks for the lives of so many. From Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke and Bobby Darin to Tim and Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, Bon Scott, Kurt Cobain and more, this gripping production straddles musical joy and monumental loss. Actor and singer Cameron Goodall (ex-the Audreys, Sydney Theatre Company, The Lion King) displays his vocal versatility while inhabiting the souls of these singing stars who gave so much. Cameron is adeptly accompanied on stage by George Butrumlis (accordion) and Enio Pozzebon (keyboard). With a set list to die for – Are You Lonesome Tonight to Love Will Tear Us Apart, and (Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay to Light My Fire – The Sound of Falling Stars celebrates these extraordinary talents and examines our fascination with those who lived fast and died young. Writer and director Robyn Archer’s onewoman cabaret A Star is Torn honoured the tooshort lives of female singers from Bessie Smith to Janis Joplin. It played for a year on the West End and spawned both an album and a book. The Sound of Falling Stars proves itself a worthy successor. The Sound of Falling Stars is co-commissioned by Auckland Live and Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Venue: Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne Dates and time: Wednesday, February 28 – Saturday, March 3 at 8pm Tickets: $30 – $69 Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, Februar y 7, 2018
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Observer Magazine
■ Samuel Joel ‘Zero’ Mostel was born in Brooklyn in 1915 and he was the seventh child from a Jewish family. In his teenage years his father wanted him to be a Rabbi but young Sam wanted to be an artist. When he graduated from college the story goes that his yearbook noted: "A future Rembrandt ... or perhaps a comedian?" He was teaching art when he married Clara Sverd in 1939. It was apparently not a harmonious marriage as Sam was rarely home and spent most of his time working on his paintings, teaching and socialising with his artistic friends. He sort of drifted into show business after auditioning as a comedian at the downtown nightclub Cafe Society in late 1941. The owner hired Sam after Pearl Harbour to give his customers a few laughs at a difficult time. It was Ivan Black, the club's press agent, who gave Sam the nickname Zero, explaining, "Here's a guy who's starting from nothing." In 1942 Zero gave up art and concentrated on a career in show business. He was so popular at the nightclub they increased his fee and Zero began to make comedic appearances on radio shows. He made his Broadway debut in a play titled Keep Em Laughing and then Top Notchers. He played the part of ‘The Swami’ in the MGM musical Du Barry Was A Lady in 1943.
Whatever Happened To ... Zero Mostel
● Zero Mostel turned to the stage. In 1960 Zero was hit by a bus when he was returning from rehearsals for a Broadway play. By Kevin Trask He refused to consent to the amputation of of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM his left leg and he suffered with the injury for the rest of his life. Zero and Clara were divorced in 1943 and he Zero returned to the stage later that year and married Kathryn Harkin in 1944 -they had two won the Tony Award for his performance in the sons Josh and Tobias. play Rhinoceros. Zero served in the Army during World War He originally did not want to play ‘Pseudolus’ II and came under scrutiny as it was alleged he in the Sondheim musical A Funny Thing Hapwas a member of the Communist Party. pened On The Way To the Forum but he agreed He hosted several television shows during after pressure from his wife and his agent. the late 1940s. Director Eliza Kazan cast him in The show won many Tony Awards including the film Panic In The Streets in which he starred Best Actor for Zero. He starred in the film verwith Richard Widmark and Jack Palance. sion which has become a classic over the years. In 1952 Zero was blacklisted after appearing In 1964 Zero created the role of ‘Tevye’ in front of the the House Un - American Activi- the milkman in the original stage musical Fidties Committee. dler On The Roof and won his third Tony Award. He won the respect of his colleagues as he He was not cast in the film version but in 1968 would not co-operate and name people. he made a film that was to become a comedy His career was revived in 1957 and he re- masterpiece.
Mel Brooks could not talk Zero into playing ‘Max Bialystock’ in the film The Producers and begged Zero to show the script to his wife. Kathryn talked him into it and he was brilliant in the role. I watched it recently and I laughed from the beginning to the end. Zero and his co-star Gene Wilder became lifelong friends. Zero was trying to lose weight and went on a diet. He collapsed and was taken to hospital where it was expected that he would recover without any problem. He lost consciousness and the doctors were unable to revive him. He passed away from an aortic aneurysm on the September 8, 1977 at the age of 62. Just before he died Zero was a guest on The Muppet Show and commented on the creator Jim Henson: "He has the best possible actors. If you have a disagreement with them, you can always use them to wash your car." Sadly, the episode aired after his death and Zero never saw it. What a shame, I thought Zero Mostel was a comic genius. Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on 3AW Mike Till Midnight - Saturday at 8.10pm The Time Tunnel - on Remember When - Sundays at 9.10pm And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au
Hard decisions over town’s odd name ■ The unusually-named – some may say, unfortunately-named – town of Dildo on the shores of Trinity Bay in Canada’s Newfoundland province, has resisted numerous attempts over the centuries, including as recently as the 1990s, to re-name itself. And as far as the majority of the 1200 folk remaining there from onetime thriving fishing and whaling industries are concerned, they’ll continue to oppose any change. Because as well as its history, they’re enjoying the benefits of a nicely growing little tourism industry, as more-and-more visitors discover their quiet little retreat to snap pictures of anything with the moniker Dildo on it, and to join flourishing whale-watching cruises (primarily through midJune to mid-August) on Dildo’s picturesque little harbour. Plus spend-up nicely in the few local stores, cafés and souvenir shops. Just how Dildo got its unusual name is unclear, some locals saying that it was after a Spanish explorer who spent time in the area several centuries ago, while others speculate it came after the discovery in the 1700s on the site of the now-town, of an antiquated test-tube used by early mariners and known as a “dildo glass.” The town’s 400-year reliance on fishing, whaling and seal-hunting began to die with tough competition on international markets and a Canadawide moratorium on whale-catching in 1972, so Dildo turned to its tourist appeal – including creating a colourful Dildo Days Festival every July with a harbour boat parade and evening fireworks. And the town, 60 kilometres west of the provincial capital of St Johns, won an award in 2001 as one of the 10 prettiest small towns in Canada, with descriptors in various publications ranging from “really beautiful,” to a more bizarre “bleakly pretty.” ■ When Royal Caribbean Line’s gargantuan new Symphony of the Seas slips out of the yard in which she is being built in France this April, and heads to Barcelona for her first season of sailing the Western Mediterranean, there’ll be enough food and drinks go aboard during just one week’s cruising to slake the hunger and thirst of many a small town.
OK. With John O’Keefe What were they thinking?
■ Producers of a TV spot for Barilla Pasta had blockbuster ideas in mind when they featured Swiss tennis champ Roger Federer learning to cook Italian pasta. So far, so good, but why Greek music as the backing track? The spot was on heavy rotation during the Aussie Open on Seven. While on the subject of the great Fed, we hope someone in Team Federer remembered to organise return of the Baby Grand Piano Roger had delivered to his digs while in Melbourne for the Aussie Open. Piano is a requirement in the Federer camp so his nine-year-old twin daughters can keep up to date with their piano lessons
Way back when ■ Rewind your mind to the eighties when the TV show Murphy Brown was a weekly 'must see' . Well, there is a new version of same show in the pipeline and again starring Candice Bergman. The new Network 10 series is due to be screened in September in the States. In its heyday the original Murphy Brown won a swag of top gongs.
Ins and Outs ● Dildo harbour and township. that seats just 16 for very special occasions, to others seating diners by the score. Plus there’ll be nearly 2200 crew who will need to be fed and watered around the clock as well. So it is little wonder her shopping list for that first sailing, and all subsequent weekly sailings in the Mediterranean, and then from October in the Caribbean, is as gargantuan as the ship herself. Because it includes 8900kg of chicken, 8300 kilos of beef, 3200 of fish, 5400 portions of lobster tails and 10,000 hot dog frankfurters, 6700kg of potatoes, 4000 of tomatoes, 48,000 eggs, 20,000-plus kilos of fruit and vegetables, enough ice cream to fill 21,000 cones, and 860kg of coffee. And for those with a thirst, 33,000 bottles and cans of beer, 17,000 of soft drinks, over 2000 bottles of spirits, and with David Ellis 6100 bottles of wine – all for just one Because as the world’s largest- week of holidaymaking. ever passenger ship, Symphony of the All these numbers, together with Seas will scale-in at over 230,000 10,300 rolls of toilet paper, will be kept tonnes and carry up to 6870 passen- topped-up for every weekly sailing in gers. the Mediterranean and Caribbean afAnd all those will need to be fed ter that inaugural week – with ages three times daily, as well as with any- and nationalities of guests monitored time snacks around the clock, in some to ensure all cultures and dietary needs twenty dining venues ranging from one are catered for.
Struth
■ It has only been little over a month or more since our last edition but there has been a constant change in the media landscape, particularly in radio and TV. At Seven they have put out the ‘Welcome’ mat for Homer Simpson and James Brayshaw. James has cut all ties with Nine, and the one time co-host of The Footy Show will call AFL footy on Seven. 'Jimbo' is mates with Lewis Martin , chief of Seven, Melbourne and has moved into a bachelor pad owned by Craig Hutchison, boss of Crocmedia, now running SEN. Another big name sports commentator on the move is Brad McEwan is a fill-in host on 3AW when Jon Anderson is on hols.
A little bit country
■ Triple M has started a new digital radio station committed to playing contemporary country music by Aussie and overseas artists. Mix the country music with classic rock, greatest hits and you have the vibe. Leigh Kernaghan is on board to present The Range , 6am-8am every Sunday. Only prob I see is the new station is only accessible on digital, online and the Triple M app.
Craig McLachlan sues
■ Craig has gone for the big legal guns in his case of defamation against the ABC and Fairfax. McLachlan has engaged Stuart Littlemore as his QC. Littlemore is no stranger to the world of tv as he was once a presenter of hard hitting business programs on the ABC. The legal paperwork is piling up on someone's desk at the ABC as former PM, Kevin Rudd is to issue proceedings after disclosure of contents of the files found in a Canberra disposal store. - John O’Keefe
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 21
Observer Classic Books
The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain
Dolf, my man,” continued Mr. Tetterby, exploring the basin with a fork, “here’s your mother been and bought, at the cook’s shop, besides pease pudding, a whole knuckle of a lovely roast leg of pork, with lots of crackling left upon it, and with seasoning gravy and mustard quite unlimited. Hand in your plate, my boy, and begin while it’s simmering.” Master Adolphus, needing no second summons, received his portion with eyes rendered moist by appetite, and withdrawing to his particular stool, fell upon his supper tooth and nail. Johnny was not forgotten, but received his rations on bread, lest he should, in a flush of gravy, trickle any on the baby. He was required, for similar reasons, to keep his pudding, when not on active service, in his pocket. There might have been more pork on the knucklebone — which knucklebone the carver at the cook’s shop had assuredly not forgotten in carving for previous customers — but there was no stint of seasoning, and that is an accessory dreamily suggesting pork, and pleasantly cheating the sense of taste. The pease pudding, too, the gravy and mustard, like the Eastern rose in respect of the nightingale, if they were not absolutely pork, had lived near it; so, upon the whole, there was the flavour of a middle-sized pig. It was irresistible to the Tetterbys in bed, who, though professing to slumber peacefully, crawled out when unseen by their parents, and silently appealed to their brothers for any gastronomic token of fraternal affection. They, not hard of heart, presenting scraps in return, it resulted that a party of light skirmishers in nightgowns were careering about the parlour all through supper, which harassed Mr. Tetterby exceedingly, and once or twice imposed upon him the necessity of a charge, before which these guerilla troops retired in all directions and in great confusion. Mrs. Tetterby did not enjoy her supper. There seemed to be something on Mrs. Tetterby’s mind. At one time she laughed without reason, and at another time she cried without reason, and at last she laughed and cried together in a manner so very unreasonable that her husband was confounded. “My little woman,” said Mr. Tetterby, “if the world goes that way, it appears to go the wrong way, and to choke you.” “Give me a drop of water,” said Mrs. Tetterby, struggling with herself, “and don’t speak to me for the present, or take any notice of me. Don’t do it!” Mr. Tetterby having administered the water, turned suddenly on the unlucky Johnny (who was full of sympathy), and demanded why he was wallowing there, in gluttony and idleness, instead of coming forward with the baby, that the sight of her might revive his mother. Johnny immediately approached, borne down by its weight; but Mrs. Tetterby holding out her hand to signify that she was not in a condition to bear that trying appeal to her feelings, he was interdicted from advancing another inch, on pain of perpetual hatred from all his dearest connections; and accordingly retired to his stool again, and crushed himself as before. After a pause, Mrs. Tetterby said she was better now, and began to laugh. “My little woman,” said her husband, dubiously, “are you quite sure you’re better? Or are you, Sophia, about to break out in a fresh direction?” “No, ‘Dolphus, no,” replied his wife. “I’m quite myself.” With that, settling her hair, and pressing the palms of her hands upon her eyes, she laughed again. “What a wicked fool I was, to think so for a moment!” said Mrs. Tetterby. “Come nearer, ‘Dolphus, and let me ease my mind, and tell you what I mean. Let me tell you all about it.” Mr. Tetterby bringing his chair closer, Mrs. Tetterby laughed again, gave him a hug, and wiped her eyes. “You know, Dolphus, my dear,” said Mrs. Tetterby, “that when I was single, I might have given myself away in several directions. At one time, four after me at once; two of them were sons of Mars.” “We’re all sons of Ma’s, my dear,” said Mr. Tetterby, “jointly with Pa’s.” “I don’t mean that,” replied his wife, “I mean soldiers — serjeants.”
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cheap enjoyments that I could have trodden on so cruelly, got to be so precious to me — Oh so priceless, and dear! — that I couldn’t bear to think how much I had wronged them; and I said, and say again a hundred times, how could I ever behave so, ‘Dolphus, how could I ever have the heart to do it!” The good woman, quite carried away by her honest tenderness and remorse, was weeping with all her heart, when she started up with a scream, and ran behind her husband. Her cry was so terrified, that the children started from their sleep and from their beds, and clung about her. Nor did her gaze belie her voice, as she pointed to a pale man in a black cloak who had come into the room. “Look at that man! Look there! What does he want?” “My dear,” returned her husband, “I’ll ask him if you’ll let me go. What’s the matter! How you shake!” “I saw him in the street, when I was out just now. He looked at me, and stood near me. I am afraid of him.” “Afraid of him! Why?” “I don’t know why — I— stop! husband!” for he was going towards the stranger. She had one hand pressed upon her forehead, and one upon her breast; and there was a peculiar fluttering all over her, and a hurried unsteady motion of her eyes, as if she had lost something. “Are you ill, my dear?” “What is it that is going from me again?” she muttered, in a low voice. “What IS this that is going away?” Then she abruptly answered: “Ill? No, I am quite well,” and stood looking vacantly at the floor. Her husband, who had not been altogether free from the infection of her fear at first, and whom the present strangeness of her manner did not tend to reassure, addressed himself to the pale visitor in the black cloak, who stood still, and whose eyes were bent upon the ground. “What may be your pleasure, sir,” he asked, “with us?” “I fear that my coming in unperceived,” returned the visitor, “has alarmed you; but you were talking and did not hear me.” “My little woman says — perhaps you heard her say it,” returned Mr. Tetterby, “that it’s not the first time you have alarmed her to-night.” “I am sorry for it. I remember to have observed her, for a few moments only, in the street. I had Charles Dickens no intention of frightening her.” “Oh!” said Mr. Tetterby. married at all, or if you had married somebody As he raised his eyes in speaking, she raised “Well, ‘Dolphus, I’m sure I never think of such else?” hers. It was extraordinary to see what dread she things now, to regret them; and I’m sure I’ve “Yes,” sobbed Mrs. Tetterby. “That’s really had of him, and with what dread he observed it got as good a husband, and would do as much to what I thought. Do you hate me now, ‘Dolphus?” — and yet how narrowly and closely. prove that I was fond of him, as —” “Why no,” said Mr. Tetterby. “I don’t find that I “My name,” he said, “is Redlaw. I come from “As any little woman in the world,” said Mr. do, as yet.” the old college hard by. A young gentleman who Tetterby. “Very good. VERY good.” Mrs. Tetterby gave him a thankful kiss, and went is a student there, lodges in your house, does he If Mr. Tetterby had been ten feet high, he could on. not?” not have expressed a gentler consideration for “I begin to hope you won’t, now, ‘Dolphus, “Mr. Denham?” said Tetterby. Mrs. Tetterby’s fairy-like stature; and if Mrs. though I’m afraid I haven’t told you the worst. I “Yes.” Tetterby had been two feet high, she could not can’t think what came over me. I don’t know It was a natural action, and so slight as to be have felt it more appropriately her due. whether I was ill, or mad, or what I was, but I hardly noticeable; but the little man, before “But you see, ‘Dolphus,” said Mrs. Tetterby, couldn’t call up anything that seemed to bind us speaking again, passed his hand across his fore“this being Christmas-time, when all people to each other, or to reconcile me to my fortune. head, and looked quickly round the room, as who can, make holiday, and when all people All the pleasures and enjoyments we had ever though he were sensible of some change in its who have got money, like to spend some, I did, had — THEY seemed so poor and insignifi- atmosphere. The Chemist, instantly transferring somehow, get a little out of sorts when I was in cant, I hated them. I could have trodden on them. to him the look of dread he had directed towards the streets just now. There were so many things And I could think of nothing else, except our the wife, stepped back, and his face turned paler. to be sold — such delicious things to eat, such being poor, and the number of mouths there were “The gentleman’s room,” said Tetterby, “is upfine things to look at, such delightful things to at home.” stairs, sir. There’s a more convenient private have — and there was so much calculating and “Well, well, my dear,” said Mr. Tetterby, shak- entrance; but as you have come in here, it will calculating necessary, before I durst lay out a ing her hand encouragingly, “that’s truth, after save your going out into the cold, if you’ll take sixpence for the commonest thing; and the bas- all. We ARE poor, and there ARE a number of this little staircase,” showing one communicatket was so large, and wanted so much in it; and mouths at home here.” ing directly with the parlour, “and go up to him my stock of money was so small, and would go “Ah! but, Dolf, Dolf!” cried his wife, laying her that way, if you wish to see him.” such a little way; — you hate me, don’t you, hands upon his neck, “my good, kind, patient “Yes, I wish to see him,” said the Chemist. “Can ‘Dolphus?” fellow, when I had been at home a very little you spare a light?” “Not quite,” said Mr. Tetterby, “as yet.” while — how different! Oh, Dolf, dear, how dif- The watchfulness of his haggard look, and the “Well! I’ll tell you the whole truth,” pursued his ferent it was! I felt as if there was a rush of inexplicable distrust that darkened it, seemed to wife, penitently, “and then perhaps you will. I recollection on me, all at once, that softened my trouble Mr. Tetterby. He paused; and looking felt all this, so much, when I was trudging about hard heart, and filled it up till it was bursting. All fixedly at him in return, stood for a minute or so, in the cold, and when I saw a lot of other calcu- our struggles for a livelihood, all our cares and like a man stupefied, or fascinated. lating faces and large baskets trudging about, wants since we have been married, all the times At length he said, “I’ll light you, sir, if you’ll too, that I began to think whether I mightn’t have of sickness, all the hours of watching, we have follow me.” done better, and been happier, if — I— hadn’t ever had, by one another, or by the children, “No,” replied the Chemist, “I don’t wish to be —” the wedding-ring went round again, and Mrs. seemed to speak to me, and say that they had attended, or announced to him. He does not exTetterby shook her downcast head as she turned made us one, and that I never might have been, pect me. I would rather go alone. Please to give it. or could have been, or would have been, any me the light, if you can spare it, and I’ll find the “I see,” said her husband quietly; “if you hadn’t other than the wife and mother I am. Then, the way.” Continued on Page 22
Page 22 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, Februar y 7, 2018
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Observer Classic Books From Page 21 In the quickness of his expression of this desire, and in taking the candle from the newsman, he touched him on the breast. Withdrawing his hand hastily, almost as though he had wounded him by accident (for he did not know in what part of himself his new power resided, or how it was communicated, or how the manner of its reception varied in different persons), he turned and ascended the stair. But when he reached the top, he stopped and looked down. The wife was standing in the same place, twisting her ring round and round upon her finger. The husband, with his head bent forward on his breast, was musing heavily and sullenly. The children, still clustering about the mother, gazed timidly after the visitor, and nestled together when they saw him looking down. “Come!” said the father, roughly. “There’s enough of this. Get to bed here!” “The place is inconvenient and small enough,” the mother added, “without you. Get to bed!” The whole brood, scared and sad, crept away; little Johnny and the baby lagging last. The mother, glancing contemptuously round the sordid room, and tossing from her the fragments of their meal, stopped on the threshold of her task of clearing the table, and sat down, pondering idly and dejectedly. The father betook himself to the chimney-corner, and impatiently raking the small fire together, bent over it as if he would monopolise it all. They did not interchange a word. The Chemist, paler than before, stole upward like a thief; looking back upon the change below, and dreading equally to go on or return. “What have I done!” he said, confusedly. “What am I going to do!” “To be the benefactor of mankind,” he thought he heard a voice reply. He looked round, but there was nothing there; and a passage now shutting out the little parlour from his view, he went on, directing his eyes before him at the way he went. “It is only since last night,” he muttered gloomily, “that I have remained shut up, and yet all things are strange to me. I am strange to myself. I am here, as in a dream. What interest have I in this place, or in any place that I can bring to my remembrance? My mind is going blind!” There was a door before him, and he knocked at it. Being invited, by a voice within, to enter, he complied. “Is that my kind nurse?” said the voice. “But I need not ask her. There is no one else to come here.” It spoke cheerfully, though in a languid tone, and attracted his attention to a young man lying on a couch, drawn before the chimney-piece, with the back towards the door. A meagre scanty stove, pinched and hollowed like a sick man’s cheeks, and bricked into the centre of a hearth that it could scarcely warm, contained the fire, to which his face was turned. Being so near the windy house-top, it wasted quickly, and with a busy sound, and the burning ashes dropped down fast. “They chink when they shoot out here,” said the student, smiling, “so, according to the gossips, they are not coffins, but purses. I shall be well and rich yet, some day, if it please God, and shall live perhaps to love a daughter Milly, in remembrance of the kindest nature and the gentlest heart in the world.” He put up his hand as if expecting her to take it, but, being weakened, he lay still, with his face resting on his other hand, and did not turn round. The Chemist glanced about the room; — at the student’s books and papers, piled upon a table in a corner, where they, and his extinguished reading-lamp, now prohibited and put away, told of the attentive hours that had gone before this illness, and perhaps caused it; — at such signs of his old health and freedom, as the out-of-door attire that hung idle on the wall; — at those remembrances of other and less solitary scenes, the little miniatures upon the chimney-piece, and the drawing of home; — at that token of his emulation, perhaps, in some sort, of his personal attachment too, the framed engraving of himself, the looker-on. The time had been, only yesterday, when not one of these objects, in its remotest association of interest with the living figure before him, would have been lost on Redlaw. Now, they were but objects; or, if any gleam of such connexion shot upon him, it perplexed, and not enlightened him, as he stood looking round with a dull wonder. The student, recalling the thin hand which had
remained so long untouched, raised himself on the couch, and turned his head. “Mr. Redlaw!” he exclaimed, and started up. Redlaw put out his arm. “Don’t come nearer to me. I will sit here. Remain you, where you are!” He sat down on a chair near the door, and having glanced at the young man standing leaning with his hand upon the couch, spoke with his eyes averted towards the ground. “I heard, by an accident, by what accident is no matter, that one of my class was ill and solitary. I received no other description of him, than that he lived in this street. Beginning my inquiries at the first house in it, I have found him.” “I have been ill, sir,” returned the student, not merely with a modest hesitation, but with a kind of awe of him, “but am greatly better. An attack of fever — of the brain, I believe — has weakened me, but I am much better. I cannot say I have been solitary, in my illness, or I should forget the ministering hand that has been near me.” “You are speaking of the keeper’s wife,” said Redlaw. “Yes.” The student bent his head, as if he rendered her some silent homage. The Chemist, in whom there was a cold, monotonous apathy, which rendered him more like a marble image on the tomb of the man who had started from his dinner yesterday at the first mention of this student’s case, than the breathing man himself, glanced again at the student leaning with his hand upon the couch, and looked upon the ground, and in the air, as if for light for his blinded mind. “I remembered your name,” he said, “when it was mentioned to me down stairs, just now; and I recollect your face. We have held but very little personal communication together?” “Very little.” “You have retired and withdrawn from me, more than any of the rest, I think?” The student signified assent. “And why?” said the Chemist; not with the least expression of interest, but with a moody, wayward kind of curiosity. “Why? How comes it that you have sought to keep especially from me, the knowledge of your remaining here, at this season, when all the rest have dispersed, and of your being ill? I want to know why this is?” The young man, who had heard him with increasing agitation, raised his downcast eyes to his face, and clasping his hands together, cried with sudden earnestness and with trembling lips: “Mr. Redlaw! You have discovered me. You know my secret!” “Secret?” said the Chemist, harshly. “I know?” “Yes! Your manner, so different from the interest and sympathy which endear you to so many hearts, your altered voice, the constraint there is in everything you say, and in your looks,” replied the student, “warn me that you know me. That you would conceal it, even now, is but a proof to me (God knows I need none!) of your natural kindness and of the bar there is between us.” A vacant and contemptuous laugh, was all his answer. “But, Mr. Redlaw,” said the student, “as a just man, and a good man, think how innocent I am, except in name and descent, of participation in any wrong inflicted on you or in any sorrow you have borne.” “Sorrow!” said Redlaw, laughing. “Wrong! What are those to me?” “For Heaven’s sake,” entreated the shrinking student, “do not let the mere interchange of a few words with me change you like this, sir! Let me pass again from your knowledge and notice. Let me occupy my old reserved and distant place among those whom you instruct. Know me only by the name I have assumed, and not by that of Longford —” “Longford!” exclaimed the other. He clasped his head with both his hands, and for a moment turned upon the young man his own intelligent and thoughtful face. But the light passed from it, like the sun-beam of an instant, and it clouded as before. “The name my mother bears, sir,” faltered the young man, “the name she took, when she might, perhaps, have taken one more honoured. Mr. Redlaw,” hesitating, “I believe I know that history. Where my information halts, my guesses at what is wanting may supply something not remote from the truth. I am the child of a marriage that has not proved itself a well-assorted or a happy one. From infancy, I have heard you
spoken of with honour and respect — with something that was almost reverence. I have heard of such devotion, of such fortitude and tenderness, of such rising up against the obstacles which press men down, that my fancy, since I learnt my little lesson from my mother, has shed a lustre on your name. At last, a poor student myself, from whom could I learn but you?” Redlaw, unmoved, unchanged, and looking at him with a staring frown, answered by no word or sign. “I cannot say,” pursued the other, “I should try in vain to say, how much it has impressed me, and affected me, to find the gracious traces of the past, in that certain power of winning gratitude and confidence which is associated among us students (among the humblest of us, most) with Mr. Redlaw’s generous name. Our ages and positions are so different, sir, and I am so accustomed to regard you from a distance, that I wonder at my own presumption when I touch, however lightly, on that theme. But to one who — I may say, who felt no common interest in my mother once — it may be something to hear, now that all is past, with what indescribable feelings of affection I have, in my obscurity, regarded him; with what pain and reluctance I have kept aloof from his encouragement, when a word of it would have made me rich; yet how I have felt it fit that I should hold my course, content to know him, and to be unknown. Mr. Redlaw,” said the student, faintly, “what I would have said, I have said ill, for my strength is strange to me as yet; but for anything unworthy in this fraud of mine, forgive me, and for all the rest forget me!” The staring frown remained on Redlaw’s face, and yielded to no other expression until the student, with these words, advanced towards him, as if to touch his hand, when he drew back and cried to him: “Don’t come nearer to me!” The young man stopped, shocked by the eagerness of his recoil, and by the sternness of his repulsion; and he passed his hand, thoughtfully, across his forehead. “The past is past,” said the Chemist. “It dies like the brutes. Who talks to me of its traces in my life? He raves or lies! What have I to do with your distempered dreams? If you want money, here it is. I came to offer it; and that is all I came for. There can be nothing else that brings me here,” he muttered, holding his head again, with both his hands. “There CAN be nothing else, and yet —” He had tossed his purse upon the table. As he fell into this dim cogitation with himself, the student took it up, and held it out to him. “Take it back, sir,” he said proudly, though not angrily. “I wish you could take from me, with it, the remembrance of your words and offer.” “You do?” he retorted, with a wild light in his eyes. “You do?” “I do!” The Chemist went close to him, for the first time, and took the purse, and turned him by the arm, and looked him in the face. “There is sorrow and trouble in sickness, is there not?” he demanded, with a laugh. The wondering student answered, “Yes.” “In its unrest, in its anxiety, in its suspense, in all its train of physical and mental miseries?” said the Chemist, with a wild unearthly exultation. “All best forgotten, are they not?” The student did not answer, but again passed his hand, confusedly, across his forehead. Redlaw still held him by the sleeve, when Milly’s voice was heard outside. “I can see very well now,” she said, “thank you, Dolf. Don’t cry, dear. Father and mother will be comfortable again, to-morrow, and home will be comfortable too. A gentleman with him, is there!” Redlaw released his hold, as he listened. “I have feared, from the first moment,” he murmured to himself, “to meet her. There is a steady quality of goodness in her, that I dread to influence. I may be the murderer of what is tenderest and best within her bosom.” She was knocking at the door. “Shall I dismiss it as an idle foreboding, or still avoid her?” he muttered, looking uneasily around. She was knocking at the door again. “Of all the visitors who could come here,” he said, in a hoarse alarmed voice, turning to his companion, “this is the one I should desire most to avoid. Hide me!” The student opened a frail door in the wall, communicating where the garret-roof began to slope
towards the floor, with a small inner room. Redlaw passed in hastily, and shut it after him. The student then resumed his place upon the couch, and called to her to enter. “Dear Mr. Edmund,” said Milly, looking round, “they told me there was a gentleman here.” “There is no one here but I.” “There has been some one?” “Yes, yes, there has been some one.” She put her little basket on the table, and went up to the back of the couch, as if to take the extended hand — but it was not there. A little surprised, in her quiet way, she leaned over to look at his face, and gently touched him on the brow. “Are you quite as well to-night? Your head is not so cool as in the afternoon.” “Tut!” said the student, petulantly, “very little ails me.” A little more surprise, but no reproach, was expressed in her face, as she withdrew to the other side of the table, and took a small packet of needlework from her basket. But she laid it down again, on second thoughts, and going noiselessly about the room, set everything exactly in its place, and in the neatest order; even to the cushions on the couch, which she touched with so light a hand, that he hardly seemed to know it, as he lay looking at the fire. When all this was done, and she had swept the hearth, she sat down, in her modest little bonnet, to her work, and was quietly busy on it directly. “It’s the new muslin curtain for the window, Mr. Edmund,” said Milly, stitching away as she talked. “It will look very clean and nice, though it costs very little, and will save your eyes, too, from the light. My William says the room should not be too light just now, when you are recovering so well, or the glare might make you giddy.” He said nothing; but there was something so fretful and impatient in his change of position, that her quick fingers stopped, and she looked at him anxiously. “The pillows are not comfortable,” she said, laying down her work and rising. “I will soon put them right.” “They are very well,” he answered. “Leave them alone, pray. You make so much of everything.” He raised his head to say this, and looked at her so thanklessly, that, after he had thrown himself down again, she stood timidly pausing. However, she resumed her seat, and her needle, without having directed even a murmuring look towards him, and was soon as busy as before. “I have been thinking, Mr. Edmund, that YOU have been often thinking of late, when I have been sitting by, how true the saying is, that adversity is a good teacher. Health will be more precious to you, after this illness, than it has ever been. And years hence, when this time of year comes round, and you remember the days when you lay here sick, alone, that the knowledge of your illness might not afflict those who are dearest to you, your home will be doubly dear and doubly blest. Now, isn’t that a good, true thing?” She was too intent upon her work, and too earnest in what she said, and too composed and quiet altogether, to be on the watch for any look he might direct towards her in reply; so the shaft of his ungrateful glance fell harmless, and did not wound her. “Ah!” said Milly, with her pretty head inclining thoughtfully on one side, as she looked down, following her busy fingers with her eyes. “Even on me — and I am very different from you, Mr. Edmund, for I have no learning, and don’t know how to think properly — this view of such things has made a great impression, since you have been lying ill. When I have seen you so touched by the kindness and attention of the poor people down stairs, I have felt that you thought even that experience some repayment for the loss of health, and I have read in your face, as plain as if it was a book, that but for some trouble and sorrow we should never know half the good there is about us.” His getting up from the couch, interrupted her, or she was going on to say more. “We needn’t magnify the merit, Mrs. William,” he rejoined slightingly. “The people down stairs will be paid in good time I dare say, for any little extra service they may have rendered me; and perhaps they anticipate no less. I am much obliged to you, too.” Her fingers stopped, and she looked at him. “I can’t be made to feel the more obliged by your exaggerating the case,” he said.
To Be Continued Next Issue
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 23
Page 24 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, Februar y 7, 2018
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Melbourne Seniors News
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Maeburn Cottages 33 Mairburn Rd, Metung VIC 3904 Phone: (03) 5156 2736 www.maeburncottages.com.au
Relax and unwind at Maeburn’s luxury lakeside Cottages, set in an acre of established parklike gardens and positioned for privacy with ample adjacent parking and a ramp for easy access. For that quintessential family holiday in Metung you can’t go past Maeburn Cottages! The ideal getaway for couples, families, friends and large groups of up to 20. Cottage 1 The Queen Suite (front part of the main house) Main bedroom has a queen bed. Second bedroom has a queen bed. LCD TV. Kitchenette. Private Tepanyaki BBQ and verandah. Cottage 2 Main bedroom has a queen bed. Second bedroom - one single bed. Double sofabed in lounge. Cottage 3 Main bedroom has a queen bed. Second bedroom - one single bed and a king single bed. Cottage 4 Main bedroom has a queen bed. Second bedroom has a queen bed. Every cottage has a dining and living area. Cottages 2, 3 and 4 have a dining and living area with an 81cm LCD TV, DVD player and reverse cycle air-conditioning. Kitchens are equipped with stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. Cottages 2, 3 and 4 have a washing machine, clothes line and dryer. Linen and towels for hire or BYO. Blankets and pillows are provided. New wooden deck with pergola and outdoor furniture. We are Pet Friendly - well behaved, clean and brushed dogs allowed.
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 39
Observer Crossword Solution No 19 A D U L T E R E R
D J U ND D RE R OS
E V Y S EC U O GRE A R REC Y I TO T I N G CHA T A D R RED U V ME A U R P E K R B A B E F L A U R DOC D H L E A I E DEC
US P ER I A T Y E E P ER BU ON NE Y R E I N AD S I X E D A I S Y N A T F R
T A G GO G Y P F L I O EN L K D R DE A B V E I L S J A ORD N S ED OA K F I N F L E Y E G L NG A L E T A L SCO E P M E OR B I I ER L A E EN
B L U S T GR RO OU US T D KH E A RB B I S M GU UN I D L A EN E E A S S E E A DR S K NE I C T H S E L O N I S
E
DA SHOF SOT L WOO L T U HUMP D E I NS S A Y NG S P I E S T CAUS T I Y ARD P RAC I S T S EN T S C A K I C I AO DS S RA Y ME L F R REM I T S SO L I C I T A L T K E E L L F W RA I T RA Y S C MA X I I B F E E S T I D S L AM AR L DHA L S E AM AR I WO E S T E S S ACK U K S L A Y A I N RODE T E ED T E V ER ONC EDAM A S S K I L I F ER E L I T E TON L OS SD L N M ED I T CO OUR A GADGE T I
F A B L E C U L L T A I L D A L A I S A P S P A C T N A I L S
SCRUNCH I NG S H R O M O A A GRA B B ED DER E R I D L GAR US A B L E YODE L E K E S S E A L S ADDS S SCOOP E AD HYDRAN T S I DO DOER E L AD Y MEDA L S Y E AH NE T H U S K EW NO T A F T S AWN M V O A D TWO T I M E SCAM E S S OBOE L I ED B S AGO DAR I E N Y L ON R B R I P E OA T H M I N T GNUS P ANG A D O I NG BU L L I ON T S MANE T H S L I NO D I V A ROS S DAN N J E T S FORGED I E S S I DE L L L K I NGDOMS T ME L E E E MA L L S MAMA MA I L S MA P F ANN Y HOOP L A I NS E R E R N A L UGGAGE E I L U S R S L E E V E L E S S
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Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 41 e urn lbo Me
Every Week in the Melbourne Observer
ver N ser O Ob TI C SE 3
Observer Showbiz
Arts: Arts House season launched .......................... Page 42 Theatre: In The Next Room ............................................ Page 43 Country Music: Shania Twain to tour .............................. Page 42 Jim and Aaron: Paddington 2 ‘superb sequel’ ............... Page 44 Cheryl Threadgold: Local shows, auditions ........................... Page 46 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSSSWORD
You’re lookin’ swell, Dolly HIR at Red Stitch
● Belinda McClory (Paige) and Ben Grant (Arnold) in HIR. Image: Work Art Life Studios and Black Photography ■ The curtain literally falls to open Red Stitch’s production of Taylor Mac’s HIR, revealing an almost vaudeville dystopia of suburban Californian life. Paige (Belinda McClory), the matriarch, presides over a chaotic household where nothing has been cleaned for ages. Her rebellion against social norms has been made possible since her once dominant husband, Arnold (Ben Grant),has suffered a stroke and relies on Paige for care. He is in a nightie and made up like a clown. Into this chaos comes Isaac (Jordan Fraser-Trumble) who has returned from military service, dishonourably discharged, where his role was to retrieve the body parts of fallen soldiers. The now unfamiliar home he once knew is also altered by the gender reassignment his sister, now Max (Harvey Zaska-Zielinski), is going through. Mac’s black comedy highlights the discord and uncertainty we now face in society. After three years absence, Isaac is now completely at a loss when he returns home to face a new reality. His desire for order and certainty leads to violence, his only outlet. Max isn’t sure what his identity is – is he gay or should he identify with the masculine norm. Paige has become a new person but in presiding over the household, she alienates others. And Arnold, in his incapacitated state, is left to the mercy of others and becomes a victim of their persecution which could be seen as payback if it weren’t simply a manifestation of the same cruelty he practiced when dominant. The disquiet we feel as an audience is that the contemporary paradigm leaves open a range of possibilities but takes away the certainty. The debate about where these norms are founded and how they are expressed is never really answered. Rather, it is for the audience to discuss their experience of gender assignment, social roles and the norms and conventions of society. These can be confronting. Daniel Clarke (director) captures the chaos and Adrienne Chisholm’s set, suitably functional, is a disaster zone of patchwork decoration that also hides signs of dysfunction. As part of the Midsummer Festival, Red Stitch’s contribution adds to the debate that is extant in society today; gender, acceptance, sympathy and support. Red Stitch Actors’Theatre, St Kilda. Until March 4 - Review by David McLean
Love Bird
● Dolly Diamond ■ Experiencing Dolly Diamond’s Midsumma Festival show this month, it’s abundantly clear why she’s been picked again as Artistic Director for Melbourne Cabaret Festival in June. Not only a master of cabaret (and comedy), Diamond is nurturing of her co-performers. A charming high-school-band sound opens the 15 Year Anniversary Gala. It is The Melbourne Rainbow Bandplaying Pharrell’sHappy, and we are. Anticipation for Diamond’s cabaret has the auditorium of the Athenaeum Theatre buzzing. Performing for 15 years means Diamond has acquired many adoring fans and supporters. Dolly is truly and immediately entertaining. Beautifully frocked up, she launches straight into charming and downright cracking up the audience with her brash quips and tongue-incheek (she would name other parts of the anatomy here; she’s very naughty!). Singing favourites like Love Is In The Air and On The Street Where You Live, Diamond changes lyrics and meaning for her storytelling benefit. I’ve not seen Dolly Diamond before, and tonight I’m wondering how that’s possible. I wholeheartedly agree with the proclamation that she is Queen of Cabaret. Like all strong matriarchs, she unites her people (through song and laughter) under a common goal: pride. To imbue her strength in us, she encourages we share the motto she herself lives by: “Never let the bastards get you down!” The show feels like mother goose gathering her festivalperforming goslings and lovingly guiding them. All of Dolly’s guests get star treatment. There’s the delightful Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus; the impressive FootscrayYarraville City Band; talented singer and writer Rachel Dunham; Australian a’capella group The Phones, reuniting for a one-off performance. Even affable MC Luke Gallagher gets a go at a couple of songs. Though you often start thinking, “bring back Dolly”, the overall effect of joyous celebration, goodwill and comradery has a profoundly positive effect. - Deborah Marinaro
Fellowships available
■ Applications for the 2018 Churchill Fellowship opened last Thursday (Feb. 1) This prestigious award offers Australian citizens the opportunity to travel overseas to investigate a topic or an issue they are passionate about. It is for anyone who, after examining alternatives within Australia, would now like to see what other countries are doing successfully in a similar field to inspire new ideas and innovation. Applications close Friday, April 27. www.churchillfellowships.com.au
■ Who’d have thought to use a bird, a hypersexual cockatiel, to steer an eight-year-old girl through the vagaries of sexual development from childhood into adolescence on stage? Emerging Melbourne playwright, Georgina Harriss, does with her humorous and sensitive Love Bird. Georgina brings us this absurd notion while illustrating issues of rites of passage and parents’ roles in dealing with a daughter’s awareness of sexuality. Franny (Jessica Martin) is turning eight. As a present, her parents, Joan (played by Beth Liston) and Richard (Matt Tester) call in friend and bird guru, Bill (Brendan McFarlane). Franny can choose one bird from a selection and immediately issues of gender difference emerge. Once chosen, Mr Ping Pong, becomes her prince charming. Franny soon becomes confused when she receives mixed messages from her caring, protective parents dealing with their own contradictory sexuality issues. Her confusion is not helped by her mother’s advice to regularly wash her hands with Dettol while her father points to the bird only doing what it know instinctively. Brendan McFarlane plays two further characters, Ugboot, a second bird introduced as an experiment to deflect Mr Ping Pong’s amorous attentions. However, this is unsuccessful and only adds to the gender-confused melee. Turn To Page 46
NIDA: Spirit of Place ■ NIDAnights invites Melbourne to The Spirit of Place, on February 15 to an intimate evening of eclectic stories about ‘place’, from a curated weave of folk, fable and contemporary storytellers. NIDAnights is a series of stimulating monthly workshops, masterclasses, performances and roundtables at NIDA Melbourne, Suite 4, 152 Sturt St., Southbank, located in the heart of Melbourne’s Southbank arts precinct. The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is Australia’s leading institution for education and training in the dramatic arts, which has grown to become a world leader, with a highly regarded educational program of graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational diplomas, open short courses, school holiday programs and corporate training. Hosted by communication artist, storyteller, speaker, facilitator and writer Kate Lawrence as part of National Sustainable Living Festival 2018 the stories explore the vast expanse of desert land, the salty roar of the ocean, the aching heartbreak of pollution and the roller coaster ride of a good story. Do stories deepen our connection to country and community? How do we, all at once, love and grieve and heal our relationship to place? Kate Lawrence works with writers to help them bring their stories to fruition. After 20 years as a lawyer arguing a case, she is excited to work with story tellers and their ‘magical ability to enchant.’ Kate says that for her, storytelling is both moving between a narrated experience and a dramatic experience. “Ultimately there is no ‘fourth wall’, where the audience is in the other world, as the narrator is the home base. The narrator directly addresses the audience to the story and there is a strong feedback loop around the audience and the storyteller with the story sitting in the middle.” Kate says this event will include a mixture of folk tales, personal stories, historical stories, immigration stories. We are celebrating the traditional and ancient art of oral storytelling.’ For more information about NIDAnights: www.nida. edu.au/melbourne-studios - Cheryl Threadgold
Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018
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Observer Showbiz
Country Music, Radio, Theatre, Almanac Country Crossroads
By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads.com.au
Shania to tour ■ Country superstar Shania Twain will tour Australia in November and December. It will be her first tour back here since 1999 and she will play Rod LaverArena on December 11.Good Friday Appeal.
Davidson Brothers ■ Victorian Bluegrass brothers Lachlan and Hamish Davidson took out two honours at the January Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth, NSW. Instrumental of the Year and Bluegrass Recording of the Year belonged to the boys and adds to an already impressive list of career achievements.
Boomers Jukebox ■ Rock n Roll favourites and country gems make up the track list on the new CD by Melbourne band Boomers Jukebox. The 50s and 60s classics are played the way you remember them says their CD bio. More info: phone Robin, 9711 1118.
Karise in Melb. ■ The 2012 winner of Channel 9’s The Voice, Karise Eden, will perform at 7.30pm this Friday February 9, at the Memo Music Hall, St Kilda. Supporting Karise on the show will be Bonnie Anderson, a past winner on Australia's Got Talent. - Rob Foenander
Arts House season launched ■ Inspiring everyone to pull up their sleeves and get involved, the next Arts House season is bold, risky and vibrant – it’s a thought-provoking program of works designed to enthral, entertain and challenge. Cr Rohan Leppert describes Melbourne as one of the world’s greatest creative cities where Arts House plays a vital role in nurturing the creative community: “It’s our city’s home of independent arts and supports artists to develop new works and test ideas. “The works presented as part of this new season cement Arts House’s reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting contemporary arts venues – it is sure to challenge and inspire. “If the purpose of art is to provoke critical discussion, then this season will do just that,” said Cr Leppert. Arts House is entering a time of renovation, flux and new solutions under the guiding hand of Acting Artistic Director Josh Wright. For the third edition of the Festival of Live Art, presented in March in partnership with Theatre Works and Footscray Community Arts Centre, the festival will bring together some of the boldest artists at their experimental best. From the epic to the microscopic, the Festival of Live Art is all about curiosity and making it happen together – it will spring people out of their daily chaos and into everything that is participatory and interactive. Wright explains that creating art takes a lot of elbow grease and that the Festival of Live Art is all about getting your hands dirty. “The festival is what you make of it and we need everyone to influence these experiences and expectations. “There will be onesies to sew, topics to be debated, trinkets to reassemble, landscapes to be painted and twerkshops.” For Next Wave in May, Arts House will welcome a bunch of brilliant artists exploring identity, gender and colonisation, including the Edinburgh Fringe hit, Salt, by Selina Thompson (UK); a new work by Sydney duo, Black Birds called Exhale; a compelling new video installation presented by Roberta Rich: M/other Land. Following a sold out season of Imagined Touch in 2017, Jodee Mundy returns to Arts House in April with her latest work Personal – an autobiography as KODA (Kid of Deaf Adults) that will reveal ideas of perception and perspectives. In June, Arts House will see two unique installations about privacy, secrets and spectatorship: Lone by The Rabble and St Martins and a new version of the Festival of Live Art 2016 audience favourite, The Naked Self by Michele Lee and Tanya Dickson. The season will culminate in June with Carrion – a macabre, posthuman spectre from a
r Obser vbeiz On This Day Show
Wednesday Thursday February 7 February 8
■ Charles Dickens was born in Porstmouth, England, in 1812. He died aged 58 in 1870. Artist Sir Russell Drysdale was born in Sussex, England, in 1912. He died aged 69 in 1981. Actress Hattie Jacques was born in Kent, England, in 1924.
■ Jack Larson, who played Jimmy Olsen in Superman was born in Los Angeles (1933). French author Jules Verne was born in 1828. He died aged 77 in 1905. Hi-ho everybody. Radio man Jack Davey was born in 1910. He died in 1959, aged 49.
Melbourne Arts truly unique performer, Justin Shoulder. Arts House will continue to take a holistic approach to support the ecology of artistic creation by supporting selected independent artists to explore, experiment, investigate and create their great ideas through initiatives including CultureLAB and the Artist-in- Residence programs. Tickets to Arts House Season 1 are on sale now. Web: artshouse.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
Enter Ophelia
■ Five female artists make up two of Melbourne’s indie theatre companies. They come together to present an original production, Enter Ophelia at La Mama from February 20 -March 4. Essential Theatre are among leaders within the theatrical landscape having recently come back from a successful international tour to Edinburgh garnering five star reviews. Three Birds Theatre are passionate young VCA graduates, acknowledged with a Green Room nomination for their work. This is the first time these companies have come together. “We are constantly inspired by their (Three Birds) energy and their fresh approach to creating work” says Amanda LaBonte, co-Artistic Director of Essential Theatre. Drawing from the traditional world of Shakespeare, Enter Ophelia is said to surprise audiences with its dark dramatic turns and fantastical comic moments. Essential Theatre has more than 16 years’ experience within the industry and has developed a strong reputation for delivering exciting, accessible and imaginative Shakespearian productions. Directed by John Kachoyan, the cast includes Candace Miles, Madelaine Nunn, Anna Rodway, Amanda LaBonte and Sophie Lampel. Venue: La Mama Theatre, Faraday Street, Carlton Dates: Feb 20 - March 4 Times: Tues/Wed 6:30pm, Thurs - Sat 7:30pm, Sun 4pm (70 minutes) Bookings: Visit lama.com.au or 03 9347 6142 Tickets: Full $30 / Concession $20 - Cheryl Threadgold
Radio Confidential ■ Craig Hutchison, 43, is being paid $883,752 as Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Star Network which operates radio station SEN 1116. His shareholding in the merged Pacific Star-Crocmedia entity will exceed $12 million. His entities will control 24.4 per cent of the station. ■ Gerard Whateley has commenced with SEN 1116, broadcasting a threehour morning program from 9am-12 Noon. Kevin Bartlett has moved to the ‘Drive’ timeslot. ■ Sports journalist Mark Robinson, who writes for the Herald Sun, has left the employ of the radio station. ■ Long-time broadcasters David ‘Ox’ Schwartz and Mark Allen were axed after 12 years on air. ■ Crocmedia had revenue of $20.6 million in the 2016-17 financial year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation were $2.8 million. ■ Other major shareholders atPacific Star Network will be Viburnum Funds (23.1 per cent), Rothfield family (13.3 per cent), Ron Hall (9.9 per cent), Herszberg family (4.7 per cent), Fairfax Media (3.9 per cent), other Crocmedia shareholders (9.5 per cent). ■ Pacific Star Network is looking to raise $10 million by issuing 40 million new shares at 25 cents each.The company will pay out its existing debt facility, due to mature on March 30. The merger needs approval of a general meeting, due to be held next month. ■ Chris Giannipoulos is being appointed to the Pacific Star Network board as Executive Director. He will be paid $430,000. Colm O’Brien remains on the board. ■ The merger has an impact on RSN 927 Racing and Sport Radio and Radio TAB. Crocmedia’s Racing Media Sales (Raceforce Media) provides exclusive agency sales of advertising. ■ Pacific Star Network will also continue to operate its Classic Rock (1377) radio station in Melbourne, as well as three digital stations: Aussie, Koool and Rythmos, and publish Inside Football , Frankie and Spaces Melbourne
Observer
Friday February 9
Saturday February 10
■ Broadcaster Derryn Hinch was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, in 1944 (74). Cricketer Glenn McGrath was born in Dubbo in 1970 (48). Singer Michael Buble was born in British Columbia in 1975 Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith was born in 1897.
■ Golfer Greg Norman was born in Mt Isa in 1955 (60). Actor Peter Allen (Woolnough) was born in Tenterfield in 1944. He died aged 48 in 1992. Comedian and actor Jimmy Durante was born in New Tork in 1895. He died aged 92 in 1986.
Sunday February 11 ■ Singer Chad (Chadwick Morgan) was born in Wondai, Queensland, in 1933 (84). Singer Gene Vincent was born as Vincent Eugene Craddock in 1935. He died aged 36 in 1971. Actress Jennifer Aniston is 49 today. Surfer Kelly Slater is 46 today (1972).
Monday February 12
■ TV doctor James Wright (John Knight) was born in Brisbane in 1927 (91). Abraham Lincoln, US President, was born in 1809. He died aged 56 in 1865. US actress Christina Ricci was born in California in 1980 (38) Scottish actress Annette Crosbie is 84.
Tuesday February 13
■ Singer Tennessee Ernie Ford was born in 1919. He died aged 72 in 1991. The late TV personality and actor Stuart Wagstaff was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1925. English singer Robbie Williams was born in 1974 (41). Actor George Segal is 84 (1934).
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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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 43
Observer Showbiz
TV, Radio, Theatre
Hanging Rock
● Pia Johnson ■ “I know you’re there ... Miranda? Miranda!” Matthew Lutton’s haunting and gothic production of Picnic at Hanging Rock has returned to Malthouse Theatre from a successful season in the UK for an encore seaso. On a summer’s day in 1900, three Australian schoolgirls grew tired of their classmates and yearned for adventure. Escaping their teacher’s watchful gaze they absconded, away from the group and towards the beckoning Hanging Rock – never to be seen again. Picnic at Hanging Rock has haunted the Australian psyche for over a century both in print and on film. In Tom Wright’s chilling adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s classic novel, five performers struggle to solve the mystery of the missing girls and their teacher. Euphoria and terror reverberate throughout Appleyard College, as the potential for history to repeat itself becomes nightmarishly real. This adaptation will return to the UK for a season at The Barbican Centre immediately following the encore in Melbourne. Performance Dates: Until February 14 Venue: Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse Bookings: boxoffice@malthouse theatre.com.au or 9685 5111 - Cheryl Threadgold
Aust. Music Vault
■ The Australian Music Vault incorporating the Aria Hall of Fame was opened to the public before Christmas by Martin Foley, Minister for the Creative Arts. It documents the history of the Australian Contemporary Music Industry from the early beginnings in the 1950s to the present time. It is positioned extremely well at the entrance of the St Kilda Rd foyer, Theatres Building, Arts Centre Melbourne. This digital and interactive exhibition features an impressive array of exhibits featuring such iconic Australian performers such asAC/DC; PeterAllen; Kylie Minogue; Tina Arena; Nick Cave; Johnny O’Keefe; Judith Durham; Olivia Newton-John; Col Joye; Icehouse; Midnight Oil; Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum; Yothu Yindi; Men At Work; Little River Band and many more. This is a permanent display that will be refreshed periodically. The Victorian Government invested $8.3 million in this project and patrons include Michael Gudinski, Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum, Kylie Minogue, Archie Roach and Tina Arena. Arts Centre Melbourne and the Australian Music Vault also partner with APRA AMCOS, the Australian Performing Rights Association. Activities and programs will include – SoundAs Ever – an Australian Music Vault podcast offering a youth perspective on the Australian Music Industry, stories of Australian Music – a talk series commencing in March, and Australian Music Vault for Schools to encourage young people to be involved in singing Australian music. This free permanent exhibition is open daily and is well worth a visit. Information: artscentremelbourne. com.au - Review by Jill Page
In The Next Room
● Xavier Ryan (Dr Givings) and Raphael Lecat (patient Leo Irving) rehearse Brighton Theatre Company’s In The Next Room or the Vibrator Play Photo: Blake Stringer ■ Brighton Theatre Company presents In The child, and how his new therapy affects their enNext Room or the Vibrator Play from February tire household. When a new “hysterical” patient and her hus15-March 3 at Brighton Theatre. The play is written by Sarah Ruhl and will band bring a wet nurse and their own complibe directed by Natasha Boyd, who speaks highly cated relationship into the doctor’s home, Dr and Mrs Givings must examine the nature of their of her cast and production crew. “The cast’s commitment and creativity to our own marriage, and what it truly means to love core vision has impressed me, and I have been someone. Tickets for this show are said to be selling blessed with an awesome production crew,” says fast. Natasha. Performance Season: February 15 – March Set in 1880s Saratoga Springs (just outside New York) and at the dawn of the age of elec- 3 Venue: Brighton Theatre, Cnr Wilson and tricity, this Victorian era story is based on the bizarre historical fact that doctors used vibra- Carpenter Sts, Brighton Bookings: via website www.brighton tors to treat ‘hysterical’ women (and some men). The play centres on Dr Givings and his young theatreco.com - Cheryl Threadgold wife Catherine who has recently had her first
Crossing Delancey
● Genevieve Ryan (Bubbie), Seth Kannof (Sam the Pickleman) and Paula McDonald (Hannah) rehearse Crossing Delancey for Heidelberg Theatre Company. Photo: David Belton ■ Heidelberg Theatre Com- alone on the West Side of Man- with her friend Hannah the pany presents the comedy hattan. matchmaker, sets out to find a She has a job at a presti- good catch for Izzy. Crossing Delancey from February 16-March 3 at 36 gious independent bookstore, Performance Dates: Februplenty of friends, and a hand- ary 16 -March 3. Evenings at Turnham Ave, Rosanna. Written by American play- some local author to dream 8pm, Matinees February 18, 25 wright Susan Sandler and di- about. None of this matters to her and March 3 at 2pm rected by Llaaneath Poor, Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, Crossing Delancey explores the Bubbie, a strong-minded, 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna. bonds of family and tradition fiercely loving, traditional JewTickets: $27/$24 and the culture clash of old East ish grandmother, who worries Bookings: 9457 4117 about her living alone. Side and new West Side. She decides to take matters htc.org.au The story tells of 30-some- Cheryl Threadgold thing Izzy Grossman who lives into her own hands and along
Romeo, Juliet ■ #romeoandjuliet begins with the handing out of ‘lost properties’ to the audience. In amongst the lost property is a copy of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of two young lovers. Stephanie (Lily Fish) then proceeds to relate the show’s safety instructions. Should there be a ‘Fire Event’, should an audience member be consumed by internal rage; should there be a flooding event, should we be engulfed in tears of empathy, or if the muses should enter and possess us, a refund can be procured at the La Mama box office. Forewarned, we then enter the quirky and decidedly odd world of Stephanie and Veronique’s (KimberleyTwiner)circus. Ringmaster Veronique assisted by Strongwoman Stephanie perform acrobatic tricks for the audience. This eccentric circus is inventive and oftentimes inspired.Acclaimed clowning director, Giovanni Fusetti, is listed as a collaborator. Exceptionally clever and funny physical comedy follows. Fish is brilliant in acts such as the beast, the Serbian Mongrel, and as the Human Marimba, Twiner’s Aerialist performing the Tissu on the floor was ingenious. In between scenes, Twiner disappears and reappears in order to provide Fish with the opportunity to reimagine a non-tragic Romeo and Juliet with ‘less dying and more kissing’. What doesn’t work so well is this transition from the circus to Romeo and Juliet. It wasn’t clear how we got here or why. What was missing was a narrative. While there were some great moments, there was something missing. Kooky ideas and two very talented performers are not enough to really make this strange hybrid gel. - Review by Kathryn Keeble
Homophonic
■ For only two performances an assembly of LGBTIQ professional performers brought to life original symphonic and vocal harmonies by queer composers as part of Midsumma Festival. Under the auspices of production company 3 Shades Black, artistic director Miranda Hill for the seventh year gathered works from a range of composers to give us very diverse works “to perform some outlandishly amazing music”. That it was, by composers such as American maverick Lou Harrison who blended Eastern and Western traditions in his music, Moya Henderson internationally acclaimed whose works explore the soul and culture of Australia and Andrew Aronowicz, a passionate young Australian writer of music and words creating abstract and sonic works which stimulate and explore. While there were two halves, the latter just overshadowing the earlier set that with each work an introduction was given by compere Miranda Hill. At times she was too personal and many in-house quips that meant little to the packed Court House. Compering is an art that should enhance and educate with clear delivery. Impressive were six chamber singers from The Consort of Melbourne under director Stephen Hodgson, performing typical a Capella works. Especially commissioned for Homophonic 2018 were Naima Fine’s premiere performance of “Their voices were over the sky”, based on the messages of refugees trapped on Manus Island and the premiere performance of Glyph by Andrew Aronowicz and performed by Miranda Hill on double bass that was captivating. Homophonic, continues to be an essential part of Midsumma Festival and by exploring, www.3shadesblack.com will give further insight to the diversity of the event and of its 20 or more performers and composers, all being proud of being as gay as the day is long. Homophonic was presented at the La Mama Courthouse, Carlton. - Review by Graeme McCoubrie
Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Observer Showbiz
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Movies, DVDs with Jim Sherlock, Aaron Rourke What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs FILM: BAD MOMS 2: Genre: Comedy. Cast: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Justin Hartley, Susan Sarandon. Year: 2017. Rating: MA15+ Stars: * **½ Summary: Three moms Amy (Mila Kunis), Kiki (Kristen Bell) and Carla (Kathryn Hahn) are trying to create the perfect Christmas for their families, and if that isn't hard enough, their mothers (Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines and Susan Sarandon) show up unannounced, and things become more than overburdening. Wildly outrageous and raunchy follow-up the last years sleeper hit "Bad Moms" is filled with an unexpected cavalcade of hardcore laughs, and even though our over-stressed moms delve into some over-thetop hi-jinks and debauchery, its heart remains firmly in place. Not without its flaws, and stumbling occasionally, thanks to the chemistry of our charismatic leads and their mothers, this pushes all the buttons in all the right places. At its core is a good natured girl-power comedy of motherhood, friendship and family life that propels what could have been an otherwise bland sitcom structure to a delightfully entertaining and gleefully goofy adult comedy, one well worth making the investment of a baby-sitter, for all moms, dads and grandmothers to experience and relish. FILM: THE LOVERS: Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance. Cast: Debra Winger, Tracy Letts, Aidan Gillen. Year: 2017. Rating: M . Length: 97 Minutes. Stars: *** Verdict: Debra Winger and Tracy Letts play a long-married, dispassionate couple who are both in the midst of serious affairs. But on the brink of calling it quits, a spark between them suddenly reignites, leading them into an impulsive romance, and start having an affair with each other while with their new partners. Quirky comedy-romantic-drama survives on performance, and though not wholly engaging it is filled with enough interested to get you by thanks to the performances of veteran Debra Winger and Tracy Letts as the middle aged couple going through the awkwardness of relationships outside their marriage. Ambling along at its own pace with and a few shrewd comedic steps along the way, this would have fared better as a Cable or TV movie of the week release. FILM: BRAD'S STATUS: Genre: Comedy/Drama/Music. Cast: Ben Stiller, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fischer, Michael Sheen. Year: 2017. Rating: M . Length: 101 Minutes. Stars: **½ Summary: After he sees that several of his school friends have become, unlike himself, famous and wealthy, a middle-aged, middleclass father re-evaluates his own life choices, while taking his teenage son on a trip for College inclusion. Ben Stiller gives a solid, even touching, performance, at times, in this mid-life-crisis of fears and failure father & son journey, and even though it has a poignant and soulful core, the heavy-handed direction (by Mike White) sends it all too quickly spiralling into drollness and dread, from which it never fully recovers. The honesty of his fears and failures are commendable, however, it is difficult to grasp them, or feel compassion for him, coming from a such a beautiful middle-class home with a beautiful and understanding wife, and a healthy, ambitious and talented young son. Co-produced by Brad Pitt and his Plan-B Entertainment, rewarding performances come Austin Abrams as the young son and Jenna Fischer as the Mother/Wife, Michael Sheen as a successful and wealthy friend, and Shazi Raja and Luisa Lee as two school musicians. Maybe it's the difference in the cultures, but his blindness to acknowledge from the beginning the gifts he has make it a more frustrating experience than a totally fulfilling one, especially in-light of how far his dreams extend in this droll "Secret Life of Walter Mitty" character study. We all dream of what could have been, it's natural, but like some father's going through mid-life-crisis, go and buy a Harley-Davidson or Hot-Car instead. - James Sherlock
Welcome to 2018
● Paddington 2: superb sequel ■ Here we are, back again to inFerdinand (PG). 108 minutes. dulge in what the coming year has *** to offer movie wise. Though far from the best aniWith the Oscar nominations now mated film around, this mildly enannounced, attention is focused on dearing effort is better than exwhat was recognised and what was pected, but falls into safe formula overlooked. too many times. For now however, here are Call Me By Your Name (MA). some of the movies I caught up with 132 minutes. ****½ over the summer break. Gorgeously handled coming-ofJumanji (PG). 116 minutes. ** age drama which is directed with Overlong, addlebrained follow- assured, uninhibited dignity. Full of up to the 1995 hit has made a ton of outstanding performances, and the money, but offers little in the way location is perfectly utilised. of genuine fun and excitement. Darkest Hour (M). 125 minutes. The Killing Of A Sacred Deer **½ (MA). 121 minutes. ****½ Pokey, old-fashioned look at a Hypnotic, disturbing, slow-burn pivotal time for Churchill offers thriller is another unique effort from little insight or grit, feeling more like the director of The Lobster and a run-of-the-mill TV movie. Dogtooth. Oldman is fun as the iconic PM, Coco (PG). 105 minutes. **** but it's not his best performance. Delightful family entertainment I, Tonya (MA). 120 mins. ** that seems inspired by Miyazaki's Cartoonish misfire takes a miSpirited Away and the Guillermo del nor historical incident and smothToro-produced The Book Of Life. ers it in multiple, unnecessary narPaddington 2 (PG). 103 min- rative devices and a juvenile, realutes. ***** ity TV-style mentality. Superb sequel to the charming All The Money In The World original is better in every way imag- (MA). 133 minutes. *** inable. The best family film reOkay hostage drama based on a leased over the holidays. true story. Film never fully grabs or Three Billboards Outside Ebb- involves, but is perfectly watchable ing, Missouri (MA). 115 minutes. entertainment. The new footage is ****½ seamlessly integrated. Martin McDonagh's heartfelt Breathe (M). 117 minutes. **½ drama is also laced with a very dark Rather pallid treatment of an sense of humour. First-rate perfor- amazing true story, undermining mances all-round. both the pain and achievements of The Florida Project (MA). 111 Robin and Diana Cavendish. Wellminutes. ****½ acted and exquisitely photoExceptional, confrontational graphed. drama that for some reason has Molly's Game (M). 140 minutes. been almost completely overlooked **** at this year's Oscars. Riveting account of ex-Olympic The Post (M). 116 minutes. *** hopeful Molly Bloom building a forEntertaining but toothless ren- tune via a high-stakes poker game dering of the Pentagon Papers scan- aimed squarely at the elite. Jessica dal. Streep is good, but Tom Hanks Chastain is simply wonderful. is sorely miscast. The Commuter (M). 105 minThe Shape Of Water (MA). 121 utes. ** minutes. ****½ Idiotic thriller that goes off the Beautifully crafted mix of rails after a promising opening 10 drama, romance, and fantasy from minutes. Liam Neeson does what director Guillermo del Toro. Has he can with an illogical, increasgarnered a massive 13 Oscar nomi- ingly silly script. nations. Den Of Thieves (MA). 140 minThe Greatest Showman (PG). utes. *½ 105 minutes. ** Shameless rip-off of Michael Glib, whitewashed account of Mann's Heat offers absolutely none P.T. Barnum, a shrewd business- of that film's intricate crime/cop man who exploited the unfortunate detail and fascinating, well-rounded for his own financial gain. Hugh characters. Gerard Butler is no Al Jackman is the film's sole saving Pacino. grace. - Aaron Rourke
Top 10 Lists FEBRUARY 4-10 THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. I, TONYA. 2. JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE. 3. MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE. 4. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. 5. PADMAAVAT . 6. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. 7. THE POST. 8. DARKEST HOUR. 9. PITCH PERFECT 3. 10. THE COMMUTER. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: FEBRUARY 1: 5 COWAK JAGOAN: RISE OF THE ZOMBIES, DEN OF THEIVES, GUARDIANS OF THE TOMB, MOLLY'S GAME, PHANTOM THREAD. FEBRUARY 8: FIFTY SHADES FREED, HAPPY END, INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY, MENASHE, STRONGER, TAD THE LOST EXPLORER AND THE SECRET OF KING MIDAS, THE 15:17 TO PARIS. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. BLADE RUNNER 2049 [Sci-Fi/Mystery/ Drama/Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright]. 2. GEOSTORM [Action/Thriller/Sci-Fi/Gerard Butler, Ed Harris, Abbie Cornish]. 3. THE SNOWMAN [Crime/Drama/Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson]. 4. THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM [Horror/Thriller/ Bill Nighy, Olivia Cooke, Douglas Booth]. 5. BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99 [Crime/ Drama/Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Carpenter, Don Johnson]. 6. MOTHER! [Mystery/Horror/Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ed Harris]. 7. BATTLE OF THE SEXES [Comedy/Biography/Drama/Emma Stone, Steve Carell]. 8. DUNKIRK [Action/Drama/History/Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh]. 9. HOME AGAIN [Romantic/Comedy/ Drama/Reese Witherspoon, Candice Bergen]. Also: LEATHERFACE, BRIGSBY BEAR,, AUSTRALIA DAY, THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, THE FOREIGNER, MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE, IT, CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, GOOD TIME. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: BAD MOMS 2 [Comedy/Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn]. THIS BEAUTIFUL FANTASTIC [Comedy/Fantasy/Drama/Jessica Brown Findlay, Tom Wilkinson]. SUBURBICON [Comedy/Mystery/Drama/ Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Oscar Isaac]. THE LOVERS [Romance/Comedy/Drama/ Debra Winger, Tracy Letts]. BRAD'S STATUS [Comedy/Drama/Ben Stiller, Michael Sheen, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fischer]. JIGSAW [Horror/Thriller/Crime/Mystery/Tobin Bell, Hannah Emily Anderson]. ANOTHER MOTHER'S SON [War/Biography/ Drama/Jenny Seagrove, Ronan Keating]. MYSTERIOUS ISLAND [Adventure/Fantasy/ Michael Callan, Joan Greenwood, Herbert Lom]. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: BAD MOMS 2 [Comedy/Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn]. SUBURBICON [Comedy/Mystery/Drama/ Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Oscar Isaac]. JIGSAW [Horror/Thriller/Crime/Mystery/Tobin Bell, Hannah Emily Anderson]. MYSTERIOUS ISLAND [Adventure/Fantasy/ Michael Callan, Joan Greenwood, Herbert Lom]. SPICEWORLD: THE MOVIE - 20th Anniversary Edition. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSIC MOVIES ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: MYSTERIOUS ISLAND [1961/Adventure/Fantasy/Michael Callan, Joan Greenwood, Herbert Lom]. TO SIR, WITH LOVE 2 [1996/Drama/Sidney Poitier]. SPICEWORLD: THE MOVIE - 20th Anniversary Edition. NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: RAY DONOVAN: Season 5. CHICAGO FIRE: Season 5. CHICAGO JUSTICE: Season 1. KINGDOM: Season 3. JORDSKOTT: Season 2. SIX: Season 1. ICE ROAD TRUCKERS: Season 11.
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 45
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Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, F ebruary 7, 2018
Observer Showbiz
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Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold and team BIG DANCE ■ Big Dance is the largest dance celebration in the world and it is hitting Australia on International Dance Day, April 29, when thousands of people will dance together in some of the most iconic places in the world. Encouraging people to be active through dance, Big Dance is a free large-scale participatory celebration open to everyone of all ages, all abilities and all experiences. In the months leading up to Big Dance, Ausdance Victoria and New South Waleswill motivate aspiring dancers and community groups to learn the Big Dance 2018 routine in a series of fun free dance workshops. The Big Dance 2018 routine includes versions to suit a variety of capabilities and circumstances, including standing, seated and suggestions on adapting the choreography for different abilities. Online tutorials will be available where the Big Dance 2018 routines are guided and taught by developing dance college artists from National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association and the dance cues will also be provided in an easy-to-follow learning guide. Created by indigenous choreographer Frances Rings and New Zealand-born Craig Bary, and with an original score by Huey Benjamin, the Big Dance 2018 choreography is a five-minute contemporary indigenous routine that anyone can learn. Rings explains that all Australians have a shared connection to this land: “We are lucky to live in an incredible country that still emits ancient energy and incredible living culture. “This year’s Big Dance choreography represents our bloodlines, our culture and everyone coming together as we acknowledge the red earth as our spiritual centre. “Big Dance will connect everyone through movement and bring people together to share their stories and experiences with pride and from any dance form.” As people dance across the world on International Dance Day and with performances by local dance companies, the key Big Dance 2018 events will be hosted in Sydney, Federation Square in Melbourne, Castlemaine as part of the Regional Centre for Culture program and Lilydale, as well as other locations throughout Australia. Founded in 2006 and led by the Mayor of London in partnership with People Dancing and a network of leading dance organisations, the Big Dance legacy has now been passed to Australia – in 2016 more than 42,000 dancers from 44 countries across the globe participated in Big Dance (previous choreographers include Akram Khan and Wayne McGregor ). Current workshop locations – hosted by Ausdance Victoria: ■ Bendigo – Seven Turns Dance Collective ■ Braybrook – Braybrook Community Hub ■ Melbourne – ArtPlay and JETsport ■ Ringwood – Maroondah Federation Estate ■ Southbank – National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) ■ South Morang – Terrace Lawns Civic Centre ■ South Melbourne – Temperance Hall ■ Upwey – Burrinja Cultural Centre Big Dance Victorian teachers include Luke Alleva, Ngioka Bunda-Heath, Lydia Connolly-Hiatt, Chloe Dobson, Dani-Ela Kayler, Gülsen Özer, Gretal Taylor, Josh Twee and Gerard Van Dyck. Feb – April 2018: Fun free dance workshops and online dance tutorial available Sunday, April 29: Big Dance on International Dance Day bigdance.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold
Latest shows, auditions SHOWS
AUDITIONS
■ Peridot Theatre: Rumors (by Neil Simon) Until February 17 at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Eyawn Harry. Bookings: 9808 0770. ■ Cardinia Performing Arts Company (CPAC): Annie February 10 - 24 at the Cardinia Arts and Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham. Director: Lee Geraghty. Bookings: www.cardiniaperformingarts.com ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Crossing Delancey (by Susan Sandler) February 16 March 3 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Llaaneath Poor. Tickets: $27 Full, $24 Conc. Bookings: 9457 4117 or htc.org.au ■ Brighton Theatre Company: In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play (by Sarah Ruhl) February 15 - March 3 at Brighton Theatre, Cnr Carpenter and Wilson Sts., Brighton. Director: Natasha Boyd. Bookings: 1300 752 126. ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Last Gas (by John Cariani) February 16 - March 3 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Helen Ellis. Bookings:1300 131 152 or www.malverntheatre.com.au ■ The 1812 Theatre: Calendar Girls (by Tim Firth) February 22 - March 17 at The 1812 Theatre, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: John Mills. Bookings: www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company:All the King's Women (by Luigi Jannazzi) February 16 - March 3 at Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Barbara Crawford, Bookings: 9587 5141 or www.mordialloctheatre.com ■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) February 23 March 4 at The Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Brad Buckingham. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/ book/event?eid=344247 ■ The Basin Theatre Group: It's Never Too Late (by Ron Aldridge) February 16 - March 10 at The Basin Theatre, Cnr Doongalla and Simpsons Rds., The Basin. Director: Christine Grant. Bookings: 1300 784 668 or www.thebasintheatre.org.au ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Sylvia (by A. R. Gurney) March 1 - 17 at 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director; Catherine Garside. Bookings: 9735 1777. ■ Beaumaris Theatre: Chicago March 2 - 17 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt; Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreographer: Camilla Klesman. Bookings: www.beaumaristheatre. com.au
■ Williamston Musical Theatre Company: Hot Mikado February 8 from 7.00pm, February 10 at the Williamstown Mechanics' Institute, Cnr Electra St. and Melbourne Rd., Williamstown. Dance Auditions 11.00am, Callbacks 2.00pm. Director: Tyson Legg; Musical Director: Norm Anderson; Choreographer: Ashley Tynan. Bookings: 1300 881 545 wmtc.org.au ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Our Town (by Thornton Wilder) February 11, 12 at 7.30pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Peter Newling. Enquiries: peter.newling@gmail.com ■ Wyndham Theatre Company: Calendar Girls February 11 at 5.00pm, February 12 at 7.30pm at Crossroads Theatre, Cnr Synott St and Duncans Rd., Werribee. Director: George Benca. Enquiries: 0419 591 517 ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: All Things Considered (by Ben Brown) February 11 and 13 at 7.30pm at Guide Hall, Glebe Avenue (off Charman Rd.), Cheltenham. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Audition enquiries: 0416 141 838 or orbaff@ozemail.com.au ■ Peridot Theatre Company: A Little Box of Oblivion (Peridot One Act Play Season) (by Stephen Bean), February 13 and 18 at 7.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: George Benca. Enquiries: 0419 591 517. ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Private Lives (by Noel Coward) February 18 at 1.00pm and February 19 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Karen Wakeham. Enquiries: hamnet84@gmail.com ■ The 1812 Theatre: Dial M For Murder (by Frederick Knott) March 4 at 7.00pm at The 1812 Theatre, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Chris Procter. Enquiries: 9754 3081 ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Forget Me Not (by Tom Hollway) March 4 at 2.00pm, March 5 at 7.00pm at Bayside Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Annie Blood. Enquiries: 0427 848 118 ■ Peridot Theatre: 84 Charing Cross Road (adapted by James Roose Evans from the book by Helene Hanff, March 4 at 1.00pm and March 6 at 7.30pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Horrie Leek. Enquiries: 0412 474 255. ■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Doubt (by John Patrick Shanley) March 18 at 4.00pm, March 20 at 5.00pm at the Mechanics Institute Hall, Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: Susan Rundle. Enquiries: 0416 298 136 ■ Peridot Theatre: The Shoe-Horn Sonata (by John Misto) March 25 at 6.30pm, March 27 at 7.30pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Alison Knight. Enquiries: a8knight@bigpond.net.au
Love Bird at The Butterfly Club ● From Page 41
● Brendan McFarlane, John Marc Desengano, and Beth Liston (front), Jessica Martin and Matt Tester in Love Bird. He also plays Teen Boy, Franny’s first boy- by Jessica To, Love Bird’s set, scene-change friend whose sexual advances towards Franny musical interludes and imaginative costuming, meet with jealous hostility from Mr Ping Pong puppetry and make-up all contribute to a very appealing and vibrant performance. adding confusion. In particular, Mr Ping Pong’s avian persona Georgina has written an extremely funny script with humorous, often subtle, lines woven and make-up enchants. Love Bird was presented at The Butterfly Club. into each character’s dialogue. - Review by Sherryn Danaher Directed by Phoebe Ann Taylor and produced
INTERTOPIA ■ With a prayer ceremony replete with Chinese dragons and incense, the Intertopia concept was launched on the steps of the State Library. The aim is to produce the first Sino-Australian mini-series with a cast drawn from both China and Australia. Though brief on detail, the scripts will purportedly focus on the professional and emotional challenges faced by young Chinese in Australia. There are numerous Sino-Australian stories waiting to be told – an area of our history long overlooked. Federal member for Clarinda, Hong Lim, reminded those gathered of a time when Chinese citizens walked to the Ballarat goldfields in the 1800s after disembarking in South Australia because entry was not permissible in the Victorian colony. A new wave of Chinese migrants, newly minted Australians and those with a Chinese heritage have their stories to tell making this a rich field for current day financial prospectors. The film industry is notoriously precarious and finding stories and approaches with which a multi-cultural audience can identify will be the challenge facing those embarking on this project. The core group behind this endeavour is Alancat Entertainment whose executive, Alan Li, has his own theatre troupe, AOTU Theatre, which have staged productions at Melbourne University. Alan has also scripted Chinese language plays for schools. We will wait with bated breath for the next instalment after shooting has begun and rushes released. - Review by David McLean
PLATFORM PAPER ■ In a revolutionary new Platform Paper published by Currency House, Sue Giles, producer of theatre for young audiences, calls for adults to listen to our children and abandon outdated barriers to their exploration and risk-taking. Sue Giles is Vice-President of ASSITEJ, the international think tank for theatre for young people, and long-term Artistic Director and co-CEO of Polyglot Theatre based in Melbourne. She says “it’s time we recognised the power of young people’s instinctive play and imagination to change the way we look at the world”. “I believe that it is children and young people who can more effectively and imaginatively provide alternative new models in the arts and in society, if we are brave enough to let go of what we know.” Sue Giles was keynote speaker at the Platform Paper launch in Melbourne, which included an industry panel discussion and updates from young firecrackers in the sector responding to her challenge. As Polyglot this year celebrates its 40th birthday, the theatre for young audiences is collaborating with an Indonesian puppet theatre in a production next month already sold out at the Perth Festival, and then presenting another collaborative work in a Japanese village devastated by the tsunami. A constant traveller, producer and collaborator, Giles’s distinctive, interactive childcentred work methods have won awards and been the subject of master classes and forums around the world. The Currency House publication it titled: Platform Paper from Currency Houseby Sue Giles, Young People and the Arts: An agenda for change. - Cheryl Threadgold
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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 47
Victorian History
Beer brewer Perkins started in Vic. ● First published in 1922 as ‘The Early Days’ by A.P.D. ■ Among the personalties of those early years in Alexandra, none was more prominent than John C. Whitelaw, editor and proprietor of the Alexandra "Times." Scholar and gentleman, and all round good battler for the town and district. To the early Road Board, and afterwards Shire Council, he was a tower of strength, and more than anyone else he was responsible for getting the first survey of a rail way to Alexandra. Other good men were Harry Perkins, Tom Hall, Cronin, Peterkin, Fred Wheeler, Harker and many others. Perkins and Blain, of Woods Point, started a brewery on the U.T. Creek. Later it fell to Blain alone. Then Perkins and his brewer Naumberg went to Toowomba in Queensland and founded the firm of Perkins and Co. Blain also built the new, Corner Hotel, and Alf. Hamea was first licensee. Blain's traveller, D. Lyons, was a great asset. He was great on amateur theatricals, and was al ways in demand at social functions in aid of the hospital and other matters. He afterwards kept an hotel in Melbourne Street, Brisbane. Doctor James Fergusson was godfather to many young Australians. Among the "devil's" brigade was Villenueve Smith, afterwards Attorney-General for South Aus tralia ; Lawyer Emerson, and big Fred Coster (his brother, Penniston Coster, was manager of the Mysterious) - he one day put his head between the cage and the shaft when the cage was moving; there was an awful mess, but he recovered). W. Downing was first clerk of the Road Board, and after wards A. G. Moon was secretary of the Shire Council for many years. Pendlebury, J.P., agent and broker of imposing presence, joyously good natured and all round good fellow. He was liked by all, as it is so frequently the case witha free handed man of convivial tastes; he made much money, and frequently had none. One evening Pendlebury was in the Eldorado Hotel, wearing a tall hat. An old acquain tance of his from "The Point," by name Tomthe Splitter, took exception to the high hatthe only one on- the "rush." Pendlebury took nonotice of Tom's remon strances, so Tom obtained a dozen eggs at a shilling a piece and pro ceeded to bombard the high hat. Next morning he was brought before the Bench, which was Pendlebury himself, the only J.P. obtainable. Tom was discharged with a caution, nothing was said about the eggs or the hat episode; the charge was creating a disturbance. Tom proceeded to thank "Mr. Pendlebury." Address the Bench, as 'Your Worship'," said the sergeant. "But, Mr Pendlebury," said Tom. "Address the Bench as 'Your Worship'," thundered the sergeant. "Oh, you shut up," said Tom; "I know Mr. Pendlebury)"And then the Bench gave Tom seven days without the option for contempt of Court.
At times hundreds of tons went absolutely to waste after being dug out and stored. As the store keepers were the only buyers the farmer had to take it all out in goods. It was a hard job to drag out enough to pay rent and rates. Chaff was £3 10s and £4, an in restricted market. A flour mill was started at Crystal Creek, Whanregarwen, by Nicholson, and was a great blessing. Hughie Gilmore, of Thornton, started a travelling threshing machine; horse power only, - a very primitive affair which merely threshed the grain, which had to be removed by hand after wards. Then Tom Popple started a big steam thresher and travelled the district from Maindample, through Upper Thornton and Lower, and so through Whanre garwen home to Johnson's Gap, where he lived. A few years after land was thrown open for selection, mutton came down to 1s 6d a forequarter, 2s a hind. The surplus sheep after shearing were sold at from sixpence a head up, and still a lot of the old sheep had to be destroyed and burnt. Magnificent legs of mutton of not less than 7lb each were sold at the Geelong boiling down works for threepence each. Beef was cheap, and cattle down to a couple cf pounds a head on the sta,tion. Wages - Men got from 10s to 16s a week and "tucker" on stations and farms. hours unspecified. The men that followed har vesting and the threshing machine got sixpence an hour and keep. Of course, as the cold minining petered, the inevitable fires took place. ' There were two im p ortant ones at Alexandra that swept off twothirdsof the main street-it was the usual thing on diggings that were about done. The writer sat upon the side of Gum Tree Hill, near. Enoch's Point, and watched Matlock burn 40 miles away. There was not so much as a fowl house left. It is probable that the descendants of the old time selectors are landed gentry now. Some, very few, the writer has met iin outlying parts. Gale, of Whan-
Of the original inhabitants when the "rush" started few went into the mining - McKenzie, of Mount Pleasant; Downey, the surveyor; and the Johnsons, but they did no good. regarwen was travelling reporter for the "Sydney Mail" in the late eighties and early nineties. H e was up in the Gulf Country,Croydon, Georgetown, &c. Jack Dobson was get ting cedar near Cairns in 1891. Louis Severin, who had been thrice Mayor of Woods Point, established a hardware business in Cairns, and was a successful m an until his death a few years ago. Some of the old mines have been resuscitated - Gaffney's Creek and Woods Point. The Lucks All at Warner's Creek is well worth a shot. Fortunes were made out of it, but heaps of money was spent in it, Irving to pick up the shoot. A bout '72 a party took it on tribute. Tom Sp argo, Charlie Collins, Bill Knowles and Frank(actually Joseph) Baudewig. They had hard luck for a long time, and when just about broke, they struck a block of rich stone. It was generally supposed that they got about £16,000 a man out of it in two years. Bill Knowles already had his family at Thornton, where he owned the punt. He settled there permanently, and became a Shire Councillor, J.P., and generally a most energetic and public spirited citizen. Frank (actually Joseph) Baudewig bought the Thornton Hotel and property, where he died in 77(actually 1875). Charlie Collins eventually settled on the Taggerty, going in for farming, &c. Tom Spargo, after a time, was supposed to go back to his old trade of engine driver at Bendigo. Good luck to them all, I and the writer hopes that young Knowles and Findlay, will soon pick up a rich shoot in the dyke at the old Luck's All, Warner's Creek. Adios ! -A.P.D.
● Dr James W. Fergusson. Photo: Alexandra Fire Brigade Of the original inhabitants when where Ned Kelly (afterwards "King the "rush" started few went into the of Darlingford") was just getting his mining - McKenzie, of Mount Pleas- stride. ant; Downey, the surveyor; and the He made a start by buying butter Johnsons, but they did no good. from selec tors and packing it to the McKenzie got £10,000 out of the mountain diggings. He amassed a Lucky, but lost it all, as well as his consider able fortune in a few years. station. He was an active public man and It cost Downey all he had, and the gen uine pioneer. After a few years Johnsons must have lost a lot. prices for farm produce fell to the Charlie Jones got about £15,000. lowest. The McDougalls, of Bendigo, Butter from fivepence a pound ; were the only ones to make much in fact, Alexandra storekeepers at out of the Lucky. times had to refuse it room in their They got hold of half the mine stores at any price. and did well. George Whiting was Eggs, 6d and 9d a dozen ; oats, 6s supposed to have got five or six thou- a bag of 4 bushels, bags in; wheat, sand out of No. 2. He settled out near 2s 6d a bushel ; potatoes, £1 a ton on Thornton, and became a most cred- the farm, or £2 delivered, itable public man - one of the first to go into progressive stock raising, &c. The adjacent squat ters held aloof from the mines: Bailey of Whanregarwen, Aitken of Cathkin, Jamesand Willie Bonof Howe Creek, John Bon of Whappan (Devil's River), and Ar chie Thom, of Upper Thornton. All had their own troubles, commencing with the advent of the selectors. The Duffy Act had thrown open for selection all, or nearly all, the Upper Goulburn flats from Seymour to Jamieson, and a crowd of people from Kilmore, Lancefield, &c., made a move for it, and a very hard time of it many of those selectors had. As it was, the gold mining provided a good local market for several years, and that was their salvation. Whanregarwen and Lower Thornton had the Alexandra and Gobur market and the Upper Thornton mostly went to Jamieson ● Darlingford in the 1920s, before it was flooded for the Sugarloaf Reservoir/Eildon Dam and Big River at Darlingford, Photo: Alan Thorley, Yea and District Historical Pages
Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Eildon
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Alexandra
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Observer Victorian Sport
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 49
Melbourne
Battle for the Ballarat Cup ■ January 20 was Ballarat Cup night and once again a terrific (but small) field was assembled to do battle in the $100,000 (Group 1) PETstock Ballarat Pacing Cup for M0 or better class over 2710 metres taken out by Kiwi raider Heaven Rocks a 5Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Mendelico gelding bred by Benstud Standardbreds in the Goulburn Valley. Trained in Christchurch by the “All Stars” combination of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen, Heaven Rocks although unruly at times, began with full steam up from the pole to lead and rated to perfection by Natalie, held too many guns at the finish to defeat Lennytheshark which trailed by a half neck, with Shadow Sax (one/one – three wide last lap) 8 metres away in third place. In quarters of 28.5, 28.9, 27.5 and 28 even for the last mile, Heaven Rocks returned a mile rate of 1-55.9. It was the third year in a row that Mark Purdon has claimed the Ballarat feature. Also on the Ballarat program was the $30,000 (Group 2) E B Cochran Trotters Cup for TMO or better class over 2200 metres which saw local trainer Anton Golino’s internationally bred Goetmals Wood-Image 6Y0 mare My Tribeca successful. Driven by Nathan Jack, My Tribeca (gate 4) enjoyed a sweet passage trailing poleline stablemate Vincennes which led, with the hot favourite Sparkling Success moving to face the open at the bell. Easing three wide outside the pair on the home turn, My Tribeca sprouted wings in the shadows of the post to blouse Sparkling Success by a nose in a tricky finish. Vincennes held down third 3.7 metres back. The mile rate 1-57.5.
Championships
■ The time honoured Central Victorian Pacing and Trotting Championships for a stake of $25,000 each were held at Maryborough on Friday, the victors being two four year olds - Jilliby Chevy in the pacers and Deltasun in the trotters. Roll With Joe-Jilliby Jasmine gelding Jilliby Chevy trained at Terang by Marg Lee and driven by son Jason, led throughout from gate two in the 2190 metre pacers, accounting for a game Our Little General which parked outside him from to bell, going down by 7 metres in a rate of 1-57.1. Winkanditsover was third a head away after following the winner using the sprint lane to no avail. Melbourne
Observer
Harness Racing
Melbourne
Observer
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker Exciting Tennotrump-Deltasu gelding Deltasun trained by Terry Young in Ararat and driven by Gavin Lang was a convincing winner of the 2690 metre trotting feature. Trailing the free running roughie Aldebaran Kiri (barrier two) from barrier three, it was vintage Lang who never panicked at any stage, easing outside the leader on the final bend to score a soft 6.2 metre margin over Aldebaran Kiri which galloped under pressure approaching the finish, with Pizza Queen (three back the markers) holding her ground to be third 4.3 metres away. The mile rate 2-04.3.
Hunter Cup
■ Sensational - Outstanding - Brilliant - those are only some of the superlatives used to describe without doubt Australasia's greatest standardbred of the modern era - Kiwi 5Y0 stallion Lazarus, who added yet another feature to his CV after winning Victoria's premier pacing event, the $500,000 (Group 1) Del-Re National A.G. Hunter Cup at Tabcorp Park Melton last Saturday. A winner of the past two New Zealand Cups, plus the Inter Dominion in Perth last December, Lazarus first up since a herculean second (beaten a head) in the Fremantle Cup on January 12 after racing three wide uncovered for the entire 2536 metre journey, was left in the open from gate three after the roughie Shadow Sax scorched away from gate five to be a surprise
● Lazarus wins the A.G. Hunter Cup leader. Soon after polemarker Tiger Tara moved off the leaders back to assume control entering the front straight on the first occasion with Soho ■ Wednesday - Mildura, Thursday Tribeca whizzing forward from near last to oc- Horsham/Bendigo, Friday - Melton, Saturday cupy the spot outside him giving Lazarus one/ - Echuca (Cup), Sunday - Kilmore, Monday one cover. Warragul/Melton, Tuesday - Swan Hill. Vacating the perfect spot with around 1400 metres to travel in the open for the final circuit, Mark Purdon poured on the pressure approaching the final bend and Lazarus answered the ■ Greg The Great, Implode, Our Star Dust, call, striding clear on turning to hold a metre Callmedenario, Celebrindal, Letsrockletsroll, margin to the wire, defeating Soho Tribeca with Sunofatrump, Major Wish, Starscape, Tiber. Greg Sugars responsible for the "drive of the night". Heaven Rocks (one/three) a stablemate of Listen to my harness segment each Satthe winner was third 2.4 metres back after mak- ■ at 10.25am, Phoenix 106.7 FM in ing the home turn very wide, while home town urday Bendigo. favourite Lennytheshark (three back the markers) was fourth after getting clear in plenty of 29.4, 28,6, 27 and 28 seconds, smashed the time. track record by a full second, returning a mile A son of Bettors Delight and Bethany trained rate of 1-54.1 to take his stake earning to by the "All Stars" combination of Mark Purdon $3,663,438. All going well, Lazarus will now and Natalie Rasmussen ifor owners Trevor head to NSW to contest the Miracle Mile in a Casey, Phil & Glenys Kennard and Kevin few week's time which in all probability will be Riseley, Lazarus driven by Mark in quarters of his season's finale.
This Week
Horses to follow On radio
Struth
Eagles declare war on terror drones ■ One of the world’s most unusual new squadrons is being trained-up for the French Air Force – four sharp-eyed golden eagles that can spot terrorist drones over 1.5km away, and swoop in at an amazing 80kmh to attack and instantly destroy them. Named Athos, Porthos and Aramis after French author Alexandre Dumas’ famed Three Musketeers – plus d’Artagnan, the Musketeers’ friend – the use of eagles against drones was first mooted after the 2015 terror attacks in Paris, in which 130 people were killed and hundreds more injured. And interest in the concept grew when a number of drones were later detected over France’s presidential palace, above restricted military sites and near the Invalides Military Museum where Napoleon Bonaparte is buried. The French Air Force’s four golden eagles – dubbed “The Winged Warriors” – are in training at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Force Base in south-western France, the three male and one female birds wearing military-designed leather and Kevlar (anti-blast material) mittens on their talons as protection against drone blades and explosive devices. When they graduate, these remarkable birds whose grip is ten times more powerful than a
human’s, will patrol busy air routes over the Pyrenees Mountains in France’s south, above major airports, and over events such as political summits and international sporting tournaments, to zoom in on at 80kmh, and snatch out of the sky and destroy any terrorists’ drones. And another four of the birds are soon to go into training to follow them. Drones beware.
Championships
■ We’ve good news today for the ladies, particularly those whose husbands (or others) are prone to mutter such asides as “you’re nothing but an old witch …” Because in the medieval township of Oudewater in the centre of the Netherlands, there’s a circa-1482 weighhouse where today you can actually get yourself official documentation that you ain’t no witch. Weighhouses like the one in Oudewater were used in medieval times across much of Europe to weigh crops and livestock, and to tax goods based on their weight. And from the mid-1550s to late-1600s when witch-hunts became something of a popular pastime, countless hundreds ● A French Air Force golden eagle swoops to attack and destroy a drone in exer- of women were rounded-up, hauled to the cises at Mont-de-Marsan Air Force Base in south-western France. Note the protec- weighhouses – and often as a consequence of what occurred there, burned at the stake. tive mittens on its talons.
www.MelbourneObserver.com.au
Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Melbourne
Observer
Lovatts Crossword No 19 Across
1. Able to be modified 6. Run away (4,3) 10. Crumpling 16. Drunkard 17. Canary Islands port, ... Palmas 19. Endure 20. Sheep fibre 21. Brass instrument 22. Snatched 23. Wallop 26. Church senior 28. Alliance 30. Smiles 31. Recite 33. Composer, Sir Edward ... 35. Serviceable 37. Wild grass 38. Fork point 39. Espionage agents 41. Mountain call 43. Supplement, ... out 44. Fragrant flower 45. Scornfully disobey 46. Corrosive substance, ... soda 48. Aquatic mammals 50. Contributes 51. Devout 52. Small fenced-in area 53. Sore secretion 55. Ice-cream server 57. Respectful 60. Ethnic bigots 62. Young man 64. Fire-fighting fixtures 67. Mass 68. Damages (bodywork) 69. Public pool 71. Achiever 72. Endorse (motion) 74. Camouflage colour 75. Italian farewell 77. Naked rider, ... Godiva 79. Bravery badges 82. A single entity 83. Peruses 85. Betray, ... on 87. OK (informal) 89. Tennis barrier 90. Ashen 91. Epsom annual horse race 92. Actor, ... Gibson 94. German Mrs 96. Distort 98. The N of NB 99. Synagogue scholar 100. Send back 102. Sort (through) 104. Cut (timber) 106. Gets 107. Tout 109. Cargo 111. Be unfaithful to (3-4) 112. Nothing 113. Milkshake ingredient 114. Ship's spine 116. Fraud 118. Frog relatives 119. ... of Carpentaria 121. Incursion 123. Woodwind instrument 125. Fibbed 127. Can metal 128. Excursion 130. Sunbeams 132. Truck compartment 134. Palm cereal 136. Tanzania's ... es Salaam 137. Squalid 139. Large racing yacht 140. Tennis ace, ... Nastase 141. Fishing-line fibre 143. Convict's ball & ...
Across 145. Mortuary table 147. Lawyer's charge 148. Wound with dagger 149. Ready for picking 150. Pledge 152. Put strain on 154. Writer, ... Blyton 156. Basketball shot, ... dunk 158. Flavouring herb 159. Oxlike antelopes 161. Acorn bearer 163. Prince Edward, ... of Wessex 165. Spicy lentil dish 167. Hunger pain 169. Restate 171. Fabric join 173. Cropping up 175. Silver bars 177. Pet's parasites 179. Ills 181. Nipples 182. Lion's neck hair 183. Honey wine 185. Positive replies 187. Dismiss 189. ... & downs 190. Kitchen flooring 191. Female opera singer 192. Cloth remnant 194. Security lapses 196. Non-clergy 197. Antarctic inlet, ... Sea 198. Judo level 199. Beijing's former name 202. Deplete 204. Cycled 205. Fast planes 206. Counterfeited 208. Auction 210. Knight's mount 212. Filled pastries 213. Sports team 214. Infant babble (4,4) 216. Happily ... after 217. Contactable (2,4) 219. Realms 221. Devonshire tea cake 223. Red-rind cheese 225. Perform 226. All-in fight 227. Open tart 230. Long films 232. Snowfields elevator (3,4) 235. Shopping precincts 236. Mother 238. Smash into 240. Anaesthetic gas 242. Exclusive group 243. Dispatches 244. Town plan 245. Physician 246. Attacked (3,2) 247. City, ... Angeles 248. Nursemaid 249. Ring-throwing game 251. Hallucinogenic drug (1,1,1) 253. Electricity power source 255. Greener 256. Revise (text) 258. Cash disc 259. Cases 260. Belonging to us 261. Beer 262. Divorce order (6,4) 263. Gizmos 264. Armless (dress)
Down 1. Marriage cheat 2. Vibrates 3. Pixie 4. Very eager 5. Radiant 6. Destines to grim fate 7. At summit of 8. Smoke vent 9. Tale 11. False pretences 12. Push for 13. Unrefined 14. Partook of liquor 15. Aphrodite & Athena 16. Moved to & fro 18. Regrettably 24. Clue 25. Low platform 27. Swollen heads, big ... 29. Yes vote 30. Tile mortar 31. Potatoes 32. Even so 34. Stretch 36. Alias (1,1,1) 38. Cheap booze 39. Indian gowns 40. Drink delicately 42. Windies batsman, Clive ... 45. Pasture 46. Desert plants 47. Kill selectively 49. ... & Gomorrah 51. Dried plum 52. Jerks 54. Voyage 56. Primp & ... 58. Peeper 59. Black wood 60. All set 61. Neck warmer 63. Date of offensive (1-3) 65. Cosmetics boss, Elizabeth ... 66. Israeli city, ... Aviv 68. Sheikhdom, Abu ... 70. Dedicatory verses 72. Cloyingly sweet 73. Duress 74. Roadway edgings 76. Rowing aids 78. Jabbers 80. Vaporised 81. Removes whiskers 83. Resist openly 84. Half 86. Fox brush 88. High temperature 91. Actor/singer, Sammy ... (5,2) 92. Fade (away) 93. Touch with tongue 95. Flying saucers (1,1,2) 97. World Wide Web (1,1,1) 99. Cheese skin 100. Entertainer, ... Harris 101. Layers 103. Mexican food shell 105. Carol, The First ... 107. Common seasoning 108. Afternoon meal 110. Gentle strokes 113. Humdrum 115. Lawful 117. Groaning 118. Close-fitting 119. Cunning 120. Polishes (car) 122. Tibet's ... Lama 124. Pyramids country 126. Blowpipe missiles
Down
129. Commercials 130. British flying force (1,1,1) 131. Produce 133. Overalls, ... & brace 135. Bullfight cry 137. Big cricket hit 138. Unique model (3-3) 142. Persona ... grata 144. African anteater 146. Inclination 148. Clever 149. Betrothal token, engagement .. 151. Scrutinising (accounts) 153. Every day 155. Sketched 157. So! 158. Provides with personnel 159. Squall 160. Obtain (support) (4,2) 162. Bend to pray 164. Mekong valley nation 166. Holidays owed, time in ... 167. Coal mines 168. In attendance (2,4) 170. Abated 172. Breakfast or dinner 174. Enervates 175. Forbids 176. One, numero ... 178. Browns (meat) quickly 180. Disfigure 182. Feel the loss of 184. Michaelmas ... 186. Skim on ice 188. Environmental treaty, ... Protocol 190. Plenty 191. Challenged 193. Midges 195. Filter 197. Cotton spool 198. Avoid 200. Age 201. Candied 203. Requires 205. Abandon (lover) 206. Financial penalties 207. Shady tree 209. Flee to wed 211. Duck's mate 212. Agreement 213. Window ledges 214. Confused 215. Fuses (of bones) 218. Coffee lounge 219. Surfer, ... Slater 220. Sailors 222. Troop formations 224. Flour factory 226. Yacht's principal canvas 228. Antiquated 229. Crooner, ... King Cole 231. Hardens 233. Leo animal 234. 'Tis (2'1) 235. Death in Venice author, Thomas ... 236. China's ... Zedong 237. Pacify 239. Portable 241. Horse-riding show 243. NE US state 244. Corpse repository 248. Fixes with hammer 250. Ayatollah's land 252. Former Italian currency 253. Castle ditch 254. Model, ... Macpherson 257. Used spade
Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Page 51
Solution on Page 39
MEGA
CROSSWORD No 19 1
2
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8
16 19
28
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24 31
45
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72
84
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138 145 153
160
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146 154
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155 163
170 177
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184 192
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200 208
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79 88
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65 71
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50 56
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Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, F ebruary 7, 2018
Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne
Blue Diamond set to sparkle ■ One of the classic races on theracing calendar, the Blue Diamond Stakes for colts and fillies, is well underway, with one stage 84 two year-olds remaining in the $1.5 million, race over 1200 to be run at Caulfield on February 24. The action got underway at Caulfield on January 27 with the running of the Blue Diamond Previews for colts and fillies. The Hayes-Dabernig trained Long Leaf got the action underway winning for top jockey, Damien Oliver, beating Ollivander in good fashion with fast finishing Run Naan flashing home in third spot. The Blue Diamond Fillies race, over the 1000 metres, proved a nightmare for favourite punters when the hot pot, Pure Elation, failed to fire after failing to settle in the run. She led by a couple of lengths with about 300 to go, but knocked up badly to finish a poor fifth behind Lady Horse Owner. Pure Elation is impeccably bred by leading sire, I Am Invincible, from Member's Joy, who is raced by members of the Melbourne Racing Club. Pure Elation was the best backed runner across Australia on the TAB, but she raced erratically, and it may best to forget the run. I felt the run of the race was by the Tony McEvoy trained filly, Oohood, who couldn't get a run at the 200 metres, and flashed home to run a close third to Lady Horsepower. Oohood has been backed heavily to win the Blue Diamond on the strength of that run. At the time of going to press, Long Leaf, and the Magic Millions winning filly from the Tony Mc Evoy camp, Sunlight, were equal favourites. Final declarations for the Blue Diamond Stakes will close at 9am on Tuesday, February 20.
Golf, racing day
■ The immortal Phar Lap will be honoured at a big Racing and Golf Day at the Woodlands Golf Club on Tuesday, February 27. Titled the Phar Lapl and Golf Challengewith many highlights remembering the old Epsom Racetrack, and people connected with it. Among the well known names, the great jockey, Geoff Lane, Nancy Telford, a descendant of Phar Lap’s trainer, Harry Telford, well known racing man John Dunn, and David Robertson, the grandson of the great trainer of yesteryear, Lou Robertson. Rob Gaylard will host the day and former number one race caller, Greg Miles, will launch the story of the greatest punter of all times, Eric Connolly. An outstanding portrayal of Eric Connolly has been written by leading author, John MacNaughtan, who has produced a book that has everything. It is a great read, with a number of stories and golden old racing shots. It will be available for sale at the VRC Bookshop and the John Sweeney is organising other outlets as we go to press. We will update you until the big day. At approximately 12.30pm teams of golfers will tee off, a mixture of leading jockeys, sporting people pro-golfers and others. The Club is grateful to leading corporate bookmakers, Ladbrokes, and all donations will go to the National Jockey Trust and the WFT. The public is invited to attend by contacting the Club. Once again our top racing man, John Sweeney, is to the fore, with his promotional skills in helping organise the big day. I am honoured to be asked to interview the four celebrities mentioned earlier.
● Long Leaf. Racing Photos March 4 through until and including March 7. ture of colts and fillies up for sale. A number of leading sires from all over have Another sire taking all before him is, I Am progeny up for sale, which include a number of Invincible, who has 14 entered to go under the young sires about to make a name for them- hammer. Another top sire, Medaglia D'oro, the Ameriselves. A number of those include former top gal- can stallion, has two colts and two fillies to be loper, All Too Hard, Melbourne Cup winner. sold. The Cox Plate winner, Ocean Park, one of Americain, a Newmarket Handicap winner in Brazen Beau, and another who has taken all Glen Boss's three Cox Plate winners, has five before him, in Exceed and Excel. youngsters up for sale. The 2013 Melbourne Cup winner, Fiorente, A sire taking all before him, Pierro, trained has five youngsters up for sale, while another by Gai Waterhouse, was a Golden Slipper windashing galloper, Helmet, is well represented ner and placed in a Cox Plate and sire of last with 13 nominations. year's Victorian Oaks winner, Pinot, has 11 to Classic winner, Hinchinbrook, has a mix represent him. It will be interesting to see how the progeny of dashing grey sire, Puissance De lune (Power to the Moon), goes as he was an outstanding galloper. I recall after he won the Bendigo Cup with Glen Boss aboard, Boss openly stated that he would win the Melbourne Cup with the old proverbial leg in the air, only to miss the great race with an injury when in the care of leading trainer Darren Weir. He has six to go under the hammer, four colts and two fillies, which I am sure, will strike an impressive look alike sign of their sire. Another interesting sire with a number of yearlings up for sale is the former speedy Rubick, with eight colts and for fillies up for grabs. The evergreen sire Snitzel's team is sure to be well supported, when they enter the parade ring. Dual Cox Plate winner, So You Think, has 17 entries, and if any of them are as striking as him when he raced they will fetch a good dollar Former grand galloper, Starspangledbanner, an international winner when racing, has a big team up for sale, while Blue Diamond Stakes winner, Star Witness, has four colts and three fillies for sale. Leading sire, Written Tycoon, always popular, has the biggest number of nominations with 47, and all are sure to bring a big dollar. Another young sire to taking all before him is former top sprinter, Zoustar, the sire of brilliant filly, Sunlight, winner of the Magic Millions twoyear-old classic, prepared by top trainer Tony Mc Evoy. Zoustar has 38 of his team to go under the hammer at the big sales over the four days. Hope to catch you there. - Ted Ryan
Ted Ryan
Inglis blockbuster
■ The time honoured Inglis Racehorse Auctioneering Company, is gearing up for their big sale for the new year next month. The Company has organised 770 lots to go under the hammer at their magnificent Oaklands Junction saleyards from Sunday,
● Run Naan wins the Maribyrnong Plate. Racing Photos
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Wine Column Breaking the Marlborough mould ■ JOHN ROZENTALS discovers a sauvignon blanc that breaks the Marlborough mould No other wine seems to ride such a precarious bow wave of success on the Australian market as does sauvignon blanc from the Marlborough region, at the north-eastern end of the South Island. It's fairly easy to see why it overtook chardonnay as Australia's single-biggest wine three or four years ago. Drinkers are confident with it. They stick there nose into a glass and know straight away what they're got, just from the unmistakable herbaceous, tropical-fruit aroma, which some have rather ungraciously likened to cats' pee. Much of the wine seems to come from overcropped vineyards and lacks the palate structure to satisfy the second-glass test for many drinkers, including this one. Let alone a third-glass test. A few vintages ago, Nautilus Estate winemaker, Clive Jones, determined to do something about the situation, making a 2015 The Paper Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc, a wine styled more like a chardonnay would be and very dependent on barrel-fermentation and maturation on yeast lees. Personally, I applauded the attempt, but thought that Jones had gotten off at Redfern. He just hadn't quite gone through with the job and left me wondering what might have been. With the 2016 vintage he repeated the exercise, this time, I think, doing it properly. His 2016 The Paper Nautilus is the real deal (see tasting notes below) and I reckon joins the ranks of Cloudy Bay's Te Koko in having broken the mould of Marlborough sauvignon and presenting a much needed new face to the variety -one which will see it beyond the cult, but possibly ephemeral, following it now has. The name, incidentally, comes from an octopus-like cephalopod also known as an argonaut, which isn't really a nautilus at all. The female builds a papery nautilus-like shell to live in while her eggs hatch. The Paper Nautilus 2016 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($35): a gloriously complex dry white, showing an unmistakable sauvignon-blanc edge to the aroma but having so much more as well - and particularly pleasing depth on the palate. I like the nuttiness on the aroma, which I presume comes from maturation on yeast lees. Jones suggests matching with oysters dressed with chilli and lime. I'm not disagreeing. Yum! Nautilus 2017 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($28): Loads of passionfruit here and good palate weight from use of fully ripe, judiciously cropped grapes. Just a tad (about 2 per cent) of the fruit was given the Paper Nautilus treatment and fermented on barrel. If you're going to drink Marlborough savvy, I'd certainly recommend this. Twin Islands 2017 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($18): Much more in the conventional Marlborough savvy style - and more towards its usual price-point - but at least it seems to be made from genuinely ripe fruit. No real complexity, but citrusy and pungent, with a racy finish. www.nautilusestate.com - John Rozentals
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