Melbourne Observer. Wed., Feb. 20, 2019

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 , 2019

VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

50TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION $2.95

STATE EDITION Vol 51 No 1723 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

SEE YOU AT THE THEATRE including GST

■ Lazarus, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Ragtime The Musical will be the three shows produced by The Production Company in 2019.

The shows were announced yesterday (Tues.) at a gala launch at ‘Raheen’, Kew, hosted by Jeanne Pratt.

■ Chris Parker, Jeanne Pratt, Annie Aitken and Michael Falzon at yesterday’s launch.

Photo courtesy: Rachel D. Taylor/Facebook

“The premiere of David Bowie and Edna Walsh’s music theatre masterpiece, Lazarus, will open our season,” Mrs Pratt said.

Lazarus will be staged at the arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse for 27 performances from May 18.

It will feature Chris ryan, iOta, Emily Milledge, Phoebe Panaretos and Mike McLeish.

The work is inspired by the Walter Travis novel, The Man Who Fell To Earth. It was staged in new York in 2015, and was Bowie’s final project.

Thoroughly Modern Millie will be staged at the Arts Centre Melbourne Arts Centre for a season of 11 performances, starting on August 3.

The cast includes Annie Aitken, Marina Prior, Claire Lyon and Michael Falzon.

The Broadway musical was created by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan. Morris had created the original story and screen play.

Ragtime The Musical opens at the Arts Centre Melbourne’s State Theatre on November 2 for a season of 11 performances.

The show will feature Kurt Kansley, Chloe Zuel and Josh Piterman.

The musical Ragtime is based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow. Terence McNally wrote the book for the musical, Stephen Flahert the music, and Lynn Ahrens the lyrics. www.theproductioncompany.com.au

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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 3

Killingworth Hill Cafe & Whisky Bar 36 Killingworth Rd, Killingworth (Yea) Open 11am-8pm Friday-Sunday

We’re back, fresh, this Friday (Feb. 22) Today’s Menu Charcuterie Boards: Your choice of a meat platter, cheese platter, terrine platter or fish platter all accompanied with fresh home grown and made produce, for example, vegetables, gluten free pesto’s, chutneys, nuts, etc,

Fresh Gourmet Pizzas Fresh Homemade Pies Dessert: As per display cabinet Teas/Coffee: Assortment of Herbal Teas and classic Teas & Coffee, Cappuccino, Latte Mug Short/Long Black or Plunger Coffee

Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea We strive for excellence, we do not rest until our best is better We guarantee our products 100%.

If unsatisfactory, please advise staff who will replace or refund immediately

Are you arranging a gathering of freinds, family or for a club? The team at Killingworth Hill Café & Whisky Bar will happily host your party Why not call us to discuss your requirements and make a booking?

Killingworth Hill Cafe & Whisky Bar Phone: 0455 266 888 www.killingworthhill.com.au

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20 , 2019 - Page 7

WIN TICKETS TO MURIEL’S WEDDING This Month’s Sale Item is a ready-to-hang Limited Edition Art Print of Melbourne in 1882.

This is a stunning Melbourne aerial view showing the historical development of the 1880's era. It is a beautiful reminder of our wonderful past and development.

Big, brash and very cheeky!

The multi award-winning Muriel’s Wedding The Musical is coming to Melbourne in March.

The Local Paper and Melbourne Observer have six double passes to give-away to readers.

The stellar creative team behind the critically acclaimed production is led by theatre director Simon Phillips, set and costume designer Gabriela Tylesova.

Post your entry to by first mail on Monday, February 25, 2019 to: Muriel’s Wedding Comp.

PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

We have six double passes (great Stalls tickets) to give away to readers for Muriel’s Wedding The Musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre at 7pm on Wednesday, March 13.

To enter, complete the details on this entry form, and mail to ‘Muriel’s Wedding Comp’, PO Box 1278, Research, 3095 to reach us by first mail, Monday, February 25.

Only enter if you can attend.

Winners will receive their tickets by mail.

DAY

TELL US YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH YEAR Not Compulsory

Name: .................................................................................................

Address: ................................................................................................ ............................................ Phone: ...................................................

Subject to Local Media Pty Ltd competition terms and conditions which may include publication of your name, address and birthday details

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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WIN TICKETS TO MURIEL’S WEDDING

CHEMIST BANNED ■ A MELBOURNE pharmacist is to be suspended for six months after admitting contraventions of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances regulations.

Mr Ah Kow Foo, of Laird’s Pharmacy, Clayton, was brought before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Lollipops at Arden Cr

■ Arden Street Uniting Church will resound with well-known musical and literary classics on Sunday March 3 at 2pm, In the concert scene, ‘lollipops’ are those musical delights much loved by audiences, singers and orchestras that immediately have us thinking “oh I love that song!”

Often used as encores, they are the tunes that you walk out of a concert humming and knowing that you have had a fabulous night.

So what better concert could there be than to have an afternoon full of musical lollipops, brought to you by some of Melbourne performers?

Formerly based in London, expatriate soprano Suzanne Shakespeare is now making Melbourne home, and she will bring the worlds of Gilbert and Sullivanand Bernstein to life, while rising star tenor, Douglas Kelly, will present his favourites from classic music theatre.

Baritone Adam Miller and mezzo-soprano Karen van Spall are popular Arden Crescent concert regulars, who will delve into opera and music theatre, while host Julie Houghton will bring some poetry to life and make a brief foray into her music theatre background.

Melbourne pianist, David McNicol, will accompany all the artists, but David will also be a solo performer to delight the audience, and there will be some snatches of popular poetry and a very special surprise performance – but audiences will have to wait until March 3 to discover what that is!

The legendary Arden Crescent Concerts afternoon tea will be provided at the end of the concert.

Tickets are $28 adults, $23 concession, $10 for students 16 and over and $5 for students under 16. Book by calling 9457 2595.

Tickets are also available at the door if the concert isn’t sold out by then.

Further information: 9457 2595.

- Julie Houghton with Cheryl Threadgold

including GST

● Suzanne Shakespeare

● Douglas Kelly

Mr Foo, after the six-month suspension which starts on March 1, will have to complete the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s course on ethics by January 2020.

He will have to be mentored by a registered pharamcist (not his wife) for no less than four hours per week.

The mentor must provide written reports on Mr Foo’s rpofessional practice including dispensing and record keeping. Costs will have to borne by Mr Foo. A registered pharmacist (not his wife) must be on the same premises for a period of 12 months.

Mr Foo admitted the contraventions, following a career that began in Australia in 1974. He was charged following an investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Tribunal Members Gerard Butcher, Raymond Gymer and Vicki Cogley heard that a woman had obtained significant quantities of drugs of dependence from at least 14 pharmacies by presenting forged or fraudulently altered prescriptions.

Investigators concluded that had Mr Foo contacted the woman’s purported prescriber, or contacted the Department of Health, the fraudulent nature of the prescriptions would have been discovered.

Genuine prescriptions suggested between two and six tablets of the Alprazolam and Diazepam.

Mr Foo was providing 11 and 13 tablets per day respectively.

Mr Foo had been convicted in the Magistrates’ Court of contravention of the regulations, failing to notify the Health Department that ‘Schedule 4 poisons’ had been obtained from him by means of a false pretence.

Mr Foo was convicted and ordered to pay a

GENERIC IMAGE

70-year-old suspended for 6 months

$20,000 fine, plus $15,000 costs. The behaviour was considered as constituting professional misconduct.

The Tribunal said it was satisfied that Mr Foo’s conduct fell short of his obligations as a pharmacist to ensure the health and wellbeing of his patients.

Mr Foo first qualified as a pharmacist in Singapore in 1968, and he practised in singapore and Malaysia before moving to Australia in 1988.

Mr Foo said that since the offences some years ago, he had made changes to his practice’s record keeping, utilising dispensing software and recording of communication with patients and prescribers.

Mr Foo says he reminds other pharmacists with whom he works about their obligations regarding notifications to the Department.

In determining the penalty, Tribunal members said they had regard to specific deterrence, general deterrence, protection of the public, and reputation of the profession.

“It is clear that Mr Foo has otherwise practised without blemish,” The Tribunal said.

Back to the good old days ■ Multi-award winning Gillian English presents 10 Things I Hate About Taming of the Shrew at the Coopers Malthouse from March 28 -April 21.

The show is said to take audiences back the good old days, when we worried about Y2K, wore butterfly clips in our hair, and became total babes the minute we took off our glasses.

And the even older days where we worried about the plague, wore massive wigs, and women weren't allowed to be on stage anyway.

10 Things I Hate About Taming of the Shrew is a theatrical, comedic romp through the world of teenage Shakespeare film adaptations, and

their lasting impact on a generation.

By examining the continuous retellings of the same stories from the original content aggregator himself, this show delves into our problematic, cinematic, very recent past.

Gillian English has been writing, performing and touring feminist solo work for the last six years.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, now based in Hobart, Tasmania, she has been touring the world for the last two years.

After spending the last six years focusing on comedy, Gillian suddenly remembered she had an MFA from LAMDA, and decided to put all that

● Gillian English.

Photo: Dahlia Katz.

classical learning to work with her multi-award winning hit show She Wolf Now she’s back again with 10 Things I Hate About Taming of the Shrew.

“One of the things that continues to bother me the most, are how Shakespeare’s characters are treated as though they’re accurate representations of real people,” says Gillian.

“Lady MacBeth was not a real woman. Neither is Beatrice, Juliet or Katherine; they are all fictious women, written by a man.

“And while Shakespeare may have been a master of word play, he was still a dude in the 1400s.

“When men insist on telling women’s stories for them, not only do they miss the point of telling a story, but they tell it wrong too.”

Performance Dates: March 28 – April 21 Times: 9:30pm, (8:30 on Sundays, no shows on Mondays) 60 minutes Venue: The Coopers Malthouse Theatre, Shell Room Tickets: Full Price $20 -$30 Bookings: visit: https:// www.comedyfestival.com.au/2019/ shows/10-things-i-hate-about-tamingof-the-shrew - Cheryl Threadgold

VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Melbourne

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Observer Showbiz

Observer Tap Head comedy years 50 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..

1969-2019

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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), Mike McColl Jones (life), Gr eg Ne wman (r adio ), T erry Radf or d Newman (radio adio), Terry Radfor ord (Court roundsman), Aaron Rourke (mo vies ), T ed Ry an (r acing), Jim (movies vies), Ted Ryan (racing), Sherlock (movies, DVDs), Cheryl T hr eadgold (local thea t rre e ), K e vin T hreadgold Ke Trrask ( sho wbiz), V eritas, G a vin W ood showbiz), Veritas, Ga Wood (Hollywood).

Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Martin Curtis, Sherryn Danaher e tte er Danaher,, P Pe Gr een, L yn Hurs t, K a thryn K eeble Lyn Hurst, Ka Keeble eeble,, Beth Klein, Ai Diem Le, Deborah Marinaro, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel. Arts: Peter Kemp.

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■ Barnie Duncan presents Tap Head as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 28 to April 18 at the ACMI Games Room, Federation Square.

After taking out the Best Comedy Award at the 2018 Adelaide Fringe with his longstanding partner Trygve Wakenshaw and their show Different Party, multi-award winning writer, actor and comedian Barnie Duncan is now debuting his new solo show Tap Head.

Directed by Katie Maudlin with sound design by Daniel Nixon, Tap Head, part standup comedy, part surreal theatre, Tap Head explores the life of a lonely tap who works in a public toilet in Fairfield Park, a tap who also frequents open mic nights to test out his jokes Spliced together with actual stand-up from non-tap Barnie Juancan, and featuring a captivating sound-designed world, this show is said to explore anthropomorphism and amateur comedy nights with gleeful surrealism.

Barnie Duncan was Winner at Adelaide Fringe Festival Best Comedy 2018 (Different Party), Official Selection: The List's Best Late-Night Shows of the Fringe 2017 (Juan Vesuvius: I Am Your DeeJay), Winner of The Skinny Fringe Genius Award, Edinburgh Fringe 2014 (Calypso Nights) and nomination for Best Newcomer in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival2015 (Calypso Nights).

Venue: ACMI Games Room - Federation Square Melbourne Dates: March 28 - April 18, 8.30pm, 7.30pm Sundays.

Tickets: $26-28 from www.comedyfestival.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21-April 20) Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 9.6.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 9.12.23.36.34.45.

Lots of long distance communication either by mail or phone and more work in your normal working environment also. It would be a good idea to look into your expenditure just now.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.24.40.26.33.

People are talking about you and you could find yourself in a middle of a public problem. What you do now and how you react will have long lasting effects on your future in your career.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 9.6.5.3.

Lotto Numbers: 9.15.26.35.36.3.

Problems in your love affairs could be affecting your working life.Also, try not to let people upset you unnecessarily. Possibility of collecting the proceeds of work done earlier.

● Tap Head. Photo: Jack Dixon-Gunn edy about the power of the writ- love at first sight. Seminar had ten word’ from March 1 - 16 at entered my life. I was swept 82 Wells Rd, Beaumaris. into the story, I was connected Written by Theresa Rebeck with every character and found and directed by Kirsten Page, myself questioning my goals the story tells of the one thing harder than writing one’s first and dreams.

“The wittiness and pace of novel – letting him read it.

Set in present-day New Seminar, finely balanced with York City, Seminar follows tension captures audiences’ atfour young writers — Kate, tention, while the characters Martin, Douglas and Izzy — capture their heart. I hope you and their professor, Leonard. will find this show as powerful Each student has paid Leonard $5000 for a 10-week as I did.”

Performance Details: writing seminar to be held in Kate's Upper West Side apart- March 1 – 16 Venue: Beaumaris Theatre, ment.

As tensions arise and ro- 82 Wells Rd, Beaumaris mance falls, they clash over Bookings: www.beaumaris their writing, their relationships, theatre.com.au and their futures.

- Cheryl Threadgold Director Kirsten Page fell in love with Seminar after seeing the show in New York, and is delighted to be directing and presenting the play at Beaumaris Theatre for the first Sidney Nolan's time.

Ned Kelly Series.

“In 2012 I unassumingly A National Gallery of wandered into a theatre in New Australia Exhibition.

■ Beaumaris Theatre pre- York to watch a random show.

For the first time in 15 years Little did I know, it would be sents Seminar, ‘a clever comthe National Gallery of Australia's collection of Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly's paintings touring Australia in its entirety.

The national tour gives Australians across the country the chance to experience some of the most famous and poignant master-pieces of 20th century Australian art. Geelong Gallery is the exclusive Victorian venue.

From 1946 - 47. Nolan developed an original and starkly simplified image of Ned Kelly, which quickly became a national symbol-part of the shared iconography of Australia.

Together these 26 paintings provide a masterclass on Australian art history and the development of a new figuration and landscape painting in Australian art.

Exhibition: Sunday March 2- May 26.

Geelong Art Gallery 55 Little Malop St, Geelong - Peter Kemp ● Kirsten Page

Seminar

Your Stars

Geelong Gallery

CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.5.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.25.29.8.4 Improvements in all aspects of your life including health matters. Energy levels should be higher and more interest in new ideas and a possibility of increased income also.

LEO: (July 23-August 22) Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 4.7.12.26.35.36.

Not a good time to let anyone talk you out of your own ideas- just push your own plans and you will succeed.

Plenty to do socially and more interest in your personality will keep you in the minds of people.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 3.6.9.5.

Lotto Numbers: 9.5.12.24.45.40.

Keep a tight rein on your purse strings and keep your ideas of bargains small. You could suddenly come in contact with people you have not seen for many years.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 8.12.26.35.40.22.

Refuse to clean up after others or your health could suffer.

You could find your workload a lot heavier than usual and you will need to be self assertive.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Mauve Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.2.3.1.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.23.32.20.3 Plenty of travel is indicated and you should be able to talk your way in and out of any sticky situations.

SAGITTARIUS: (November23- December20) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.45.40.9.7.

Go to the experts for any advice that you need otherwise anything you do of your own accord could blow up in your face.You may have to listen to the whims of others to get through the next few weeks without any problems.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Dark Blue Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.36.37.

Home and family could be a nice and peaceful time and romantically you will have nothing to complain about.

Long distance visitors will arrive unexpectedly on your doorstep.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.35.5.1. may luck can come through real estate dealings. Your social life could be rather hectic and you may want some time to yourself but make sure you tell loved ones that you love them or they may feel neglected.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4.6.8.9.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.39.8.33.

Check all travel plans before leaving. Any business schemes you have hidden should be brought out into the open. Romantic attractions are on the agenda.

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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What’s On World Problems

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 11

In Melbourne On Broadway

Ug Leigh ● Ben Lindsay (Hank) and Maia Absburg (Leigh) in Ug Leigh.

● Emma Mary Hall presents World Problems at fortyfivedownstairs.

■ Award-winning writer and performer Emma Mary Hall presents her third work, World Problems, at fortyfivedownstairs from March 12-24 (opening night March 14).

The Melbourne season follows successful development showings at Theatre Oostblok in Amsterdam last year and is accompanied by a public events program informed by Naomi Klein's social impact program accompanying the book and documentary, This Changes Everything (2014).

Written between the Netherlands and Australia, World Problems depicts our monolithic, interconnected world.

“I wanted to write a science fiction about the future and ended up writing a true story about the past. The piece is inspired by German historian and philosopher Oswald Spengler, ecofeminist cyborg aficionado Donna Harawayand the multi-million-billiontrillion lifeforms living and dying together in our biosphere,” said Emma Mary Hall.

“Each night, we build a world. Each night, we start again from scratch. One woman lists real and imagined memories of life on Planet Earth. What results is a gradual accumulation of the momentous, tragic and joyful events shaping global consciousness and the tentacular human connections that make a world.”

World Problems features interactive postshow workshops and discussions on March 14, 16, 17, 23 and 24. These are facilitated, practical conversations on themes including climate and human change, futurist gardening, future-proofing our houses and ‘frugal hedonism’.

Opening night features Emma Mary Hall in discussion with Alex Kelly - filmmaker and former Global Impact and Distribution Producer for Naomi Klein’s This Changes Everything documentary.

An award-winning international team has collaborated on World Problems including Tasmanian-based composer SS Sebastian (Electric Moon's Music of Twin Peaks national tour), lighting designer Rachel Lee (Fallen, Romeo Is Not The Only Fruit), Fleur Dean on set design (founding member of Big hART) and the award-winning theatre director Prue Clark as Dramaturg (Contest, MTC's 2018 Cybec readings). Melbourne-based artists Mark Wilson and Susie Dee and Amsterdam-based artists Sarah Nixon and Jasna Velickovic also collaborated on the Oostblok season.

Emma received the Best Emerging Writer Melbourne Fringe 2017 Award for Ode to Man and Best Theatre Auckland Fringe 2017 Award for We May Have to Choose.

Preview Shows: March 12 and 13 Season: March 14 - 24 ; Interactive postshow workshops and discussions on March 14, 16, 17, 22 and 23.

Times: 7.30pm, Sun 5.00pm, no show Monday (55 mins) Workshops: March 14– World Problems, Art and Change - Alex Kelly and Emma Mary Hall. March 16 – The Art of Frugal Hedonism – Annie Raser-Rowland. March 17 – Future-Proofing our Homes and Neighbourhoods – Joel Meadows. March 23 – Eating the Future - Kat Lavers. March 24 – Economic Activism – Rachel Deans Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Victoria 3000 Tickets: Weekdays (no workshop) Full: $30 Conc. $26. Weekends (inc workshop) Full: $35 Conc. $30. Early bird tix available until 26 February for performances 12 – 20 March. School booking discounts also available Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs.com.au or call 9662 9966.

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ Crowded Together Productions present Ug Leigh from April 10 -14 at The Alex Theatre, St Kilda, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

In a world where botox, implants and Instagram filters reign supreme, Leigh finds out that by nature, she’s a ... not-so-aesthetically pleasing woman.

How many times had job opportunities passed her by because of her looks, and not her abilities? How many times did she get beeped at by a passing car because of her face and not her outfit?

And why didn’t anyone think to mention it?

Leigh is determined to get a head no matter what the cost.

Inspired by Marius von Mayenburg's The Ugly One, this offbeat, absurdist comedy based in a world where physical perfection is worshipped and anything else is cast aside.

The cast includes Andrew Burns as surgeon Dr. David Wazinski, Maia Absburg (Leigh), Ben Lindsay, (Hank, Leighs husband), Nicolette Nespeca; (Leigh’s boss Lucille and #Insta-Famous Yogini).

Promotional material for this show describes this subject is being one of those ‘hard to swallow’ pills - no one wants to think about the fact that they might have missed out on a job opportunity because they’re not as pretty or not as fit as someone else.

Social media was a big player in all of this.

With the rise of the Kardashian empire and 20something Instagram models, the issue of self-worth for women, in particular, was raised.

Why do we feel the need to impress people that we might not even know? Change is good, but the want for it needs to come from the individual, not from societal pressure. This is what

we felt was important to convey” - Charlotte.

“Comedy is an amazing way to address such a prevalent issue in our society’, says co-director/producer/writer Shamita Siva.’

“Being in a line of work where everything is so image focused, we wanted to hold a mirror up to all the ridiculous beauty ideals we hold in high regard, and the quest for unattainable perfection.

“We’ve all been the person who wants what they don’t have, it’s human. But where do we draw the line?

“This is not a play that demonizes the idea of body modification or surgery. This is a play that questions the lengths we will go to, and why.”

What: UgLeigh at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2019 Where: The Alex Theatre St Kilda When: 8pm, April 10 - 14 Tickets: $35 available through Melbourne International Comedy Festival website and Ticketek (concession prices available) - Cheryl Threadgold

■ “I’ll give you the stars and the moon and a soul to guide you and a promise I’ll never go.” Rachael Beck’s sensitive rendition of this song, Stars and Moon by Audra McDonald was my favourite of her choices.

We are in Hamer Hall for Morning Melodies, enjoying a concert by Rachael Beck and Michael Cormick, with fine accompaniment by David Cameron on piano.

Twenty-two years of friendship and musical collaboration ensured a thrilling performance by Beck and Cormick. Their impressive resumès present starring roles in Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Grease, Cats, Sound of Music, and Pirates of Penzance – to name a few. Beck’s screen credits include Home and Away, and Cormick has guest performed in Royal Command appearances.

Beck, in a diaphanous white gown, and Cormick in dark trousers and a velvet jacket – opened with a romantic duet from Beauty and the Beast. Then we were regaled with some most amusing anecdotes. Beck’s ‘naughty’ leading man in Singing in the Rain periodically drenched slow applauders in the front rows. Cormick’s tale of changing in a phone box when he was between two auditions, drew equal mirth.

Favourite Things and Don’t Cry for Me Argentina were highlights from Beck. The latter especially displayed her radiant vocal ability. Her ‘Doll’ in Doll in a Music Box was a delight.

Considering the range of Cormick’s songs, including Luck Be A Lady Tonight and Love Changes Everything, the couple of off-notes were easily forgiven. His voice had a wonderful purity, especially in the upper register and his Music of the Night was an almost perfect rendition, as he masterfully caressed the notes. He must have been a fantastic Phantom.

Beck swished stylishly back in black, and both voices shone in a medley from Les Miserables.

Celine Dion’s The Prayer was a perfect encore. Then, with a flirty bow from her, a flourish from him and warm applause, they were gone.

- Review by Juliet Charles

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Ron and Isobel

■ The political event of November 11, 1975, is etched in Australian history and the emotions on both side of politics that it created are brought to life with this well-crafted and vivacious play by playwright Anna Lall.

An engaging piece of theatre that could well offend those holding strong beliefs of their chosen party to the exclusion of the other. That is the crux of Ron and Isobel, just an ordinary suburban couple, well that’s not exactly right with Ron a blue collar Labour and Gough devotee and wife Isobel who likes a tipple and has little concern for politics.

Ron, also a consummate drinker played by Justin Harris-Parslow is a builder who never seems to finish a job as we see their family home without a kitchen, which he has been renovating for some two years and is far from finished. For what he calls a romantic night out he takes Isobel played by Kelly Nash to the circus, arriving home for supper.

Certainly not what Isobel expected and while she lambastes him she is also given the disturbing news that their son Jay played by Taylor Smith-Morvell is leaving home for love.

New neighbours Paul played by Shannon Woollard and Sandra played by Nadia Andary are invited over for supper and here we find that Paul is a conservative Fraser supporter and this augurs well for what follows.

Lives are laid open, relationships strained, verbal outbursts and torrents of abuse, yet with a remarkable ending.

Turn To Page 47

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5

THE TTOP OP 5 SIGNS THA T THERE THAT MIGHT BE A SE CURITY IS SUE A T SECURITY ISSUE AT SOME OF VICT ORIA'S PRISONS. VICTORIA'S 5. They have a "Flight Centre" branch.

4. Prisoners are issued with "Pass-outs."

3. There is a Bungee Jump.

2. Prisoners have leased Metro Tunnel's boring machine.

1. Guards are sponsored by "Spec Savers."

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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FOREST HILL. Forest Hill Newsagency.

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NEWBOROUGH. Newborough Newsagency. 30 Rutherglen St. NEWMARKET. Newmarket Newsagency.

292 Racecourse Rd NOBLE PARK. Noble Park Newsagency.

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NORTHCOTE. Northcote Newsagency.

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Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 13

Observer Magazine

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

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

Out and About

Academy fever hits

Spray tan bed for Pres.

■ Finally, after much hype and all the discussion about not having a host the 91st Academy Awards are about to be given out.

So many stellar performances and such incredible production which will be acknowledged at the Dolby Theatre in the centre of Hollywood.

During the ceremony, the Academy Awards will have 24 categories. The ceremony will be televised in the United States by American Broadcasting Company, produced by Donna Gigliotti and Glenn Weiss, with Weiss also serving as director.

It is set to be the first ceremony in three decades, since the 61st Academy Awards in 1989, to be conducted with no host.

Millions of television viewers will be glued to the broadcast from all over the world. It is the biggest awards show on the planet.

■ The biggest mystery in Washington, second only to how the Mueller probe will end, is how President Donald Trump manages to maintain his bright fluorescent orange glow regardless of the season. Officially, the White House line is that Trump gets his glow from "good genes". That goes with all the other lies that come out of the White House.

Taco to the Moon ■ Americans eat over 4.5 billion tacos per year. That's enough to stretch 490,000 miles, which is to the moon and back.

Cure for Cancer

Michael’s daughter unwell ■ Paris Jackson, daughter of the late Michael Jackson, has reportedly checked in to a treatment facility for her emotional health.

The 20-year-old actress decided "to take some time off to reboot, realign and prioritize her physical and emotional health”, after a busy year of work that took her around the globe, according to a report.

"She checked herself into a treatment facility to aid in her wellness plan," a source reportedly said.

It is not the first time Jackson's emotional health made the news. In 2017, Jackson opened up about a time when she had been cutting herself and attempted suicide.

● Holding one of the Oscars at a special Awards function is the General Manager of Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, William Karpiak and Managing Director of the Ramada, Alan Johnson.

Never unarmed ■ Conservative actor James Woods took to Twitter to explain the life-changing experience that ensured he would never again travel without a firearm.

Woods recalls how he once feared for his life when an armed robber on the subway put a gun to his head: "I was robbed at gunpoint in a New York subway in my twenties. When a stranger puts a loaded gun to your head, you feel certain your life is over at that moment. Don't even discuss it, if it hasn't happened to you. I have never traveloled unarmed since that day."

Suing for $68 million

■ A team of Israeli scientists claim they will likely develop a cure for cancer in the next year, The Jerusalem Post reported. The new treatment is being developed by Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies under the leadership of CEO Dr. Ilan Morad, according to the report.

"We believe we will offer in a year's time a complete cure for cancer," said Dan Aridor, chairman of the company's board. "Our cancer cure will be effective from day one, will last a duration of a few weeks and will have no or minimal side-effects at a much lower cost than most other treatments on the market." The treatment, called MuTaTo, will use a combination of cancer-targeting peptides and a toxin that will specifically kill cancer cells.

The treatment will eventually be personalised and a specific cocktail of the drugs will be given to patients based on their type of cancer, Morad told the newspaper.

Abandoning friends

GavinWood

■ Woody Allen says Amazon Studios got cold feet, and backed out of a movie deal all over the old molestation allegations about him and his stepdaughter and now he wants major payback.

Woody filed a lawsuit against the studio for at least $68 million. In the suit, he says Amazon was all in, as of Auust. 2017, to distribute his movie, A Rainy Day in New York, starring Selena Gomez and Timothee Chalamet.

The movie was shot, edited and ready for release but according to the suit, Amazon backed out in June 2018.

Woody says he demanded an explanation, and the studio would only say it was due "renewed allegations" and Woody's "controversial comments”.

He says Amazon never spelled it out for him, but Woody thinks it's related to a "25-year-old, baseless allegation" he had molested he and Mia Farrow's adopted daughter, Dylan.

Woody is suing Amazon for breach of contract and damages.

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

Ricki’s new love

● Woody Allen

■ Ricki Lake has fallen in love nearly two years after losing her ex-husband, Christian Evans, to suicide.

"I found love again, "Lake shared at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour.

"My husband, who passed from mental illness and suicide, it'll be two years ago on February 11.

“And I just recently found a brilliant new love."

Lake has been dating Jeff Scult, who founded the fashion brand One Golden Thread.

They've even shared a few snaps together on social media.

Last week, she posted a selfie with her new beau gentleman saying, "This is what happy looks like."

No end in sight for debts ■ The average millennial (aged 18 to 34) had about $32,000 in personal debt, excluding home mortgages, last year, according to Northwestern Mutual's 2018 Planning & Progress Study.

That debt can feel both crushing and endless.

Just over 60 percent of millennials (classified here as those aged 18-37) with debt don't know when, or if, they'll ever be able to pay off what they owe, according to a newCreditCards.com report.

That includes roughly 42 percent of millennials who don't know when they'll be able to wipe out their debt, and almost 20 percent of those who expect to die in debt.

www.gavinwood.us

■ Children have become such screen addicts they are abandoning their friends and hobbies; a major report warns today.

Researchers found under-fives spend an hour and 16 minutes a day online. Their screen time rises to four hours and 16 minutes when gaming and television are included.

Youngsters aged 12 to 15 average nearly three hours a day on the web plus two more hours watching TV. The study said YouTube was 'a near permanent feature' of many young lives, and seven in 10 of those aged 12 to 15 took smartphones to bed. It concluded: “Children were watching people on YouTube pursuing hobbies that they did not do themselves or had recently given up offline.”

A growing number of parents admitted to researchers that they had lost control of their children's online habits.

US food allergies ■ The number of adults who think they have a food allergy is almost double the figure who actually have one, research has revealed. While the study was conducted in the US, experts say a similar situation is also seen in other countries, including the UK. The researchers found that many people with an allergy do not have a prescription for potentially life-saving medication, while others might be avoiding foods unnecessarily.

The study suggests almost 11 per cent of adults in the US have a food allergy, equating to more than 26 million people.

About 12 million of these are estimated to have developed the allergy as an adult, highlighting that allergies do not only begin in childhood.

Come and visit us

■ 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: Jennifer at info@ramadaweho.com Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Victorian History

Life on Muddy Creek, 150 years ago ■ The Yea Roads District was declared on February 1, 1869 - some 150 years ago this month.

The local Roads Board had its first meeting in the Yea Court House in April 1869.

The Yea River was still known as Muddy Creek in most circles at that time.

The Kilmore Free Press had published a report around this time about the area and the chase for gold.

“Rumors are rife of a rush to Muddy Creek; several parties. are out prospecting but it is not yet known with what result,” said the September 4, 1871 newspaper article.

“Building has almost entirely stopped, with the exception of a few small cottages for our lucky miners, the township. having altogether overgrown the requirements of the place.

“A new bridge is.now in course of erection, being much needed.

“There is much scope for the operations of the Society for Cruelty to. Animals here, as the- horses and bullocks employed in the necessary transport of goods are frequently bogged in consequence of the disgraceful condition of the roads, and often beaten most unmercifully by their drivers.

“It is not advisable to encourage any new comers here at present, but if they must come, it is best to go by the steamer; the overland route occupying quite 10 days, unless they may be of the same way of thinking as the Highlander who complained of the professional dentist who charged half a guinea for pulling out a tooth in an instant,, whereas he. stated he once visited a blacksmith who performed the same operation,.and was dragged round the smithy for half an hour and only charged, sixpence.”

Earlier, on July 14, 1870, the Free Press reported on a local Board meeting: “At a meeting of the Yea Road Board held on. Tuesday, June 24, the members present were Messrs Grant (chairman), Ker, M'Leish, Doyle and Smith.

“There was not much business before the Board.

“A sum of £19 was paid to Kummer and Co for the erection of the Muddy Creek bridge, between the Glenmore and Island stations.

“A letter from Mr Glover was ordered to be acknowledged, and the clerk was instructed to inform him that he would receive due notice of the day appointed to hear appeals against valuation.

“Fourteen days extension of time were granted to Mr Watt to enable him to complete his contract.

“It was decided that a sum not exceeding £4 should be expended in procuringa rope for placing across the Goulburn at the ferry near the junction of the Muddy Creek.

“The clerk was instructed to give notice to G. McKenzie that an application for a road through his property had been made by Mr Ker, and the Board would hear any objections he had thereto.

“The Dog Officer, M r Brackenbury, was dismissed for neglect of duty: “Tenders were ordered to be called for the construction of a culvert and approaches on the Yea road, opposite McCristal's section.

“Ac counts, amounting altogether to £52 6s Sd, were passed for payment, and the meeting rose.”

● The township of Yea, looking east. 1865.

On October 20, 1870, the Free vast inundation, resulting in the de“Crossing a flush culvert, the Press reported on a sad death at struction of two lives, those of Mr scene of a previous similar disaster, Muddy Creek: “It is our duty this Vickers, landlord of the Lamb Inn, the horses jibbed the force of the week to record a melancholy death Elizabeth street, Melbourne, and a current whirled the buggy round, and by drowning - the victim being a Mr Greenwood, an old resident of over it went into the foaming water young man, about 18 years of age, the township. beneath named Maurice Fahey O'Neill, well “The two unfortunate men, “The loss of property forms also known in Kilmore, where he also had a heavy item in the consequences of Vickers and Greenwood were the good wishes of those with whom the calamitous visitation, and but for drowned. he came in contact.

“The other occupants of the buggy the opportune assistance rendered to “From what we can learn it ap- the Rev Mr Cameron, Presbyterian saved themselves, with great pears that about three weeks ago the minister of Seymour, and his do- difficulty by swimm ing to an adjoinyoung man left the Merton Rush, mestic, both of whom were precipi- ing bank about seven miles from Godfrey's tated into the stream by the founder“Greenwood disappeared withCreek, where he had been mining ing of their boat when escaping from the buggy, and was not seen to rise for some time, with a view of joining the rev gentleman's submerged resi- again. his relatives at Kilmore, but the next dence, the loss of their lives would “Once only was Vickers obthing heard of him was that his body, have been added to the list of disas- served above the surface, and then in an advanced stage of decomposi- ters. he appeared to be holding tightly to tion, was found at the middle bridge, “During. the night of Tuesday rain the reins; his immediately disappearabout half a mile from Yea, on the fell heavily and continued during the ance thereafter suggests the probabilMuddy Creek, in a standing posi- greater part of Wednesday, when the ity that he was rendered insensible tion against a tree, with arms out rapid rise of the water warned all by a kick from one cf the struggling stretched, and partly out of the wa- persons who had the means of leav- horees. ter, on the 11th instant.

“In less than tive minutes all that ing Seymour to do so without delay.

“A letter and prayerbook, bear“Several commercial travellers could be seen was the hoofs of the ing his name, found on the body left staying at the Royal Hotel took the drowned horses just above the surno doubt as to identification, and the hint, and departed, though not until face. matter having been reported to the the water had, risen so high as to ren“As was expected, the great inpolice, an in quest was held and a der pilotage necessary. flux of water into the Goulburn from verdict of "Found Drowned" was “During the whole of Wednesday the Big River, the Jamieson, Ochre, returned. night the rain continued, and on Devil's River. Muddy Creek, the “In connection with this matter we Thursday morning the aspect of af- Sugar Loaf, and Sunday Creek, are led to the belief that the police fairs was so alarming that it was caused the flood to rise so rapidly as were not as active as should be deemed necessary to at once remove on Saturday morning to render the expected in tracing the relatives of the inhabitants of the low lying dwell- removal of the families from the hothe unfortunate young man. tel to the high land on the other side ing to a place of security.

“The sad occurrence was duly “In the course of the day no fewer of the river imperative, and notwithreported at the Kilmore police sta- than eighty persons availed them- standing the rain which had contintion, and certain particulars supplied selves of the services of the Messrs ued to fall in torrents all through tbe which left no doubt as to the young Guilds, who, assisted by several of previous night, their removal was man's relatives being resident here, their fellow townsmen, conveyed effected without accident, the resibut they took no action, and the body them in boats to the Royal Hotel, dents in the immediate neighborhood was interred before the friends were where they were most hospitably pro- rendering every hospit able assiseven made aware of the unfortunate vided for by Mr and Mrs Guild. tance to the unfrtunates. occurrence; “It was on the return of the large “Early in the morning a telegram “Deceased was particularly so- was received from Benalla, an- boat from one of the trips across the ber well-behaved young man and nouncing the destruction of its bridge, river that the perilous position of Mr most of his earnings we are informed and conseqluent impossibility of for- Cameron was observed by Mr went towards the support of a large warding. the mail.

Guild, who at once took steps for his family.”

“Soon alter the receipt of this tele- rescue (the boat in Mr Guild's Bad floods hit the region in No- gram a buggy and pair of horses was charge being too large to approach) vember 1870, and the Kilmore Free driven up to the Royal Hotel, by Mr by hastening back and despatching Press noted “the great influx of wa- Vickers, who announced his inten- a smaller one, which was immediter into the Goulburn from the Big tion to proceed on to Melbourne. ately manned by volunteers, who diRiver, the Jamieson, Ochre, Devil's “He was advised of the danger vesting themrselves ot all superfluRiver, Muddy Creek, the Sugar he would incur if without a guide; but ous clothing, manfully pulled away, Loaf, and Sunday Creek, caused the relying upon his per sonal knowledge reaching the tree to which the reverflood to rise”. of the road, insisted upon proceed- end gentleman and his servant clung, The flood hit nearby Seymour ing. In less.than five minutes from just in time to save one of them at badly: the time of leaving the hotel he, to- least from a watery grave, Mr “A correspondent writing to the gether with Greenwood, who with Cameron afterwards declaring that Argus, states, "This week Seymour two other persons occupied the he could not have held out much has again become the scene of a buggy, were lost. longer,” the newspaper said.

They were tough times. In late December 1870, the Victoria Government Gazette declared: “Murrindindi East Run, on the Muddy Creek, and Glenburnie Run, on the Running Creek, are declared Quarantine districts tunder the "Scab Act, 1870."

The distances that had to be traversed by government officials were extraordinary.

The Gazette (July 11, 1878) spoke of the appointment of Mr Richard Fennelly, of Sydney-street, Kilmore, as Mining Surveyor for “for the Kilmore Division of the Sandhurst Mining District, and for part of the Goulburn Division of the Beechworth Mining District hereunder described, viz:- Commencing at the source of the McIvor or Patterson's Creek; thence by a line north-easterly to the junction of Hughes' Creek and the River Goulburn; thence southerly by the river Goulburn to its junction with the Muddy Creek; thence southwesterly by the Muddy Creek to its junction with the Murrundindi Creek; thence by the Murrundindi Creek to its source; thence by a line southerly passing over Mount Despair and along the summit of the Black Range to the Great Dividing Range; thence north westerly by that range to the most western source of Mollison's Creek; thence north-westerly and north easterly by the range forming the western watershed of Mollison's and Sandy Creeks to the source of the McIvor or Pattereon's Creek to the commencing point aforesaid.”

On February 11, 1865, The Age had reported on the bid for a major road through Yea: “The hon. Commissioner of Roads and Bridges yesterday received a deputation, introduced by Mr Snodgrass, M.L.A., and Mr Sands, M.L.A., from the inhabitants of the Goulburn Valley, including the townships and districts of Darlingford, Yea, Kilmore, Reedy Creek and Jamieson.

“The deputation presented several very numerously signed memorials from the inhabitants of the above districts. The memorialists recommended to the immediate attention of the hon. Commissioner the road recently surveyed via the valley of the Goulburn, Yea and Darlingford, to the Jamieson and Upper Goulburn, and the surrounding gold-fields, for the following reasons, namely, that it is the shortest route, being nearly fifty miles shorter than the present coach road via Longwood; that it is the best route; that scarcely any public money has ever been expended in improving this line of road ; that a small expenditure in the summer season would make the road available for heavy traffic all the year ; the opening of the proposed road would render available an immense quantity of rich agricultural land, the sale of which would amply compensate for the proposed expenditure -notwithstanding the amouuts of money expended on the other roads to tho Jamieson and Upper Goulburn gold-fields, the traffic has frequently been stopped in the winter, and that, by opening up this road, the cost of carriage of goods to the abovenamod places would be reduced nearly onehalf. For these, and other reasons, the memorialists urged that immediate steps should be taken to improve the line of road and mako it fit for winter traffic.”

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 15

Victorian History

Early days of the Whittlesea-Yea Road ■ The Melbourne Punch (Mar. 16, 1865) had a novel way of reporting on the agitation to complete the road between Whittlesea and Yea. “TheMinister of Roads and Railways granted an interview a few days since to a deputation from the inhabitants of "Yea.", the magazine said.

“In the argument about a road to this place, the deputation, as a matter of course, took the affirmative side, and the Minister told them that he could not say Nay to Yea.” Reports in The Age, The Argus, Leader, Australasian and The Herald earlier in the week said: “A deputation from the inhabitants of Yea, introduced by Messrs Sands and Sherwin, on Thursday, waited upon the Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, for the purpose of asking that a sum of £2000 be placed on the estimates, to defray the cost of clearing some eight or nine miles of the road between Whittlesea and Yea. “It was pointed out that the repairs asked for, if carried out, would shorten the road to Wood's Peint by some twenty five miles.

“Mr Sullivan promised to send an officer, to inspect the locality; and, in the event of his reporting favorably, to see .what could be done in the matter.”

The area was expanding. The Argus noted that week: “Messrs.

Goldsbrough and Co. report having effected the sale of the Glenburn Station, near Yea, together with 6156 sheep, and 640 acres purchased land, to Mr. H M. Garrard, for the sum of £6,796 sterling, usual terms.”

James Bevan & Co. advertised his ‘Telegraph Line’ of coaches “between Melbourne, Yea and Darlingford on Monday,s, Wednesdays and Fridays “passing through Kilmore at 12 Noon” then Broadford, King Parrot, Yea, Stone’s, Connolly’s, Atiken’s, Nolan’s and Darlingford, Big River.

“Passengers luggage at their own risk; 14lb only allowed to each “No responsibility for parcels above the value of £5, tunless declared at the time of booking, and paid for accordingly,” said the advertisement in the Kilmore Free Press.

One of the local weddings of the times, noted in The Argus, was: “HAMILTON—DENHAM.—On the 29th ult., at St. Kilda, by the Rev. Charles Moir, M.A., John Bannerman Hamilton, Esq., of Dorgalooh, Yea, to Anne Eliza, second daughter of the late J. Amos Denham, Esq., and niece of RearAdmiral Denham.”

There were reports of wealth from the Yea region. The Free Press noted (Apr. 13, 1865): “We are given to understand that the Providence Company at Yea struck the reef at a depth of about seventy or eighty feet below the level of the old workings.

“The reef is looking very well, and some very good stone has been taken from it. There is a large quantity of stone awaiting crush ng.”

Increased activity of the Whittlesea-Yea route was evident from a report in The Australasian on June 17, 1865: “A public meeting has been held at Darlingford to promote the formation of a company to run coaches from Melbourne to Wood's Point, via Whittlesea, Yea, and Darlingford.”

George Clark, who offered his address as ‘Goulburn River’, wrote

due at Jamieson at 1 p.m. During the winter months the mails will be due at 3 p.m. The mails will be despatched from Jamieson at a sufficiently early hour to admit their reaching Longwood in time for despatch per night mail to Melbourne.

■ To and from Jamieson and Matlock by way of Gaffney's Creek and Wood's Point, three days a week. The mails will be despatched from Jamieson immediately on arrival of the Melbourne mails at that place; they will bo due at Matlock at 9 a.m. during the summer months, and at 10.30 a.m. during the winter months. The despatch from Matlock for Jamieson will be 11 a.m.

■ To and from Preston and Glenvale, by way of Bundoora, Janefield, Morang, and Whittlesea, six days a week ; and to and from Bundoora and Diamond Creek, by way of Greensborough, three days a week.

■ To and from Jamieson and Darlingford, three days a week.

■ To and from Gaffney's Creek and Lauraville (Enoch's Point), three days a week. ● A modern day photo of the Whittlesea-Yea Road at Humevale (the original route).

“The next accommodation house McDonald was within a fow feet of ■ To and from Broadford and Yea, a letter to the editor of The Age, which was published on September is at Dry Creek, a distance of five McLeod at the time that the explo- by way of Reedy Creek and King 6, 1865. It was published under the miles, kept by Mr Jones, from here sion took place, but he escaped un- Parrot Creek, three days a week.

By May 1866, J.F. Sullivan, of headline: ‘Another New Route to the to the junction of the Big River, ten touched."

The Leader (Sept. 30, 1865) had the Roads and Bridges Office, was miles, the new road from Tommy's Jordan.” advertising in The Age for tenders to “Sir, — I feel it a duty to lay be- Hut to the Steavenson, on the Yarra carried an advertisement seeking construct a bridge and approaches fore the public a saving of forty-seven track, has only been open about three tenders for the conveyance of mails and other roads at Flowerdale, on the during 1866. weeks. miles (travelled by me to town) by a Whittlesea-Yea Road.

“Every tender must be. accom“There have been two drays new track, cut and cleared by Mr This 1866 use of the area name panied by a bank eposit receipt for a through without any difficulty.

I also Underwood and his son, through a of Flowerdale will interest some lorough and thickly timbered country. met three bullock drays and two sum equal to twenty per cent, of the cal historians, who believed that the amount for which the tenderer is teams of pack horses, loaded, from “In conjunction with the name only came into popular use Goulburn and Big River, the Whittlesea to the above-named willing to undertake the service; the later. money to be lodged to the credit of place.

Steavenson and Wood's Point dray Mr Sullivan also called for ten“I should not be surprised to see the Deputy Postmaster-General, and ders track, I can assure the public, is the for constructing culverts and to be absolutely forfeited to the GovCobb's coach-and-four going direct shortest by twenty eight miles and other works near Yea on the superior to any track cut through that through to the junction of the Big River ernment in case the person whose ‘Molesworth-Yea Road’. tender may be accepted shall fail to in one day. district.

Another tender was sought to “The road from Tommy's hut to complete, within ten days of the date construct “The new track, on leaving the a bridge (with approaches) of notice being given of the accepthe Steavenson, planned and cleared Steavenson, is a good road, the first over the Big River, at Darlingford accomodation place is on the by Mr Underwood, must have cost tance of his tender, the usual bond on the ‘Yea-to-Jamieson road’. Yet and contract to the satisfaction of the upwards of two hundred pounds.

Acheron River, eight miles from the another was ‘over the Jamieson on “I write this for the benefit of the Government.”

Steavenson, occupied by Mr Bishop. road to Wood’s Point”.

Some of the mail runs were: public, but especially for those who “At this river there is a substanThe Crown Land’s Office advertial bridge. After travelling four miles ought to feel an interest in the devel- ■ “To and from Melbourne and tisement in The Argus (May 23, Wood's Point, by way of Eltham, opment of the river resources.

I came to the only range, which takes 1866) showed that land at ‘Kinglake’ “Of the distance through which I Kangaroo Ground, Yarra Flats, was being advertised “on the road a gentle rise of about a mile.

“On the top of this range is a level have travelled I walked the whole Healesville, Marysville, and from Whittlesea to Yea, at Tommy’s journey of four miles, and it then way, and my two horses, though car- Matlock, three days a week; and to Hut, on the King and Sugarloaf rying a weight of over two hundred and from Kangaroo Ground and St. Creeks” at the upset price of £1 per descends with a gentle slope.

“I then crossed the New Chum each of bullock hides, arrived quite Andrew's three days a week. The acre.Allotments 1A-12B ranged Creek over a good ford; five miles fresh, there being plenty of good mails will bo despatched from from 56 acres to 268 acres.

Melbourne on Tuesdays, Thursfrom this is Mr McFarlane's station, grass throughout the journey.”

The contract for Yea and The traffic created by the mining days, and Saturdays, at Five p.m. Jamieson road, construct ing bridge where I camped for the night. and will have to be delivered at and approaches over the Big River “After a short journey of two industry was considerable. “"A serious accident, by an ex- Wood'sPoint on Thursdays, Satur- at Darlingford, for £1009. 1s. 10d, miles, I reached Mr Underwood's homestead, where I gained informa- plosion of powder, took placo in the days, and Mondays, at Eight a.m. was awarded to Greenlaw and Dunrobin tunnel, at Tea-tree Creek, The return mails will be despatched Purves. tion as to my further course.

“On leaving here I crossed sev- near Yea, by which," noted the from Wood's Point on Mondays, The Molesworth to Yea-road eral small creeks with good bridges, Kilmore Examiner in December Wednesdays, and Saturdays, at Six. contract, constructing culverts and p.m., and will have to be delivered other works, £630 14s, went to Drystill I reached Tommy's hut, a dis- 1865.

"Mr. Hugh McLeod is very se- at the General Post Office on dale and Ellingworth. tance of about eighteen miles.

“There I came on the M'Clares verely injured, barely escaping a vio- Wednesdays, Fridays, and Mondays, The Whittlesea and Yea-road, road, eight miles from Whittlesea lent and sudden death. The accident at Six a.m. constructing bridge and other road ■ To and from Melbourne and works at Flowerdale, amounted to and twenty-four miles from oc curred last week.

“Whilst Mr. McLeod was de pos- Beechworth, by way of £383 10s. Drysdale and Ellingworth Melbourne ; it is one of the best roads in the colony, but I would not advise iting a charge of powder in the bore, Campbellfield, Somerton, Donny- also won this job. drays to proceed by this route from it from some unaccountable canse brook, Beveridge, Wallan-wallan, The Kilmore Free Press (Oct. 25, Melbourne to the Goulburn or the exploded, discharging its full forco Kilmore, Broadford, Tallarook, 1866) noted another local works Big River, as the junction road of the against Mr. McLeod's left arm, face, Seymour, Avenel, Longwood, project: “We are glad to see that tenand neck - the wholo of the upper Euroa, Violet town, Benalla, ders are called (by the 8th proximo) Acheron River is not finished.

“Here you leave Underwood's portion of his body being more or loss Winton, Wangaratta, and Tarra- for the construction of a bridge over wingee, six days a week; also, the the King Parrot Creek,.on the road track, cross the Acheron River by a injured.

“Unfortunately, there happened to conveyance of a mail from to Yea. bridge now being built by Messrs Hewlett and Son, to Mr Rogers' sta- be an open keg at hand, containing Melbourne to Kilmore, six times; “The bridge is much. wanted, as tion, distant four miles from there, about twelve pounds of powder, week. the bad crossing impeded the traffic six miles to the Robinson River by which also ex ploded, and must have ■ To and from Longwood and on that road materially.” enveloped the unfor unate sufferer Jamieson,. by way of Merton and the upper ford.

The Whittlesea Road District “Then keep to the right hand in flames and the suffocating smoke Mansfield, six days a week.

Clerk, Thomas Thompson, adverDuring the time the summer ar- tised (Nov. 6, 1866) for tenders for sideling for two miles, which brings at the extremity of the tunnel, which rangements are in force on the 46 chains and 55 links of the you on to the Yea and Big River-road is over 300ft. long. “ Another man, named Kenneth Beechworth-road, the mails will be Whittlesea and Yea Main Road. at the River Goulburn.

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Observer Magazine

■ Bernice Lum was born in 1915 in Adelaide.

Her father was a Chinese doctor and her mother was of English and German ancestry. Bernice was the eldest of three children.

The family moved to Melbourne and settled in St Kilda in 1923. Bernice was popular at school and musically gifted. When she graduated from PLC began acting in radio plays.

The young actress appeared on 3XY, 3AK and 3KZ in plays such as One Man's Family and The Lone Hand.

She married Jim Terry who played ‘Ginger’ in stage shows (based on the character ‘Ginger Meggs’) and Jim also worked in radio. In 1946 their daughter Sharon was born.

One of Bernice's great memories was walking along Little Collins Street in the city street with Freddie Parsons, the famous comedy writer.

Freddie spotted Roy Rene Mo approaching and whispered to Bernice that he was going to stir Mo up.

Mo hated talking about other performers so when Freddie complimented a singer in Mo's show at the Tivoli, Mo came in ‘hook, line and sinker, spluttering out a derogatory remark.

A popular radio show on 3AW was Under The Dryer in which Bernice appeared in the late 1940s.

In 1950 Bernice took over the children's radio session from Florence Cheers on 3KZ and teamed with Norman Swain.

She was ‘Cousin Binny’ and from that time

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Binny Lum

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

onwards she became known as Binny Lum. Binny worked at many radio stations in Melbourne on various programs. In 1957 she was invited to host the television programme at Thursday at One on Channel Nine.

Binny also did commercials on In Melbourne Tonight. One night a mischievous Graham Kennedy substituted fruit salts for the milk product that Binny was advertising and the glass fizzed everywhere.

Binny became well known for her radio interviews with the visiting celebrities. Some of her interview guests included, Fred Astaire, Danny Kaye, Vivien Bullwinkle, The Beatles, Betty Hutton and Nelson Eddy.

In the early 1960s Binny Lum was appear-

● Binny Lum with The Beatles ing on Time for Terry at Channel Seven with 3AK. What a wonderful career she had in radio Terry O'Neill, Ian Turpie and Pat Carroll.

Binny travelled the world to record interviews and television. As a boy, I loved listening to and made many friends. In 1970 she was seen ‘Cousin Binny’ on 3KZ. Kevin Trask on Channel Seven in the morning program, Kevin can be heard on 3AW Woman's World with Vi Greenhalf and Jon The Time Tunnel - on Nightline - ThursSidney.

Jim Terry and Binny were divorced in the days at 10.10pm with Philip Brady and Simon Owens.

1950s.

And on 96.5 FM In 1977 Binny married long time friend Geoff That's Entertainment - Sundays Charter who also had a wonderful radio career at 12 Noon. and at that time worked with 3MP. www.innerfm.org.au In 1984 Binny began a new radio show on

Museum’s ‘best ever’ Tasmanian Tiger OK. With John O’Keefe Fitzy’s new look

● Peter FitzSimons ■ Former rugby champion, now noted historian, turned TV commentator Peter FitzSimons has ditched his bandana for appearances on ABC’s The Drum.

We are not sure if it was the ABC which said ‘no more looking like a gypsy” ... and voila there he was looking normal with a receeding hairline.

Maybe his wife Lisa Wilkinson had a say in his new look.

7 News reporters not happy

● THIS “best ever” Tasmanian Tiger pelt has just been acquired by the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, after being discovered in New Zealand where it had been owned from 1923 by a family of avid fauna collectors.

■ The National Museum of Austrawhile on rare display in a New Zealand lia in Canberra says it has acquired taxidermist and canoe hire business. one of the best-ever pelts of a TasmaEarly European settlers in Tasmanian Tiger – officially known as a thynia hunted thylacines that attacked lacine – following its discovery just their livestock, and in 1888 the State recently after nearly 100 years with a Government paid a bounty of £1 for family of keen fauna collectors in New every one of the stripe-backed TasZealand. manian Tigers that was caught.

And as a result of an extensive The introduction of hunting dogs by evaluation process, the Museum paid wild animal hunters and traders, $250,000 for the pelt, half of that becoupled with the foreign diseases ing a grant from the National Culthese dogs brought with them, resulted tural Heritage Account. in large thylacine losses, with the last The Museum’s Head Curator, Dr known Tasmanian Tiger dying in Martha Sear, said the “extraordinary” Hobart’s Beaumaris Zoo on Decemspecimen was considered one of the ber 7, 1936. best-preserved thylacine pelts in exThe species was declared officially istence, having been acquired by avid extinct by the Tasmanian government New Zealand collector, Archibald 50 years later, in 1986.

Robertson in 1923.

The “extraordinarily good” TasmaIt had been passed down to Mr nian Tiger pelt just acquired from New Zealand by the National Museum, Robertson’s only daughter, Janet Withers upon his death in 1970, and will go on display at the Museum in with David Ellis Canberra.

- David Ellis came to the attention of experts in 2017

Struth

■ Local podcasts are reporting how the introduction of the Late News on Seven has caused a flurry of internal emails.

Reporters are not happy as the rosters for the Late News impinge on their personal space. Management has a different view and winging emails will have little effect.

Election in the air

■ Triple M is gearing up with additional political coverage by signing David Spears of Sky News for regular commentary on happenings in Canberra.

Go Show Gold

■ It’s on again, the Go Show reunion of local stars of the seventies will rock on at the Palais, on May 4.

How’s this for a rockin’ good line-up? Normie Rowe, Johnny Young, Ronnie Burns, Colleen Hewett, Lucky Star, Marty Rhone, Rob EG, Issy Dye, The Vibrants and The Groove.

No excuses, be there, all the stars are in great voice .

Mother and son

■ Suzi Quatro is wowing audiences throughout Australia and is soon to start a further leg of her Oz tour.

The tour is of special appeal as Suzi will launch her latest album, No Control , on March 31. It includes new songs jointly created by Suzi and her musician son, Richard.

- John O’Keefe

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 17

Observer Classic Books

Bleak House - by Charles Dickens It entered into all his calculations about money in a singular manner which I don’t think I can better explain than by reverting for a moment to our loan to Mr. Skimpole.

Mr. Jarndyce had ascertained the amount, either from Mr. Skimpole himself or from Coavinses, and had placed the money in my hands with instructions to me to retain my own part of it and hand the rest to Richard. The number of little acts of thoughtless expenditure which Richard justified by the recovery of his ten pounds, and the number of times he talked to me as if he had saved or realized that amount, would form a sum in simple addition.

“My prudent Mother Hubbard, why not?” he said to me when he wanted, without the least consideration, to bestow five pounds on the brickmaker. “I made ten pounds, clear, out of Coavinses’ business.”

“How was that?” said I. “Why, I got rid of ten pounds which I was quite content to get rid of and never expected to see any more. You don’t deny that?”

“No,” said I. “Very well! Then I came into possession of ten pounds — ” “The same ten pounds,” I hinted.

“That has nothing to do with it!” returned Richard. “I have got ten pounds more than I expected to have, and consequently I can afford to spend it without being particular.”

In exactly the same way, when he was persuaded out of the sacrifice of these five pounds by being convinced that it would do no good, he carried that sum to his credit and drew upon it.

“Let me see!” he would say. “I saved five pounds out of the brickmaker’s affair, so if I have a good rattle to London and back in a postchaise and put that down at four pounds, I shall have saved one. And it’s a very good thing to save one, let me tell you: a penny saved is a penny got!”

I believe Richard’s was as frank and generous a nature as there possibly can be. He was ardent and brave, and in the midst of all his wild restlessness, was so gentle that I knew him like a brother in a few weeks. His gentleness was natural to him and would have shown itself abundantly even without Ada’s influence; but with it, he became one of the most winning of companions, always so ready to be interested and always so happy, sanguine, and light-hearted. I am sure that I, sitting with them, and walking with them, and talking with them, and noticing from day to day how they went on, falling deeper and deeper in love, and saying nothing about it, and each shyly thinking that this love was the greatest of secrets, perhaps not yet suspected even by the other — I am sure that I was scarcely less enchanted than they were and scarcely less pleased with the pretty dream.

We were going on in this way, when one morning at breakfast Mr. Jarndyce received a letter, and looking at the superscription, said, “From Boythorn? Aye, aye!” and opened and read it with evident pleasure, announcing to us in a parenthesis when he was about half-way through, that Boythorn was “coming down” on a visit.

Now who was Boythorn, we all thought. And I dare say we all thought too — I am sure I did, for one — would Boythorn at all interfere with what was going forward?

“I went to school with this fellow, Lawrence Boythorn,” said Mr. Jarndyce, tapping the letter as he laid it on the table, “more than five and forty years ago. He was then the most impetuous boy in the world, and he is now the most impetuous man. He was then the loudest boy in the world, and he is now the loudest man. He was then the heartiest and sturdiest boy in the world, and he is now the heartiest and sturdiest man. He is a tremendous fellow.”

“In stature, sir?” asked Richard.

“Pretty well, Rick, in that respect,” said Mr. Jarndyce; “being some ten years older than I and a couple of inches taller, with his head thrown back like an old soldier, his stalwart chest squared, his hands like a clean blacksmith’s, and his lungs! There’s no simile for his lungs.

Talking, laughing, or snoring, they make the beams of the house shake.”

As Mr. Jarndyce sat enjoying the image of his friend Boythorn, we observed the favourable

the contagion and to laugh as enjoyingly as he did or as we did when we heard him laugh.

We all conceived a prepossession in his favour, for there was a sterling quality in this laugh, and in his vigorous, healthy voice, and in the roundness and fullness with which he uttered every word he spoke, and in the very fury of his superlatives, which seemed to go off like blank cannons and hurt nothing. But we were hardly prepared to have it so confirmed by his appearance when Mr. Jarndyce presented him. He was not only a very handsome old gentleman — upright and stalwart as he had been described to us — with a massive grey head, a fine composure of face when silent, a figure that might have become corpulent but for his being so continually in earnest that he gave it no rest, and a chin that might have subsided into a double chin but for the vehement emphasis in which it was constantly required to assist; but he was such a true gentleman in his manner, so chivalrously polite, his face was lighted by a smile of so much sweetness and tenderness, and it seemed so plain that he had nothing to hide, but showed himself exactly as he was — incapable, as Richard said, of anything on a limited scale, and firing away with those blank great guns because he carried no small arms whatever — that really I could not help looking at him with equal pleasure as he sat at dinner, whether he smilingly conversed with Ada and me, or was led by Mr. Jarndyce into some great volley of superlatives, or threw up his head like a bloodhound and gave out that tremendous “Ha, ha, ha!”

“You have brought your bird with you, I suppose?” said Mr. Jarndyce.

“By heaven, he is the most astonishing bird in Europe!” replied the other. “He IS the most wonderful creature! I wouldn’t take ten thousand guineas for that bird. I have left an annuity for his sole support in case he should outlive me. He is, in sense and attachment, a phenomenon. And his father before him was one of the most astonishing birds that ever lived!”

The subject of this laudation was a very little canary, who was so tame that he was brought down by Mr. Boythorn’s man, on his forefinger, and after taking a gentle flight round the room, alighted on his master’s head. To hear Mr. Boythorn presently expressing the most implacable and passionate sentiments, with this fragile mite of a creature quietly perched on his forehead, was to have a good illustration of his charCharles Dickens acter, I thought. omen that there was not the least indication of quired.

“By my soul, Jarndyce,” he said, very gently any change in the wind.

“I have not the slightest doubt that the scoundrel holding up a bit of bread to the canary to peck at, “But it’s the inside of the man, the warm heart has passed his whole existence in misdirecting “if I were in your place I would seize every of the man, the passion of the man, the fresh travellers!” returned the other. “By my soul, I master in Chancery by the throat tomorrow blood of the man, Rick — and Ada, and little thought him the worst-looking dog I had ever morning and shake him until his money rolled Cobweb too, for you are all interested in a visi- beheld when he was telling me to take the turn- out of his pockets and his bones rattled in his tor — that I speak of,” he pursued. “His lan- ing to the right. And yet I stood before that fel- skin. I would have a settlement out of someguage is as sounding as his voice. He is always low face to face and didn’t knock his brains body, by fair means or by foul. If you would in extremes, perpetually in the superlative de- out!” empower me to do it, I would do it for you with gree. In his condemnation he is all ferocity. You “Teeth, you mean?” said Mr. Jarndyce. the greatest satisfaction!” (All this time the very might suppose him to be an ogre from what he “Ha, ha, ha!” laughed Mr. Lawrence Boythorn, small canary was eating out of his hand.) says, and I believe he has the reputation of one really making the whole house vibrate. “What, “I thank you, Lawrence, but the suit is hardly at with some people. There! I tell you no more of you have not forgotten it yet! Ha, ha, ha! And such a point at present,” returned Mr. Jarndyce, him beforehand. You must not be surprised to that was another most consummate vagabond! laughing, “that it would be greatly advanced even see him take me under his protection, for he By my soul, the countenance of that fellow when by the legal process of shaking the bench and has never forgotten that I was a low boy at he was a boy was the blackest image of perfidy, the whole bar.” school and that our friendship began in his knock- cowardice, and cruelty ever set up as a scare- “There never was such an infernal cauldron as ing two of my head tyrant’s teeth out (he says crow in a field of scoundrels. If I were to meet that Chancery on the face of the earth!” said six) before breakfast. Boythorn and his man,” that most unparalleled despot in the streets to- Mr. Boythorn. “Nothing but a mine below it on a to me, “will be here this afternoon, my dear.” morrow, I would fell him like a rotten tree!” busy day in term time, with all its records, rules, I took care that the necessary preparations were “I have no doubt of it,” said Mr. Jarndyce. “Now, and precedents collected in it and every funcmade for Mr. Boythorn’s reception, and we will you come upstairs?” tionary belonging to it also, high and low, uplooked forward to his arrival with some curios- “By my soul, Jarndyce,” returned his guest, who ward and downward, from its son the Accounity. The afternoon wore away, however, and he seemed to refer to his watch, “if you had been tant–General to its father the Devil, and the whole did not appear. The dinner-hour arrived, and married, I would have turned back at the gar- blown to atoms with ten thousand hundredweight still he did not appear. The dinner was put back den-gate and gone away to the remotest sum- of gunpowder, would reform it in the least!” an hour, and we were sitting round the fire with mits of the Himalaya Mountains sooner than I It was impossible not to laugh at the energetic no light but the blaze when the hall-door sud- would have presented myself at this unseason- gravity with which he recommended this strong denly burst open and the hall resounded with able hour.” measure of reform. When we laughed, he threw these words, uttered with the greatest vehe- “Not quite so far, I hope?” said Mr. Jarndyce. up his head and shook his broad chest, and again mence and in a stentorian tone: “We have been “By my life and honour, yes!” cried the visitor. the whole country seemed to echo to his “Ha, misdirected, Jarndyce, by a most abandoned “I wouldn’t be guilty of the audacious insolence ha, ha!” It had not the least effect in disturbing ruffian, who told us to take the turning to the of keeping a lady of the house waiting all this the bird, whose sense of security was complete right instead of to the left. He is the most intoler- time for any earthly consideration. I would infi- and who hopped about the table with its quick able scoundrel on the face of the earth. His fa- nitely rather destroy myself — infinitely rather!” head now on this side and now on that, turning ther must have been a most consummate vil- Talking thus, they went upstairs, and presently its bright sudden eye on its master as if he were lain, ever to have such a son. I would have had we heard him in his bedroom thundering “Ha, no more than another bird. that fellow shot without the least remorse!” ha, ha!” and again “Ha, ha, ha!” until the flat- “But how do you and your neighbour get on about “Did he do it on purpose?” Mr. Jarndyce in- test echo in the neighbourhood seemed to catch Continued on Page 18

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Observer Classic Books From Page 16 the disputed right of way?” said Mr. Jarndyce.

“You are not free from the toils of the law yourself!”

“The fellow has brought actions against ME for trespass, and I have brought actions against HIM for trespass,” returned Mr. Boythorn. “By heaven, he is the proudest fellow breathing. It is morally impossible that his name can be Sir Leicester. It must be Sir Lucifer.”

“Complimentary to our distant relation!” said my guardian laughingly to Ada and Richard.

“I would beg Miss Clare’s pardon and Mr. Carstone’s pardon,” resumed our visitor, “if I were not reassured by seeing in the fair face of the lady and the smile of the gentleman that it is quite unnecessary and that they keep their distant relation at a comfortable distance.”

“Or he keeps us,” suggested Richard.

“By my soul,” exclaimed Mr. Boythorn, suddenly firing another volley, “that fellow is, and his father was, and his grandfather was, the most stiff-necked, arrogant imbecile, pig-headed numskull, ever, by some inexplicable mistake of Nature, born in any station of life but a walking-stick’s! The whole of that family are the most solemnly conceited and consummate blockheads! But it’s no matter; he should not shut up my path if he were fifty baronets melted into one and living in a hundred Chesney Wolds, one within another, like the ivory balls in a Chinese carving. The fellow, by his agent, or secretary, or somebody, writes to me ‘Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet, presents his compliments to Mr. Lawrence Boythorn, and has to call his attention to the fact that the green pathway by the old parsonage-house, now the property of Mr. Lawrence Boythorn, is Sir Leicester’s right of way, being in fact a portion of the park of chesney Wold, and that Sir Leicester finds it convenient to close up the same.’ I write to the fellow, ‘Mr. Lawrence Boythorn presents his compliments to Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet, and has to call HIS attention to the fact that he totally denies the whole of Sir Leicester Dedlock’s positions on every possible subject and has to add, in reference to closing up the pathway, that he will be glad to see the man who may undertake to do it.’ The fellow sends a most abandoned villain with one eye to construct a gateway. I play upon that execrable scoundrel with a fireengine until the breath is nearly driven out of his body. The fellow erects a gate in the night. I chop it down and burn it in the morning. He sends his myrmidons to come over the fence and pass and repass. I catch them in humane man traps, fire split peas at their legs, play upon them with the engine — resolve to free mankind from the insupportable burden of the existence of those lurking ruffians. He brings actions for trespass; I bring actions for trespass. He brings actions for assault and battery; I defend them and continue to assault and batter. Ha, ha, ha!”

To hear him say all this with unimaginable energy, one might have thought him the angriest of mankind. To see him at the very same time, looking at the bird now perched upon his thumb and softly smoothing its feathers with his forefinger, one might have thought him the gentlest.

To hear him laugh and see the broad good nature of his face then, one might have supposed that he had not a care in the world, or a dispute, or a dislike, but that his whole existence was a summer joke.

“No, no,” he said, “no closing up of my paths by any Dedlock! Though I willingly confess,” here he softened in a moment, “that Lady Dedlock is the most accomplished lady in the world, to whom I would do any homage that a plain gentleman, and no baronet with a head seven hundred years thick, may. A man who joined his regiment at twenty and within a week challenged the most imperious and presumptuous coxcomb of a commanding officer that ever drew the breath of life through a tight waist — and got broke for it — is not the man to be walked over by all the Sir Lucifers, dead or alive, locked or unlocked. Ha, ha, ha!”

“Nor the man to allow his junior to be walked over either?” said my guardian.

“Most assuredly not!” said Mr. Boythorn, clapping him on the shoulder with an air of protection that had something serious in it, though he laughed. “He will stand by the low boy, always.

Jarndyce, you may rely upon him! But speaking of this trespass — with apologies to Miss Clare and Miss Summerson for the length at which I have pursued so dry a subject — is there nothing for me from your men Kenge and Carboy?”

“I think not, Esther?” said Mr. Jarndyce.

“Much obliged!” said Mr. Boythorn. “Had no need to ask, after even my slight experience of Miss Summerson’s forethought for every one about her.” (They all encouraged me; they were determined to do it.) “I inquired because, coming from Lincolnshire, I of course have not yet been in town, and I thought some letters might have been sent down here. I dare say they will report progress to-morrow morning.”

I saw him so often in the course of the evening, which passed very pleasantly, contemplate Richard and Ada with an interest and a satisfaction that made his fine face remarkably agreeable as he sat at a little distance from the piano listening to the music — and he had small occasion to tell us that he was passionately fond of music, for his face showed it — that I asked my guardian as we sat at the backgammon board whether Mr. Boythorn had ever been married.

“No,” said he. “No.” “But he meant to be!” said I. “How did you find out that?” he returned with a smile. “Why, guardian,” I explained, not without reddening a little at hazarding what was in my thoughts, “there is something so tender in his manner, after all, and he is so very courtly and gentle to us, and — ” Mr. Jarndyce directed his eyes to where he was sitting as I have just described him.

I said no more.

“You are right, little woman,” he answered. “He was all but married once. Long ago. And once.”

“Did the lady die?”

“No — but she died to him. That time has had its influence on all his later life. Would you suppose him to have a head and a heart full of romance yet?”

“I think, guardian, I might have supposed so.

But it is easy to say that when you have told me so.”

“He has never since been what he might have been,” said Mr. Jarndyce, “and now you see him in his age with no one near him but his servant and his little yellow friend. It’s your throw, my dear!”

I felt, from my guardian’s manner, that beyond this point I could not pursue the subject without changing the wind. I therefore forbore to ask any further questions. I was interested, but not curious. I thought a little while about this old love story in the night, when I was awakened by Mr. Boythorn’s lusty snoring; and I tried to do that very difficult thing, imagine old people young again and invested with the graces of youth. But I fell asleep before I had succeeded, and dreamed of the days when I lived in my godmother’s house. I am not sufficiently acquainted with such subjects to know whether it is at all remarkable that I almost always dreamed of that period of my life.

With the morning there came a letter from Messrs. Kenge and Carboy to Mr. Boythorn informing him that one of their clerks would wait upon him at noon. As it was the day of the week on which I paid the bills, and added up my books, and made all the household affairs as compact as possible, I remained at home while Mr. Jarndyce, Ada, and Richard took advantage of a very fine day to make a little excursion, Mr. Boythorn was to wait for Kenge and Carboy’s clerk and then was to go on foot to meet them on their return.

Well! I was full of business, examining tradesmen’s books, adding up columns, paying money, filing receipts, and I dare say making a great bustle about it when Mr. Guppy was announced and shown in. I had had some idea that the clerk who was to be sent down might be the young gentleman who had met me at the coachoffice, and I was glad to see him, because he was associated with my present happiness.

I scarcely knew him again, he was so uncommonly smart. He had an entirely new suit of glossy clothes on, a shining hat, lilac-kid gloves, a neckerchief of a variety of colours, a large hot-house flower in his button-hole, and a thick gold ring on his little finger. Besides which, he quite scented the dining-room with bear’s-grease and other perfumery. He looked at me with an attention that quite confused me when I begged him to take a seat until the servant should return; and as he sat there crossing and uncrossing his legs in a corner, and I asked him if he had had a pleasant ride, and hoped that Mr. Kenge was well, I never looked at him, but I found him looking at me in the same scrutinizing and curious way.

When the request was brought to him that he would go up-stairs to Mr. Boythorn’s room, I mentioned that he would find lunch prepared for

him when he came down, of which Mr. Jarndyce hoped he would partake. He said with some embarrassment, holding the handle of the door, ‘“Shall I have the honour of finding you here, miss?” I replied yes, I should be there; and he went out with a bow and another look.

I thought him only awkward and shy, for he was evidently much embarrassed; and I fancied that the best thing I could do would be to wait until I saw that he had everything he wanted and then to leave him to himself. The lunch was soon brought, but it remained for some time on the table. The interview with Mr. Boythorn was a long one, and a stormy one too, I should think, for although his room was at some distance I heard his loud voice rising every now and then like a high wind, and evidently blowing perfect broadsides of denunciation.

At last Mr. Guppy came back, looking something the worse for the conference. “My eye, miss,” he said in a low voice, “he’s a Tartar!”

“Pray take some refreshment, sir,” said I. Mr. Guppy sat down at the table and began nervously sharpening the carving-knife on the carving-fork, still looking at me (as I felt quite sure without looking at him) in the same unusual manner. The sharpening lasted so long that at last I felt a kind of obligation on me to raise my eyes in order that I might break the spell under which he seemed to labour, of not being able to leave off.

He immediately looked at the dish and began to carve.

“What will you take yourself, miss? You’ll take a morsel of something?”

“No, thank you,” said I. “Shan’t I give you a piece of anything at all, miss?” said Mr. Guppy, hurriedly drinking off a glass of wine.

“Nothing, thank you,” said I. “I have only waited to see that you have everything you want. Is there anything I can order for you?”

“No, I am much obliged to you, miss, I’m sure.

I’ve everything that I can require to make me comfortable — at least I— not comfortable — I’m never that.” He drank off two more glasses of wine, one after another.

I thought I had better go.

“I beg your pardon, miss!” said Mr. Guppy, rising when he saw me rise. “But would you allow me the favour of a minute’s private conversation?”

Not knowing what to say, I sat down again.

“What follows is without prejudice, miss?” said Mr. Guppy, anxiously bringing a chair towards my table.

“I don’t understand what you mean,” said I, wondering.

“It’s one of our law terms, miss.You won’t make any use of it to my detriment at Kenge and Carboy’s or elsewhere. If our conversation shouldn’t lead to anything, I am to be as I was and am not to be prejudiced in my situation or worldly prospects. In short, it’s in total confidence.”

“I am at a loss, sir,” said I, “to imagine what you can have to communicate in total confidence to me, whom you have never seen but once; but I should be very sorry to do you any injury.”

“Thank you, miss. I’m sure of it — that’s quite sufficient.” All this time Mr. Guppy was either planing his forehead with his handkerchief or tightly rubbing the palm of his left hand with the palm of his right. “If you would excuse my taking another glass of wine, miss, I think it might assist me in getting on without a continual choke that cannot fail to be mutually unpleasant.”

He did so, and came back again. I took the opportunity of moving well behind my table.

“You wouldn’t allow me to offer you one, would you miss?” said Mr. Guppy, apparently refreshed.

“Not any,” said I. “Not half a glass?” said Mr. Guppy. “Quarter?

No! Then, to proceed. My present salary, Miss Summerson, at Kenge and Carboy’s, is two pound a week. When I first had the happiness of looking upon you, it was one fifteen, and had stood at that figure for a lengthened period. A rise of five has since taken place, and a further rise of five is guaranteed at the expiration of a term not exceeding twelve months from the present date. My mother has a little property, which takes the form of a small life annuity, upon which she lives in an independent though unassuming manner in the Old Street Road. She is eminently calculated for a mother-in-law. She never interferes, is all for peace, and her disposition easy. She has her failings — as who has

not? — but I never knew her do it when company was present, at which time you may freely trust her with wines, spirits, or malt liquors. My own abode is lodgings at Penton Place, Pentonville. It is lowly, but airy, open at the back, and considered one of the ’ealthiest outlets. Miss Summerson! In the mildest language, I adore you. Would you be so kind as to allow me (as I may say) to file a declaration — to make an offer!”

Mr. Guppy went down on his knees. I was well behind my table and not much frightened. I said, “Get up from that ridiculous position lmmediately, sir, or you will oblige me to break my implied promise and ring the bell!”

“Hear me out, miss!” said Mr. Guppy, folding his hands.

“I cannot consent to hear another word, sir,” I returned, “Unless you get up from the carpet directly and go and sit down at the table as you ought to do if you have any sense at all.”

He looked piteously, but slowly rose and did so.

“Yet what a mockery it is, miss,” he said with his hand upon his heart and shaking his head at me in a melancholy manner over the tray, “to be stationed behind food at such a moment. The soul recoils from food at such a moment, miss.”

“I beg you to conclude,” said I; “you have asked me to hear you out, and I beg you to conclude.”

“I will, miss,” said Mr. Guppy. “As I love and honour, so likewise I obey. Would that I could make thee the subject of that vow before the shrine!”

“That is quite impossible,” said I, “and entirely out of the question.”

“I am aware,” said Mr. Guppy, leaning forward over the tray and regarding me, as I again strangely felt, though my eyes were not directed to him, with his late intent look, “I am aware that in a worldly point of view, according to all appearances, my offer is a poor one. But, Miss Summerson! Angel! No, don’t ring — I have been brought up in a sharp school and am accustomed to a variety of general practice.

Though a young man, I have ferreted out evidence, got up cases, and seen lots of life. Blest with your hand, what means might I not find of advancing your interests and pushing your fortunes! What might I not get to know, nearly concerning you? I know nothing now, certainly; but what MIGHT I not if I had your confidence, and you set me on?”

I told him that he addressed my interest or what he supposed to be my interest quite as unsuccessfully as he addressed my inclination, and he would now understand that I requested him, if he pleased, to go away immediately.

“Cruel miss,” said Mr. Guppy, “hear but another word! I think you must have seen that I was struck with those charms on the day when I waited at the Whytorseller. I think you must have remarked that I could not forbear a tribute to those charms when I put up the steps of the ’ackney-coach. It was a feeble tribute to thee, but it was well meant. Thy image has ever since been fixed in my breast. I have walked up and down of an evening opposite Jellyby’s house only to look upon the bricks that once contained thee. This out of to-day, quite an unnecessary out so far as the attendance, which was its pretended object, went, was planned by me alone for thee alone. If I speak of interest, it is only to recommend myself and my respectful wretchedness. Love was before it, and is before it.”

“I should be pained, Mr. Guppy,” said I, rising and putting my hand upon the bell-rope, “to do you or any one who was sincere the injustice of slighting any honest feeling, however disagreeably expressed. If you have really meant to give me a proof of your good opinion, though ill-timed and misplaced, I feel that I ought to thank you. I have very little reason to be proud, and I am not proud. I hope,” I think I added, without very well knowing what I said, “that you will now go away as if you had never been so exceedingly foolish and attend to Messrs. Kenge and Carboy’s business.”

“Half a minute, miss!” cried Mr. Guppy, checking me as I was about to ring. “This has been without prejudice?”

“I will never mention it,” said I, “unless you should give me future occasion to do so.”

“A quarter of a minute, miss! In case you should think better at any time, however distant — THAT’S no consequence, for my feelings can never alter — of anything I have said, particularly what might I not do, Mr. William Guppy, eighty-seven, Penton Place, or if removed, or dead (of blighted hopes or anything of that sort), care of Mrs. Guppy, three hundred and two, Old Street Road, will be sufficient.”

To Be Continued Next Issue

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 19

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Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 43

Observer Crossword Solution No 1 GYMKHANA BUS Y BODY AUCK L AND T UMB L E E U RA I NS N M MRS A N O Y O E L K I SO L A T N A T UR I SM C I V I LWA R N E PO T I SM E H S TOGA E L UN F ED W A A J AR S E I CHAMB ER L HARR RA SHE S S MARK I NG M I ME T RE A E HENNA L L T E S T Y E SME L T ER E C L OS E T A RE L I ED N OB T A I O L L I T ANY B US E L E S S R R I CHER C ENNOB L E R CHE ER X M TOK YO R D I T HE I C E I L Y A V AR I CE E V U D E B A C K S D OWN O A S I S C G E D D I E S U B S I D I I N T ER I M T ROT L M R E R E R GUNS ME AN I NGS P E S E T A I A SCH I SM BUMP SO U W S A S U O GNA T S R N E S R N SO L OMON T H R OW I N G E T H E R E A L T A I L O I I OT A A E A G J S R E YRE N U E E DEDUCE S RENA L S A L S A CHAN T ROT A T T M MER I T C L AH O MA E N T RA Y S V PHOB I A E S I E V E I MB U E NO T R E R WH A L O E I R A N M E D E N A S I T U E EMMA S A S T RA L W EM I R AGE L E S S T HA I O L A T E D W I S A AC E B G G I R R R OU T DO B K ORNA T E L Y GRA Z I ERS R RA B MOA T S N L ACED S L R P E E G A UP S E T E I L A T ERA L GYN T L MA YD T AGGED N K I W I I R HA I R O S A Y S N N I CE G J AMB E I MMU N E N ON S E T P R E E N U RG E D T RWA N E M RAGED U L E I R OUR A WE E D Y R ADOP T ED OMEGA RUGB Y R A B B I ROUS I I Y I E E NOV A N C M R R MA I M Z N E XC I T I NG ENSNARED MOC K E NA I ROB I T A I GO I NG C D L A L P E G D R S P I ND L E S ERNE S T N V B Y L I NE S T E ERA N E R URE A RUDD I ER NODS I A C I F L ARE O S OGRE S MUCKRA K ARSON I S T S O K M U U N B E L G I AN H I O E L EMB A LMS R GA V E L A O Z A I RE K MENAC A Y E L A P S E I E S S ENCE N S T E F AN B I ND I ANA E S P L A SH R ADV EN T R NEGA T C N SMAR T A P OBOE S I O A S S E S M ME AGRE W HE L I P AD D HE A V I ER W TOA S I R DRE AM D S ME AD C A E N O MA Z E ME D I A T OR MONGO L I A B E A U T I E S MA T CH B L DD T G V E I DER C E OP S U L O R L EOT ARDS SHOR T E S T E AD I E S M I SHE ARD

RS O ED A I S G NS O RS E S E F F F U RS E ED V ER N S T O I D A A Y R DA E NG E RY S GE R E S V ED R ED S T S E OX E NS

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Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Observer Victorian Sport

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Melbourne

Outstanding Terang Cup victory ■ Exciting 4Y0 Somebeathsomewhere-Kiwi Rose entire Maraetai was a brilliant victor of the $60,000 (Group 2) Terang Co-Op Terang Pacing Cup over 2680 metres at Dalvui Raceway on Saturday.

Trained to the minute by Cardigan (Ballarat) based duo Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin for Brighton owners Pam and Russell Hockham, Maraetai settled three back along the markers as Mattie Craven’s locally trained pair of Egodan (gate one) and Cant Refuse (gate five) possied in the first two positions, with Born To Rocknroll a stablemate of the winner charging forward from the extreme draw to park in the open giving Cant Refuse little comfort.

■ Extricated into the clear prior to the home turn by Kate Gath who had earlier claimed the Terang Trotters Cup aboard ex-Kiwi McLovin which made an auspicious debut in Oz a week earlier by taking the S-A Trotters Cup, Maraetai making the final bend three wide finished full of running to claim the major prize 5.2 metres in advance of a game Cant Refuse, with old timer Flaming Flutter a half head away in third place off a three wide trail on the back of Emain Macha from the bell.

In quarters of 30,1, 28, 28,1 and 28.8 for the last mile, Maraetai returned a mile rate of 1-56.

Monday meetings

■ The regular trend of two meetings on a Monday continued last week, with Charlton racing at Maryborough, while Melton held the night fixture.

At Maryborough, Geoff Webster's in-form Art Major-Kabbalah Karen B 4Y0 gelding Kasbah Kid (Greg Sugars) led throughout from the pole to land the fast class race of the afternoon - the $7,000 C4 to C6 class Charlton & District Community Bank Pace over 2190 metres.

Given an easy time, Kasbah Kid just lasted to defeat outsider Rockabella Starz along the sprint lane after trailing by a half head only in a moderate 1-57.7, with Bonus Play (three wide last lap from last) 2.3 metres away in third place.

Recovered

■ Veteran Sutton Grange trainer Graeme Dalton landed the 2190 metre T0 & T1 class North West AG Services Trotters Handicap with 6Y0 Bad Boy Truscott-Reba Jay gelding Bad Boy Jay Jay, recording his first victory since June last year.

Beginning swiftly from 10 metres, Bad Boy Jay Jay had little difficulty in gaining the lead after the favourite Regal Assassin which led from the pole galloped shortly after.

Given every chance by Alford, Bad Boy Jay Jay coasted to the wire 8.9 metres in advance of Chief Running Cloud (one/one), with Regal Assassin recovering from the early break to finish third 9.5 metres away from mid-field. The mile rate 2-04.3.

Second success

■ Popular Rockbank part-owner/trainer/driver Freddy Spiteri's honest Art Major-Golden Lombo 6Y0 mare Coco Lombo snared the TAB Multiplier Trotters Mobile for T0 class over 2240 metres at Melton in a rate of 2-02.7.

Beginning brilliantly from gate four, Coco Lombo pounced on the lead and after being rated to perfection, defied all challengers to score by an easy 18.5 metre margin over Shield Maiden (one/one-three wide last lap) and the highly fancied Meziah who was a disappointing third one metre back after trailing the winner.

It was Coco Lombo's second success in 46 outings having run 11 placings.

Complete blowout

■ The Niota Bloodstock Trotters Mobile for T2 to T4 class over 2240 metres at Melton was a complete blow-out for punters when $19.60 chance Iona Spider greeted the judge 1.4 metres clear of Zoomas Legend ($96.90) and $73.80 hope Ventimiglia in a rate of 2-03.2.

Harness Racing

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker A late pick-up drive for Greg Sugars, Iona Spider (gate three) settled three back in the moving line as polemarker Cadenas Damour led. Trailing Myrtle Vale three wide into the final bend, Iona Spider was pushed four wide by Ventimiglia coming out inside him on the home turn, before finishing best to prevail by 1.4 metres over Zoomers Legend from knowhere, with Ventimiglia 1.4 metres away in third place.

Challenge issued

■ At Cranbourne on Tuesday, lightly raced 4Y0 Majestic Son-Tracys Dream mare Jannys Dream made it two from four when successful in the Yabby Dam Racing Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2575 metres. Driven

by Chris Alford, Jannys Dream trained at Iona

by Mick Hughes for father Des who shared in the ownership, was slowly away from 10 metres before hitting his gait very quickly to lead and was always travelling kindly.

Although Yankee Commando (three back the markers) issued a challenge on turning after coming away from the inside approaching the final bend, Jannys Dream held him at bay to score by 1.2 metres in a rate of 2-09.9.

Imperial Whiz which trailed the winner used the sprint lane to no avail in finishing third 1.9 metres back.

Half-neck margin

■ Gordon based father and son - Tim and Darby Mcguigan brought up a hat-trick of wins with Shadow Play-Whata Western 5Y0 gelding Byalla Boy at Cranbourne by taking the SBG Accountants & Business Advisors Pace for C1 class over 1609 metres.

Surprisingly beaten for speed from gate three

by Flyin Circles (gate five), Byalla Boy enjoyed a cosy trip on the back of the leader in a first lap slowly run affair.

Using the sprint lane, Byalla Boy finished best to register a half neck margin, with Dangerous Women 7.3 metres away in third place.

The mile rate 2-01.2.

Refused to give in

■ Two outstanding colts Hurricane Harley and Lochinvar Art did battle in the Mooroopna Lawn TC 3Y0 Pace over 2190 metres at Shepparton on Wednesday which was the highlight of the meeting, however It was the Emma Stewart trained Hurricane Harley (Bettors DelighSugarland) victorious in a sizzling rate of 1-54.1.

Driven by Amanda Turnbull, Hurricane Harley came out running from gate six with Lochinvar Art outside him also going forward only to be caught exposed.

With Alford making his rival work in a 26.7 third quarter, Hurricane Harley scored by 2.6 metres on the wire with Lochinvar Art not disgraced after refusing to give-in all the way up the running. Exciter was 40.7 metres back in third place from last.

Welcome win

■ Bendigo's John McDermott was a welcome

winner when 5Y0 Falcon Seelster-Scarlett Finn gelding Whata Challenge (Lisa Miles) led throughout from gate six to land the 2190 metre Tennis Victoria Country Week Pace for C1 class at Shepparton. T ravelling boldly all of the way, Whata Challenge gave his rivals the slip on the home turn to prevail by 13 metres from Pushinupdaisies (one/ two - outside the winner last lap), with Blazin Orion third 10 metres away from mid-field. The mile rate 1-58.8.

Sulky Snippets

Dad and daughter

■ Wednesday - Yarra Valley/Mildura, Thursday - Bendigo, Friday - Ararat, Saturday - Melton, Sunday - Gunbower, Monday Kilmore, Tuesday - Geelong.

This Week

■ Heathcote father and daughter Terry and Tayla French were successful at Shepparton with 4Y0 Well Said-Without Guile gelding Joeys Hangover in the C0 class Country Week Legend Jenny Reid Pace over 2190 metres.

Despite racing in the open from gate four, ■ The Girls Gotflair, Admiral, Starlight Joeys Hangover dashed to the front on turning Storm, Elenna, Turtle, Boy From Bondi, Betand defied all challengers in a punishing finish tor Be The Bomb, Yianni, Be Major Threat, to score by a head from Elenna from three back Village Safari in the moving line and the hot favourite Im Joe Louis which had every chance one/one finishing a half neck away in third place. The mile ■ Shelbourne trainer Kate Hargreaves and rate 2-03.8. partner Alex (Alby) Ashwood captured the fast class feature on the program - the $7,000 Thank You Doug Gretgrix Pace for C5 or better class ■ Maryborough raced on Thursday and for the over 1750 metres with American Ideal-Resuraverage punter there was certainly no value with gent Star gelding Resurgent Spirit in a mile rate the exception of one - the winners being of 1-55.3.

Jemstone ($1.20), Somewhere Secret ($1.20), Staring solo on the second line, Resurgent Trinity Dreaming, ($4.90) and Two Times Bet- Spirit trailed Pocket The Dream (gate two) and tor ($1.30) all for the Emma Stewart camp, with A Special Dream (gate three) through from gate the other two races going to Fremarkspoetry two as the field was released lobbing in the open ($1.10) and Rupert Of Lincoln ($1.40). as Pocket The Dream moved around A Special Dream to lead.

Not wasting any time, Ashwood urged Resurgent Spirit to the front entering the straight ■ Riddells Creek trainer Chris Lang and stable for the bell and maintained a margin to the wire, foreman Xavier O'Connor both tasted success scoring by a head from Emma Stewart's at last Thursday's compact Swan Hill harness Lookofalegend which parked in the open for the fixture. Lang preparing consistent gelding Next final circuit, with Ouyen hope Tippitinya (one/ Thru to land the Starlight Sulkies Trotters Handi- one last lap) third 7.5 metres back. cap for T0 or better class and O'Connor training and driving the DNR Logistics 3Y0 Pace winner - Art Major-Gusau filly Be The One. Next Thru a 5Y0 Muscle Hill-Invasions Pride gelding bred and raced by Richard and Pauline Matthews coming off a first-up Yarra Valley ■ After a triumphant year with the success victory on February 8, started from a 30 metre of their highly anticipated show Fly, Lano and backmark in the 2240 metre event stepping Woodley are taking the show on the road again cleanly as solo front marker Majestic Devil led. in 2019, bringing their award-winning proSettling at the tail, Next Thru gradually duction to Melbourne.

Fly was a triumph in 2018. After scoring moved forward to face the open for the final circuit, joining the front runner prior to the home stellar reviews, bringing home the People’s turn with the pair racing away on straightening. Choice Award at the Melbourne International In a two horse drive to the wire, Next Thru Comedy Festival and selling over 70,000 tickprevailed by a nose in a tricky finish, with My ets nationally, Australia’s favourite double act Darling Beware 7.2 metres away in third place delivered what is being widely recognised as after joining the leaders three wide on the final their finest show to date.

After 12 years apart, Colin Lane and Frank bend. The mile rate 2-03.7.

It was a different story with Be The One Woodley brought Col’s opus to life, telling the which speared away from gate five to lead run- epic story of the pioneers of flight, the Wright ning into the first turn, before coasting to the brothers.

There were all of the ingredients that have wire 13.2 metres in advance of Somedaylady made Lano and Woodley an Australian (three back the markers) and Interest Me (one/ for more the 20 years, but there was one) who were both making their race debut's. favourite something more … a magical chemistry and Interest Me 4.9 metres back. polish that had audiences whooping with unThe mile rate 1-56.4. controllable laughter and taking to their feet at the conclusion of every performance.

Something special happens when Lano Woodley come together in a theatre and ■ Six babies fronted the starter on debut in the and we are so lucky that they will spread the joy Jehm 2Y0 Pace at Swan Hill, with victory going that is this show to the regions of Australia in the way of the all conquering Emma Stewart 2019. stable's Mach Three-Bettor Give It gelding Mach Initial seasons in Melbourne, Sydney and Dan. Adelaide could not meet demand in 2018 so Driven by Chris Alford, Mach Dan was cities will see a return of these loveable driven with great vigour from gate two, but those couldn't hold out Changeover gelding Yianni mates.

1994, Lano & Woodley premiered their (Amanda Turnbull) which had superior speed firstInshow at Melbourne’s tiny Carlton Courtfrom gate four.

That show went on to win the prestiAfter an easy time on the back of the leader, house.

Perrier Award for best comedy in Mach Dan finished best along the sprint lane to gious Edinburgh, making Lano and Woodley only gain the day by a neck in a rate of 1-58.7.

Courage Under Fire gelding Premonition the second Australian artists to take out the (one/one last lap) was third for Ararat's Terry award.

- Tom Dundon Young.

Horses to follow

First-Class

No value here

Taste of success

Travel Extra Fly

Great vigour

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Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 45 e urn lbo Me

Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

ver N ser O Ob TI C SE 3

Observer Showbiz

Theatre: After Miss Julie ............................................. Page 47 Arts: Peter Kemp’s round-up ............................................. Page 47 Crossroads Music: Music:Glenn Brace returns to Mt Eliza .. Page 44 Jim and Aar on: Top `10 lists, Rourke’s Reviews .............. P age 46 Aaron: Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre sgows, auditions ........... Page 49 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSSSWORD

3MBS MARATHON EVENT Onstage Dating

● Bron Batten presents Onstage Dating.

Photo: Theresa Harrison ■ Theatre-maker, producer and performer Bron Batten presents Onstage Dating from March 25 to April 7 at The Butterfly Club.

Bron invites audiences to watch from the safety of their seats, or volunteer to be a part of the action as she takes modern romance to the next level – all in front of the audience!

Featuring a different person each night, Onstage Dating pushes the boundaries of audience participation right to the edge, and then a little bit further...

Onstage Dating is a brand-new take on the battle of the sexes. In light of #metoo and #timesup, Onstage Dating playfully demands that men behave better- and then gives them the chance to try.

In Bron’s words: “Witness the terror, excitement and heartbreak of contemporary courtship up close, as Onstage Dating provides a hilariously personal perspective into the world of online dating”.

The show has been winner of Adelaide Touring Award, Melbourne Fringe Festival 2016 and nominated Best Performer and Innovation in Audience Participation, Green Room Awards 2017, was in the Top 40 shows of the Edinburgh Fringe and top 10 female comedians of 2018 – Edinburgh and America.

Onstage Dating is devised and performed by Bron Batten, with Outside Eye direction by Gary Abrahams and sound design by Edward Gould.

Dates: March 25 - April 7 Time: 8.30pm (60 mins) Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne Price: $27.00 - $34.00 Bookings: https://thebutterflyclub.com/show/onstagedating - Cheryl Threadgold

Matador

● Antonín Dvorák ■ The award-winning annual Marathon event presented by 3MBS Fine Music Melbourne returns to Melbourne Recital Centre on Sunday (Feb. 24) at The Recital Centre, with its 2019 Dvorák Marathon - bringing Australia’s finest classical musicians together for an immersive all-day experience celebrating the works of Antonín Dvorák.

Across six concerts in a single day, the 3MBS Dvorák Marathon program will present some of the best and lesser-known chamber music compositions as well as his vast collection of solo piano music.

Highlight performances will include the Stabat Mater (performed by Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra) and Symphony No. 9 From the New World (performed by Corupus Medicorum).

Returning performers include 3MBS friends Stefan Cassomenos, Calvin Bowman, Wilma Smith, Sutherland Trio and the 2018 Menuhin Competition winner Christian Li. “I’m very excited about the 2019 program as it highlights the incredible compositional output of Dvorák,” says Artistic Director, Chris Howlett.

“This year’s line-up is an amazing show of Melbourne and Australian artistry and it is lovely to welcome into the 3MBS Marathon family the likes of ANAM, Orava Quartet, the Australian Children’s Choir, Royal Melbourne Philharmonic and Corpus Medicorum.”

The 3MBS Dvorák Marathon will also include a dedicated children’s program for younger listeners and a masterclass series, From the New World.

Music students and young music lovers are invited to learn about Dvorák’s passionate compositional style alongside musicians from the orchestras of Melbourne.

Single-event, half-day and all-day marathon tickets are available for purchase through the Melbourne Recital Centre.

For more information, visit 3MBS Fine Music Melbourne.

Event Details: Date and Times: Sunday, February 24, 10am, 12 Noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm Venue: Melbourne Recital Centre Tickets: Premium All-Day $350, Standard All-Day $160, Concession All-Day $100, Family All-Day $350, Half-Day $88 Single tickets also available.

- Cheryl Threadgold

● Tro Griffiths and Christopher Politis ■ Matador delivers a pop fusion of high energy dance, burlesque and circus acts with a bevy of performers gifted enough to grace any Kylie Minogue or Beyonce stage.

The cast of 14 shimmied, shook, twerked, gyrated, leapt, stomped, pirouetted and thrust their way through a mash-up of modern pop hits - commercial dancing at its finest.

The first act was pretty much a dance party, stage jampacked, wonderful to watch but the narrative was blurred.

The themes of love, carnal desires, forbidden love and passion are finally revealed in a stunning performance on circus rope by Tro Griffiths, supported by Christopher Politis.

Griffiths' sstrength and grace is breathtaking. Similarly the double ring sequence with Kelly Byrne and Zoe Marshall was a stand out.

Marshall however seemed under utilised and given her second act foray into the heavens suspended by her hair or headpiece (how did she do that?) - more of her could have added extra 'wow' to the show.

The theme continued in the second act featuring a number of duets. Highlights included the passionate Latin dance

by Josephine Lopes and Mario Acosta-Cevallos and the dramatic final showdown to Carl Orff’s momentous cantata Carmina Burana between metaphorical bulls Ned Zania and Politis.

On stage, Gerrard Pigg demonstrated incredible precision and agility. As commercial choreographer his contribution was significant. Sequences nevertheless seemed endless and director, Bass Fam could have benefited from a little more restraint in numbers.

Mirroring the high energy performances was the rate of costume change. Bass Fam Creative’s costume designs provide plenty of sexy however sometimes the long skirts looked like an impediment to the dancing. Outstanding were the black hatted Spanish ensemble and Indigo Hunt’s black tutu.

Lighting (Craig Boyes) provided plenty of dramatic moments and atmosphere fitting the Melba Spiegeltent in Collingwood.

Matador’s pumping soundtrack and urgent movement dazzled, while the ensemble’s stunning and endless energy amazed. It’s well worth the ticket price.

Performance season: 8.30pm until March 2 Venue: The Melba Spiegeltent, 35 Johnston St, Collingwood Cost: $69.90 Bookings: www.eventfinda.com.au/2019/matador/ melbourne/collingwood - Review by Beth Klein

Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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Observer Showbiz

Country Music, Radio, Theatre, Almanac

Meet Ryan Gonzalez

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads.com.au

Linton Blues

■ Blues lovers can enjoy an afternoon of great music from some of Australia's finest blues players and singers.

The Railway Hotel in Linton provides the venue and backline leaving just the artist to bring along their own instrument.

Sunday, March 3 features multi-award winners Steve Platter and Marion Turner as special guests.

All are welcome at the Linton Blues Jam, first Sunday of every month, 3pm-6pm, hosted by Glenn Suckling.od Friday

Glenn returns

■ Master singer-guitarist, writer and sound healer Glenn Brace will return home to Mt Eliza in March.

Glenn will be facilitating a number of projects he has been studying, recording and performing in recent years both interstate and overseas.

His guitar prowess has seen him work with the likes of Glenn Shorrock and Brian Cadd plus time spent in Art Garfunkel's band. His future work will include sound sessions at Angel Yoga, teaching and live music gigs.

Country at Newport

■ The next Country Comes to Town showcase is on Saturday, May 4, at the Newport Bowls Club, commencing 5pm. Featured artists will include Allan Caswell, The Weeping Willows, Rattlincane and the Prairie Oysters. Tickets are $20 at Trybooking.

- Rob Foenander

■ Fans of Jersey Boys are counting down sleeps to the arrival of this internationally acclaimed hit musical at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, with previews starting from Saturday, February 23.

The musical tells the true-life story of four guys from the wrong side of the tracks, and the rise to stardom of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, one of the most successful bands in pop music history.

The band sold more than 175 million records and were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame for their worldwide hits, including Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Walk Like a Man, Bye Bye Baby, Sherry and Big Girls Don’t Cry, which all feature in the musical.

The cast is a combination of exciting and emerging Australian talent, including Ryan Gonzalez and Daniel Raso who share the role of charismatic singer Frankie Valli.

Ryan Gonzalez is an award-winning performer, having already made his mark in musical theatre by performing in shows such as Kinky Boots, Strictly Ballroom The Musical, King Kong Live on Stage, Legally Blonde and others.

He kindly agreed to be interviewed for Melbourne Observer readers and says he trained as a dancer from a young age, but did not really train in musical theatre.

“I absorbed myself in it and auditioned a lot and booked my first show when I was 18 and learnt from there,” said Ryan.

Ryan studied music and drama as subjects in high school, and then graduated from Brent Street’sTalent Development High School with a full-time Certificate IV course in 2011.

I asked Ryan about the audition process for Frankie Valli’s role and he explained he needed to attend about five calls, all for different things: vocal, dance and scene work.

“My final audition was huge and I was in the room for about an hour’, explained Ryan. “I sang three Frankie Valli songs and presented about 10 different scenes. They definitely were testing for stamina and focus as well as everything else.”

When asked about his vision for the role of Frankie, Ryan replied that as the show is from Broadway, the vision for Frankie’s role is already in the direction and script of the production. ‘And because he is a real person you spend the rehearsal process learning a lot about him and trying to inject that into the script and your scene work’ Ryan believes he needs to trust the casting process. “I think that a lot of qualities I have in my personality, I share with Frankie Valli himself. So I model him on what I feel in those situations and try not to go too hard with a vision, otherwise it will steal away from what the creation of the show is.”

Describing Frankie Valli, Ryan sees him as

r Obser vbeiz On This Day Show

Wednesday February 20

Thursday February 21

■ Fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt was born in New York in 1934.

Actor Sir Sidney Pottier was born in Miami, Florida, in 1927.

Football commentator Neil Kerley was born in South Australia in 1934. Actress Lisa Hemsley was born in 1968.

■ Actor Kelsey Grammer was born in the Virgin Islands in 1955.

American actor Christopher Atkins was born in New York in 1961.

US actor William Baldwin, younger brother of Alec, was born in New York in 1963.

● Ryan Gonzalez “haunted, a perfectionist yet authentic, and very dependable on his other band members – they are his chosen family and he is extremely loyal to them”.

Ryan flips between favourite songs constantly in the show. “My favourite at the moment would have to be My Eyes Adored You- it is a very raw and complex moment between Frankie and Mary. Almost unexpected for the audience”.

He particularly likes the connection between cast members in this show. “I think what is special about this version is what an incredible group of people we are, and how much we all enjoy sharing the stage and sharing the story.”

Any future plans for Ryan after Jersey Boys finishes? “I am going to be a part of Kiss of the Spiderwomanat Melbourne Theatre Company at the end of the year. It is another phenomenal cast and creative team, and I will be super excited to be working with Caroline O’Connor again.”

Joining Ryan and Daniel in Jersey Boys are Cameron MacDonald (Tommy DeVito), Thomas McGuane (Bob Gaudio) who makes his career debut after graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, and Glaston Toft, who reprises his earlier portrayal of the band’s musical marvel Nick Massi.

Performance Details: Previews from February 23. Opening Night, March 2.

Venue: Regent Theatre, Melbourne Bookings: www.jerseyboys.com.au or telephone 1300 889 278 or call at the theatre personally.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Only A Year ■ Babies aged 0-12 months and their carers are invited to experience an immersive sensory theatre experience, Only A Year at Arts Centre Melbourne from March 13-16.

Award-winning theatre director Sarah Austin uses shadow, light, wind, rain, sun and heat to convey the seasons of a year and the idea that the first year of life is experienced by both infant and carer as the longest, but also shortest time imaginable.

In the work, babies follow the journey of a performer who undergoes a series of transformations with the passing of time including emerging from a cocoon, losing feathers and growing fur.

The creature interacts directly with each baby, meeting them at their level and inviting each child into the world of the performance with gentle engagement.

Children interact with the performance and the performer throughout the work, including adding to the live score with their own chime bar.

In addition to facilitating the experience of their child in the performance, carers are able to listen to the curated stories of 75-85year-old parents as part of the sound design in the show, who were interviewed as part of the project about their memories of parenting an infant.

Presented inside a beautiful, tactile performance space with deliberate mindfulness of dramaturgical frameworks for Theatre for the Early Years, Only A Year features a poetic blend of live music, sound, puppetry, physical theatre and storytelling to create a delightful and poignant experience for both babies and carers alike.

In 2017 the work won Best Kids Event at the Melbourne Fringe Festivaland was nominated for the Green Room Awards’Outstanding Theatre for Children category.

Sarah Austin is an award-winning theatre director and dramaturg who has been creating work with and for children and young people for more than a decade.

Sarah is currently a PhD Candidate at the Victorian College in the Artsresearching children in contemporary theatre.

Only A Year is part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s year-round Families Program, which was launched in August 2009 and has grown in reputation to become a highly respected program nationally and internationally.

Featuring intimate and large-scale theatre from some of the world’s most respected companies and a diverse range of interactive workshops, the program is robust and growing in size, scale and scope.

Event Details: March 13-16 Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse Rehearsal Room . 35 minutes. Baby and carer $35. Baby and 2 carers $45. Book at artscentremelbourne.com.auor 1300 182 183 Melbourne

Observer

Friday Saturday February 22 February 23

■ Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Scouts, was born in 1857. He died aged 83 in 1941.

Australian director and producer Ken G Hall was born in 1901.

He died aged 92.

US actor Robert Young (Father Knows Best) was born in 1907. He died aged 91 in 1998.

■ Former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon was born in Sydney in 1908. He died aged 80 in 1988.

Actor Peter Fonda was born in New York in 1939,.

English actress Emily Blunt was born in London in 1981 (38). Her work includes Devil Wears Prada.

Sunday Monday February 24 February 25

Tuesday February 26

■ US actor James Farentino was born in New York in 1938. He died aged 71 in 2012.

Australian actor, director and producer Phil Avalon (Philip Holbrow) was born in Newcastle in 1945 (74).

English actor Dennis Waterman was born in 1948 (71).

■ Actor Jackie Gleason was born in New York in 1916. He died aged 71 in 1987.

Actor Tony Randall was born as Leonard Rosenberg in 1920.

US actress Betty Hutton was born in 1921. She died at 86.

Singer Fats Domino was born in New Orleans in 1928.

■ Happy birthday Pim O’Brien.

Actor Zeppo (Hebert) Marx was born in New York in 1901. He died aged 78.

Ian ‘Pee Wee’ Wilson, one of the Delltones, was born in Sydney in 1940 (79).

George Harrison, one of The Beatles, was born in Liverpool in 1941. He died aged 58

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication.

■ Melbourne Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 47

Observer Showbiz

TV, Radio, Theatre

Hotel Sorrento ■ Almost 30 years have passed since Hannie Rayson wrote Hotel Sorrento that became a cultural icon as a play and later as film by the ABC. Many, many theatre companies have tried to embody the spirt of the work and this was Eltham Little Theatre’s challenge.

They started with an admirable set designed by Phil and Brad Buckingham that encompassed the many changes of required locations, be it quick or protracted.

It was a challenge that was well met. Next it has the variation of cultures, Aussie, English and American all requiring their specific characterisation throughout the performance. Again well met.

The name is derived from the seaside township of Sorrento on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, where the Moynihan’s family home, Hotel Sorrento, becomes the central focus for bringing together family members and others in time for reflection, self-awareness and in several cases the exposure of their weaknesses.

Family patriarch Wal played by Rod Chappel while holding the family together is lost at sea, and daughter Hilary played by Alison Jones, struggles to keep the momentum of the family dynamics, particularly with 16-year-old son Troy played by Mason Frost and also of her sisters.

Meg Moynihan played by Sharenya S. Kumar returns from London with her English husband Edwin played by James Chappel for the promotion of her book based on life in a small Australian seaside town, while sister Pippa played by Michelle Cooper, an advertising executive also returns from New York, both having been away for years from Australia.

Nearby weekenders Dick played by Peter Helft and Marge played by Chris Perkins become intertwined with the Moynihans who each have a story to tell.

Strong and telling performances by Helft, Kumar, Cooper and Perkins kept a slow moving script alive. Emotions were never really fully realised, particularly after the loss of patriarch Wal at sea.

Acting well surpassed the tedious moments of the script.

Venue: Eltham Little Theatre, Main Road Eltham When: Until Saturday, March 2.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com.au - Review by Graeme McCoubrie ● From Page 11

Ron and Isobel

■ An energetic and superbly delivered performance by Justin Harris-Parslow as Ron while Kelly Nash as Sandra almost stole the limelight with her engrossing demeanor.

Impressive was recent drama graduate Taylor Smith-Morvell as Jay who we should see more of in the future.

Neighbours Paul and Sandra complimented their hosts despite being on opposite side of politics yet having similar rifts in their relationships.

A La Mama first that is must see production if it is staged elsewhere.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Thompson Gallery Suggesting Icons-Miranda Skoczek Totems and trophies from Miranda's subconscious. emerge from densely coloured backgrounds in Suggesting Icons. "I am possessed by colour… as I am with a physical expression that is playful, instinctual and led by experience, Miranda explains of her painterly, gestural works that almost call out to you from the other side of the room.

Exhibition closes March 3.

Nicholas Thompson Gallery 155 Langridge St., Collingwood

After Miss Julie

● Christine (Janine Evans) at left, her fiancée John (Seton Pollock) and her boss Miss Julie (Melissa Shinkfield) in After Miss Julie, playing in Brighton.

Photo: John Shelbourn.

■ Brighton Theatre Company presents After tively.

Miss Julie until March 2 at the Brighton Arts Complemented by Deborah Fabbro’s cosand Cultural Centre. tume design, the actors’ strong performances Patrick Marber’s play, based on instantly immersethe audience into the narrative.

Strindberg’s classic Miss Julie, is set in EnJanine Evans is perfectly cast as wholesome gland, 1945, on the night of the British Labour Christine, competently switching between subParty’s landslide election victory. missiveness and power.

Class distinction and shifting power are domiSeton Pollock does great work conveying nant themes. Christine (Janine Evans) is house- John’s solidity, then his starkly contrasting sexual hold cook, while her fiancée John (Seton Pol- behaviour, while remaining tender and rational lock) is valet to Miss Julie’s father.

- torn between lower class and desire for the Their boss Miss Julie’s (Melissa Shinkfield) upper class. unflinching intrusion on the couple’s privacy and Miss Julie’s role could have been written for her demands leave no doubt of class division in Melissa Shinkfield. Her embodiment of the rethat era. cently jilted, mood-swinging, self-described We learn of John and Julie’s past, and ‘lush’ results in an outstanding performance. church-going Christine’s ‘resourcefulness’ durUnseen players in this shifting power game ing the war, but this new challenge involves re- are Miss Julie’s father …. and the ever-powerspecting their superior with her erratic, insecure ful, demanding bell. ‘Just a bell’, but it dictates personality, probably influenced by her upbring- John’s life. ing. John says, “the rich act common”.

We are left guessing what happens ‘after’ Under Loretta Bishop’s fine direction, this Miss Julie. However, Marber’s thought-provokbeautifully staged and acted production presents ing and memorable play is captivating, superbly the audience with a splendid theatre experience. recreated onstage by Brighton Theatre ComNeil Barnett’s atmospheric, era-authentic set pany. design of the kitchen and meticulously handPerformance Season: Until March 2 painted slate floor, sets the scene.

Venue: Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre.

As Christine dutifully stirs a pot on the stove, Bookings: 1300 752 126 or retired army officer John arrives home late and www.brightontheatre.com.au Bishop’s skilled use of silence is used effec- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne Arts Parsifal Conductor: Richard Mills Immerse yourself in the legend of the Holy Grail and the knights who protect it and witness the most beautiful quest for redemption in the literature of opera.

For this exceptional event Victoria Opera welcome some of the world's greatest Wagnerian singers, mezzo-soprano Katarina Dalayman and bass Peter rose join internationally revered Melbourne baritone Derek Walton, who was acclaimed for his performance of Klingsor at the 2018 Beyreuth Festival.

Season: Wednesday February 20, Friday February 22 and Sunday February 24.

Venue: Palais Theatre St. Kilda. ★ Members Exclusive:

● By Peter Kemp Learn a range of techniques and styles used to draw the male and female forms in the exhibition Mirka Mora Pas de Deux - Drawings and Dolls, this excusive members only event.

February 22. 6 pm- 8pm.

Art Talk:Isadora Vaughan Assistant curator Brooke Babington joins artist Isadora Vaughan in conversation about

tal processes and traditional materials.

Saturday March 2 at 3pm.

Gorman Runaway Shoe: In celebration of 10 years of collaborations with Australian artists, and officially launching the 2019 Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, Gorman presents a solo runway show on the sculpture park at Heide.

Attendees of the event will enjoy the solo runway event, an exclusive opening preview of the Gorman: Ten years of collaboration exhibition, access to Heide's summer exhibition Mirka Mora: Pas de Deux - Drawings and Dolls, a limited-edition Gorman gift and complimentary drinks and nibbles.

Heide Museum of Modern Art 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen - Peter Kemp

Green Room Awards ■ Join Melbourne's arts industry at the iconic Comedy Theatre onApril 1 and applaud the achievements of talented peers.

Now in it's 36th year, the Green Room Awards Association is Victoria's peak body for honouring excellence and innovation across the vibrant arts sector.

As peer-presented performing arts industry accolades, the Green Room Awards recognise outstanding achievements in productions from cabaret, contemporary and experimental performance, dance, independent theatre, music theatre, opera, and theatre companies.

The awards acknowledge the contributions of the many diverse artists and technicians who create work in the local industry.

Across its long history previous winners include Australian playwright Michael Gow, Soprano Marina Prior, dancer and Australian Ballet CEO, David McAllister, the multitalented Tim Minchin, and international star Rachel Griffiths.

“This year there is an impressive number of nominees across all art forms which says that the Victorian performing arts sector is flourishing,” says GRAA President, Hilary Glow.

“In 2019 we also welcome the arrival in Melbourne of our sister awards, the Helpmanns.

“They have a national focus and tend to acknowledge the work of the big commercial music theatre productions and mainstage shows.

“The Green Room Awards, by comparison, are focused on Victoria with a (non-exclusive) emphasis on the independent and small-medium sector.

“So the two awards have quite different remits.The GRA ceremony is always a brilliant night of celebration.”

Every year the GRAA presents four special awards at the ceremony to individuals whose careers have been hugely significant for the sector.

This year they will honour the following women whose dedication and work have shaped the landscape of the local industry, and beyond.

The Outstanding Contribution to Cabaret will be presented to Linda Catalano, Technical Achievement Award to Roslyn Oades, the Geoffrey Milne Memorial Awardfor Outstanding Contribution to Contemporary and Experimental Performance has been awarded to Jude Anderson, and Patricia Cornelius is the recipient of the 2019 GRA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Hosted by legends of Melbourne performance Anni Davey and Maude Davey, the 2019 ceremony will be a jam-packed night with live performances.

This year will see one of the highest nomination counts ever considered in view of the outstanding work presented throughout 2018.

Presentations will be made by valued partners and sponsors of the GRAA as well as arts industry professionals.

A highlight on the Melbourne arts calendar, the annual Green Room Awards is a joyous celebration of our local arts and artists, not to be missed.

Date: Monday, April 1 at 7pm Tickets: $30 Bookings: 13 61 00 or online via www.greenroom.org.au This event will be Auslan Interpreted Venue: Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne www.greenroom.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs with Jim Sherlock, Aaron Rourke What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs FILM: AMERICAN ANIMALS: Genre: Crime/Drama.

Cast: Barry Keoghan, Evan Peters, Blake Jenner, Jared Abrahamson, Ann Dowd.

Year: 2018.

Rating: MA15+ Length: 116 Minutes.

Stars: ***½ Review: Crime drama of four bright and well-off college students in Kentucky in 2003 who plot to steal some rare books from their university's Special Collections Library in a misguided quest for personal glory.

Bravura filmmaking is at the heart of this stylish, slick and hugely entertaining heist romp based on a true story in that it delivers quite unlike anything before in the heist genre, and that the film is seamlessly interspersed throughout with interviews with the actual foursome who attempted the bizarre heist, with great effect.

In what has to be one of the most impressive and memorable big screen directorial debuts in recent memory, writer-director Bart Layton has effortlessly injected with a virtuoso flair a nail-biting excitement with an originality that the genre has lacked for too long.

Aided by superb performances, most notably Evan Peters (X-Men, American Horror Story) as the primary and rebellious instigator with a life with no meaning in this real life comedy of errors, superb cinematography by Ole Bratt Birkeland (The Crown), seamless pacing and standout soundtrack, this is a freshly invigorating, tautly wound, richly defined and wholly satisfying experience that proves for the spectator anyway, that crime does pay.

FILM: CHRISTOPHER ROBIN: Genre: Animation/Adventure/Comedy.

Cast: Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Jim Cummings (Pooh/Tigger).

Year: 2018.

Rating: PG. Length: 104 Minutes.

Stars: **½ Review: The story of adult Christopher Robin, who is now focused on his new life, work, and family, when suddenly he meets his old friend Winnie the Pooh, who returns to his childhood past to help him return to the Hundred Acre Wood, help find Pooh's lost friends, rediscover the joys of life.

Almost a direct follow up to 2017s "Goodbye Christopher Robin," but not officially, this new "Winnie The Pooh" adventure through the eyes of Christopher Robin is a light-hearted adventure, however, isn't quite sure which demographics it is trying to aim at, and in the process, loses too much of the charm, sweetness and focus of A.A. Milne's beloved character, creating confusion and wearing out their welcome along the way.

Nonetheless, there is just enough here for adults and children to enjoy in parts, and though not overly suited or memorable in the role, Ewan McGregor does give a manageably performance as Christopher Robin, however, it is the character of Pooh that will resonate with audiences, most notably older adults, who may remember the original 1960s and 1970s voice of Pooh by the unforgettable Sterling Holloway, voiced here by Jim Cummings with startling and eerie refection.

This animated live-action adventure is (fractured) at times funny, chaotic, heavy-handed, enlightening, sombre and poignant throughout, director Marc Forster, whose previous credits include "Finding Neverland" (2004), "Quantum of Solace" (2008) and "World War Z" (2013), has created another Pooh adventure that will divide audiences, and serve also as a fleeting reminder on how everything we loved about A.A. Milne's beloved character that has graced our screens before, only better, most memorably in Disney's "The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh" (1977) .... Also available on DVD. FILM: THE NUN (aka: The NUNjuring): Genre: Horror/Mystery/Thriller.

Cast: Bonnie Aarons, Taissa Farmiga, Jonny Coyne, Demian Bichir.

Year: 2018.

Rating: MA15+ Length: 96 Minutes.

Rating: ** Review: Set in 1952, when a young nun at a cloistered abbey in Romania takes her own life, a priest with a dark past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate, and together they uncover an unholy secret, as they confront a malevolent force in the form demonic nun (that first terrorized audiences in 'The Conjuring 2,') and the abbey becomes a horrific battleground between the living and the damned.

A prequel to "The Conjuring 2," this fright-fest has absolutely nothing new here in relation to plot or originality, a formulaic, by-thebook pot-boiler almost completely constructed on cliché from so many other well established horror outings from beginning to end, you can almost pick them off as the story ambles along.

You name it, it's in the somewhere, from Hammer Horror to influences that include "The Exorcist" (1973), "The Omen" (1976), "Damien: Omen II" (1978), "Omen III: The Final Conflict" (1981), "The Wicker Man" (1973), "The Changeling" (1980), "The Evil Dead" (1981), "The Amityville Horror" (1979), John Carpenter's "Prince of Darkness" (1987), and so on.

From the isolated location with its creaking doors, candle lit corridors, locked rooms, a creepy near-by cemetery, and an evil Nun running amuck, all the Hollywood horror cook book of cliché of things that go bump in the night is in there.

- James Sherlock

Rourke’s Reviews Alita: Battle Angel ■ (M). 122 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.

James Cameron's labour of love project, which has been in gestation for two decades, finally makes it to the big screen, but due to his commitment to the Avatar sequels, has handed over the reigns to cult film-maker Robert Rodriguez (Sin City), and while the film definitely has Cameron's technological razzle-dazzle, there is unfortunately little underneath the shiny surface.

Cyber-doctor Dyson Ido (Christoph Waltz) finds a deactivated cyborg in the metal trash that is discarded from the cloud city of Zalem, and rebuilds her into Alita (Rosa Salazar), who cannot remember her origins.

As increasing conflict comes her way, Alita remembers fragments of her past, which puts both her and her friends in harms way from the powers that be.

Based on the nine-volume manga Gunnm by Yukito Kishiro, the screenplay packs four volumes into two hours, never giving characters room to breath or grow, and every time someone opens their mouth, it is nothing but clunky, longwinded exposition.

Kishiro's layered writing is stripped away and simplified, making engrossing material nothing more than a series of large-scale action set-pieces, which remind one of other films (A.I., Rollerball, Elysium, Hardware, Robocop, The Long Kiss Goodnight).

There is a two-part anime which serves the manga better.

RATING - **

The Wandering Earth ■ (M). 125 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

China make their first serious, big budget foray into sci-fi cinema, and while it does follow a set formula laid down by Hollywood, the end result is surprisingly entertaining, and the normally patriotic bent that blanket their blockbusters is thankfully dialled down.

Based on the best-selling collection of short stories by award-winning author Cixin Liu, the story details how Earth will be destroyed by a slowly dying sun, which will eventually expand and engulf our planet.

A mammoth project is put in motion, where 10,000 'Earth Engines', located around the globe, will push the planet away from the sun and towards another, safer galaxy.

An international crew are sent to a space station, which will guide Earth through various obstructions and dangers.

This monumental journey is seen through the eyes of various people, who have had to adapt to the inhospitable weather conditions that ravage the planet.

Making $304 million in its first six days of release in Chinese cinemas, this is an enormous film in

every sense of the word, and its hefty budget can be seen on the big screen, with some undoubtably eyepopping imagery.

The characters are somewhat cardboard creations, but the cast ensure they remain reasonably likeable. There are certainly similarities to numerous Hollywood ventures (2001, Interstellar, Outland, Battlestar Galactica, Armageddon), but The Wandering Earth manages to deliver the goods, and for those who are curious, make sure you see it on the biggest screen possible.

RATING - ***½

Burn The Stage ■ (PG). 83 minutes. Now streaming on Youtube Premium.

One of the most popular groups in the world, K-Pop sensation BTS have built up a massive following after debuting in 2013 (I remember when their first single, No More Dream, premiered on SBS PopAsia), and now the first of two concert movies (the other is BTS World Tour : Love Yourself In Seoul) is now available to stream.

Unlike Love Yourself, Burn The Stage concentrates more on what happens behind the scenes (during their 2017 The Wings World Tour, which included Australia), and it is an enlightening and affecting look at these young but immensely talented performers, who execute each concert with meticulous precision, travelling from one country to another in a non-stop manner that is clearly exhausting.

It is all knowingly well-crafted (much like the 2016 documentary Big Bang Made : The Movie), but the camaraderie between each member is unmistakable and seems genuine.

If you've never listened to (or heard of) BTS, this engaging documentary is a perfect introduction.

RATING - ****

Border ■ (MA). 110 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

Based on the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist, who authored Let The Right One In (which was superbly adapted into a feature film in 2008), Border is a strange concoction indeed, again using fantastical elements to deconstruct and subvert social mores and beliefs, while centring on a relationship between two lonely, misunderstood outcasts. Eva Melander is terrific as Tina, a disfigured woman who works as a customs officer, able to detect offenders merely by smell. Feeling ostracised due to society's outlook on what is deemed normal, her life is turned upside when she meets Vore (Eero Milonoff), who appears to have similar abilities, and seems to know more about Tina's origins than he initially lets on. Writer/director Ali Abbasi, whose under-rated 2016 film debut Shelley also dealt with family and loneliness, taps into Lindqvist's surreal but affecting spirit extremely well, and delivers one of the most unique on-screen romances you will ever see.

RATING - ****

Top 10 Lists

FEBRUARY 17-23 THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. ESCAPE ROOM. 2. GREEN BOOK. 3. THE MULE. 4. COLD PURSUIT. 5. ON THE BASIS OF SEX. 6. GLASS. 7. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. 8. THE WANDERING EARTH. 9. INSTANT FAMILY. 10. AQUAMAN. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: FEBRUARY 14: ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, ARCTIC, AT ETERNITY'S GATE, HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U, IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, WHAT MEN WANT. FEBRUARY 21: STAN & OLLIE, UNDERMINED: TALES OF THE KIMBERLEY, VOX LUX. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY [Biography/ Music/Drama/Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Mike Myers].

2. A STAR IS BORN [Music/Drama/ Romance/Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott].

3. HALLOWEEN [Horror/Thriller/Jamie Lee Curtis, Will Patton].

4. WILDLIFE [Drama/Carey Mulligan, Jake Gyllenhaal, Bill Camp].

5. BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE [Crime/ Drama/Thriller/Jeff Bridges, Dakota Johnson].

6. FIRST MAN [Biography/History/Drama/ Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke].

7. HUNTER KILLER [Action/Thriller/Gerard Butler, Gary Oldman, Michael Nyqvist].

8. VENOM [Action/Sci-Fi/Horror/Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams].

9. DON'T WORRY, HE WON'T GET FAR ON FOOT [Bio/Comedy/Drama/Joaquin Phoenix].

Also: ALPHA, GHOST STORIES, ZOO, IN LIKE FLYNN, GOOSEBUMPS 2, JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN, NIGHT SCHOOL, CRAZY RICH ASIANS, LADIES IN BLACK, THE NUN. NEW HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK: BOY ERASED [Drama/Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Lucas Hedges].

THE CHILDREN ACT [Drama/Emma Thompson, Fionn Whitehead, Stanley Tucci].

THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER'S WEB [Crime/ Thriller/Drama/Claire Foy].

THE SEAGULL [Drama/Saoirse Ronan, Annette Benning, Elisabeth Moss].

THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX [Sci-Fi/ Horror/Elizabeth Debicki, Daniel Bruhl].

SERENITY [Drama/Thriller/Jason Clarke, Anne Hathaway, Matthew McConaughey, Diane Lane].

SPEED KILLS [Action/Crime/Turkey/John Travolta, Jennifer Esposito].

DVD AND/OR BLU-RAY NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSIC MOVIES HIGHLIGHTS: SCHINDLER'S LIST: 25th Anniversary Edition - 4K UHD + BLU-RAY].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: ADVENTURE TIME: Season 10.

INVASION: UFO. MARS: Season 2.

THE AFFAIR: Season 4.

WANTED: Season 3.

Z NATION: Season 5.

7TH HEAVEN: Season 7.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 49

Observer Showbiz

Local Theatre with Cheryl Threadgold and team CLOUDSTREET ■ The much-anticipated and once-in-a-generation adaptation of Tim Winton’s classic Australian novel, Cloudstreet, will return to Melbourne this May. Presented by Malthouse Theatre and Black Swan State Theatre Company, the rarely-performed adaptation has not been seen on Australian stages in two decades.

Directed by Matthew Lutton, Cloudstreet will feature the depth and breadth of Australian theatrical talent in a saga on stage that traverses 20 years of fighting to keep two families—the Lambs and the Pickles— together in one massive house.

Portraying the Lamb family will be Alison Whyte (Last Man Standing, The Dressmaker) as Oriel, Greg Stone (The Government Inspector, Pompeii, L.A) as Lester, Guy Simon (Blaque Showgirls, Jasper Jones) as Quick and Benjamin Oakes (Theatre of Speed and Oddlands with Back To Back Theatre), in his debut Malthouse Theatre performance in the role of Fish.

The Pickles family will be realised by Bert LaBonté (The Book of Mormon, I Am a Miracle) as Sam, Natasha Herbert (Away) as Dolly and Brenna Harding (Puberty Blues, Black Mirror, Secret City) as Rose.

An ensemble will complete the story with Ebony McGuire (Yirra Yaakin’s Kep Kaatijin, Western Edge Youth Arts Caliban), Scott Sheridan (Black Swan State Theatre Company’s The Importance of Being Earnest), Arielle Gray (Picnic at Hanging Rock), Ian Michael (Black Swan State Theatre Company’s Let the Right One In) and in her first mainstage production, WAAPA graduate Mikayla Merks.

Matthew Lutton, Malthouse TheatreArtistic Director and Co-CEO and Cloudstreet Director said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing to life Tim Winton’s Cloudstreetwith a cast of actors bridging the East and West coasts of Australia.

“Malthouse Theatre favourites join performers debuting at Malthouse Theatre and Black Swan State Theatre Company to conjure the extraordinary Lamb and Pickles families as they collide at number one Cloud Street.

“It requires incredible actors to conjure Tim Winton’s characters and all of their loves, heartaches, and transformations, and I can’t wait to start rehearsals with such a talented ensemble.’

“The two families—the Lambs and the Pickles—are as contrasting as the Australia they inhabit.

“Teetotalers and tipplers, workhorses or wastrels, fate makers versus chance chasers.

“But really, they’re two sides of the same coin; one that was tossed during World War II and remained in motion for decades.

The uncanniness of this staggering narrative goes beyond the spirits that speak from the walls of the house.

It is more elusive than the serial killer who prowls their neighbourhood.

It is transcendent, like the Lambs and the Pickles themselves, who live on amongst the extraordinary ghosts that haunt our country.

With more than five hours of onstage activity, audiences can experience the event as a one-night extravaganza with dinner included, or a two-night saga where the story can be savoured over two evenings.

Adapted by Nick Enright and Justin Monjo from the award-winning novel by Tim Winton, Cloudstreet is brought to life in this monumental new production unprecedented in scale and ambition for Malthouse Theatre.

Cloudstreet will be presented at Malthouse Theatre from May 6 to June 16.

For tickets and further information visit malthousetheatre.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Quartet at Lilydale Athenaeum

● Quartet opens at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre on March 7. At rehearsals are Sandy Fowler, Pat Alcock and David McLean. Photo: Kellie Tweeddale.

■ The Athenaeum Theatre Lilydale presents the home and upsets the equilibrium, by acting the comedy Quartet from March 7-23 at 39- 41 like a diva and refusing to sing.

Castella St, Lilydale.

Season: March 7-23. Times: All evening PerWritten by Ronald Harwood and directed by formances commence at 8.15 pm. Pre-show Kellie Tweeddale, Quartet tells of Cecily, Reggie Sherries from 7.45pm; Matinee performances and Wilfred who live in a home for retired opera at 2.15 pm: March 10, 17 and 23. Pre-show Shersingers in Kent, England. ries from 1.45 pm. Tickets: Adult $26, ConcesEach year, on the tenth of October, there is a sion $24. Bookings: 9735 1777 or https:// concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday. www.lilydaleatc.com/ticket-information. Tea, Jean, a major star in her day and to whom coffee, soft drinks, and biscuits served at interReggie was once unhappily married, arrives at val.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Latest shows, auditions

AGENCY ■ Emesha shaved her head live onstage as the climax for the first ever performance of Agency. She lovingly weaves her way around a nineties childhood of VHS tapes, Big Bird, mental health issues and her father’s escape from communist Hungary.

Coming from a theatrical background, the all singing all dancing Emesha will reach into your heart and make you laugh and cry all at the same time.

Comedian, actor and aspiring hip hop artist Emesha Rudolph presents her new show Agency on Thursday, February 28 at 7pm at The Butterfly Club.

As seen on our screens in the divine Rosehaven (S1) for ABC TV, and heard on Triple J's Hack program, Tasmanian comic Emesha has busily been supporting all the biggest names in Australian comedy down in her hometown over the last few years; Sam Simmons, Luke McGregor, Matt Okine and Becky Lucas.

She has also performed many times in the Tasmanian showcase 'Heads-a-Plenty' at Melbourne International Comedy Festival and internationally for Mutiny Radio in San Francisco.

In 2016 the Screen Tasmania and Screen Australia Comedy Concentrate initiative saw her web series pilot General Exhibition get made.

Set in a VHS only video store destined for failure, this Black Books meets High Fidelity comedy is a show full of heart and all things movie geek.

She garnered high praise for her lead role as Jo Marsh in Bijou Creative’s Little Women: the musical and has been seen on Tasmanian stages for many years.

Emesha is a Star Wars loving nerd with the sensibility of a gangsta and an acerbic take on all things pop culture.

She can’t wait to take audiences on a 90’s childhood ride with her adept storytelling and singing in her first time solo performance show.

Date: Thursday February 28. Time: 7pm.

Cost: $30-34. Tickets: thebutterflyclub.com - Cheryl Threadgold

SHOWS

SHOWS

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Body Awareness (by Annie Baker) Until February 23 at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director; Kris Weber.

Bookings: 0447 340 665; www.wlt.org.au ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Good People (by David Lindsay-Abaire) Until March 2 at Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale.

Director: Helen Ellis. Bookings: 9587 5141 or www.mordialloctheatre.com ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Lost in Yonkers (by Neil Simon) Until March 2 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Gayle Poor.

Bookings: www.htc.org.au (03)9457-4117.

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Hotel Sorrento (by Hannie Rayson) Until March 2 at Eltham Performing Arts Centre, Main Rd.., Research. Director: Kath Buckingham. Bookings: http:// www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Mr Bennet's Bride (by Emma Wood) Until March 2 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: 1300 131 552.

■ Brighton Theatre Company: After Miss Julie (by Patrick Marber) Until March 2 at BrightonArts and Cultural Centre, Brighton. Director: Loretta Bishop. Bookings: 1300 752 126.

■ The Basin Theatre Company: Murder by Natural Causes (adapted by Tim Kelly from the play by Richard Levinson and William Link) Until March 9 at The Basin Theatre, Cnr Doongalla and Simpsons Rds., The Basin. Director: Bob Bramble. Bookings: 1300 784 668.

■ Peridot Theatre: Play-reading of Crimes of the Heart 20 February at 7.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Beth Henley. Admission: Free. Bookings: alialight8@gmail.com ■ The 1812 Theatre: Breaking the Code (by Hugh Whitmore) February 21 - March 16 at 3-5 Rose St.., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Malcolm Sussman. Bookings: 9758 3964.

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Outside Edge (by Richard Harris) February 28 -

SENIOR MOMENTS

March 3 at the Strathmore Community Centre, Cnr Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Director: Robert Harsley.Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org/reservations ■ PEP Productions: Altar Boyz February 22 March 2 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Melanie Xavier. Bookings: pepproductions.org.au 0418 549 187 ■ Ballarat Lyric Theatre: Jeckyll and Hyde February 28 - March 10 at Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, 1220 Howitt St., Ballarat.

Director: Stephen Armati. Bookings: wcpa.com.au 5338 0980.

■ CPAC (Cardinia Performing Arts Company): Strictly Ballroom (Based on Baz Luhrmann movie) February 23 - March 8 at Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Blvd., Pakenham. Director: Lee Geraghty. Bookings: 0407 090 354 www.cardiniaperformingarts.com ■ Gemco Players: Extinction (by Hannie Rayson) March 8 -23 at 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Director: Sharon Maine. Bookings: www.gemcoplayers,org.

■ Panorama Theatre Company: The Producers April 5 - 14 at the Frankston Arts Centre.

Directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman.

Tickets: thefac.com.au or 9784 1060.

■ Before I start my review of Senior Moments playing the Comedy Theatre and posted on the website as "a comedy review about "old " people and the young people they have to deal with" I must (as said at local council meetings by the real estate members when discussing purchase or disposal of property) declare a possible conflict of interest .

I know and am, I hope, an old friend of one of the cast ; veteran theatrical polymath Max Gillies; known him for 60 years .In the 60s we were colleagues at The Open Stage and at The Pram Factory as members of the A PG, from 1970 to 1980 Of John Wood another veteran cast member, known to many from his television work on Rafferty's Rules and Blue Heelers, I hope I have a friendly acquaintance .Like Max, a theatre maker/actor I remember from his On Your Marx, written and performed in at the Pram Factory and later his adaptation of Alfred Jarry's Ubu Roi at The Church in Hawthorn (now alas gone).

The other veterans I know only from film and television ; Benita Collings famous as Miss Jane on the ABC's Play School; beloved of the very young and some older fans; Geoff Harvey composer, conductor extraordinaire, musician and musical director at Channel 9 for 38 years. Of Russell Newman, Kim Lewis, Christian Barratt-Hill and Emily Taylor I must confess ignorance .

Why so much review as brief biography?

Well, I suspect the veteran cast provide the magnet drawing in the packed houses who will leave at curtain down (if the opening matinee audience is the exemplar) laughed out to exhaustion and very happy.

Even the format was veteran; a theatrical review with comic/satirical blackout sketches (because that's how they end) taking the piss at The Seekers and a very funny Play School number. I laughed loud and long; not just out of recognition and familiarity.

- Review by Peter Green

AUDITIONS ■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Lady from the Sea (by Henrik Ibsen) February 19 at 8.00pm, February 23 at 4.000pm at Warrandyte Mechanics' Institute Hall, Warrandyte. Director: Grant Purdy. Enquiries: 0412 121 631 or grant_purdy@me.com.

■ Dionysus Theatre: Arete Epsilon - A Season of Original One Act Plays (various authors and directors) February24 at 10.00am and 11.00am at Cube 37, Frankston Arts Centre. Enquiries: 0451 164220.

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Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 1 Across

Across

Down

1. Pony competition 6. Meddler 11. Large NZ city 15. Drinking glasses 20. Moose 21. Drizzles 22. Married title 23. Nudism 24. Armed conflict within nation (5,3) 25. Family favouritism 27. Segregated 28. Roman robe 29. Hungry 31. Slightly open 32. Skin eruptions 36. Staining 37. Room 38. Painter of The Queen's latest portrait, Rolf ...

41. Length unit 44. Hair dye 45. Touchy 48. Metal extraction plant 49. Cupboard 52. Banked (on) 56. Gets 57. Form of prayer 58. Futile 61. More affluent 62. Bring honour to 63. Gladden, ... up 64. Japan's capital 65. Shillyshallies 66. Greed 67. Withdraws from position (5,4) 71. Fertile desert spot 73. TV personality, ... McGuire 75. Aid financially 80. Pistols 82. Intervening time 83. Jog 85. Definitions 86. Old Spanish money unit 88. Split in church 90. Slays (5,3) 91. Biting insects 93. Wise biblical king 94. Tossing 95. Fragile & airy 96. Suit-makers 97. Jot 99. Charlotte Bronte novel, Jane ...

100. Concludes 104. Of kidneys 105. Taco sauce 106. Sing monotonously 107. Revolved 111. Deserve 113. Fah, soh, ...

114. Inflatable vest, ... west 115. Serving platters 117. Irrational fear 118. Kitchen strainer 121. Saturate (with colour) 122. The Hunchback Of ... Dame 125. Harpoon hunter 126. Formerly Persia 127. Garden of Creation 129. In place, in ...

131. Actress, ... Thompson 132. Stellar 135. Kuwaiti ruler 136. Eternal 139. Siamese 140. Up-to-date 144. Physicist, ... Newton

145. Excel 146. Castle water barriers 147. Elaborately 148. Cattle-farmers 149. Mad (dog) 150. Tied (shoes) 152. Surprise victory 154. Labelled 157. Chinese gooseberry, ... fruit 158. Of the side 162. Grieg opera, Peer ...

163. SOS 166. Wig material 167. Speaks 169. Kind 171. Door frame post 172. Resistant to disease 173. Start (of ailment) 175. Primp 176. Encouraged 179. Tutsi country 180. Ranted 182. Hawaiian garland 183. Belonging to us 184. Spindly 186. Took in (child) 189. Last Greek letter 190. Wallabies or Springboks sport 191. Synagogue scholar 192. Stimulating 196. Disable 197. Canadian province, ... Scotia 198. Kenya's capital 199. Exhilarating 201. Caught 202. Ridicule 203. Departing 204. Fibre-spinning rods 205. Writer, ... Hemingway 208. Journalist's credit (2-4) 210. Cheap ship fare 211. Fertiliser ingredient 212. Redder 213. Bobs head 215. Firebugs 219. Signalling flame 221. Cruel men 223. Searches out scandal 227. From Brussels 228. Mummifies (corpse) 230. Judge's hammer 231. Democratic Republic of Congo 232. Threatened 233. Slip by 234. Gist 238. Tennis ace, ... Edberg 239. Indianapolis state 240. Splatter 243. Arrival 246. Annulled 247. Dressy 250. Woodwind instruments 251. Fools 253. Paltry 256. Helicopter's landing place 257. More hefty 258. Grills 262. Labyrinth 263. Reverie 266. Honey liquor 268. Peacemaker 269. Central Asian republic 270. Lovely women 271. Miniature toy, ... car 272. Banned pesticide (1,1,1) 273. Downy duck 274. Naval exercises 275. Makes stable 276. Perceived wrongly 277. Aerobics outfits 278. Abbreviates

1. Doomed person 2. Legends 3. Equine 4. Cosy home 5. Nearly 7. A few 8. Persecutes 9. Checkers game 10. Thread 11. Henry VIII's ... Boleyn 12. Second-hand vehicles (4,4) 13. Smart aleck (4-3) 14. Friendly 15. Tests 16. Former Soviet region (1,1,1,1) 17. Lightweight timber 18. Go in 19. Mixer drinks 24. Appeared 26. Trading centre 30. Last-minute 33. Pungent cleaning fluid 34. Small hill 35. Sniffed 38. Cross-breeds 39. Made contact with 40. Takes no notice of 42. Canadian lake 43. Bringing up 46. Stud (with jewels) 47. Conformed, ... the line 49. Hurricane 50. Follows orders 51. Europe/Asia 53. Regards highly 54. Riled 55. Aussie sheep herders 59. Very demanding 60. Settle overseas 67. Bewildered 68. Moved on hands & knees 69. Of earthquakes 70. Run (event) 72. Aplomb 74. Travelling worker 76. Gusty 77. Leave impression 78. Smooth over (4,3) 79. Gushed 81. Brash newcomers 84. Egg dish 87. Dried with cloth 89. Moon shape 91. Grinding (teeth) 92. British royal court, ... Palace (2,5'1) 98. Worldwide 101. Group value system 102. Shade of brown 103. Sends via Internet 108. Alleged assassin, Lee Harvey ...

109. Stop! (nautical) 110. Odds or ...

112. Emerging again from sleep 116. Protective shielding (6,5) 119. Act of dunking 120. Say 123. Canoe with attached float 124. Set out differently 128. Enthusiastically 130. From Tel Aviv 132. Allow inside 133. Banjo sound 134. Gangway 137. Cleopatra's land

Down 138. Famous Swiss mountain 141. Main artery 142. Flowed away 143. Yesterday, ..., tomorrow 151. Cling (to) 153. Early fetus 155. Directed 156. Surly person 159. Hoping (to) 160. Vitality 161. Irritating 164. 365-day periods 165. Cosmetics boss, Elizabeth ...

168. Legendary Atlantic continent 170. Money 173. Car distance clock 174. Mideast waterway (4,5) 177. Raincoat fabric 178. Gradually diminished 181. Devotees 185. Thrilling 186. Loss of memory 187. Beginnings 188. Trampled 193. Obscure 194. Sports injury remedy (3,4) 195. Hot springs 200. Venetian boats 201. Conceive of 206. Havens 207. Increases threefold 208. Sun-tanned 209. Most inquisitive 211. Coup organiser 214. Cigarette users 216. Affair of the heart 217. Giving green light to 218. Huge 220. Blacksmith's block 222. German wine, ... Riesling 224. Most avid 225. US cotton state 226. Giant Himalayan peak 229. Criticise harshly 232. Lion's neck hair 235. Poorer quality 236. Wear down 237. Soft goat wool 241. Fence planks 242. Authorise 244. Bridge over gorge 245. Louder 248. Trophies 249. Those ones 251. Weaponry 252. Bogs 253. Office circulars 254. Grand Slam winner, ... Agassi 255. Writer, ... Dahl 259. Happen 260. Prized fur 261. Genders 262. Method 264. Sudden attack 265. Son of Adam & Eve 267. Sprint Solution - Page 30

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Solution on Page 43

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Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

Blue Diamond Stakes: it’s open ■ After the running of the Preview and Preludes for the two-year-old Colts and Fillies in recent weeks, it appears this year the classic Blue Diamond Stakes could be a hard one to pick.

Reverting back to Australia Day at Caulfield in the Colts Preview, I Am Immortal was very impressive over the short course of 1000 metres, then buttered up again with another good win, although narrowly stepping up to 1100 metres in the Prelude.

The son of top sire, I Am Invincible, will now move up to 1200 metres for the big one come this Saturday.

There are a few knockers out there that feel the last 100 metres could be against him, but all you can do is win.

The brilliant Sydney filly, Catch Me, from the powerful Peter and Paul Snowden camp, a winner of the Gimcrack Stakes in Sydney, was most impressive after drawing the outside fence she steamed home and ran into favouritism for the Blue Diamond.

However in the Prelude, when sent out a short priced favourite, she was gone at the turn. and has blown out to double figures odds for the big day.

Surely something must have gone amiss.

At one stage Racing Victoria would provide the media with Stewards Reports, but they seem to have gone out the door somehow.

In the Fillies Prelude victory went to another of the Anthony Freedman team in Lyre, who was most impressive, and will be rattling home over the 1200 metres.

The Gai Waterhouse-Andrew Bott filly, Vinicunca, showed great pace.

The Jason Warren trained filly, Brooklyn Hustle, who blitzed them in her first start at Moonee Valley ran fifth in the same race after drawing wide and being three wide most of the trip.

Jason Warren said you will see a better filly come final day over the 1200 metres.

The only catch is that she is a run on filly and those at the back in these sprint races can get into trouble or forced wide.

A colt that impressed me greatly was one of the Mick Price team in first starter. Shotmaker,

by Group One winner, Shooting to Win. It was a big run and is related to the brilliant galloper, Merchant Navy, now overseas.

The one that has been backed into favouritism is the Ciaron Maher-David Eustace trained filly, Loving Gaby, who was a brilliant winner at her first start, after an easy trial win at Pakenham.

The mail was all around Caulfield and the smarties grabbed the six dollars on offer, and after being well back her rider, Damian Lane, got her off the rails and she smashed them in the run home.

She was sold for half a million dollars and is yet another of the I Am Invincible team. She is definitely the one to beat.

The second favourite, Athiri, from the Godolphin camp, in the care of James Cummings, ran a good third behind Lyre at her first look at Caulfield, after beating the smart Accession, in Sydney at her first start.

All I can say is tread carefully, especially with the barrier draw, so important over the 1200metre trip.

● Loving Gaby. Racing Photos 2000 metres Herbie Dyke Stakes. On the Rocks was bought by Mike's brother Paul paid $40,000 for the grey as a yearling.

On the Rocks was ridden by Melbourne jockey Jake Bayliss who is now riding regularly in New Zealand.

Ted Ryan

Briefs

■ There is an old saying racing and that is “follow the money and you won't be far wrong”.

This was proven recently in Sydney in the last race of the nine-event program, so they had to be patient to get on.

The neddy was a four-year-old, named Cisco Bay, trained by little known trainer Ken Buchanan at Wyong, and ridden by smart apprentice Rob Dolan who took the two kilo claim, getting in with luxury weight of 50.5 kilos.

Prior to the day he had raced 12 times for three wins and four placings.

At his previous start he finished fifth in a field of six at Canterbury over 1200, and was stepping up to the 1600 metres, although he had been placed over the distance back in December.

At Warwick Farm he opened up at the fixed odds of 50/1, but was soon crunched in, and just before they jumped he came right down to $6.

His rider, Rob Dolan, had Cisco Bay well back and started his run from the 300 metres, to blitz them in the run home.

He started at $6, and took plenty out of the ring, one of the best stings for some time.

- Ted Ryan

Congratulations

■ One of Victoria's leading trainers, Mike Moroney, and his brother Paul, are to be congratulated with notching up their 50th Group One. The gentlemen celebrated when the horse, On the Rocks, saluted at Te Rapa in New Zealand.

Mike was behind the win of Brew in the 2000 Melbourne Cup as a matter of fact he had the runner-up Second Coming also.

Brew was ridden by Kerrin Mc Evoy, his first Melbourne Cup win. Moroney owns the fouryear-old, On the Rocks, in partnership with Pam Gerard.

The win by On the Rockswas Pam Gerard's made it 36 Group One wins for Gerard in the

● I Am Immortal. Racing Photos

Wine Column Applause for cellar door

● The new tasting room at Shaw Wines: a vision splendid from Graeme Shaw.

■ The new tasting room at Shaw Wines, near Murrumbateman and in the Canberra Wine Region, is open - and from pictorial evidence a grand structure it is too.

I only caught a glimpse of it one evening a while back when it was in very much its embryonic stages and I was heading to the winery restaurant to have dinner with Graeme Shaw's wife Ann and his daughter Tanya.

Graeme was in China selling wine but I quickly caught on to his vision.

Not that the place really needed a new tasting room. The previous one was grand enough, but Ann and Tanya … and son Michael … have come to let Graeme do as he pleases.

They've learnt from experience that he will have his own way, and that he'll construct something twice as grand as necessary … and something that will outlast them all.

The building has been, according to the vineyard's website, designed to take full advantage of its superb rural aspect and vineyard views … and to provide an memorable tasting experience for customers.

"Our new building provides an enhanced level of wine experience, doing away with the traditional squeezing everyone in at the one bar, and instead providing customers their own space to taste the wines in their own time," Graeme notes.

"A separate tasting room allows for private group bookings and a lounge area for those who just wish to sit down with a glass of wine and a cheese plate to while away the day."

There are charging stations for electric vehicles and the gallery stocks an exclusive range of hand-painted Italian ceramics from a small town in Umbria.

And I can assure readers that the wines are excellent. Visit www.shawwines.com.au WINE REVIEWS Angullong 2017 Fossil Hill Chardonnay ($26): Smartly integrated French oak is a feature of this first-release chardonnay under Angullong's Fossil Hill label. The fruit comes from about 800 metres above sea level, well above the 600-metre limit for the Orangeregion appellation. The wine is complex and fruity, with the flavour mainly from the whitestonefruit spectrum.

Gartelmann 2018 Jessica Hunter River Verdelho ($22): Verdelho originally hails from Portugal but has long been quite at home in the Hunter.

This is a light, fresh, totally unoaked style of dry white and has been named after Jan Gartelmann's mother. It's an early-drinking style and a more than useful alternative for fans of sauvignon blanc WINE OF THE WEEK Shaw Vineyard Estate 2018 Riesling ($30): This a classic cool-area dry riesling with crunchy green-apple and limey flavours.

The wine has a touch of botrytis complexity but it is primarily its fresh minerality that I love. It forms a magic combination with a plate of freshly shucked oysters, but please take if easy with that squeeze of lemon.

- John Rozentals

www.MelbourneObser ver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 53

Where Quality Counts Look For ...

EMU WIRE INDUSTRIES

Available wire heights: 1250mm, 1100mm & 950mm.

Heritage Woven Wire & Gates are available in either a plain galvanised finish or powdercoated finish. We have 7 gate styles to choose from, check them on our website.

Heavy Duty 4mm Galvanised Wire For your local distributor please call: 1300 360 082 Fax: 9308 5822 Email: sales@emuwire.com.au Website: www.emuwire.com.au

Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 55

Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2018 - Page 57

Horses

Page 58 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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Rural News

SUMMER IS HERE, ORDER YOUR TANK NOW

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - Page 59

Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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Learning to Ride

Balance Bikes from Ivanhoe Cycles Balance Bikes (also called training bikes) are pedalless bikes designed to provide fun and exercise and to teach the basic skills of steering, balance and co-ordination.

They are suited to a child from 2 to 5 years of age.

The child simply sits astride the balance bike and "walks" while steering with the handlebars.

It effectively allows them to learn balance without having to learn to pedal at the same time. It cuts the learning "gradient" down. They are also called pre bikes or first bikes.

Balance bikes are becoming increasingly popular, as it is so much easier to learn to ride. Learning to ride can be achieved at their own pace. A less confident child can “walk� it around for as long as they like, then

when ready, they can gradually lift their feet and scoo along until they are ready to simply push off and jus roll along.

More confident kids will be flying around with huge smiles in no time at all.

Because they have a sturdy aluminium or steel frame and well constructed wheels they are virtually trouble free, and can be passed down from child to child.

BYK E250L PURPLE $219

GIANT PRE BIKE - RED $199

Mongoose Lilgoose WNR Girls Balance Bike 12 Inch $179

Byk E250L Purple - Girls 14inch Balance Bike

12 inch boys balance bike that is a perfect gradient for learning to ride a real bike

The low stand-over height makes it very easy to get on and off the bike,

LIL ZOOMER BALANCE BIKE - GREEN $99

BYK E200L $189

Little Zoomer Balance Bike in any colour. A fun way to teach balance and coordination! Suitable 2-4 years.

Byk E200L. Balance Bikes make it so much easier for your child to learn to ride.

MONGOOSE LILGOOSE WNR BOYS BALANCE BIKE 12 INCH $179 The Mongoose Lilgoose Balance bike is not only one of the cutest designs we've seen on a training bike.