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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio: Smmoth FM jackpot tops $100,000 ........ Page 44 Theatre: Julie Houghton on new shows .................. Page 45 Country Music: Rob Foenander reports ....................... Page 44 Jim and Aar on: Top 10 lists, larest movies, DVds ............ Page 48 Aaron: Cheryl Threadgold: Local shows, auditions, people ........... Page 43 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSS SWORD

WICKED: IT DEFIES GRAVITY Review, photos by ASH LONG

● John Frost, Australian co-Producer

● Rhonda Burchmore and Sarah Yarwood

● Brian Nankervis

● Syd Zygier and Deborah Conway

● Clive Scott, Sofitel General Manager ● Jemma Rix with Lucky Durack ■ It is stunning. It is magical. It is Wicked. This 10th anniversary show defies gravity. Let Wicked cast its spell on you.

The opening night crowd at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on Saturday gave a raucous standing ovation to the Wicked cast and crew who excelled against the odds. We have no hesitation in giving this show the top rating: ★★★★★ Jemma Rix owns the role of Elphaba, providing magic moments including Defying Gravity, No Good Deed and I’m Not That Girl.

Lucy Durack, defying a serious back injury, reprises her role as leading lady Glinda, with a powerful voice, flawless dancing and funny lines.

Durack casts her wand effortlessly across numbers including No One Mourns The Wizard, What Is This Feeling, Dancing Through Life and the show-stopper Popular.

The pair charm their way with For Good.

Maggie Kirkpatrick is first-class as Madame Morrible, with much applause for The Wizard And I. The in-joke (and there are quite a few) of Kirkpatrick’s character being sent to prison attracted much laughter.

There are more in-jokes about the girl from Kansas, and the staging even includes a yellow-brick road.

And ... Reg Livermore, what a wonderful wizard he is. We have not always been Livermore’s biggest fans. We saw his disastrous Turns with Nancye Hayes at the Playhouse in 2011!

But the Wizard roles requires a touch of evil and Livermore delivers. Wizard producers are strict with their instructions to cast members to be precise with their moments - which could be a challenge for Reg - but he was obedient, on opening night anyway!

The cast includes John O’Hara as the witch’s father (and as an understudy to Livermore). Ellen Sutton plays the mother.

Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, is played by Emily Cascarino, against Boq (Edward Grey).

Other major cast members are Nathan Carter (Dr Dillamond), Steve Danielsen (Fiyero), Matt Holly (Chistery) and Angela Lumiicisi (midwife).

Congratulations to the ensemble, including: Justin Anderson, Dion Bilios, Danielle Cook, Danielle Evrat, Mitch Fistrovic, Tom Handley, Emma Hawthorne, Katie McKee, Justine Puy, Christopher Scalzo, Pharic Scott, Ryan Sheppard, Ellen Sutton, Monica Swayne and Sophie Wright. Dance captains are Deanna O’Leary and Ryan Sheppard. On swings are Daniel Assetta, Rachel Cole, Daniel Downing, Kassie Martin, Deanna O’Leary and Joseph O’Leary.

And a special word for the orchestra under Musical Director David Young, assisted with Loclan Mackenzie-Spencer, under the Resident Musical Supervisor Kellie Dickerson.

Creatives include Eugene Lee (settings) assisted by Edward Pierec, Elaine McCarthy (projections), Karen Johnson Mortimer (resident director), Mark Myars (dance supervisor), Susan Hilferty (costumes), Tom Watson (wigs and hair), Cameron Flint (technical director), Thom Widmann (production supervisor), Kenneth Posner (lighting), Alex Lacamoire and Stephen Oremus (music arrangements), Tony Meola (sound), James Lynn Abbott (dance arrangements). The Australian dance arrangements are in the hands of Emma Delmenico.

Allow yourself to visit the Emerald City. You will enjoy a world-class five-star show. ★★★★★

● Bianca Pirrotta and Steve Bastoni

● Nicole Livingstone and Ella Smith

● Collette Mann

Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

Prize jackpot tops $100,000

Country Crossroads

SMOOTH 91.5 RAISES STAKES IN RATINGS WAR

info@country crossroads.com.au Big Breakfast Show. Southern FM 88.3.

Tues. 6am-9am.

Scoop for Tom ■ 3AW ‘Drive’ host Tom Elliott had a much-needed scoop this week with details of a leaked document that appears to show the perilous state of QANTAS' financial affairs.

Tom Elliott is trailing Raf Epstein (774 ABC) in the 4pm-7pm ratings figures.

Rob Foenander

Riding This Road ■ Australia's country music matriach Joy McKean has released Riding This Road, her record collection.

Joy is the widowof the late king of country music, Slim Dusty. Her new album is described as a time capsule of her early career as a performer and songwriter.

The songs included were collated from rare vinyl and reel-to-reel recordings.

This truly unique collection of songs released by EMI shows why Joy McKean is one of Australia's most prolific songwriters. It is available at www.slimdusty.com.au/shop

Morgan at Hallam Hotel ■ The 2013 CMC (Country Music Channel, Foxtel) new Oz Artist of the Year Morgan Evans will be appearing at the Hallam Hotel on Thursday, June 19, commencing 8.30pm.

Morgan's musical journey has seen him tour with international superstars like Taylor Swift and Alan Jackson, play to more than 50,000 people in Nashville and he has toured extensively throughout Australia.

Morgan’s self-titled debut album was released on March 13.Show tickets at Ticketmaster.

Sat. morning country ■ Casey Community Radio 97.7FM invites listeners to call in every Saturday morning from 11.30 am to 1pm with their favourite requests and dedications.

Hosts Adrian Morton (Station President) and Ron Main present The Other Side Of Country with a strong emphasis on audience participation. Studio number is 5996 6977

Keith wins social media ■ Country music star Keith Urban not only wows his thousands of concert fans around the globe but it appears his fans also keep a close watch on his Facebook page.

Keith's page boasts a staggering 4,883,986 likes. Add to this his personal Skype sessions with lucky fans plus Twitter communications. All are a vital part of the Urban empire it would seem.

■ Mike Cooper has moved to afternoons at 3BA Ballarat.

Rob McCasker is now hosting the Ballarat Today morning program. Mark Santomartino is joining the news team. He replaces Taryn Elder, reports Greg Newman of Jocks Journal.

r Observbei z Show

● Ty Frost ■ Smooth 91.5 FM has raised the odds in radio promotions in Melbourne.

Now rating more than 6 per cent of the audience, in excess of some industry expectations, the jackpot for the listener competition Smooth Stars yesterday (Tues.) reached $101,000.

The Smooth line-up in Melbourne includes Mike Perso, Ty Frost, Simon Diaz, Byron Webb and Cameron Daddo.

Celebrity hosts include Michael Bublé, Olivia NewtonJohn and Keith Urban.

Lee Murray fact found ■ Showbiz historian Frank Van Straten posed a challenge for the Melbourne Observer.

He wanted to know the date of birth of Lee Murray, the former 3AW announcer and playwright, who operated a school for announcers.

Radio Confidential shared the challenge with members of the Australian Radio page on Facebook, administered by the Melbourne Observer.

First with the answer were Jamie Kelly ande Brian Smith.

Brian even had a clipping from the old Sunday Press paper.

On This Day Friday Wednesday Thursday May 15 May 16 May 14 ■ American singer and actor Bobby Darin was born in New York in 1936. He died aged 37 in 1973.

Australian TV presenter David Reyne was born in Africa in 1959.

Actress Cate Blanchett was born in Clayton, Vic. in 1969 (45).

Actress Ada Nicodemou is 37 today.

■ Former TV presenter Bill Peach was born in 1935 (78). He died in the past year.

US singer Trini Lopez was born in Texas in 1937 (77).

Actor/director John Orcsik was born in 1945 (69).

Singer-dancer Rhonda Burchmore was born in Sydney in 1960 (54).

■ Actor Henry Fonda was born in Nebraska in 1905. He died aged 77 in 1982.

Liberace (Wladziu Liberace), flamboyant pianist, was born in 1919. He died aged 67 in 1987.

Irish actor Pierce Brosnan was born in 1953 (61). He played James Bond.

● Tom Elliott ● 3AW Weekend Break co-host Dee Dee Dunleavy is on her way to New York City. She and Peter ‘Grubby’ Stubbs have been minding the afternoon seat whilst regular host Denis Walter hyas taken a break in the Big Apple.

Lee Murray died on June 26, 1984, aged 84.

Tom Hafey Budget cuts remembered ■ Melbourne sports radio stations had wall-to-wall coverfeared age yesterday (Tues.) follow-

■ Victorian community radio stations were anxiously awaiting the Federal Budget last night (Tues.), as this edition of the Observer went to press.

The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia ran a campaign asking listeners to contact Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey, to pressure him not to make cuts.

ing the passing of AFL legend Tom Hafey.

Anthony Kierce and Andrew Kuuse host Radio Sport National’s overnight program.

Sports Overnight features broadcasts of international and Western Australian racing, sports bulletins every 30 minutes, live score updates, sports interviews and music.

Website trouble?

■ There are rumours of a large radio group taking offence to a Facebook page that has mocked some of its staff.

(Radio Confidential is not referring to the Australian Radio page, administered by the Melbourne Observer).

Briefs

■ Mix 101.1 breakfast show co-host Chrissie Swan asked a guest if she was “devvo” at the result of a TV show. The buzz word defines the audience the station is seeking.

■ Brig Duclos and ‘Lehmo’ (Gold 104.3) attracted Nicole Kidman for an interview early this week. The show is now being promoted on a bus.

Melbourne

Observer

Saturday May 17

Sunday May 18

Monday May 19

Tuesday May 20

■ The late Professor Julius Sumner-Miller was born in the US in 1909.

He died aged 78 in 1987.

Actor Dennis Hopper, best known for Easy Rider, was born in 1936.

He died aged 74 in 2010.

Irish singer/songwriter Enya (Eithne Ni Bhraonain) is 53 (1961).

■ American singer Perry Como was born in 1912. He died aged 88 in 1901.

Australian record producer Ron Tudor is 90 today. He was born in Gippsland in 1924.

Dwayne Hickman (Dobie Gills) is 79.

Newsreader Sandra Sully was born in in 1965 (49).

■ Dame Nellie Melba (Helen Mitchell) was born on this day in 1861 at Lilydale. She died aged 69 in 1931.

Pete Townshend, guitarist for The Who, was born in 1945 (69).

Actress Claudia Karvan was born in Sydney in 1972 (42).

Actor Nancy Kwan was born in 1939 (73).

■ Jazz pianist and composer Fats Waller was born in 1904. He died aged 39 in 1943.

Perry Mason’s Raymond Burr was born in Canada in 1917. He died aged 76 in 1993.

Singer and musician Joe Camilleri was born in Malta in 1948 (65). His band was Jo Jo Zep.

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

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

Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

ShowBiz!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - Page 45

Observer Showbiz

La Traviata

● Jessica Pratt ■ La Traviata is one of the most popular operas of all time, and Victorian Opera's new production of Verdi's much loved work will give it a new twist.

Opening on Saturday (May 17) at Her Majesty's Theatre, this production is the Traviata of the Mirrors from Italian opera house Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini, with scenic design by Josef Svoboda whose work is new to Australian audiences.

This La Traviata features a huge mirror suspected above the stage, which artistic director Richard Mills says helps to explain Verdi's original intentions.

"The scenic artist is literally holding a mirror up to society's hypocrisy, bringing the audience into the world of courtesan Violetta Valéry and inviting them to reflect on their own stories of love and loss,” Mills explained.

Leading the cast is Australian expatriate soprano Jessica Pratt, Alessandro Scotto di Luzio as her lover Alfredo, and much loved Australian singers José Cárbo as his father Giorgio Germont, and Dimity Shepherd as Violetta's friend Flora.

Past and current Victorian opera Masters of Opera Performance students Carols E. Bárcenas, Nathan Lay and Jeremy Kleeman fill the smaller principal roles, with fine Melbourne bass Jerzy Kozlowski in the role of Doctor Grenvil.

Directed by Henning Brockhaus, the performance is conducted by Richard Mills, with the Victorian Opera Chorus and Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra completing the cast list.

Even if you have seen La Traviata many times, you won't want to miss this new and innovative take on the popular opera, which runs until May 29.

Bookings through Ticketek on 1300 795 012.

- Julie Houghton

● Josee Carboe

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

It’s ‘Bloomsday’ ■ Dr Frances DevlinGlass, Honorary Associate Professor, Deakin University, and Founder of Bloomsday in Melbourne, will deliver a lecture titled Who Says Ulysses Is Too Difficult To Read? as part of the Bayside Literary Series Words by the Bay, on Sunday (May 18) between 2pmand 4pm, at the Brighton Library, Wilson St, Brighton.

This is a guide for the perplexed novice reader of James Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses, and why it is that most readers have difficulty reading the book.

She hopes to provide an insight into what admirers most enjoy about the book, and in particular, its astonishingly realised characters, its literary experimentalism and its radicalism in the arena of ideas.

Tickets are $5 and bookings are essential as there are only 40 spaces.

Bookings: www.try booking.com/72000 In addition to the lecture, the centrepiece of this year’s Bloomsday celebration is Ulysses Prestissimo, an adaptation of the whole of Joyce’s masterpiece, Ulysses, in two laughter-filled hours being presented from June 11-16 at the Brighton Theatre, Wilson St, Brighton.

Directed by Wayne Pearn, last year’s season

● James Joyce looks on approvingly as Dr Frances Devlin-Glass prepares for her lecture on reading Ulysses. Photo: Bernard Peasley at fortyfivedownstairs are at bar prices. was a sell-out, and now Earlier on Monday, Bloomsday In Mel- June 16 at 3pm is the bourne is proud to partici- Bloomsday Seminar: pate in the Words by the Ulysses Lento, at the Bay Literary Series. Bayside Arts and Cultural Tickets: Earlybird (until Centre, Wilson St., May 31) $25, Full Price Brighton. Admission is $30, Concession $20. $20 full price, $15 concesTwo more celebrations sion (health and student in June are the Bloomsday cards). dinner and entertainment Bookings for these on Monday, June 16, at events between June 11 – 5.30pm for 6pm-7.30pm, 16 are essential. Please at The White Rabbit Restaurant, 118 Church St, visit www.bloomsday Brighton. Cost is $45 for inmelbourne.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold a two-course meal. Drinks

Theatre co. opens

● Peter Hatherley and Casey Bohan in Retreat, opening in Doncaster on June 11.

■ Tangled Web Theatre Productions Tangled Web was formed last year is a new theatre company in Melbourne, by Kevin Holman, specifically to stage aiming to stage quality plays which have the play Retreat. not had the performances they deserve.

The company will follow with their Tangled Web’s first play is the Aus- second production, Other People's Money tralian premiere of Retreat by the UK by Jerry Sterner in December. Three playwright James Saunders, opening on more plays are to be presented in 2015.

June 11 at the Doncaster Playhouse.

Performance details: June 11, 12, 13 Retreat features a middle-aged man and a young woman in an isolated cot- and 14 at 8pm; Matinees June 14 and 15 tage at night. Grief and guilt dominate at 2pm.

Venue: Doncaster Playhouse, 679 their lives, but gradually they come to see how they can find comfort, even Doncaster Rd., Doncaster.

Bookings: 9748 1468 or healing, from their troubles. www.trybooking.com/Booking/ The play is directed by Mel De Bono and features Peter Hatherley and Casey BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=77884 - Cheryl Threadgold Bohan.

Utopia

● Stephen Carolane, Corryn Rattray, Christelise de Graaf and Daniel Carison.

■ Among the well-known Gilbert and Sullivan operas there is the occasional lesser-known gem, full of great tunes and wit, and the usual topsy turvey story.

That's a fair description of Savoy Opera Company's forthcoming production of the rarely performed Utopia, which will take to the stage of the Alexander Theatre on May 23 and 24, with a country performance in Dunolly Town Hall on 7 June.

The story follows King Paramount of Utopia who decides that his people should adopt all things English, but he gets carried away with his ideas and decides that Utopia should become a 'company limited' based on the English 'Companies Act' of 1862.

Six 'flowers of progress' are imported from England to train everyone in how to be English. Of course, everything gets out of hand, becoming English is just too successful and a revolt ensues.

Savoy Opera prides itself on giving young performers embarking on their careers some hands on opportunities to learn their craft.

This cast includes a great mix of young emerging stars and experienced performers, including Catherin Bolzonello, Corryn Rattray, Christelise de Graaf, Lucy Gries, Dan Carison, Stephen Carolane, Judy Sporton, Lydia Klimek, Matthew Cookson, Geoff Carison and David Sharples.

Add the fine Savoy chorus and orchestra led for the first time by young conductor David Singh, and experienced director Cordelia and music director David Campbell, and Savoy promises a production full of energy, humour, colour, dancing and singing.

In fact, everything you need for a good night out at a Gilbert and Sullivan show!

Call the Alexander Theatre box office on 9905 1111 to book.

- Julie Houghton

Surrey Music Cafe ■ The Surrey Music Café’s first show in their 2014 Concert Series, Vardos: A Triple Treat will be presented on Friday, May 30 at 8pm, at the Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station St, Box Hill..

Featuring Alana Hunt on ‘wild’ violin, Sofia Chapman chasing about with accordion and Kirri Buchler making mischief with the strings of her Double Bass, this Gypsy trio will present tunes mastered while travelling through Eastern Europe in horse-drawn carts in the quest of Roma (Gypsy) musicians.

Vardos will present a triple treat, being joined by Tim Meyen on ‘Cimbalom’ (hammered dulcimer), plus dancing by the Gyongyosborkrete Hungarian Gypsy Dancers.

Tickets: $18 and selling fast.

There will only be four Surrey Music Café shows this year, and here are the remaining dates: Friday, August 29 at 8pm – Hetty Kate and Friends Friday, September 26 at 8pm – Jeremy Woolhouse’s Silverbeat Friday, November 28 at 8pm – Ultrafox For more information or to book tickets, visit www.surreymusic.com

La Mama encore ■ Two of La Mama’s best shows of 2013 will have encore performances at fortyfivedownstairs: ■ Mein Kampf by George Tabori ■ My Life in the Nude by Maude Davey Bookings” 9662 9966 or fortyfivedownstairs.com

Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Victoria Pictorial

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Historic Photo Collection

● Belmont Hotel, Thomastown. 1928.

● Station St, Doncaster. 1940.

● Lifesaving Club, Edithvale.

● Commonwealth Migrant Hostel. Rooks Rd, Nunawading. 1967

● The old Swan Hotel at St Albans, Geelong. 1934.

● Moonee Ponds. 1907.

● Tower Hotel, Alphington. 1963.

● Hampton Post Office. Approx. 1920.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - Page 47

Showbiz Latest

Conchita power of performance ■ Four songs in to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night, six Icelandic men in a band called Pollapönk took to the stage dressed in fluorescent suits and declared to an ecstatic house: Let’s do away with prejudice Don’t discriminate, tolerance is bliss We can get together on this Cross this problem off our list.

Later in the evening, the Austrian entry Conchita Wurst began her performance of her diva anthem Rise Like A Phoenix.

As she continued, the lights slowly revealed more of her sparkling, form-hugging dress, before spreading to illuminate her hirsute jaw.

Hers was a meticulous drag act, with a twist – Conchita Wurst sports a full beard.

Eurovision, often associated with camp and queer culture, has long been a forum for these kinds of resistant performances. Camp, though, has rarely been performed with such earnestness. And even rarer still, she won.

Speaking later about her victory, Wurst declared that we can indeed “cross this problem off our list”, as she claimed a victory for tolerance.

What, though, has actually taken place here?

The power of Wurst’s victory turns on three ideas key to live performance: representation; identification; and address.

Live performance, unlike other art forms, turns on the presence and recognition of a real, breathing body.

It has therefore often been a target of those intent on denying minority or marginalised communities the chance to represent themselves.

The politically-resistant performances of the Belarus Free Theatre, for example, are banned in their home country, denying them the possibility of mainstream representation.

Attempting to account for the significance of performance, then, we can suggest that those from different marginalised communities – on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, or otherwise – denied legal-judicial or political means of exercising their rights can turn to performance as a means of gaining power, and making visible their identities.

In her performance of both imperfect maleness

The Spoiler For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven ■ Monday, May 19 . Bailey uses his head to avoid a beating; Imogen struggles with her idealism; Matt's plans to renew his vows continue

Home and Away ■ 7pm. Weeknights. Seven ■ Monday, May 19 . Mark goes to extreme lengths to show Phoebe Kyle's true colours. Jett is away from the Bay but not from Marilyn and John's thoughts. Andy struggles to put his pride aside and ask the Braxton's for his job back.

■ Tuesday, May 20. Sasha is handed a juicy story about Tamara's accident - but will she decide to publish it? Tamara's recent misfortunes lead her to a big decision. Unexpectedly, Kyle challenges Phoebe's decision to cut ties with her father.

■ Wednesday, May 21. Sasha's article about the hit and run sends ripples through Summer Bay. Bianca struggles to step back and let Heath look after Harley alone.

■ Thursday, May 22. Maddy dreams up grand schemes for a mid-year school dance. Jett returns from camp with an expensive surprise for John and Marilyn. Heath and Bianca make some drastic relationship decisions. Phoebe worries that her relationship with her father is ruined

Supergirly

● Conchita Wurst Eurovision world, Conchita Wurst’s perforBy CHRIS HAY mance offers a similar Associate Lecturer,Performance effect.

Practices at National Institute of Dramatic Art When she stood on stage at the end of the competition, Wurst www.theconversation.edu.au clutched her trophy in her hand and declared: “This night is When and imperfect female- cerely during an interna- she stood on stage at the ness, Wurst opens her t i o n a l l y - b r o a d c a s t end of the competition, arms and embraces a wide televisual extravaganza. Wurst clutched her trophy spectrum of individuals And, judging by the in her hand and declared: who recognise their own roars heard even on the “This night is dedigender performance as telecast, it was an identi- cated to everyone who imperfect by mainstream fication returned in believes in a future of standards. spades. peace and freedom. You Wurst is not to be Television shows such know who you are. We are laughed at; she invites as Glee and Modern Fam- unity, and we are unstopidentification through the ily have taught us that the pable.” stillness of her choreogra- power of prime-time, Raising the trophy high phy. mainstream address can- above her head, to a deafHer body, making not be overestimated – ening roar from the crowd, male and female visible they make visible a range Wurst has – in using “we” simultaneously, assumes of queer identities, and – constituted a public of a queer address. represent them as main- individuals who hear this This is particularly stream. This is empower- statement, and recognise powerful for we who iden- ing for marginalised indi- they are being addressed. tify as queer, given domi- viduals, especially young To those living alone in nant culture (and pop cul- people, allowing them to societies where queer role ture in particular) often build, celebrate and take models have been made renders the queer invisible. pleasure in their identity. systematically invisible, We are unused to beFor the approximately on which Russian antiing addressed, certainly to 125 million viewers propaganda laws relating being addressed so sin watching across the to “non-traditional sexual

relations” seem so intent, Wurst consoles: You threw me down but I’m gonna fly And rise like a phoenix Out of the ashes.

Wurst’s appearance in the contest, and the power of her victory, will not spread tolerance overnight. It would be easy to assume that, just in seeing her, people will be moved to accept her (and, by extension, those like her).

This is unlikely to be true. In assuring those who identify with and as marginalised identities that they can rise “out of the ashes”, and fight back against a mainstream culture intent on denying them, Wurst has offered powerful opportunities for recognition and visibility.

Those of us who cheered on, and maybe even wept at her victory, must do all that we can to see those opportunities are taken.

● SuperGirly (aka Lulu McClatchy) with Lyall Brooks in SuperGirly: Return of the Pop Princess.

■ SuperGirly (aka Lulu McClatchy) has decided that pop music has it coming and she’s going to give it a good lashing when her show SuperGirly: Return of the Pop Princess opens in an Australian debut season at Chapel off Chapel on May 28.

Billed as ‘not for the faint-hearted’, and combining vocals, wicked humour, clever writing and leaving no artist out, she takes the mickey out of music in a way that some may wonder why no one thought of it before.

She is joined by Green Room Award-nominated actor and singer Lyall Brooks .

Some of her victims include Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lorde and Britney Spears.

And what about SuperGirly? She has starred in her own BBC sitcom, supported Elton John’s Australian tour and performed at his private parties in the UK, performed sold out shows at Edinburgh and the West End, been invited to tour the US and Canada (22-date tour), entertained British troops in Cyprus and appeared at Sydney’s State Theatre and Melbourne’s Palms at Crown.

Preview: Tuesday May 27 Opening Night: Wednesday May 28 Season: Thursday May 29 – Sunday June 8 Times: Tue-Fri 8pm, Sat 4pm and 8pm, Sun 4pm Bookings: 8290 7000 or www.chapel offchapel.com.au Tickets: Preview $25, Full $39, Conc $30 Venue: Loft Theatre, Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran - Cheryl Threadgold

Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke

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

Bob Hoskins October 26, 1942 - April 29, 2014

● Judi Dench and Steve Coogan are an absolute delight in the humorous and compelling Oscar nominated story of Philomena based on a true story.

FILM: PHILOMENA: Genre: Biography/Drama.

Cast: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Mary Winningham.

Year: 2013.

Rating: M. Running Time: 98 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: The wonderfully quirky, funny and highly moving story a worldweary British political journalist who picks up the story of a woman's search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. Superbly directed with a firm grip and touching compassion by Stephen Frears (The Queen), Judi Dench, who has never been better, and Steve Coogan grip and engage you in all emotions with superb performances as this touching humorous and heartbreaking journey unfolds across two continents. Not to be missed. Nominated for four Academy awards.

FILM: FROZEN: Genre: Animated/Adventure/Comedy.

Cast: Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel.

Year: 2013.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 102 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **** Verdict: Absolutely delightful and enchanting Disney adventure of two wonderful characters who team up for an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions along the way, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in a race to find a sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped a kingdom in eternal winter. This is one of the best in a staggering and groundbreaking list animated adventures. Filled with engaging characters, drama, excitement, humour and stunning animation, this is an adventure the whole family will not only be mesmerised by from beginning to end but will want to experience time and time again, and deservedly became the highest grossing animated film in the history cinema. Unmissible!

FILMS:

THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES .... and DR. PHIBES RISES AGAIN. Horror.

Vincent Price, Hugh Griffith, Peter Cushing, John Thaw,

Genre: Cast: Terry-Thomas.

Year: 1971 - 1972.

Rating: M and PG. Running Time: 94 Minutes and 89 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: *** Verdict: The wonderfully unique, quirky and humorous British horror outing of doctor, scientist, organist, and biblical scholar, Dr. Anton Phibes, who seeks revenge on the nine doctors he considers responsible for his wife's death. Screen legend Vincent Price is a pure joy as the somewhat determined, mad and eccentric doctor, and in it's equally popular sequel, the vengeful Doctor rises again to seek the Scrolls of Life in an attempt to resurrect his deceased wife. Both films are released separately on DVD and Blu-Ray. Great fun!

FILM: INHERIT THE WIND: Genre: Drama/History.

Cast: Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly.

Year: 1960.

Rating: G. Running Time: 128 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***** Verdict: Before Sidney Lumet's 12 Angry Men and Stanley Kramer's Judgment at Nuremberg legendary filmmaker Stanley Kramer punched a hole in screens around the world with this powerhouse screen adaptation based on a real-life case in 1925, as two great lawyers argue the case for and against a science teacher accused of the crime of teaching evolution. Stanley Kramer rules with a iron fist as Oscar winning screen legends and veterans Spencer Tracy and Fredric March compel with extraordinary power in every frame in one of the best roles of each of their extraordinary careers. Don't miss this one!

■ "I came into this business uneducated, dyslexic, 5ft 6 inches, cubic, with a face like a squashed cabbage."

This humorous-but-humble appraisal seemed to sum up down-toearth British actor Bob Hoskins, who sadly passed away on Tuesday April 29 due to pneumonia, aged 71.

One of the industry's most wellliked actors, Mr Hoskins created a significant body of work, a brilliant mix of hot-headed villains and shorttempered, good-natured characters that an audience could believe or relate to.

Mr Hoskins was born on October 26, 1942 in Bury St. Edmund's, Suffolk, a new area for the family as his mother was moved there due to heavy bombings.

Leaving school at 15, Mr Hoskins always attended the theatre, with major aspirations of being on the stage, but found it hard to walk down this path as he was working a number of jobs to make ends meet.

In 1969, while waiting at the Unity Theatre bar for a friend to finish his audition, an assistant mistakingly thought Mr Hoskins was there for the same reason, so was handed a script and told, "You're next."

Despite having had quite a few drinks, Mr Hoskins impressed the panel and got the part.

Considering what followed, this can truly be termed a happy accident.

Mr Hoskins' first appearance on TV was in The Main Chance (1972) (episode - Acting For Self), and on the big screen in Up The Front (1972), as a recruiting sergeant, and from thenon he was never out of work.

After a number of parts in TV shows such as Villains (1972), Crown Court (1973), and New Scotland Yard (1973), Mr Hoskins got his first substantial film role in Inserts (1974), starring Richard Dreyfuss (although it does depend on whether you see the original 117 minute version or the butchered 99 minute US cut), a movie that was critically maligned on release.

Prolific TV work continued in shows such as Thick As Thieves (1974), Three Piece Suite (1976), and Rock Follies Of '77 (1977), and there was also a small part in the funny, energetic period comedy Royal Flash (1975), starring Malcolm McDowell.

Mr Hoskins' big break came in 1978 when he landed the lead role of Arthur Parker in the landmark miniseries Pennies From Heaven, written

by Dennis Potter.

After appearing in Zulu Dawn (1979), an entertaining prequel to the 1964 epic Zulu, Mr Hoskins would be cast in what would become one of his most iconic roles, that of Harold

Shand in the outstanding The Long Good Friday (1980), one of the best British gangster films of all-time.

A mixture of local and Hollywood product followed - the intense, stylish Pink Floyd The Wall (1982); the mildly enjoyable Lassiter (1984); the underrated The Cotton Club (1984); Terry Gilliam's dazzlingly original Brazil (1985); Mussolini And I; the gentle Alan Alda comedy Sweet Liberty (1986); the gritty, moving Mona Lisa (1986), for which Hoskins received a richly deserved Oscar nomination for Best Actor; the IRA thriller A Prayer For The Dying (1987); the measured drama The Lonely Passion Of Judith Hearne (1987); the technically groundbreaking Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), where Hoskins gives a bravura performance under what were very difficult circumstances; The Raggedy Rawney (1988), which he also wrote and directed; Heart Condition (1990) with Denzel Washington; Mermaids (1990) opposite Cher; the Hitchcocktype thriller Shattered (1991); Steven Spielberg's Hook (1991); as J Edgar Hoover in Oliver Stone's Nixon (1995); the nicely lowkey Twenty Four Seven (1997); effectively playing against type in Felicia's Journey (1999); as the most cockney-sounding Russian general in Enemy At The Gates (2001); part of a great ensemble cast in Last Orders (2001); the Bobby Darin biopic Beyond The Sea (2004); the unusual action flick Unleashed (2005) with Jet Li; Mrs Henderson Presents (2005) with Judi Dench; the highly acclaimed Hollywoodland (2006); the TV miniseries The Wind In The Willows (2006); the cult sci-fi film Doomsday (2008), and Robert Zemeckis' surprisingly strong A Christmas Carol (2009).

Mr Hoskins' last film was the big budget Hollywood hit Snow White And The Huntsman (2012).

Was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2011, which lead to Mr Hoskins announcing his retirement from acting in August 2012, which saddened millions of fans around the world.

Thanks to what he did for the past 40 years, movie-goers have plenty to do, namely watch this wonderful actor strut his stuff through a number of intriguing, enthralling, and thoroughly believable performances.

Thank you Mr Hoskins for bringing so much joy to so many people.

- Aaron Rourke.

DVD's and Blu-Rays kindly supplied by Video Vision, 177-179 Carlisle Street, Balaclava. A large number of Bob Hoskins' films are available on DVD. For information or bookings on these titles please call 9531 2544.

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. BAD NEIGHBOURS. 2. THE OTHER WOMAN. 3. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2: RISE OF ELECTRO. 4. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. 5. THE LEGO MOVIE. 6. DIVERGENT. 7. TRANSCENDENCE. 8. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER. 9. STAR WARS: MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU MOVIE MARATHON. 10. FADING GIGOLO. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MAY 8: A CASTLE IN ITALY, BAD NEIGHBOURS, BELLE, CHEF, HEALING, JOHN DOE: VIGILANTE, SEDUCED AND ABANDONED, THE DOUBLE. MAY 15: CHILD'S POSE, GODZILLA, THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN. THE DVD TOP RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. SAVING MR. BANKS [Comedy/ Music/Drama/Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson].

2. FROZEN [Animated/Adventure/ Comedy/Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad].

3. THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY [Comedy/Fantasy/Adventure/Ben Stiller].

4. THE BOOK THIEF [War/Drama/ Sophie Nulisse, Geoffrey Rush].

5. THE HOBBIT: The Desolation of Smaug [Fantasy/Adventure/ Martin Freeman].

6. AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY [Drama/Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper].

7. AMERICAN HUSTLE [Drama/ Comedy/Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams].

8. PHILOMENA [Drama/Judi Dench, Steve Coogan].

9. THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE [Action/Jennifer Lawrence, Donald Sutherland].

10. ANCHORMAN 2: The Legend Continues [Comedy/Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd].

Also: THE RAILWAY MAN, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, GRAVITY, HOMEFRONT, DOM HEMINGWAY, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, BLUE JASMINE, JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA, PLANES, TURBO. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: WALKING WITH DINOSAURS: The Movie [Adventure/Kenneth Branagh].

THE BAG MAN [Thriller/John Cusack, Robert De Niro].

FREE BIRDS [Animated/Family/ Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson].

I AM SOLDIER [Action/Tom Hughes, Noel Clarke].

THE GILDED CAGE [Comedy/ Drama/Joaquim de Almeida, Rita Blanco].

RAZE [Horror/Zoe Bell, Rachel Nichols].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: None Listed for This Week.

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: MISS FISHER'S MURDER MYSTERIES: Series 2.

Turn To Page 55

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - Page 49

Observer Showbiz

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

‘My Fair Lady’ by Nova SHOWS ■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Gypsy, the Musical Until May 17 at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr. Melbourne Rd. and Electra St., Williamstown. Director: Nicholas Kong; Musical Director: Daniel Heskett; Choreographer: Tamara Finch. Tickets: $32/$28. Bookings: 1300 881 545 www.wmtc.org.au ■ Nova Music Theatre Inc: My Fair Lady Until May 24 at the Whitehorse Centre, 397 Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Director: Noel Browne; Musical Director: Tony Toppi; Choreographer: Wayne Robinson. Bookings: 1300 304433 or www.novamusictheatre.com.au ■ S.M.I.T.H. Theatre Productions: Peter Pan … a Pantomime (adapted and directed by Monica Cioccia) Until May 17 at the O'Keefe Hall, 158 Military Rd., Avondale Heights. Tickets: $25.

BYO Nibbles. Drinks available at bar prices. www.smith.org.au ■ La Mama Theatre: The Parricide (by Diane Stubbings) Until May 25 at La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday St., Carlton. Wed, Sun at 6.30pm, Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7.30pm and Mats. Wed 1.00pm, Thurs 11.00am. Director: Karen Berger. Tickets: $25/$15. Bookings: 9347 6142 or www.lamama.com.au ■ Southern Peninsula Players: The Hound of the Baskervilles (by Tim Kelly) Until May 18 at the Rosebud Memorial Hall, 994 Pt Nepean Rd., Rosebud. Director: John Jenkins. Tickets: $25/ $22.50. Bookings: 5982 2777 www.spptheatre.org ■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: Twelve Angry Jurors May 15 - 24.

Director: Geoff Gaskill. Tickets: $20/$17. Bookings: 5261 9035.

■ Cathouse Players: Deathtrap (by Ira Levin) May 16 - 31 at the Chewton Senior Citizens Centre, 201 Main Rd., Chewton.

Director: Betty Sartore. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 0448 371 623 www.cathoouseplayers.com.au ■ Red Stitch Theatre: Belleville Until May 31 at 2 Chappel St., Prahran. Bookings: www.redstitch.net/gallery/belleville/ ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Dixie Swim Club until May 17 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Gayle Poor.

Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9457 4117 or htc.org.au ■ Leongatha Lyric Theatre Inc: Life After George (by Hannie Rayson) until May 17. Director: Bernadette Grainger. Bookings: www.lyrictheatre.net.au ■ CLOC Musical Theatre: 42nd Street May 16 - 31 at 8.00pm, 2pm matinees on May 18, 24, 25 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director; Alan Burrows; Choreographer: Susan Lewis; Musical Director: Bev Woodford. Tickets: $52/$47/$36. Bookings: 1300 362 547 www.cloc.org.au ■ Sherbrooke Theatre Company: Sylvia (by A.R. Gurney) Until May 17 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Bob Bramble. Tickets: $25/$23. Bookings: 1300 650 209 www.sherbrooketc.org.au ■ The Basin Theatre: The Diary of Anne Frank (by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett) May 16 - June 7, Thurs - Sat at 8.00pm, Sun at 2.00pm at The Basin Theatre, Cnr. Doongalla and Simpson Rds., The Basin. Director: Christine Grant. Tickets: All $25, incl. program, parking and refreshments. Bookings: 1300 784668 (7.00-9.00pm) or www.thebasintheatre.org,au ■ Gemco Players Community Theatre Inc.: Under Milk Wood (by Dylan Thomas) May 16 - 25 at 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Director: Alan Ashby. Tickets: $22/$20. Bookings: 5968 2844. www.gemcoplayers.org ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Red (by John Logan) May 21 June 7 at Brighton Theatre, Cnr. Carpenter and Wilson Sts., Brighton. Director: Vicki Smith. Bookings: 1300 752 126.

■ UMMTA: Our House May 23 - 31 at the Guild Theatre, University of Melbourne, Carlton. For further information visit www.ourhouse.ummta.org.

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Barefoot in the Park (by Neil Simon) May 22 - June 1 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Natasha Boyd.

Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.trybooking.com/ 80009 ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Inc: 12 Angry Men (by Sherman L. Sergie (adapted from the TV show by Reginald Rose) May 28 - June 14 at 38-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Catherine Carr. Tickets: $25/$23. Bookings: 9735 1777 www.lilydaleatc.com ■ Phoenix Theatre Company: Seussical the Musical May 29 June 7 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Director: Anne Dewar; Musical Director: Katie Packer; Choreographer: Colin Hartley. Bookings: www.phoenixtheatrecompany.org ■ 1812 Theatre: Beyond Therapy (by Christopher Durang) May 29 - June 21 at 1-3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Tickets: $27.

Bookings: www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Beaumaris Theatre: Blood Brothers - The Play (by Willy Russell) May 30 - June 14 at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Tim Long.

Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: www.beaumaristheatre.com.au ■ Wendy Samantha Productions: Fantastic Mr Fox (adapted for the stage by David Wood from the book by Roald Dahl) May 31 - June 1 at the David McGrail Theatre, Balwyn High School, Buchanan Ave., North Balwyn. Director: Wendy Chang. Tickets: $24. Bookings: 0403 802 952.

Melbourne

Observer TELENY

Guys and Dolls

● Jaclyn De Vincentis (Adelaide) in Guys And Dolls, opening on June 13.

■ Mountain District Musical Society presents the classic musical Guys And Dolls from June 13-21 at the Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood.

Enjoy beloved hit songs such as Luck Be a Lady, If I Were A Bell, and Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat.

MDMS dips the classic in sophistication and swings it back to the roaring twenties, where frisky flappers and dashing gangsters inhabited the prohibition era.

Guys And Dolls is directed by Tyler Hess, with musical direction by Danny Forward and choreography by Craig Wiltshire.

Tickets: $39.50 full, $36.50 concession, $26.50 child (U15).

Bookings: Online www.karralyka.com.au/ MDMSGuysDolls.aspx or call 9879 2933.

THE WHITE PRINCE ■ The Vertical Shadows Dance Company presents their 2014 premiere season of The White Prince from May 16 – 24 at Arts House, North Melbourne.

The cast includes two of Australia’s best loved dancers from the Australian Ballet, former Principal Dancer Damien Welch, and former Senior Artiste Marc Cassidy, whose exclusive appearance for Vertical Shadows marks the first time the dancers have performed together since their retirement.

Damien and Marc will feature in lead roles in The White Prince, alongside contemporary dance goddess Teagan ● Joshua Hunt and Riley Lowe, formerly of the Sydney Fitzgerald will perform in Dance Company.

The White Prince. Photo: This remarkable trio will Yianni Agisilaou bring to the stage an assured maturity that will compliment Director Stephen Agisilaou’s modern, yet timeless choreography.

They will be joined by Joshua Hunt, Riley Fitzgerald, Rosie Osmond, Josie Hodges, Alarna Curtis and Sophia Lewis.

The White Prince aims to defy genre and the typical contemporary dance experience by creating a heightened view of reality meeting the imagination.

Performance season: May 16 (Preview), May 17 (Matinee and 8pm show), May 21, 22, 23 and May 24 (Matinee and 8pm show). Venue: Arts House, The Meat Market, 5 Blackwood St, North Melbourne. Tickets are available at www.verticalshadows.com

● Tom Byers opens May 29 in the title role of Teleny.

■ Fly-on-the-Wall Theatre presents Teleny from May 29June 15 at Chapel Off Chapel.

Directed by Robert Chuter, with music composed by Andrew Bishop and choreography by Stephen Agisilaou, Teleny is adapted by Australian playwright Barry Lowe from the erotic novel attributed to Oscar Wilde and his circle.

Teleny tells the story of Camille de Grieux, a rich young gentleman in 1920s Paris, who falls in love with the handsome and mesmerising foreign pianist René Teleny.

While Teleny performs on stage, the two men discover they share a psychic link in the form of an erotic vision.

In this newfound happiness, Camille tries to forget that Teleny owes much of his success to the generosity of the women who desire him, but when Camille’s own mother seeks to pay the pianist’s debts in exchange for sexual favours, all three risk an exposure that could lead to shame, ruin and imprisonment.

Warning: Teleny contains loud noises, nudity, simulated sex scenes, drug use, coarse language and smoke effects.

Performance season: May 29-June 15 Times: Wednesday – Saturday 8pm, Sunday 6.30pm (not Monday).

Tickets: $37.50/$34.50, plus transaction fee.

Bookings: chapeloffchapel.com.au or 8290 7000.

POOL (NO WATER) ■ Sean Scanlon presents Pool (No Water) from June 2-10 at 8pm at the Goodtime Studios, 746 Swanston St., Carlton.

Written by Mark Ravenhill and directed by Sean Scanlon, the story tells of a famous artist who invites her old friends to her luxurious home to sample her new swimming pool.

For one night only, the group is back together, pretending to be Bohemian and carefree, but a horrific accident ends the nostalgia and puts their host in a coma.

No-one is sure who was first to take out a camera, but before too long her suffering is being claimed, exploited and delighted in, and seen to make wonderful art.

The group is ecstatic in its new found project, until things slip out of their control. To the surprise of all, the patient awakes Pool (no water) unravels the ideals of friendship, the morality of art and the jealousy and resentment inspired by success. Performed by Tracey Hare, Leo Milesi, Leo Thompson and Sophia Petridis.

Performance season: June 2 – 10 at 8.00pm (no show June 5). Venue: Goodtime Studios, 746 Swanston St., Carlton. Tickets: $22 Full, $17 Concession, $15 Tuesday. Bookings: www. trybooking.com/EVTF and at door (subject to availability) Enquiries: 0417 528 658

AUDITIONS ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: That Good Night (by N. J. Crisp) May 19 and 20 at Bracken Hall, 9 Wilson St., Cheltenham (off Centre Dandenong Rd.) Director: Deborah Fabbro. Enquiries: 0416 141 838.

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): The Heiress (by Ruth and Augustus Goetz), May 25 and May 26 at 7.00pm at the Strathmore Community Hall, Loeman St., Strathmore.

Director: Roderick Chappel. Audition bookings: 9718 0486 (AH) or email roderickchappel@ozemail.com.au ■ The 1812 Theatre: Circle MirrorTransformation (by Annie Baker) June 1 at 7.00pm at The 1812 Theatre, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Christine Grant. Audition bookings and enquiries: 0400 300 762.

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Amadeus (by Peter Shaffer) June 15, 22, 24 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Bruce Akers. Audition bookings: 0432 984 781.

■ Sherbrooke Theatre Company Inc: Stepping Out (by Richard Harris), June 16, 17 at 7.30pm at 22 Jesmond Rd., Croydon. Director: Loretta Bishop. Enquiries/ audition.bookings: 9735 2802.

■ Sunshine Community Theatre: Dimboola (by Jack Hibberd) June 22 at 2.00pm at the Dempster Park Hall, 82 Phoenix St., North Sunshine. Director: David Price. Audition enquiries/bookings: 0439 653 800.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 32 Across

2. Supervisory (position) 7. Pays brief visit (5,2) 11. Rule 17. Yacht pole 18. Untruth 19. Spanish cheer 20. Ellipse 21. Hangover symptom 22. Decreased 23. Woeful 26. Unfilled space 28. Citizen soldiers 29. Adolescent 31. Existence 34. World computer link 36. Archfiend 39. Female equines 41. Roused 43. Suspension of workers (3-3) 46. Morocco's capital 47. Writer, Emily ...

49. Frolicked 51. Pharaohs' tombs 52. Repaints (car) 53. Short-sighted 54. Lieu 55. Flip in air 56. Ill-treatment 61. Featured musicians 64. Nautical speed unit 65. Fellows 66. Extending 67. ... or nay 69. Possessor 71. US coins 74. Not apparent 76. Penny-pincher 78. Elderly horse 79. Phlegm condition 81. Anti-terrorist squad (1,1,1) 83. Wigwam 84. Aunt's husband 86. Scented purple flower 89. Desert illusions 90. Humility 93. Roll (dice) 94. Sailor's yes (3,3) 97. Made (wage) 100. From India or China 101. Saviour 103. Subway 106. Long letter 108. Short-circuited 109. Mistake (4-2) 110. Untied 111. Islamic governors 112. Renowned 113. Power group 115. Salon worker (4,7) 118. Minor roads (4,7) 121. Be without 124. Early harps 128. Hickory tree nut 129. Aimed 130. Cosmos scientists 134. Brings up (child) 135. Excessively fat 136. Overshadow 137. Fragrance 138. Existing

Across 139. Abandon 140. Alluring 143. Natural disaster, ... wave 144. Vote in 147. Film 150. Extinct bird 151. White flower (7,4) 155. Not justified 157. Chime 158. Smell 159. Concur 162. Snapshots 164. Harrowing trial 167. Doctor 168. Rid of lice 169. Comfy seat (4,5) 172. Journalists' credits (2-5) 173. Polite 174. Unassuming 177. Deprive of food 180. Islands 181. Flight from reality 183. Reconstructed 184. Notorious gangster (2,6) 186. Potato variety 187. In vain, to no ...

188. Fulfilled (demand) 191. Actress, ... Diaz 195. See next page (1,1,1) 197. Megastars 198. Earphones 200. Idiocy 202. Middle-distance runner 203. Weeding implement 205. Protrudes (6,3) 206. ... de Cologne 208. Pleasant 209. Fireproof material 212. Funeral guests 215. US Mormon state 217. Feeble 220. Capital of Iowa, Des ...

222. Hiding game 224. Close watch (5,3) 226. Fries lightly 228. Wife, the ...

229. Bake (meat) 230. Crazier 232. Check 235. La Scala city 236. Dallas is there 238. Well-meaning person (2-6) 241. Spot 242. Admonish 243. Gain through will 244. Singer, ... Horne 246. Require 252. Mental stress 253. Renounce throne 254. Eyelid swelling 255. Focal point 256. Rug 257. East European 258. Opposition 259. Shipping route (3,4) 260. School project

Down

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1. Right on target (4-2) 2. Dr Jekyll's alter ego (2,4) 3. Ark builder 4. Moves (towards) 5. Recognise 6. Peru beasts 7. Battery segment 8. Grass 9. Weary sound 10. Xmas 11. Responds 12. Contraptions 13. Crocodile relatives 14. Taverns 15. Small lump 16. Wine jug 24. Trophies 25. Addressed crowd 26. Shaking motion 27. Listing articles 28. Actors Gibson or Brooks 30. Lamb's mother 32. Lack of aptitude 33. Instructors 35. Lament 37. Defence force 38. Beastliest 39. Raider 40. Glimpse 42. Map guide 44. Chooses 45. Thrifty 47. Long-snouted monkey 48. Ice-free Norwegian port 50. Rounded roof 53. Ponder 57. Freedom from guilt 58. Bare 59. Rocket ship crew 60. Talks keenly 62. Mountaineer's tool (3,3) 63. Oppress 65. Judi Dench stars in ... Henderson Presents 68. Aviator, ... Johnson 70. Vigilantly 72. Admission 73. Old photo colour 74. Open sore 75. Dessert, ... caramel 77. Kenya & Tanzania region (4,6) 80. Letter jumbles 82. Italian city 85. Come together 87. Daunted 88. Prince Edward, ... of Wessex 91. Biblical garden 92. Auction 95. Containing nothing 96. Upwardly mobile young people 98. Ripped apart, torn ...

99. Naked models 102. Group loyalty (6,2,5) 104. Nimble-fingered 105. Helps 107. Piercingly 113. Flowered 114. Requested from menu 116. US cotton state 117. Betrayal crime 119. Cavalryman 120. Codswallop 122. Accomplish 123. US motorbike stuntman, Evel ...

125. Extract (metal) 126. In the Arctic Circle 127. Specifically (2,3) 128. Sacred song 130. Astern

131. Weight unit 132. Record label (1,1,1) 133. Droop 141. Pseudonyms 142. US Rhode Island resort 145. Lengthy (4-6) 146. Droll plays 148. Totally preoccupies 149. Unable to read and write 152. Behaved 153. Louts 154. Finish 155. Great Bear constellation, ... Major 156. Jockey 160. Congers or morays 161. Native American tribespeople 163. Stitched garment edges 165. Cain & ...

166. Vending machine 167. Hitler book, ... Kampf 170. Vile act 171. Largest Turkish city 175. Leaves out 176. Praise highly 178. Panic 179. Current (permit) 182. Prison occupant 185. Progressed (4,2) 188. Names used wrongly 189. Most easily offended 190. Cigar dust 192. Almond biscuit 193. Most corroded 194. Flightless bird 195. Trite remark 196. Band 199. Induces 201. Made amends 204. Rowing aids 207. In present condition (2,2) 210. Companies 211. Samples (wine) 213. Coral bank 214. Safari 216. Large yacht 217. Scavenge 218. Tardiest 219. Your school, ... mater 221. Slip up 223. German or Greek 225. Eastern veils 227. In the past, long ...

228. Russian space station 231. Putrefy 233. Four score 234. Toughen (steel) 235. Liqueur, crème de ...

237. Afternoon nap 239. Most senior 240. Enfold 245. Urges on, ... up 247. Junior Scouts 248. Epic tale 249. Notion 250. Highest point 251. Windmill arm

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - Page 51

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Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Melbourne Observer

Classifieds Incorporating ‘Melbourne Advertiser’, ‘Melbourne Trader’, ‘Melbourne Homemaker’ and ‘Victorian Rural News’

Phone: (03) 9439 9927. Fax: (03) 9431 6247. E-Mail: editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

BUSINESSES

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ENERGY

JENNY PIHAN FINE ART Phone 9598 958.

Mobile: 0417 368 807, 0419 879 725.

Web: www.jennypihan fineart.com.au

BRAEMAC ENERGY. Many solar customers have reduced their power bills by up to 80 per cent or more.

Phone 1800 759 769. www.braemacenergy. com.au

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CINEMA METRO CINEMAS BORONIA. Dorset Square, 216 Dorset Rd, Boronia. Five min. walk from Boronia Train Station. Phone: 9762 8744. www, metroboronia.com.au Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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DIESEL PERFORMANCE

TUNIT DIESEL PERFORMANCE. For all late 4x4s, cars, light commercials and trucks. 1300 46 45 80. www.tunit.com.au info@tunit.com.au

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FORMULA FORD

FORMULA FORD EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA. A Formula Ford Experience is the ultimate gift for any race car fan or motoring enthusiast. Phone 1300 900 619 www.ffea.com.au

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FUNERAL DIRECTORS KINGSTON FUNERAL SERVICES. 146 Argus St, Cheltenham, Vic 3192. Phone: 9585 2822. Fax: 9585 2422. Web: www. kingstonfunerals.com.au

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Melbourne

Observer

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PLEASE NOTE Local Media Pty Ltd (publisher of the Melbourne Observer) reserves the right to alter or omit advertisements and whilst every care is exercised, is not responsible for errors, misclassification, non-insertion. No allowance will b e made for errors, unless attention is drawn to them by 5pm Thursday, on the day following publication. No responsibility is accepted for the correctness or otherwise of advertisements lodged by telephone.

Paid ads are available for a minimum weekly charge of $40 for 40 words, then $1 per word thereafter. All paid ads are to be pre-paid by Credit Card (V, M, AE). Phone your paid ad by 5pm Mondays to (03) 9439 9927.

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TRIBUTE FUNERAL SERVICES. 1/29-39 Westwood Dr, Ravenhall. Phone: 9449 5236. Fax: 8390 4249. Web: www. tributefunerals.com.au Funeral services from $2050 inc GST

PRODUCTIVE GARDENS. Grow your own vegetables and salad anywhere. Easy! 4 layer stacking garden.

Phone: (07) 3393 6396. Productive Gardens.com.au No digging, no hard work

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Free Ad Form FREE 40-WORD AD WORTH $40

NO PHONE -IN SER VICE FFOR OR FREE AD PHONE-IN SERVICE ADSS

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MATTRESSES MATTRESSES GALORE. Cnr High St & Tooronga Rd, Malvern, Vic 3144. Phone: 9822 9057. Fax: 9822 9821. www. mattressesgalore.com. au E-Mail: info@ mattressesgalore.com. au - special 10% off, see display ad

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PET RESORT

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K & J WOOLLEY MASTER PLUMBERS. More than 50 years experience. ARC No 33651. Plumbing Licence No 35847.

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PROMOTIONS, ENTERTAINMENT E N T E R TA I N M E N T AUSTRALIA. Australia’s premier leaders of live entertainment and promotions. 1/1 Sherwood Ct, Wantirna South. 9013 0840 or 0425 849 942. ask@ ent-aus.com Web: www.ent-aus.com

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RADIO GOLDEN DAYS RADIO 95.7FM. The great music of the 30s to 60s. Streaming through the web: www. goldendaysradio.com Phone: 9572 1466

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RARE DVDs PLAY MUSIC. Shop 4/ 50 Bourke St, Melbourne. Phone: 9650 0652.

Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. Sun. 11am-6.30pm. Contact: Rex.

TILCO. Wholesalers to farmers and contractors. 29 Thackeray St, Toowoomba, Qld 4359. Phone: (07) 4633 0624. Mobile: 0422 399 544. Contact: Barry.

TRAILERS

MICHAEL’S TRAILERS. 28 Hunter Rd, SCOOTERS Healesville. Phone: S C O O T E R S M A R T. 0418 883 335. -YY14★ Servicing Melbourne --------------------------------------------------metro and regional TRAVEL: NSW Victoria. Obligation MERIMBULA free demonstration.

Phone: 1800 420 BEACH ST APART971. scootersmart. MENTS. Set beside com.au the sparkling waters of -YY14★ --------------------------------------------------Merimbula Lake. 1 Beach St, Merimbula.

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FORT SHOES. 48 The au E-Mail: info@ Mall, Heidelberg West. beachstreetapartments.

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Buy online: www.shop inside.com.au Phone: 9931 0160. Whs 3, 347-349 Old Geelong Rd, Hoppers Crossing.

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PLACES TO GO

RETIREMENT PLANNING

TECHNOLOGY

MAROONDAH SPORTS CLUB. Cnr Mt Dandenong & Dublin Rds, Ringwood East, Vic 3135.

Phone: 9879 2922.

Fax: 9879 7280. maroondahclub.com.au

SGI CONSULTING GROUP. Take advantage of the Government ‘Transition To Retirement’ strategy.

Phone: 9432 1233.

Web: www.celebrating 55.com.au

www.ecell.com.au.

Recover from injury and pain in half the time. The e-cell provides pain relief by encouraging cellular regeneration.Phone 1300 764 117.

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MCVILLY TIMBER. Est. 1975. Multi-award winning company. Delivery to Vic, Qld, NSW and Tas. Phone: 1300 131 576.

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DARWIN’S BARRA BASE FISHING SAFARIS. Phone: (08) 8945 0376, 1800 777 420.

Web: www.darwins barrabase.com.au EMail: info@darwins barrabase.com Contact: Allan.

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TRAVEL: QLD CAIRNS GROSVENOR IN CAIRNS HOLIDAY APARTMENTS. Fully self-contained, 1 and 2 BR apartments. www.grosvenorcairns. com.au E-mail: info@ grosvenorcairns.com. au Phone 1800 629 179.

-YY14★

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - Page 53

Melbourne Observer Classifieds

Phone: (03) 9439 9927. Fax: (03) 9431 6247. E-Mail: editor@melbourneobserver.com.au BUSINESSES TRAVEL: QLD COOLUM BCH

COOLUM BAYWATCH RESORT. Stay with the stars.

Sunshine Coast. Close to some of Australia’s most famous attractions. PO Box 34, Coolum Beach, Qld 4573.

Phone: (07) 5446 5500.

Contact: Elaine and Peter.

Web: www. coolumbaywatch.com E-Mail: info@coolum baywatch.com

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TRAVEL: TAS SAFETY COVE

SEA CHANGE, SAFETY COVE. Amazing Tasmanian Holiday Experiences. 425 Safety Cove Rd, Port Arthur.

Phone: (03) 6250 2719. www.sea changesafetycove.com. au E-Mail: safetycove @bigpond.com

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TRAVEL: 4x4 CAMPERS ECHO 4x4 CAMPERS. Find out why everyone is talking. Tried, tested and trusted for 30 years. Phone: 1300 324 649. www. echo4x4.com.au

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WINES ROBINVALE WINES. Certified bio-dynamic and organic wines.

Free wine tasting. Cellar door sales. 243 Sea Lake Rd, Robinvale. Phone: 5026 3955. Mobile: 0408 663 695. Door to door delivery Australia wide. www.organicwines.com. au

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YOURSELF www.aboutmyself. com.au Get cash and have fun. Find out about making spare cash. Contact: Dr Juergen Ude. Web: www.aboutmyself.com. au

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AUSTRALIAN GREYHOUND MUZZLES. 4 Park Vista, Drouin, Vic 3818. Phone: 0413 676 989. Contact: kellie. Wed: www.australiangrey houndmuzzles.com M-P★ ---------------------------------------------------

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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PET FRIENDLY ACCOMM.

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WHAT’S PUBLICON NOTICES

CHARLA-J ANTIQUES. Phone: 0408 578 687. Contact; Kerry.

Web: www.charlaj antiques.com.au EMail: info@charlaj antiques.com.au

YOGAPLEX. 48 Main St, Upwey, Vic 3158.

Phone: 9752 5838.

Contact: George. EMail: gneo@ yogaplex.com.au

ELM COTTAGE TUMUT. Little River Rd, Tumut, NSW 2720.

Phone: (02) 6947 5818. Contact: David and Deborah Sheldon. www.elmcottage.com. au E-Mail: david sheldon@bigpond.com

KILKIVAN BUSH CAMPING. Rossmore Park, Rossmore Rd, Kilkivan, Qld 4600.

Phone: (07) 5484 1340. Contact: Ralph and Antonija. www. bushcamping.com.au E-Mail: kilkivan@ bushcamping.com.au

TED RYAN. Looking for a professional to run teh show? Compere/ host, auctioneer, promotions, A-grade journalist, voice-over commercials, race caller, all sports, race nights, TV-radiopress, respected member of the media. Phone: 9876 1652. Mobile: 0412 682 927. ted. ryan@optusnet.com. au

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COMBINED HEALTHCARE. Contact: Anne.

Phone: 9879 5892, 0417 932 555.

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EQUISENT. Suite 117, 89 High St, Kew, Vic 3101. Phone: 9726 0588.

Contact: Hiram.

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HYGEIA. 1920 Geelong Rd, Barwon Heads, Vic 3227.

Phone: 0411 784 598. Contact: Barb.

Web: www.hygeia. com.au

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LIMBADA GROUP. 250 Ipswch Rd, Buranda, Qld 4102. Phone: (07) 3391 7884.

Contact: Mohammed.

E-Mail: admin@ limbadagroup.com. au

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MERMAID BEACH PARK VIEW. 40-44 Ventura Rd, Mermaid Beach, Qld 4218.

Phone: (07) 5575 6100. Contact: Terry and Trisha Knol. Web: w w w. m e r m a i d p a r k view.com.au

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OPEN NUTRITION. 390 Chapel Hill Rd, Chapel Hill, Qld 4069.

Phone: 1800 339 335. Contact: Dan. Web: www.open nutrition.com.au

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QUEST CONSULTING. 2 Grainger Ct, Mulgrave, Vic 3170.

Phone: 9562 1111.

Contact: Graeme Peddle. E-mail: gpeddle@ questconsulting.com. au

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RUN ON SUN AUSTRALIA PTY LTD. PO Box 34, Deepwater, NSW 2371. Phone: (02) 6734 6322. Contact: Andrew.

E-Mail: andrew@runonsun. com.au

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WAVERLEY MEDICAL CENTRE. 244 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley, Vic 3150.

Phone: 9814 9999.

Contact: Max. Web: www.waverleymc.com.au E-Mail: manager@ waverleymc.com.au

M-P★ ---------------------------------------------------

To lodge a paid advert in the Melbourne Observer, please phone our office on 9439 9927 by 5pm Monday

M-P★ ---------------------------------------------------

YERING MEADOWS GOLF CLUB LTD. 178180 Victoria Rd, Yering, Vic 370.

Phone: 9738 9000.

Contact: Kim. E-Mail: reception@yering meadows.com.au

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PET FRIENDLY ACCOMM. AZALEA COTTAGE. 84 Warwiba Rd, Old Var, NSW 2430. Phone: ()2) 6553 6636. Contact: Jeanette. Web: www.azaleacottage. com.au E-Mail: azalea cottage1@ bigpond.com.au M-P★ ---------------------------------------------------

THE BATCH B&B. 5 Robert Connell Cl, One Mile, NSW 2316.

Phone: (02) 4981 9918, 0429 895 114. Contact: Neil Flowers. E-Mail: the batchdonga@gmail. com

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FORSTER HOLIDAYS. Phone: (02) 6555 2462, 0421 646 163. Contact: Andrea Keen. E-Mail: forster holidays@westnet. com.au

M-P★ ---------------------------------------------------

Melbourne

Observer

CONVERT YOUR UNWANTED GOODS INTO CASH

Take a free Classified ad in the Melbourne Observer, and sell your unwanted goods.

Simply complete the form on the facing page, and mail to PO Box 1278, Research, 3095.

Warlow returns

M-P★ ---------------------------------------------------

SKENES CREEK BEACHFRONT CARAVAN PARK. No 2 Great Ocean Rd, Skenes Creek, Apollo Bay, Vic 3233. Phone: 5237 6132, 0418 78 156.

Contact: Charlie. w w w. s k e n e s c r e e k . com E-Mail: info@ skenescreek.com

M-P★ ---------------------------------------------------

WHAT’S PUBLICON NOTICES AUTOSOL is available at all Super Cheap auto stores. See the display ad in this edition. Free sample offer: send self-addressed envelope to PO Box 309, Freshwater, NSW 2096.

Shine and preserve metal forever. Power to treat dull, corroded metal

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WHAT’S ON FOR SALE

WHAT’S ON FOR SALE

WHAT’S ON FOR SALE

FOOD PROCESSOR. ‘Morphy Richards’.

Metallic silver. Model No 48950. Still in box. Never been opened. Cost $399.

Sell $350 ONO. Bentleigh East. 9579 1857.

VACUUM CLEANER. Upright. ‘Electrolux’.

Never been opened.

Still in box. Present. $150 ONO. Bentleigh East. 9579 1857.

M-P★ ---------------------------------------------------

JUICE EXTRACTER. ‘Panasonic’. High quality, super eficient, wide feeder tube, circuit breaker to prevent motor burn out.

Used once. Still in box. Size 25 x 25cm. $150 ONO. Bentleigh East. 9579 1857.

M-P★ BBQ. Slate green. --------------------------------------------------Size 1m x 1m. New. $15 ONO. Bentleigh L AMP. Ceiling, East. 9579 1857. leadlight, hand made, M-P★ timber, size 33cm --------------------------------------------------high. 32 cm diam.

BIKES. Mountain. Cost $400. Sell ‘Repco’. Max tracks. $300 ONO. Bent10DS. Size: 26”. leigh East. 9579 With basket and hel- 1857. met. EC. $130 ONO. M-P★ Bentleigh East. 9579 --------------------------------------------------1857.

OUTDOOR SETTING. M-P★ --------------------------------------------------Round table, size DRAWINGS, 3. Tractor. 81cm x 81cm. 6 Pen and ink, original. fold-up chairs. UmSiz 20 x 26cm. Frame brella blue, grey steel black. $75 ONO. base. Used once. EC. Bentleigh East. 9579 $150 ONO Bentleigh East. 9579 1857.

1857.

M-P★ ---------------------------------------------------

M-P★ ---------------------------------------------------

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WHAT’S ON

SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET WHITTLESEA. Saturday, April 19. 8am1pm. 3rd Saturday of each month. Whittlesea Secondary College, Laurel St. Mel 246 G10. Single site from $20. Enquiries: 0419 357 395. Arts, crafts, plants, clothes, food and more.

The market raises some of the funds required so the college and the primary school can have chap-lains. All of the money from the site fees and the sausage stall is used for this purpose.

J-K★ ---------------------------------------------------

To lodge a paid advert, phone our office on 9439 9927 by 5pm Monday

Observer Competrition

■ Anthony Warlow and Faith Prince will perform at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, on Friday-Saturday, June 20-21. They will be accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra in an exclusive concert event Direct From Broadway.

Win tickets to ‘The King And I’

Book introduced ■ Elaine Farrelly's new book The Wintringham Story, will be introduced by former MHR, Peter Staples, from 6.30pm8pm on Thursday, May 22, at Eltham Bookshop, 970 Main Rd, Eltham.

André’s new DVD ■ Iinternational violinist André Rieu is launching a new CD/DVD, I Lost My Heart In Heidelberg, featuring the Johann Strauss Orchestra, Marusia, Carla Maffioletti, the Platinum Tenors and the Berlin Comedian Harmonists.

Red Cross: 100 ■ Australian Red Cross has officially launched its commemorative Centenary coin, Australia Post stamp and vintage themed merchandise collection to kick off its national Centenary celebrations.

Critics Campus ■ The Melbourne International Film Festival is launching its inaugural Critics Campus, an intensive seven-day lab that enables emerging Australian film critics to develop their skills. The first iteration of the Critics Campus will take place July 31- August 17.

Cirque returns ■ Cirque du Soleil is announcing the return of its trademark blue-and-yellow big top to Melbourne in January 2015

The Melbourne Observer has FIVE pairs of double tickets to the June 10 (8pm) performance of The King And I being staged at the Princess Theatre (subject to our terms and conditions).

Stars include Lisa McCune and Jason Scott Lee. To enter this competition, complete the details on the form below, and post it - so it will reach us by first mail, Monday, May 19, 2014.

Winners’ details will be published in the Melbourne Observer on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Tickets will be mailed to winners.

To enter, post to King And I Comp.

Melbourne Observer PO Box 1278, Research Vic 3095 to reach us by first mail, Mon., May 19, 2014

TELL US YOUR BIRTHDAY DAY MONTH (notYEAR compulsory)

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Subject to Observer competition terms and conditions which include publication of your name, address and birthday details

Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Traralgon upgrade proceeds

■ At long last an upgrade of the track and facilities at Traralgon is going ahead.

The club will conduct its last meeting on the current track, built in 1973, on Thursday, May 29, according to club President, Don Haley.

Works to rebuild the track, and construct a new pavilion alongside the existing kennel block, will commence in June.

The project could take up to 10 months, depending on the weather.

The club hopes to be back racing early in 2015.

The new track at Traralgon will be modelled along the lines of the Richmond course in New South Wales, which boasts racing over five different distances from 325 metres to 640 metres, offering something for all dog trainers.

Committee members at Traralgon canvassed numerous trainers, who have raced dogs Australia wide, for their views as to the best kind of track for the club's investment.

Many people stated that Richmond is a safe and fair track, and you can't ask for much more than that when it comes to building a racing circuit.

Main racing distance at Traralgon will be 525 metres, which will allow Traralgon to continue to operate as a nursery for young dogs to learn the racing game before heading to the city tracks.

Traralgon's new track will compliment the redeveloped track at Warragul and will secure the future of the club, which has had its knockers over the last decade.

The greater Gippsland region has seen quite a deal of work undertaken

Greyhounds

with Kyle Galley on racing venues over the last year courtesy of the Liberal Government's Victorian Racing Infrastructure Fund, and that will continue into the future.

Moe Racing Club recently unveiled its rebuilt gallops track, while upgrade works also took place at Sale.

Pakenham Racing Club is currently building a new complex at Tynong and Warragul Harness Racing Club will be modernising their trotting track later this year.

At Sandown ■ A superb night of racing takes place at Sandown Park tomorrow night (May 15) with plenty of prizemoney on offer.

Heats of the time-honoured Sandown Cup will be staged for the stayers over 715 metres.

The race is perhaps best remembered for when it was won four consecutive times by the legendary Bold Trease in the late 1980s.

Also tomorrow night, two other feature races take centre stage.

The Harrison Dawson Final for male dogs carries $100,000 to the winner, as does the Sapphire Crown Final for the bitches.

With superb facilities and free admission, Sandown ranks as one of the world's premier greyhound venues, and anyone interested in heading along tomorrow night will witness a great night of entertainment.

Charity night ■ More than $4500 was raised at The Meadows on Saturday night, May 3 for the White Ribbon Foundation.

The Foundation helps to raise awareness of violence against women, and The Meadows Girl's Night Out function supported this worthy cause.

Despite ordinary weather conditions, a large group of ladies enjoyed the track hospitality and a night of entertainment hosted by comedian Denise Scott.

Mothers Day ■ Former top chaser Cintiarna became a mum recently.

Her trainer Sandra Collins reported that Cintiarna produced eight puppies, four dogs and four bitches, to sire Barcia Bale on May 4.

If these dogs are even half as good as their Mum, then they should win plenty of races.

Cintiarna won the Group One Temlee event in Melbourne, plus the Adelaide Anniversary Cup and Cranbourne Cup in a stellar career which netted 19 wins and 10 placings from only 47 starts.

Cup winner ■ Cintiarna beat Destini Fireball among others to win the Cranbourne Cup last year. Destini Fireball was injured in a race at Sandown last week and has now been retired.

The brilliant performer, famous for his astonishing bursts of speed late in the race, will more than likely join his talented kennelmate General Destini.

Despite being injured early in the Sandown race Destini Fireball tried to soldier on, but unfortunately sustained multiple injuries according to trainer Norm Rinaldi.

Although it was a disappointing end to the career of an exciting chaser, connections can take heart in the illustrious deeds of Destini Fireball.

He retires as second on the all-time stakemoney earners list in Australia, due in part to five Group One wins including two Superstayers races at The Meadows.

The American-bred also won the Sale Cup, Albion Park Gold Cup (Brisbane) and the Group One Zoom Top in Melbourne.

More funds ■ April's successful Go The Pink Dog campaign to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation had an added postscript.

The Sandown and Bendigo Greyhound Racing Clubs donated $20,000 and $1500 respectively to the campaign, making a final total of $90,500 of funds raised.

Organisers had aimed for a target of $60,000 and were understandably

very pleased that the final result exceeded their expectations.

Six meetings ■ It will be interesting to see how far the "rubber band" stretches when it comes to race programming this weekend.

Greyhound enthusiasts east and south-east of Melbourne will be spoilt for choice with six meetings being staged over two days.

But the issue, however, may come with there being enough dogs to cater for all of the programs.

TAB meetings at Warragul (Saturday), and Sandown, Healesville, Cranbourne and Sale (Sunday) will all be programmed to hold 12 races, while the coursing program at Lang Lang, will be open to all dogs who have not won a coursing event.

- Kyle Galley

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

- Kyle Galley

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - Page 55

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Weir: another Cup pending ■ Victorian trainer Darren Weir, who has taken all before him this season, is set for another Cup setting his star stayer Akzar, for the Doomben Cup next Saturday at Doomben.

The former international galloper, Akzar, has proved a revelation since joining the powerful Weir camp, and has gone ahead in leaps and bounds.

His run in the Warrnambool Cup was outstanding, having drawn the extreme outside, raced wide all the wide, but still cantered in.

Prior to that, he had two unlucky runs after once again drawing bad barriers.

Akzar is favorite in just over 3-1, in front of good Sydney galloper, the consistent Streama.

Just off them is the vey good stayer, Junoob, prepared by Chris Waller, who taken all before him this season.

Junoob is at 9-2 in the old, with the Victorian galloper, Mr O'Ceirin, at 5-1.

Mr.O'Ceirin is prepared by young Caulfield trainer, Keirin Maher, and is starting to show some of his old form.

Others include the Hawkes team galloper, Leebaz, but he may not run.

Then Moriarty, the New South Wales stayed owned in the same interests as the mighty Black Caviar.

Of late his form has been OK, and could run a big race.

Others in the market are the filly Hera at $14 along with Slow Pace.

I do like Akbar, providing he can draw a good barrier, with his main danger, Junior.

Another star on the horizon heading north is the brilliant two year old, Pressing, prepared by Mick Price at Caulfield.

Pressing is beautifully bred by the Golden Slipper winner, Sebring, who is taking all before him at stud.

Having only his second start, Pressing, demoralised a good field of youngsters at Caulfield.

This made it two from two.

It was a masterly ride by Brad Rawiller, who took the short way home along the

Ted Ryan

● Lee Freedman Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

rails, while all the other jockeys went for the safer approach out wide, the difference a margin of six lengths.

Pressing's trainer, Mick Price has set him for two races at the Brisbane Winter Carnival, which got underway last Saturday.

Price said that Pressing would run in the 1350 metres Sires Produce Stakes at Doomben on May 24, and the 1600 metres, J.J. Atkins Stakes at Eagle Farm on June 7.

Pressing will be joined by stablemate, Jazz Song, who will compete in some of the rich races for fillies and mares.

Jazz Song will be entered for the 1350 metres, Glenlogan Park Stakes at Doomben on May 24.

Mick is confident that she will acquit herself well.

Lee on move ■ News that Hall of Fame trainer Lee Freedman is on the move again, raised a few eyebrows in rac-

ing circles. The champion trainer, who among many of his great \victories including five Melbourne Cups, has found it hard to settle down after leaving the training ranks in Victoria.

One of the nicest guys in racing, Lee joined Graeme Rogerson in Sydney in partnership, but that didn't last long.

He joined the powerful team of Lloyd Williams at Macedon Lodge in an official capacity, but itchy feet got him going again.

The latest is that Lee has started a new career as Director of Racing at Sir Peter Vela's Pencarrow Stud at Cambridge in New Zealand.

Evidently it will be a to-and -ro situation visiting the land of the big white cloud each month.

Let's hope it works for him as he is one of the most intelligent people in racing and would be an extremely bad loss if he ever left the racing industry.

● Akzar Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

On the mend ■ Popular jockey Peter Mertens is slowly but surely getting better each day after a bad fall some months ago.

He suffered several bad injuries including collarbone and ankle injuries.

His Manager, Warren Huntly, told me at Caulfield that he is well on the mend, but it could still be weeks away before he can get back into the swing of things.

Mertens is no stronger to bad falls like many jockeys.

I can recall a few years back he hurt his neck at the top of his spine in a bad fall and

■ From Page 48

Top 10 Lists

MURDOCH MYSTERIESL Season 7.

GRAND DESIGNS REVISITED BY REQUEST: Volume 2.

THE CHIEF: Series 3.

THE CHIEF: Series 4.

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH'S NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ALIVE. COAST AUSTRALIA. SON OF BATMAN [Animated].

FAMILY GUY: Season 13 - Volume 12.

TEEN WOLF: Season 3 - Part 1.

TOP BLU-RAY RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. SAVING MR. BANKS [Comedy/Music/ Drama/Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson].

2. FROZEN [Animated/Adventure/Comedy/ Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad].

3. THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY [Comedy/Fantasy/Adventure/Ben Stiller].

4. THE HOBBIT: The Desolation of Smaug 3D + Blu-Ray [Fantasy/Adventure/Martin Freeman].

5. THE BOOK THIEF [War/Drama/Sophie Nulisse, Geoffrey Rush].

6. AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY [Drama/Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper].

7. PHILOMENA [Drama/Judi Dench, Steve Coogan].

8. AMERICAN HUSTLE [Drama/Comedy/ Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams].

9. THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE [Action/Jennifer Lawrence, Donald Sutherland].

10. ANCHORMAN 2: The Legend Continues [Comedy/Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd].

Also: Gravity, Thor: The Dark World, Homefront, The Railway Man, Dom Hemingway, Captain Phillips, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, Planes, Blue Jasmine, Turbo 3D + Blu-ray.

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: WALKING WITH DINOSAURS: The Movie [Adventure/Kenneth Branagh].

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS: The Movie 3D + Blu-Ray [Adventure/Kenneth Branagh].

THE BAG MAN [Thriller/John Cusack, Robert De Niro].

FREE BIRDS 3D + Blu-Ray [Animated/Family/Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson].

- James Sherlock

Sulky Snippets

● Peter Mertens Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 was later told that he something like 614 probably wouldn't be winners from around able to ride again.

4000 rides on the flat, Would you believe and is regarded as one while playing his only of the top judges of love, golf, he swung pace in races. off the tee heard someThere are some big thing click and bingo jump races coming up, he corrected some- notably the Australian thing in his neck and Hurdle and Steeple at spine and it wasn't Sandown on May 31. long before he reThen the Grand sumed riding.

National Hurdle once again at Sandown on July 13 and the Grand National Steeple on July 27.

This will give him ■ Another of very a big chance to strut popular jockeys, his stuff against the Jamie Mott, has de- likes of Steven cided to give jumps Pateman and Brad Mc riding a go after bat- Lean. tling all his career with Jamie is only 26, so a weight problem not he has plenty of time helped by growing on his side. taller.

We wish both of A terrific young the riders all the best bloke, he has ridden for the future.

Jamie: weight

● Pressing Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

Showbiz Extra

■ Diggers Rest based breeder/part-owner John McHugh's Bettors Delight/Karamea Amour three year old gelding Just Call Me Mac was a tough victor of the Alexandra House 3-Y-0 Pace over 1660 metres at Hamilton on Monday May 5 and in doing so, may have given John possibly his first winner as a registered trainer.

Driven with extreme confidence by Ararat's Michael Bellman, Just Call Me Mac raced in the open from gate two throughout, before racing clear in the straight to score by 12.5 metres over the hot favourite Little Lyn which led from the pole. Heads Or Tails (one/one) finished third. The mile rate 1-58.2.

■ Hopetoun Park trainer Ross Sugars snared a stable double at the Wedderburn HRC fixture held at Maryborough on Tuesday, with Blissful Hall/Suzy Albert filly Blitzsuzy taking the David Fitzgerald Life Member Pace for C0 class over 2190 metres and Majestic Son/Kano Idol filly Kapitan Claire the WHRC 3-Y-0 Trotters Handicap over 2190 metres.

Blitzsuzy driven by son Greg, led throughout from gate three in defeating Union Fame which tested her in the final circuit, with Sullenberger coming from a mile back to finish third when making his race debut.

The mile rate 2-01.2.

Kapitan Claire raced by the Hopetoun Park Stud Pty Ltd was given an easy time by daughter Kylie from barrier two trailing the poleline leader Law Legend, before zooming through along the sprint lane to gain the day in a rate of 2-08.7 from Sammy Charles which raced outside the pacemaker. Law Legend battled on strongly for third.

- Len Baker More harness racing on Page 56

Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 14, 2014

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Somethinbg special ■ Romsey trainer Leigh Miles might have something special in Elsu/Miss Philpotts colt Be Good Juddy who brought up two wins in succession by taking the Vicbred Platinum Home Grown 2-Y-0 Colts & Geldings Heat over 1650 metres at Bendigo on Thursday.

Restrained by Greg Sugars from outside the front line to settle mid-field in the running line, Be Good Juddy was sent forward three wide uncovered in the last lap to join the leader Real Knucky on the final bend, before racing away in the straight to record a super victory in advance of Lanista which raced wide and Im The Boss which trailed the leader. The mile rate 1-58.3.

Fourth win in 38 ■ Portland owner/trainer Gloria Council's six year old Jet Laag/Ella Jane gelding Australian Bite produced an superb staying performance to land the Bendigo Bank Vicbred Pace for C1 class over 1660 metres at Hamilton on Monday May 5.

Taking a concession for Mt Gambier reinsman Jayson Finnis, Australian Bite was never better than three wide for the entire distance after starting from gate five.

Joining the leaders Tenfour and Glenburn Gold approaching the home turn, Australian Bite had the audacity to race clear on straightening and hold a margin of 2.7 metres on the wire over Life Sentence along the sprint lane after trailing the pacemaker, with Ruby Heart third after following the winner home from the bell.

It was Australian Bite's fourth victory in 38 outings.

Dad, son take honour ■ Jayson Finnis and father Barry were successful earlier in the day with five year old Forty Seven/ Surfing Queen gelding Forty Seven Flash in the Matthews Petroleum Pace for C4 & C5 class over 1660 metres.

Despite racing outside the pacemaker Cobargo Jack after starting outside the front row, Forty Seven Flash proved too strong over the concluding stages for Ourcrowninn which followed him throughout, returning a mile rate of 1-57.8. Jilliby Daphne used the sprint lane for third after trailing the weakening leader.

Won first 2 races ■ Terang's Matt Craven started the day at Hamilton in dynamic fashion as he had done at the previous Hamilton meeting, by winning the first two races on the program.

Five year old Blissful Hall/Simply Explosive mare Volatile Girl leading all of the way from gate six to snare the Ace Radio 3HA/Mixx FM Pace for C0 class over 2160 metres, much to the delight of Bungaree trainer Ashleigh Herbertson.

Always in control, Volatile Girl scored by 4.8 metres in advance of a death seating Floral Touch on debut from the Finnis camp, with Never Let Me Go third after trailing the winner and easing away from the markers at the straight entrance. The mile rate 2-01.9.

Easy 12.9m victory ■ Hamilton trainer David Lewis provided Craven with the double when Game Deliver a four year old gelded son of Sealed N Delivered and Game Opera greeted the judge in the Logical Property Services Pace for C0 class over 2160 metres.

Settling four back in the moving line from outside the second row, Game Deliver was sent forward three wide hitting the back straight on the final occasion, dropping in for a breather one/one approaching the final bend. Taken wide on turning, Game Deliver had his rivals covered a long way out and raced away to record an easy 12.9 metre victory over Cool Carat (gate six) which raced in the open, with Irish Murphy third after following the winner home. The mile rate 1-59.2.

Kylie’s brilliant drive wins it ■ Outstanding Queensland six-year-old Famous Forever/Making Gold mare Forever Gold was a brilliant winner of the $25,275 Harness Breeders (Vic) Make Mine Cullen - the first leg of the huge Triple Crown Series for Mares M0 or better held over a three week period at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday, thanks to a brilliant drive by Kylie Rasmussen.

Trained by Darren Weeks at Toorbul, Forever Gold starting from gate three on the second line was set alight almost immediately the start was effected in the 1720 metre feature to circle the field and park outside the pacemaker Beauty Secret (gate two) which had crossed the polemarker Baby Bling.

Relaxing beautifully in the run, Forever Gold cruised up to Beauty Secret on straightening and quickly put a gap on her rivals.

In quarters of 29.4, 29.4, 28.8 and 27.7 for the last 1609 metres after a lead time of 6.9 seconds, Forever Gold scored by 2.6 metres in advance of a very much in-form Gumdrops from five back the markers in a rate of 1-54.3, with Baby Bling using the sprint lane for third ahead of a disappointing Beauty Secret.

Darren Weeks was thrilled with the performance in registering his first Victorian winner, while Kylie Rasmussen commented that "she was always confident throughout the race, especially on the final bend".

It was also Kylie's first success in Victoria.

73rd win ■ On a super night of racing loaded with highlights, Victoria's favourite pacer 11-year-old marvel Smoken Up (Tinted Cloud/Carnlough Bay) chalked up his 73rd victory at start number 147 to win the Bold David Free For All over 1720 metres with trainer/driver Lance Justice in the sulky.

Sent forward from outside the front line to assume control from Five Star Anvil (gate six), Smoken Up enjoyed an easy passage all through the race and although looking to be in trouble on straightening when both Five Star Anvil which surprisingly moved away from the inside and Chilli Palmer (three wide after a one/one passage from gate four) issued strong challenges, Smoken Up rallied as he usually does to record a fighting half neck victory from Chilli Palmer in a rate of 1-58.3 (last half

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55.4 - quarter 26.9), with Five Star Anvil a neck back in third place.

Reliable

Starred ■ Bolinda trainer Kari Males was successful with first starter Niki No No in the Emerson Printing 2Y-0 Pace over 1690 metres at the Wedderburn HRC fixture held at Maryborough on Wednesday May 7.

A daughter of Sportswriter and Benelise raced

by Rob Auber and partners, Niki No No driven by Greg Sugars staring from inside the second line possied three back along the markers, with Neverending Drama leading from gate four.

Using the sprint lane, Niki No No ran home stylishly to gain the day in advance of the pacemaker, with another first starter Ricks Shadow third after following the front runner. The mile rate 159.1.

■ Bacchus Marsh reinswoman Amy Tubbs experienced a night of "ups and downs".

After guiding Brunelleschi to a brilliant victory in the 2nd Heat of the Empire Stallions Vicbred Platinum Metropolitan Trotting Series for TM0 & TM1 class over 2240 metres, she "hit the deck" when tipped from the sulky of Blazeaway Macray in the Make Mine Cullen.

Fortunately Amy suffered no injuries.

The 1st Heat of the Trotting Series was taken out by seven year old Conch Deville/Smilin Eyes gelding Monsieur Deville for Shepparton's

Horses To Follow ■ Aldebaran Midnite, Sullenberger, Law Legend, Atalanta Jewel, Ole Time Rocka Lombo, Kennedy Creek, Floral Touch.

Poured on pressure Geoff (Marto) Martin.

The $30,505 Final will be held next Friday.

■ Quality four year old Four Starzzz Shark/ Botswana entire Lennytheshark now with David Aiken at Avenel, resumed off an eleven month layoff with an awesome display to land the second heat of the choicehotels.com.au Rising Stars Pace for M0 & M1 class over 2240 metres.

Driven by Chris Alford, Lennytheshark raced by Kevin Risely and son Martin, led throught to score by 22.1 metres in a rate of 1-56.5 (last half 55.8 - quarter 28.1) from Sapphire Swayze which faced the breeze from the bell and Astronaut.

The first heat saw Melton trainer/driver Alison Chisholm's six year old Grinfromeartoear/New York On Sunday gelding Asoka outstay his rivals after racing parked from gate six to defeat the long odds-on favourite Flaming Flutter which led from gate two, with the ever reliable Weallwantano third after racing wide in the final circuit. The mile rate 157.1.

Not hurt

Wednesday - Charlton/Echuca, Thursday - Maryborough/Geelong @ Melton, Friday - Ouyen @ Mildura/Melton, Saturday - Cranbourne, Sunday - Terang, Monday - Cobram, Tuesday - Bendigo @ Melton.

2 wins ■ Riddell trainer Vince Vallelonga and stable reinsman Corey Bell scored an impressive victory with Grinfromeartoear/Rosalee Hanover 3-Y-0 gelding Stunning Grin in the Shepparton Club Inc Vicbred Pace for C0 class over 1690 metres at Shepparton on Thursday and in doing so, brought up two wins in succession.

Quickly away from an inside second line draw to settle mid-field in the running line, Stunning Grin was off and running prior to the bell to park outside the pacemaker Lombo Final Touch for the final circuit.

Surging to the lead approaching the home turn, Stunning Grin raced clear on turning to defeat Lombo Final Touch and Ramblenroller (four back the markeers) in a mile rate of 1-57.7.

■ Peter Manning's Elsu/Hanover Chic three year old gelding Eliseos Falcon had too much quality for his rivals in the Grand Central Hotel Pace for C2 & C3 class, winning by a half neck only.

Driven by daughter Kerryn, Eliseos Falcon (gate five) was sent forward to park outside Ash Herbertson's last start Hamilton winner Citysneak (gate three), with Kerryn content to dictate the terms.

Pouring on the pressure approaching the home turn, Eliseos Falcon responded in fine style to wear down the leader and hold off a late challenge by Arr En Special off a three wide trail from last on the back of Paris To Berlin in a rate of 2-00.1.

Citysneak was a further 5 metres away in third place.

Led from the pole ■ Diggers Rest based breeder/part-owner John McHugh's Bettors Delight/Karamea Amour three year old gelding Just Call Me Mac was a tough victor of the Alexandra House 3-Y-0 Pace over 1660 metres, possibly giving John his first winner as a registered trainer.

Driven with extreme confidence by Ararat's Michael Bellman, Just Call Me Mac raced in the open from gate two throughout, before racing clear in the straight to score by 12.5 metres over the hot favourite Little Lyn which led from the pole. Heads Or Tails (one/one) finished third. The mile rate 158.2.

Eased three wide ■ Matt Craven finished the day as he started, by guiding Heywood co-trainers Kevin Brough and Bec East's six year old Armbro Operative/Mama Tembu mare I Wantano to victory in the Hamilton Spectator Pace for C1 class over 1660 metres in a mile rate of 1-58.1.

Settling three back in the moving line from gate two on the second line with the speedy Ruffiano leading from gate five, I Wantano was eased three wide racing for the bell to join the pacemaker for the last lap.

Given full rein on straightening, I Wantano under hard driving prevailed by 1.5 metres in a slugging finish over Ruffiano which was making his 211th race appearance, with Jim Barker's Guilty Rama (three back the markers) gaining a late split for third.

Ran on own terms

■ The fast class event at Swan Hill on Wednesday - the Nyah Post Office Pace for C6 or better class over 2240 metres was taken out by Kerryn Manning's Kiwi bred four year old American Ideal/ Armbro Ice gelding Gotta Go Yankee who stamped his authority in a mile rate of 2-00.7.

Sliding past Joe Costa's Life Of Ted inside him shortly after the start, Gotta Go Yankee was allowed to dictate his own terms in a moderate tempo until the bell, when the Mildura Cup winner Im Blue Double Dee moved from last to race in the open.

Sprinting home in a sizzling 55.8 for the last half mile (quarter 27.2), Gotta Go Yankee nosed out Life Of Ted along the sprint lane in a tricky finish, with Kennedy Creek coming from last to finish third.