Melbourne Observer. 120418C. April 18, 2012. Part C. Pages 47-64 by Ash Long

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - Page 47

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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Independent Theatre: Barry’s extra shows ........ Page 49 Radio Confidential: Vision Aust. stoush ................ Page 50 Local Theatre: New shows and auditions ................ Page 53 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections .................... Page 56 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

PAY-TV AWARD NOMINEES

● Sarah Murdoch: nominated for ASTRA Awards

The Girls In Grey ■ The Shift Theatre presents The Girls in Grey from April 25 – May 13 at Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda. The Girls In Grey is performed by four actors - three female, and one male who plays the multiple roles of husband, sweetheart, brother and the iconic role of ‘the unknown soldier’. It is a vivid, moving and candid account of ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances. Directed by Karen Martin, the play tells the stories of three Australian Army nurses during World War I. From the time of leaving our Australian shores they traverse the splendour of sunset over the Sphinx in Egypt, to the eruption of casualties from the Dardanelles. The barren shores of Lemnos Island test even the most stoic, and in the muddy sludge of the Western Front they overcome horrific working conditions, bearing witness to the horror of war and the devastation of young men involved in front line conflict. Elsie always looks for the brighter side. Her infectious sense of humour disguises a fierce determination to follow her husband Syd to war. Courageous Alice is drawn to adventure, unexpectedly falling in love with Harry; a lieutenant whose fate is to be at the dreadful battle of Fromelles. Sturdy, serious Grace is the demanding yet compassionate Matron whose calm resolve is gradually eroded by the anguish of war. Performance Season: April 25 – May 13 Times: Wed to Sat 8pm, Sun 5pm [school matinees Wed and Thu at 11.30am, excluding Wed 25 April] Price: $28 full / $20 conc, groups 10+ [plus booking fee] Bookings: www.theatreworks.org.au or 9534 3388

● Carolyn Bock (foreground), Helen Hopkins and Olivia Connolly (rear) prepare for their roles in The Girls in Grey, being presented at Theatre Works St Kilda from April 25 to May 13. Photo: Nick Merrylees

■ Nominationss for the 10th Annual ASTRAAwards, pay- TV’s annual awards, have been announced. There are 95 entries across 21 categories acknowledging local productions in drama, lifestyle, sport, news, reality and more. awards. Top award, Channel of the Year, will be fought between The LifeStyle Channel, Showcase, Fox Sports and Sky News. Finalists in the local drama category include Tim Winton’s Cloudstreet, Killing Time and Spirited. Individual nominees include: Andrew Winter, Sarah Murdoch, Rove McManus, Danny Clayton and Alex Perry. Actor nominated are David Wenham, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Steve Le Marquand, Geoff Morrell, Essie Davis, Diana Glenn, Kerry Fox and Claudia Karvan. Lifestyle nominees include: Planet Cake, Donna Hay: Fast, Fresh Simple and Selling Houses Australia and B430. Light Entertainment nominations include Balls of Steel Australia and Rove LA. Reality includes Australia’s Next Top Model and Project Runway Australia. Most Outstanding News Program or Coverage category includes Tropical Cyclone Yasi Coverage and Sky News broadcasts QANTAS Grounded and Gillard V Rudd. David Speers, Kieran Gilbert and Ashleigh Gillon are nominated for individual awards. CHANNEL OF THE YEAR The LifeStyle Channel showcase FOX SPORTS SKY NEWS SUBSCRIBERS’ CHOICE Favourite Program – Australian Foo Fighters: Wasting Light On The Harbour Channel [V] & MAX Wife Swap Australia LifeStyle YOU Selling Houses Australia Extreme The LifeStyle Channel Spirited Season 2 W Channel Australia’s Next Top Model Series 7 FOX8 Project Runway Australia Series 3 Arena Kalgoorlie Cops Crime & Investigation Network On The Couch FOX SPORTS Favourite Program – International Grand Designs Series 9 The LifeStyle Channel Deadliest Catch Discovery Channel Big Fat Gypsy Weddings LifeStyle YOU The British Royal Wedding 2011 UKTV Gold Rush: Alaska Discovery Channel EastEnders UKTV Man Vs. Wild Discovery Channel American Idol Series 11 FOX8 Favourite Program – International Drama Game of Thrones Season 1 showcase Haven 13th Street Boardwalk Empire Season 1 showcase Torchwood: Miracle Day UKTV Breaking Bad Season 4 showcase Falling Skies FOX8 True Blood Season 4 showcase Favourite Personality – Female Jane Gazzo Channel [V] Charlotte Dawson FOX8 Donna Hay The LifeStyle Channel Sarah Murdoch FOX8 Megan Gale Arena Lee Furlong FOX8 Favourite Personality – Male Danny Clayton Channel [V] Andrew Winter The LifeStyle Channel Jason Dunstall FOX SPORTS Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen Discovery Channel Rove McManus FOX8 Billy Russell Channel [V] Alex Perry FOX8 Phil Kearns FOX SPORTS PROGRAMMING&PRODUCTION Most Outstanding Children’s Program or Event The Amazing World of Gumball Cartoon Network Move It Mob Style® NITV Camp Orange: Wrong Town Nickelodeon Most Outstanding Music Program or Coverage Foo Fighters: Wasting Light On The Harbour Channel [V] & MAX Smoke & Mirrors STUDIO The Riff Channel [V]

Most Outstanding Sports Program or Coverage Rugby World Cup 2011 FOX SPORTS Aussies Abroad: 2011 World Ironman Championship ESPN KFC T20 Big Bash League FOX SPORTS The Code – Life With The Waratahs FOX SPORTS Most Outstanding Documentary Forecast for Disaster: La Nina Strikes The Weather Channel Tony Robinson Explores Australia The History Channel Australia’s Great Flood National Geographic Channel Kalgoorlie Cops Crime & Investigation Network The Bombing of Darwin: An Awkward Truth The History Channel Most Outstanding News Program or Coverage Qantas Grounded SKY NEWS Tropical Cyclone Yasi Coverage The Weather Channel Gillard V Rudd SKY NEWS Most Outstanding Reality Program Cricket Superstar FOX8 Project Runway Australia Series 3 Arena Australia’s Next Top Model Series 7 FOX8 Kalgoorlie Cops Crime & Investigation Network Most Outstanding Lifestyle Program Selling Houses Australia Extreme The LifeStyle Channel B430 Season 3 Channel [V] Donna Hay – Fast, Fresh, Simple The LifeStyle Channel Planet Cake LifeStyle FOOD Most Outstanding Light Entertainment Program The Riff Channel [V] Balls of Steel Australia The Comedy Channel ROVE LA FOX8 Most Outstanding Drama Spirited Season 2 W Channel Killing Time TV1 Tim Winton’s cloudstreet showcase Most Outstanding Use of Innovation in Programming FOX FIELD FOX SPORTS WTF! Channel [V] SLiDE FOX8 THIRD EYE FOX SPORTS TALENT Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor – Male David Wenham TV1 Hugo Johnstone-Burt showcase Steve Le Marquand Movie Extra Geoff Morrell showcase Most Outstanding Performance by an Actor – Female Essie Davis showcase Diana Glenn TV1 Kerry Fox showcase Claudia Karvan W Channel Most Outstanding Performance by a Presenter Sarah Murdoch FOX8 Andrew Winter The LifeStyle Channel Rove McManus FOX8 Luke & Wyatt Nickelodeon Most Outstanding Performance by a Broadcast Journalist Ashleigh Gillon SKY NEWS Kieran Gilbert SKY NEWS Josh Holt The Weather Channel David Speers SKY NEWS Best New Talent Lara Robinson showcase Ben Britton Nat Geo Wild Hugo Johnstone-Burt showcase Voting for the Subscribers’ Choice categories will run from May 1 to 31at astraawards.com, via SMS, at Channel 333 and for the first time this year, through the ASTRA Awards Facebook page. The 10th Annual ASTRAAwards will be held at Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay on Thursday, June 21.

Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

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ShowBiz!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - Page 49

Observer Showbiz

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

NEW GIGS FOR ALMA MATER CASH SAVAGE Independent

● Cash Savage ■ After a successful show in March at the Spiegeltent with her fine-tuned Last Drinks, Cash Savage will be presenting her forthcoming gigs around Melbourne. Catch Cash and The Last Drinks live on April 20 at the Phoenix Public House, 133 Sydney Rd, Brunswick at 9pm with Eddie James and the Prowl and Hounds Hounds Hounds. Tickets: $15 at the door. $12 + booking fee presale www.phoenixpublichouse.com/event/cash-savage-andlast-drinks Her next gig will be on April 21 at the Caravan Music Club with the Nymphs. Venue: Oakleigh RSL, 95-97 Drummond St., Oakleigh. $23 seated, $18 general admin. Tickets can be booked from www.car.com.au

PENNY PERFORMS AT ST KILDA, RIPPONLEA

■ Arts House presents the Australian premiere of Alma Mater on April 18, running until May 13 at Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall. Fresh from an extended sell-out smash hit at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Glasgow-based interdisciplinary duo Fish and Game make their Melbourne debut with the Australian premiere of Alma Mater – a work that sits between theatre, film and installation, inviting a completely new view of the world. A filmic tour-for-one, Alma Mater fuses high-technology with lo-fi charm as individual audience members enter a specially constructed, fullscale child’s bedroom to immerse themselves in the world of a little girl – weaving a complex, handheld fairytale for the 21st century via an iPad. With an original score by John De Simone performed by experimental octet Ensemble Thing and cinematography from award-winner Anna Chaney, Alma Mater is a haunting meditation on family, familiarity and growing-up. Alma Mater uses the concept of a white box combined with high definition video with high-fidelity sound displayed on an iPad with headphones, where the cinematic quality film moves through the space requiring the audience to move with it – transforming the present reality to incorporate past and future characters, landscapes and architectures. Led by Artistic Directors Eilidh MacAskill (Glasgow) and Robert Walton (Melbourne), Fish and Game collaborate with artists and organisations to create unique events that challenge and entertain while championing the potential of the live moment, devising boundary-breaking performance experiences, in a range of contexts for a variety of audiences. Venue: Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne Season: Wednesday, April 18 May 13Time: Every 10 minutes between: Wed - Sun, 2pm – 9pm. 20 minutes no interval. Tickets: Full $10 / Conc $5

Extraordinary! ■ The Extraordinary General Meeting opened last Saturday night as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, at the Tuxedo Cat, 277 Flinders Lane. Directed by Brigid Gallacher, this entertaining show runs until April 22

● Penny Ikinger ■ Melbourne singer, composer and guitarist Penny Ikinger will be performing at the following venues: ■ Saturday, April 21 at 9.30pm at the St Kilda Bowling Club, 66 Fitzroy St., St Kilda, for Crystal Thomas’s album launch with Penny Ikinger and The Evolution, and Harry Howard and the Near Death Experience also on the bill. ($10 door entry) ■ Sunday, April 29 for another Goddess Extravaganza, featuring Melbourne’s finest female artists at Lyrebird, 61 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea. Phone 9532 7574. . ($8 door entry)

Theatre by Cheryl Threadgold

It’s his first day at work and already Alan has a nickname. He’s also got a deadline, a nemesis and a problem with an eagle named Gabrielle. With an impossible task to complete and colleagues who couldn’t care less, can he be ready in time for the Extraordinary General Meeting? Fresh from their debut performance to sold-out crowds at last year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival, four young performers present a show that’s frantic, sharp and funny. Created by Monash Law Revue alumni Andy Matthews, Michael Kalenderian, Eden Porter, Joshua Porter and Sarah Brewin, this is an extraordinary take on a seemingly mundane situation. Eerily familiar and wildly absurd, this show will be enjoyed by anyone who has ever worked in an office, or would love to see what all the fuss is about. Venue: The Tuxedo Cat, Level 3, 277 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Dates: Until April 22 (not Wednesdays) Times: 6.00pm, (5.00pm on Sundays)Tickets: $20 full, Concession, $16. Bookings: www.trybooking.com

Barry’s new shows ■ Barry Humphries will perform three extra Melbourne shows of East Pray Laugh! Tickets go on sale this morning (Wed., April 18) at 9am for the extra shows to be staged at Her Majesty’s Theatre. The 1pm shows are scheduled for Wednesday, July 25; Saturday, July 28; and Wednesday, August 1. Publicist Vicki Illiopoulos of Kerry O’Brien Publicity says that three extra shows have also been scheduled in Sydney due to demand for tickets. Tickets are being made available through Ticketmaster.com.au, phone 136 100. This latest Barry Humphries show is being directed by Simon Phillips, and produced by The Dainty Group.

● From left Sarah Brewin, Eden Porter, Michael Kalenderian and Joshua Porter.

The Spoiler For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven. ■ Wednesday, April 18. Toadie tries desperately to keep Sonya’s baby dream alive; Chris and Aidan may be forced to share their relationship with the world. ■ Thursday, April 19. Tash resorts to desperate measures to avoid being kicked out of her home; jealous Sophie attempts to drive a wedge between Callum and Rani. ■ Friday, April 20. Still hurting from their decision to stop trying for a baby, Sonya and Toadie look for distractions; desperate to make her house unsellable, Tash ropes Chris and Aidan into helping her deter buyers.

Home and Away ■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7. ■ Wednesday, April 18. Sasha discovers Felix may not need her, Henri chooses between her career and Casey and Dex gets some 'bad boy' coaching. ■ Thursday, April 19. Bianca breaks plans with Liam and bonds with Darcy, Heath blows Henri and Casey's secret and Roo, Irene and Leah have some single ladies' time. ■ Friday, April 20. Roo, Harvey and Lottie spend time together, Dex tries to turn chess skills into cash and Heath keeps pursuing Bianca which rattles Liam's nerves.

Pack Up Your Troubles ■ ANZAC Day is always worthy of commemoration, and this year one of the most heartwarming and unusual ways of commemorating it is happening at Glen Eira Town Hall on Sunday April 29 at 7pm. Pack Up Your Troubles is the world premiere of a special concert performance by Australian musician now based in London, Warren Wills. Subtitled 'A tribute to the great songs of hope born out of conflict', this is a precursor to a more extensive show by Warren planned for the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I in 2014. This will be a commission from England's National Theatre of the story of Felix Powell, the British Staff Sergeant who penned the unforgettable Pack Up Your Troubles song. This project is one very close to Warren's heart, as when he is not musical director of major English productions of shows like The Wiz or Aladdin, or recording his own piano albums like his recent Spanish Masters, he champions the cause of using music to help interfaith, special needs and disadvantaged communities around the world. With this in mind, Pack Up Your Troubles will feature a 100-strong interfaith choir of singers from indigenous, Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Sikh backgrounds. Included in this exciting mix is Mitch Cowen, son of the late and much loved former Governor-General, Sir Zelman Cowen. The Glen Eira-McKinnon Bowls Club is producing it, with support from the Glen Eira City Council and the Victorian RSL. The music in Pack Up Your Troubles spans a wide range of influential singers and songwriters, including John Lennon, Edith Piaf, and Marlene Dietrich among others. To have a musical director of Warren Wills' stature return to Australia from London for this concert is quite a coup. One of the most versatile and gifted musicians on the international scene, Warren has authored eight original operas, 10 musicals, 13 children's musicals, eight albums, five major orchestral works and music direction credits on more than 50 productions. He has played and composed for the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as Woody Allen in New York City, and has toured extensively in Europe, Asia and the US, with appearances on MTV in the Middle East. Turn To Page 59

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Observer Showbiz

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

VISION AUSTRALIA RADIO STOUSH

Country Crossroads info@country crossroads.com.au ● Big Breakfast Show. Southern FM 88.3. Tues. 6am-9am. ● Country Crossroads. Casey Radio 97.7. Wed. 10pm-12 Midnight

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Rob Foenander

BAYLOU SIGNS WITH ABC

■ Victorian sisters Barbara and Victoria Baillie known as the Baylou Duo have signed to ABC Music Australia. Victoria is already a well established artist in her own right and a Golden Guitar winner from the 2010 Country Music Awards. Barbara, on the other hand, has been an integral part of Victoria's solo career providing both guitar and backing vocals for most of her sisters gigs and recordings.

WARREN RELEASES WINANJJARA

■ Indigenous country music icon Warren H Williams has released his first language album, Winanjjara, with some help from his family . Winanjjara translates to mean ‘song man’ in the Tennant Creek language of Warumungu and is an Australian album speaking of love, family and the land. The two-CD album has 12 new ballads written by Warren and then translated by his aunts and Elders of Warumungu. The media release quotes Warren as saying: "It was like I had to walk again, I remember using the language when I was a little kid, but I had to re-learn it." The CD is available through ABC Music.

SMOKY DAWSON FOUNDATION

■ Further to the recent unveiling of a permanent memorial to country pioneer Smoky Dawson in Tamworth, news comes to hand of a Smokey Dawson Foundation. Established by friends in association with Smoky and his wife Dot's family, the Foundation has been created in memory of the Australian music legend Herbert ‘Smoky’ Dawson to support developing Australian music talent.

■ The Melbourne-headquartered Vision Australia has lost its ‘takeover’ attempt of Sydney print-handicapped radio station, 2RPH. New South Wales members voted this month to reject a plan to amalgamate the stations. The Sydney members are reported to have been fearful of losing autonomy of a radio station they had built themselves. 2RPH Chair, Nic Svenson, is concerned that Vision Australia would refine services to target a smaller segment of the community. He told the City Hub publication in Sydney: “We’re set up to serve the print handicapped, now that’s the blind and vision impaire, sure, but it;s also the folks who can’t handle printed material, folks who’ve lost their arms, of people who can’t hold their head still, and people who can’t understand printed material, folks who come from a non-English speaking background.” Peter Butler, VAR Manager, told the newspaper that the desire to amalgamatae came from fears of closure. Vision Australia Radio’s Melbourne audience has grown from 50,000 listeners to 148,000 in the past two years. South Australia’s 5RPH merged with VAR last year,

Irony with 1377 signal boost

STATE MEMORIAL FOR JIMMY

■ Australian music legend and country star Jimmy Little will be given a state memorial service on May 3. A concert celebrating his life and career will follow at the Sydney Opera House and will include a ‘who's who’ of Australian music, said Jimmy’s manager Buzz Bidstrop. The veteran indigenous country musician died after a long illness on April 2, aged 75, at his home in Dubbo in western NSW. - Rob Foenander

r Observbei z Show

■ Is there an Irony Department at the Australian Communications and Media Authority? The failed Melbourne Talk Radio station MTR 1377 has just received approval for its signal to be strengthened - just weeks after the station closed.

SYDNEY STATION REJECTS OFFER FROM MELBOURNE

Ray’s masterful work

● Ray Lawrence, President of Radio Eastern 98.1, welcomed Bob Jones, Grand Master of Freemasons Victoria, to the Croydon studios for his Matinee program (2pm, Wednesdays). The ACMA have just announced it has given apporoval to the upgrade which was sought by the MTR joint venture partners, Macquarie Radio Network and Pacific Star Network. MRN pulled the plug on the station last month. It has been replaced by a My MP music station, run wholly by Pacific Star.

The Authority says that the signal will be boosted from 5 kilowatts to 8.2 kilowatts, and the direction of the signal will be strengthened throughout the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne. The station was originally set up as 3MP at Frankston, with the Rowville transmitter pointed towards the Mornington Peninsula.

End for Ant and Becks

● Ant and Becks ■ The Mix 101.1 drive-time partnership of ‘Ant and Becks’ came to a close last week. Anthony 'Becks' Toohey departed the national drive show heard on the Mix stations in Melbourne and Sydney. He was not heard on the Friday the 13th program. Sami Lukis has been appointed as his replacement. She has filled in for Becks in recent times. The new Ant and Sami Lukis program started on Monday (April 16). 3AW producer Simon Owens, a fan of the FM show, posted an online tribute: “In my life there have a been a couple of radio partnerships I have loved. In the 80's Gavin Wood and Molly Meldrum on EON FM, along with Blackers and Unca on 3AW were my inspiration for getting into radio. “On FM radio for the last couple of years there has been one duo I have loved from afar. Ant and Becks on Mix 106.5 Sydney and Mix 101.1 Melbourne. “Great radio from start to finish. talented, respectful to their audience and really funny. “Today they are no more, no one is to blame, they weren't axed. But in terms of my radio loves, today is a very sad day for me. Thanks for the laughs guys." Melbourne

Observer

On This Day

Wednesday, Thursday, April 19 April 18

Friday, April 20

Saturday, April 21

Sunday, April 22

Monday, April 23

Tuesday, April 24

■ British actress Hayley Mills was born in London in 1946 (66). Greg Quill, vocalist and guitarist with Country Radio, was born in 1946 (66). TV host Conan O’Brien is 49. Actress Barbara Hale (Perry Mason) is 90 today.

■ English actor Leslie Phillips was born in 1924 (88). Athlete Betty Cuthbert was born in Sydney in 1938 (74). US actor Ryan O’Neal was born in Los Angeles in 1941 (71). Actress Jessica Lange was born in Minnesota in 1949. She is 63 today.

■ Actor Anthony Quinn was born in Mexico in 1915. He died aged 86 in 2001. US singer Iggy Pop was born as James Osterberg in 1947 (65). US actor Tony Danza was born in New York in 1951 (61). Actress Andie McDowall was born in South Carolina in 1958 (54).

■ Actor Eddie Albert (Heimberger) was born in 1906. He died aged 99 in 2005. Producer Aaron Spelling was born in 9123. He died aged 83 in 2006. English actor George Cole, who played Arthur Daley in Minder, was born in London in 1925 (87).

■ William Shakespeare was born at Stratfordupon-Avon in 1564. He died at the age of 52. Actress Shirley Temple was born in 1928 (84). Singer-songwriter Roy Orbison wasw born in 1936. He died aged 52 in 1998. American actress Sandra Dee was born in 1942. She died in 2005 (62).

■ American actress Shirley Maclaine was born in 1934 (78). Actress, singer, director Barbra Streisand was born in New York in 1942 (70). UK Tv producer Paula Yates was born in Wales in 1960. She died in 2000 (04). Singer Kelly Clarkson is 30 today.

■ Actress Jayne Mansfield was born on this day in 19323. She died aged 34 in 1967. Cricket umpire Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird is 79. Actor Dudley Moore was born in 1935. He died aged 66 in 2002. US comedienne Ruby Wax (Wachs) was born in Evanston, Illinois in 1953 (59).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates. Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

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Observer Alarm Australia

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - Page 51

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - Page 53

Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: God of Carnage April 22 at 1.00pm, April 23 at 7.30pm at 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Bruce Akers. Audition bookings: 0432 984781. ■ Beaumaris Theatre: Still Life (a one act play by Noel Coward) April 28, 29 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Kristina Doucouliagos. Please note: Actors will need to be available for the late June/July season and one-act play festivals held throughout Victoria later in the year. Audition bookings: 0408 332 175. ■ Beaumaris Theatre: Tony Hancock's The Bowmans. (a comedy based around a live radio play) April 28, 29 at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Janine Chugg. Audition bookings are essential. Contact Janine at beaumaristheatre@ optusnet.com.au or 0434 015 384. ■ Gemco Players: The Crucible (by Arthur Miller) April 29 from 4.00pm, April 30 from 7.30pm at The Gem, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Director: Sharon Maine. Audition bookings: email pagetostageaustralia@gmail.com ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest May 6 from 6.30pm, May 7 from 7.30pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Wendy Drowley. Audition bookings: 0413 580650. ■ Peridot Theatre: Me and Jezebel (by Elizabeth Fuller) May 20 from 3.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Helen Ellis. Enquiries: 0429 355 465 or ellisproductions@me.com

SHOWS ■ Southern Peninsula Players: Fawlty Towers (John Cleese and Connie Booth) Featuring: The Anniversary, The Psychiatrist and Kipper and the Corpse. May 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 8.00pm, May 20 at 2.00pm at the Rosebud Memorial Hall. Director: Evan Knoble. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 5982 2777 or visit Rosebud Carpets, Pt. Nepean Rd., Rosebud. ■ Nova Music Theatre: Miss Saigon May 11 - 26 at the Whitehorse Centre, 397 Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Director: Noel Browne; Musical Director: John Clancy; Choreographer: Wayne Robinson. Bookings: www.novamusic theatre.com.au or 1300 305771. ■ Mornington CEF Players: Cosi (by Louis Nowra) May 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 at Bellamy Hall, Albert St., Mornington. Directors: Mike Fletcher and Cameron Sweatman. Tickets: $20/$17/$14. Bookings: 5975 5904. www.cefplayers.com.au ■ Warragul Theatre Company: Carmen - The musical, May 18 - 26 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. Director: Michelle Carrigy; Musical Director: David Williams; Choreographer: Emmalee Meisels. Bookings: 5624 2456 www.wgac.org.au ■ Phoenix Theatre Company: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum May 25 - June 2 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Director/Choreographer: Renee Maloney; Musical Director: Katie Packer.

AT ARTY FARTY FESTIVAL

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

‘COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY’ SHOWS ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Compleat Female Stage Beauty (by Jeffrey Hatcher) April 19 - May 5, Tues- Sat at 8:15pm, Sundays 5pm at 2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown. Director: Chris Baldock. Bookings: www.wlt.org.au or 9885 9678. ■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Dancing at Lughnasa (by Brian Friel) Until April 28 at 8:00pm Thursday - Saturday. 2.00pm matinées Sundays at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St.,West Geelong. Bookings: 5225 1200. www.geelongrep.com.au ■ The 1812 Theatre: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? April 18 - May 5 at The Bakery at 1812, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Evenings 8.00pm, Matinees 4.00pm. Director: Libby Procter. Tickets: $25. Bookings: 9758 3984. www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Never the Sinner (by John Logan) April 20 - May 5, 8.15pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, 2pm matinees April 21, 29 at 29a Burke Road, East Malvern. Director: Nicholas Opolski. Tickets: $20/$18. Bookings: 1300 131 552. www.malverntheatre.com.au ….. ■ Peridot Theatre: The Peppercorn Tree (by Alison Campbell Rate) April 27 - May 12, Wed - Sat at 8.15pm, April 29, May 5 at 2.15pm, May 6 at 4.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Bookings: 1300 138 646 (no mobiles) or 9898 9090 (for mobiles) www.peridot.com.au ■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Sunset Boulevard May 4 - 19 at the National Theatre, Cnr Barkly and Carlisle Sts., St Kilda. Performances: May 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19 at 8.00pm, May 6, 13 at 2.00pm. Tickets: $40 Full Price, $36 Concession, $25 Children Under 16. Bookings: 1300 362547 or online www.cloc.org.au ■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Red Hot and Cole May 4, 5, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 8.00pm, May 13 at 2.00pm at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr Melbourne Rd and Electra St., Williamstown. Director: Anna Marinelli; Musical Director: Malcolm Fawcett; Choreographer: Carla Gianinotti. Tickets: $32/ $28. Opening Night Black Tie $35. Bookings: 1300 881 545. www.wmtc.org.au ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: An Inspector Calls May 3 19, 8.00pm Thursday to Saturday, 2.00pm May 6, 13 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Director: John Jenkins. Bookings: 9457 4117 www.htc.org.au ■ Geelong Lyric Theatre Society: Hairspray May 4 - 12 at the Ford Theatre, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, 50 Lt Malop St., Geelong. Director: Tony Wasley; Musical Director: Amy Young; Choreographer: Dom Roussety. Bookings: www.glts.asn.au….5225 1200

Meet The Mudfords

● Meet the Mudford Family from Purely Pensive Productions’ latest show Two Weeks With The Queen, opening on April 26. From left: Audrey Farthing (Mrs Mudford), Sean Tessari (Mr Mudford), James Robertson (Colin Mudford) and James Caldwell (Luke Mudford). Photo: Leah Milner ■ Purely Pensive Productions presents Two Weeks With The Queen from April 26 – 28 at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick. Colin has a mission. He wants to speak to the Queen about his brother Luke who has cancer. Cousin Alistair would like to help, but stress brings on his dandruff. Colin takes the lock off the back door and goes out alone . Adapted by Mary Morris from Morris Gleitzman’s classic Australian novel Two Weeks With The Queen, this comedy explores issues of love, loss and the way we treat others. Performances: April 26, 27, 28 at 8.00pm and April 28 at 2.00pm. Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Sydney and Glenlyon Rds, Brunswick. Tickets: $20 full price, $16 concession. 2pm matinee all tickets $15. Bookings: www.purelypensive.com.au

SCHOOLS COMBINED PRODUCTION

JEKYLL AND HYDE, AT PARADE

by Martin Macaulay and choreography by Lisa O’Gorman. Tickets: $25 full price and $20 concession. Bookings: trybooking.com/ 19780 or for general enquiries call 9468 3300.

Macbeth, by Hartwell Players

■ Hartwell Players present William Shakespeare’s Macbeth until April 28, directed by Samuel Chappell at the Ashwood Performing Arts Centre, Vannam Drive, Ashwood. Tickets: $18/$12. Bookings : 9513 9581 or bookings@ hartwellplayers.org.au

■ Members of Purely Pensive Productions enthusiastically promote their next show Two Weeks With the Queen at Banyule City Council’s recent Kids Arty Farty Festival. From left, Tricia McRae, James Robertson, Aishling Sharkey, Sean Tessar, Angie Bedford, Jeremy Ives and Hannah McRae. Photo: Leah Milner

Cheryl Threadgold on 3AW ■ Non-Pro Theatre columnist Cheryl Threadgold is heard weekly on 3AW Melbourne Overnight program hosted by Andrew McLaren. Cheryl presents a segment with the latest community theatre news at 12.45am Wednesdays.

● Demi Mangione (left), Joseph Spanti, Joseph Lotesto, and Cara Vernino rehearse for Jekyll and Hyde the Musical, being presented by Parade College. Photo: Kathryn Lynch ■ Parade College, Bundoora, in conjunction with Santa Maria College, Northcote, presents Jekyll And Hyde The Musical, on April 20, 26, 27, 28 at 7.30pm and April 21 at 2.00pm at the Rivergum Theatre, Parade College, Bundoora Campus, 1436 Plenty Rd., Bundoora. The story of Jekyll and Hyde tells of a doctor who conducts an experiment on himself which results in his bringing out the dark, murderous side of his inner self, ‘Mr Hyde’. Jekyll And Hyde The Musical is an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of good versus evil. The Parade College production is directed by Alan Burrows, with musical direction

● Macbeth (Peter Tedford) and Lady Macbeth (Cathy Patti) plot to kill King Duncan in Hartwell Players’ production of Macbeth running until April 28 in Ashwood Photo: Nathan Jones

Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Lovatts Crossword No 13 Across

Across

1. Shabbiness in dress 6. Light-bulb inventor 11. Shiny 15. Forts 20. Egyptian river 21. Reproductive organ 22. Shopping precinct 23. Lead dancer, ... ballerina 25. South Africa's Cape ... Hope (2,4) 26. Pakistan currency units 27. Actor, Ryan ... (1'4) 29. Likable 32. Tube 34. Without delay (1,1,1,1) 36. Look-alikes, dead ... 39. Caravan rover 41. Brief 43. Sparking stone 46. Boils or ulcers 48. Low wetland 49. London's ... Mall 51. Curving lines 52. Exploited 55. Territory, Puerto ... 56. Every 59. Composer, Andrew ... Webber 61. Antarctic inlet, ... Sea 62. False god 63. Crowd brawl 64. Corrected (wrong) 67. Dalai Lama's nationality 68. Bitter regret 70. Very keen enthusiast 71. One who owes money 72. Overeats 73. Firebomb liquid 74. Of punishment 75. Batting spell 77. Broken down 78. Resounded 79. Theatre reviewer 82. Hazardous 86. Loft 87. Peace prize city 89. Spick & span 92. Merge 94. Get up 96. Biblical son of Isaac 98. Naming word 100. Recycle 101. Mongolian desert 103. Painting, Mona ... 105. From Baghdad 106. Adolescent 108. Sports match 111. Autograph 112. Actor's outfits 114. Rat 116. A single time 119. Droplet 120. Location 121. Kind 123. Leave out 124. Madam (2'2) 125. Flowing 126. Loudness 127. Grand house 130. Born as 131. Cleaning up (room) 135. English coin 138. Not stereo 139. Large jug 141. Computer/phone link 144. A lot of 146. I am, you ... 147. Looked up & down 148. UK national broadcaster (1,1,1) 149. Mad Roman emperor 150. Fuss 151. Female zebra 152. German emperor 153. Repast 155. Drink, ... spumante 157. Golfer, Greg ... 158. Unseat 160. Release (3,2) 161. Sprite 162. Italian city 163. Honey liquor 165. Brother's daughter 166. Souped-up car, hot ...

167. Scamp 168. Laid slates 169. Upper-class 171. Document, Magna ... 172. Glossy black bird 175. Entrails 176. Lubricates 179. Breakfast dish 180. Cow flesh 182. Flowers, sweet ... 184. Chirps 185. Castle water ditch 186. 24 December, Christmas ... 188. ... Lang Syne 189. US anti-crime agency (1,1,1) 190. Measure (out) 191. Fifth musical note 193. Own 194. Father 196. Verge 197. Fiesta, Mardi ... 198. Medicine amounts 200. Unhappiest 205. Vicious dog 207. Second-hand vehicle (4,3) 210. Playwright 211. Reparation 212. In a frenzied state 213. Grass skirt dance 214. USA nickname, Uncle .. 216. Steals from 218. Created 219. Prepare (newspaper) 220. Tights 224. Coffee style 227. Spiky plant, ... vera 229. From Bangkok 230. Abhor 231. Gallantly 232. Dr Jekyll & Mr ... 233. Heredity unit 235. Out of order 237. Solidifies 239. Actor, Richard ... 241. Timepiece 244. Forewarning 246. Blankness 249. ... & twos 252. Depletes 254. Crave 256. Heaven's ... Gates 258. French Mrs 259. Pins for hammering 260. Romantic US falls 263. Internal 264. Lump of gold 265. Legless grub 267. Actress, ... Kidman 270. Digit 271. Funeral Mass 272. Actor, Dustin ... 273. Lewd 274. Loses (hair) 277. London nightspot 279. Make (wage) 281. Throw out 284. Only fair (2-2) 286. Crustacean with nippers 288. Small distance measures 292. Yoga master 294. Raw metals 295. Domestic servants 298. Screen legend, Sophia ... 300. From Emerald Isle 301. Sum up 303. Baby's skin problem, ... rash 306. Bashfulness 308. Japan & Korea are there 309. Oil-exporting cartel 311. Throb 314. Mushy 315. Energetic 316. Do the dishes (4,2) 317. Throng 318. Former spouses 319. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2) 320. Tennis ace, ... Sampras 321. Urges 322. Sense 323. Blunted 324. Movie actors (4,5)

Down 1. Renovate (2,2) 2. Become distorted 3. Suggest 4. Kuwaiti rulers 5. Clean break 6. Flees to wed 7. Delay 8. Bathroom fixtures 9. Fall asleep (3,3) 10. Brigand 11. Revolve on axis 12. Stood against 13. Smudge 14. Palestinian chief, ... Arafat 15. Pour carelessly 16. Aida or Carmen 17. Potters' ovens 18. Pantomime lead 19. Observes 24. Rebukes, ... over the knuckles 28. Put on ... & graces 30. Spoken 31. Hideous 33. Irritated the skin 35. Incidental comments 37. Clarified butter 38. Curry & ... 40. Face veils 42. Physical activity 44. Portugal's capital 45. Scientist, Sir Isaac ... 47. Stench 48. Elevated railway 49. Drainage tradesman 50. Extortionate lender (4,5) 53. Largest bird 54. Calls (5,2) 57. Ancient Mariner's seabird 58. Protective headwear 60. Cloth retailers 63. Cleaver 65. Frosted (cake) 66. Expensive 68. Coral bank 69. Cosy 76. Set up (machinery) 79. Long-leafed lettuce 80. Nunavut native 81. Eastern faith 83. Twig shelters 84. Cartoon strip, Li'l ... 85. Flightless bird 88. English cheese 90. Fleur de lis plant 91. Among 93. Riveted 95. Easter gifts 97. Unplaced competitor (4-3) 99. Constantly busy (2,3,2) 100. Hire 102. Pungent bulb 104. Largest African nation 107. Uncanny 109. Wet 110. Vocal solo 111. Jet-baths 113. Soapie session 115. Obvious 117. TV award 118. Young deer 121. Contemptibly 122. Patella 127. Nonsense, ... jumbo 128. Razor cuts 129. Bits & pieces (4,3,4) 132. Recipe components 133. Stupid 134. Avarice 135. Packaged 136. Dilapidated 137. 24 hours ago 138. Unforgettable 140. Enforces once more 141. Pacified 142. Courageous

Down

143. Huge stone blocks 145. Tomahawk 151. Enormous 154. Men's Singles champion, ... Agassi 156. Lustre 159. One, numero ... 164. Totally 169. Cougars 170. Steam burn 173. Influences 174. Short, witty remark 177. Author, ... Asimov 178. Take oath 181. Whirling (of water) 183. Women warriors 187. Wantonly destroy 192. Female hormone 195. Current of air 199. Supervise 201. Points gun 202. Anti-flood embankment 203. Genuine fact 204. Implicit 206. Gay 207. Non-rural 208. Cheap, a ... a dozen 209. Lends a hand to 213. Smacks 215. Strolling 217. Killed 221. Helium & hydrogen 222. Not ever 223. Cut with scissors 224. Charlotte Bronte novel, Jane ... 225. Withdraw, ... out 226. Poet, ... Allan Poe 228. Legal trade bans 234. Phone security device 236. Wrongdoers 238. Terminate 240. Singer, ... Orbison 242. Normally (2,1,4) 243. Peculiarity 245. Mussels or clams 247. Peppermint essence 248. Nut fastener 250. Scientist, Albert ... 251. Weasel-like animals 253. Overfill 255. College test 257. Recline lazily 258. Restaurant list 261. Lovers' fling 262. Military forces 265. Valuable ores, precious ... 266. Garden ornament 268. Hex 269. The Continent 275. Jolly laugh (2,2) 276. Rounded roof 278. Hampers 280. Pressurised spray 282. Delights 283. Dollar division 285. Properly positioned, in ... 287. Steam generator 289. Tripoli citizen 290. Impersonates 291. Melted 292. Barked shrilly 293. Potato 296. Colorado ski resort 297. Writer, ... Thomas 299. Obtain (funds) 302. Two-door car 304. ... Fools' Day 305. Earnest requests 306. Crown Princess of Denmark 307. Opera singer 308. Yes votes 310. Head cook 312. Charismatic air 313. Spreading trees

Solution on Page 26

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - Page 55

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214 221

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Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Observer Showbiz Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. AMERICAN PIE: REUNION. 2. THE HUNGER GAMES. 3. THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL. 4. DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX. 5. TITANIC 3D. 6. WRATH OF THE TITANS. 7. 21 JUMP STREET. 8. MIRROR MIRROR. 9. PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS. 10. HOUSEFULL 2. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: APRIL 12: BATTLESHIP, REBELLION. APRIL 19: FOOTNOTE, ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS, SPUD, STREETDANCE 2, THE LADY, THE LUCKY ONE. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. MONEYBALL [Drama/Sport/ Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman]. 2. PUSS IN BOOTS [Animated/ Family/Antonio Banderas, Selma Hayek]. 3. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part One [Drama/ Fantasy/Robert Pattinson]. 4. NEW YEAR'S EVE [Comedy/ Romance/Halle Berry, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro]. 5. ATTACK THE BLOCK [Comedy/ Sci-Fi/Action/Jodie Whittaker, Nick Frost]. 6. REAL STEEL [Action/Drama/ Hugh Jackman, Hope Davis, Kevin Durand]. 7. THE IDES OF MARCH [Drama/ George Clooney, Ryan Gosling]. 8. DRIVE [Action/Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks]. 9. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS [Romance/Comedy/Drama/Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams]. 10. THE HELP [Drama/Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer]. Also: WARRIOR, JACK & JILL, THE DEBT, SHARK NIGHT, RED STATE, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, THE WHISTLEBLOWER, CONTAGION, IMMORTALS, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL [Action/Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner]. BURNING MAN [Drama/Matthew Goode, Rachel Goode]. MACHINE GUN PREACHER [Action/Drama/Gerard Butler, Michael Shannon, Kathy Baker]. MELANCHOLIA [Drama/Kirsten Dunst, Kiefer Sutherland]. THE SON OF NO ONE [Thriller/ Juliette Binoche, Al Pacino, Channing Tatum]. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: ANNIE HALL [Comedy/Woody Allen, Diane Keaton]. THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE [Adventure/Gene Hackman, Ernest Borginie, Shelley Winters]. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF [Musical/ Comedy/Drama/Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Frey]. BAZ LUHRMANN COLLECTION: Australia, Moulin Rouge, Romeo & Juliet, Strictly Ballroom. Turn To Page 59

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs Reviews by Aaron Rourke

With James Sherlock Melbourne

Observer

WHO IS JAMES CAMERON?

■ With Titanic 3D currently in cinemas, now is the perfect time to revisit director James Cameron's other work, and see how his growing obsession with modern technology has enveloped his later films. Piranha 2 : The Spawning (1981) (M). 95 minutes. * Cameron's directorial debut is an incredibly silly sequel to the classic Joe Dante horror/comedy Piranha (1978). One of those films that is so bad it's funny, but Cameron did have major problems with the Italian producer, who tried to take over the production and shot additional footage, which mainly involved extensive nudity. The behind-the-scenes story is more involving than the film itself. Stars Lance Henriksen, who would also appear in The Terminator and Aliens. The Terminator (1984) (M). 107 minutes. *****. James Cameron certainly made his mark with this exciting blend of sci-fi and action, as an evil cyborg travels back in time to kill the mother of the future leader of the human resistance. Strong performances by Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Michael Biehn, great special effects by the late Stan Winston, and well-staged action sequences makes this must-see viewing. ★ Aliens (1986) (M). 137 minutes / 154 minutes. *****. Outstanding sequel to the brilliant Alien (1979), Cameron wisely expands upon and continues the story, rather than just rehashing it. Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) returns to the planet (now colonised) where the alien eggs were found, this time backed up by a group of gung-ho marines, but are increasingly overpowered by the frightening creatures. Weaver is terrific as Ripley, and a strong supporting cast all play their roles with gusto. This film showed that Cameron could make a complex, large-scale film on a relatively limited budget ($17 million). A 154 minute director's cut was released later on, giving added background to Ripley, as well as more action on the alien planet. ★ The Abyss (1989) (M). 140 minutes / 171 minutes. ****. Cameron's first big budget film (an estimated $60 million, but reports indicate it was much higher) is a grand large-screen experience, about an underwater oil rig crew hired by the military to help retrieve a sunken submarine with nuclear capabilities, but find there is something else lurking deep below. Arresting location filming (it was shot in a huge, dis-used tank), convincing special effects, and a number of edge-of-the seat sequences helps gloss over some clumsy dialogue and stock-standard characters (especially the military roles), but good performances by a well-chosen cast (and a great one by Ed Harris) keeps the human factor intact. Again, Cameron released a director's cut at a later date, and this version definitely improves the film's human element, and gives the story a spectacular finale. Cameron is supposedly releasing

By Aaron Rourke this in 3D as well in the near future. ★ Terminator 2 : Judgment Day (1991) (M). 136 minutes / 152 minutes. *****. Eye-popping sequel gave audiences one of the best big-screen action films ever, and was one of the first mega-budget ($125 million) productions to be released. At least the money can be seen on screen. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the good cyborg this time, protecting a young John Connor from a new-andimproved terminator. Cameron and his talented technical crew showed us what computer animation was capable of, but also delivers some truly jaw-dropping stunts and action. Robert Patrick proved genuinely intimidating as the evil T-1000. You guessed it, an extended cut was also released (with an alternate ending), which was interesting for fans, but the theatrical cut is the best version. Like The Abyss, this is apparently getting a 3D release. ★ True Lies (1994) (M). 141 minutes. ***. Entertaining if somewhat overrated action/comedy gave us a clear indication that Cameron's technical excess was overshadowing basic foundations such as script, characterisation, and whether the story is worthy of a lengthy running time. Schwarzenegger is fun as a spy who hides his identity from his family, Tom Arnold gives his one funny performance as Arnie's partner, but the film is stolen by Bill Paxton, who is hilarious as a sleazy used-car salesman. Despite a memorable finale involving a fighter jet, this overblown film (a remake of the French film La Totale) just doesn't seem to warrant a budget of nearly $200 million. ★ Titanic (1997) (M). 194 minutes. **. One of the biggest hits of all-time, this is actually nothing more than a Mills And Boon soapie that happens to have a $300 million-plus budget. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet try, but there is not one genuine emotion in this seemingly neverending film (Cameron won his Oscar for this). A massive, genuinely amazing set, and some excellent CGI (although some has unfortunately dated) saves Titanic from being a complete, shall we say, disaster. ★

● James Cameron Avatar (2009) (M). 161 minutes. Avatar did impress and entertain on a purely visual level, but if watched in *** (Imax 3D) / ** (Standard 2D). With a budget reportedly nearing 2D on a small screen, the film's fail$500 million, this visually magnificent ings are emphasised ten-fold, with but dramatically hollow sci-fi epic numerous cliches, cardboard characshows how much James Cameron ters, and dull performances (with the has changed as a film-maker, where exception of Sigourney Weaver and technical innovation over-rides story, Stephen Lang) taking centre stage. It is also ridiculously overlong character, dialogue, and performance. On the huge Imax screen in 3D, given its simple plot.

A Night To Remember FILM: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: Genre: Drama/History. Cast: Kenneth More, Honor Blackman, Laurence Naismith, David McCallum. Year: 1958. Rating: PG. Running Time: 123 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***** Review: Without doubt, this is the quintessential version of the story and sinking of the luxury liner Titanic in the early morning hours of April the 15th, 1912, told from the standpoint of 2nd Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller, the most senior of the ill-fated ship's Deck Officers to survive the disaster. Based on the acclaimed book by Walter Lord, A Night To Remember is one of the great achievements of British cinema, a haunting, compelling, superlative semi-documentary style realization of the then known facts of the Titanic tragedy with extraordinary emotion and power without any added sentimentality in a straight forward narrative that never let's go of its firm grip for a second. Meticulously restored to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, what makes this even more special is that A Night To Remember is completely intact, as all previous versions released on DVD has a tragic but crucial scene missing, and is also released on Bluray for the first time. The superb British cast, led by Kenneth More as 2nd Officer Lightoller, are at the highpoint of their careers and each excel in their individual roles (and watch out for Sean Connery in an early pre-James Bond career role), all performances and events played out to a vividly structured screenplay by Eric Ambler under the careful, respectful and intensely controlled direction of Roy Ward Baker. Ironically, it was this very film that so overwhelmed Oscar winning director James Cameron after catching it accidentally on late night TV that it inspired him to make his multi and Best Picture Academy award winning 1997 blockbuster Titanic. A Night To Remember was a mammoth undertaking in 1958, as big a filmmaking gamble and event as big as James Cameron's Titanic was nearly four decades later, the production and set design, costumes, period detail, effects, scope and scale nothing like British cinema had seen before or rarely since. In an age [today] when the magic of the making of movies is a factory production line for making product that feeds emerging technologies, everything you see here is real, no computer generated effects, and all is revealed in an outstanding hour long documentary on the making of the film that features on both the DVD and Blu-ray. A Night To Remember is the pinnacle of British storytelling and filmmaking excellence, an exemplary, meticulously produced, poignant edgeof-your-seat tour-de-force and bona-fide classic that has no equal! - James Sherlock

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - Page 57

Victorian Rural News

Lifts and cracks, aerates and penetrates like no other implement. Use the Rehabilitator plough instead of rippers, chisel ploughs, discs, rotary hoes or power harrows.

Page 58 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Victorian Rural News

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - Page 59

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

PIERRO: WE TOLD YOU SO ■ I hope you followed our lead into the Golden Slipper when top colt, Pierro, took out the Classic. The word Pierro, thanks to Greg Irvine from Magic Millions, is named after one of the owners favorite Chardonnay's. Over recent weeks I have been talking about the striking colt from the Gai Waterhouse stables and he duly saluted on Easter Saturday after a great ride by former Victorian jockey, Nash Rawiller. In recent weeks I have been talking up the chances of Pierro, runner-up Snitzerland, and the third placegetter, favorite Victorian filly, Samaready. They were good enough to run the trifecta and return a handy $432.50 for a $6 investment boxing the three. Nash Rawiller, with a young family was getting a few mounts in Melbourne, before taking up an offer from Gai Waterhouse to be their number one rider, and he hasn't looked back. It's now history that Gai said six months ago that Pierro was an ideal Slipper horse and despite the critics having a go at her so far out, she was proved right. Gai trained her first Golden Slipper winner, Ha Ha, when he led home the trifecta for the stable, in 2001. In 2004, she saluted with Dance Hero, and then won her third slipper in 2008, with another top young galloper, Sebring. Now she has added another with a very smart colt, who is now odds on to be rested. Pierro is now valued at around $15 million. Pierro was twice sold by Magic Millions - once as a weanling for $115,000, and then for twice that figure as a Gold Coast yearling. Pierro continued the winning trend for graduates of the popular Australian based sales company. Of the last 10 Golden Slipper winners sold at auction eight of them were sold by Magic Millions through the famous Bundall sales ring on the Gold Coast. The remarkable Magic Millions streak

Observer Racing

Ted Ryan

started off in 2000, when Belle De Jour raced by John Singleton and Gerry Harvey scored the most remarkable Slipper win in history. That particular day she missed the start badly, but put up a remarkable performance to win convincingly. Pierro is a Darley bred colt by Lohnro, who is Australia's leading sire.

Brilliant ■ Popular Victorian jockey, Stephen Baster, has scored one of the biggest wins of his career, with a brilliant ride on star galloper, Mr.Big; when he guided him to victory in the $200,000 Group three Kranji over 1200 metres, in Singapore. Baster was at his best when he allowed the strong galloper to take up the running and led all the way to win easily. Mr.Big, a member of the Michael Freed-

man stable, won by just under two lengths over Ato and Masthead, who raced in Victoria, was a distant third. Michael Freedman is a member of the famous Freedman brothers, Lee and Anthony making up the treble. Michael gave the gallops way for a while, would you believe designing golf courses, but since settling down in Singapore, he is getting a lot of the horses from Anthony Freedman's team in Melbourne that don't shape up here. Lee recently announced that he was returning to race training joining the powerful Graeme Rogerson stables in Sydney. Back to Stephen, one of the nicest riders in racing, he deserves a change of luck, and it was great to see him boot home a big winner especially for Michael Freedman who has a big team in Singapore.

● Belle Du Jour Photo: Magic Millions You can't argue 20 on end, she is most Mr Big has turned out a great money spin- Black Caviar's right to likely to try fro the ner for connections be inducted in her un- Australasian record in following his purchase beaten 19 win streak Adelaide. We will know more for only $21,000 from and rated the world's shortly, when she has the Yarraman Park best sprinter. Some good judges, a jump out at Caulfield draft at the 2010 Magic Millions Yearling Sale. point to the fact that after returning after a Yet to miss a place Sunline aged six at the freshen up. One of her part in 12 starts; seven of time was inducted owners is Neil which he has won, has whilst still racing. A lot of critics say Werrett, who has put earned $646,000, in Singapore dollars they should finish their a fair bit of money into around half a million racing careers before the industry. Neil, a personal in Australian currency. being considered. Let's hope that the friend of mine for A son of brilliant sprinter Sepoy's Sire, judges get it right, and many years, is also a Elusive Quality, Mr induct our sprinting part-owner of the Golden Slipper runBig is the sole winner champion. Regarding what is ner-up, Snitzerland. to date for the unraced A couple of handy Danehill mare, Basa- happening as her next start hoping to make it horses to have racing. maat.

Black Caviar

■ At the time of going to press, representatives of the Horse Racing Hall of Fame were to decide who would be added (see Page 28). All race lovers feel that Black Caviar should be entered into the selected company after notching up her 19th win recently. Black Caviar deserves to be alongside champions of yesteryear, Phar Lap, Makybe Diva, Carbine, Tulloch, Bernborough and Kingston Town.

News Briefs 3 concerts, now 6 ■ The phones and internet pushed systems to the limit on Monday with fans eager to secure seats for the Prince – Welcome 2 Australia Tour. The first concerts in Melbourne sold out in just minutes, says publicist Julie Cavanagh.

Underbelly filming ■ Principal photography has commenced on Underbelly: Badness, the fifth installment in the landmark crime series. Shot on location in Sydney and set from 2001 - 2011, Underbelly: Badness chronicles the spider web of criminality spun by Anthony Perish and the quest by a dedicated team of police to bring him and his associates to justice.

Replica arrives ■ The Australian-built replica of Captain Cook’s Endeavour arrived in Melbourne on Monday – for its first visit in six years. The three-masted tall ship departed its overnight anchorage in Port Phillip Bay and arrived at Bolte Bridge at low tide, allowing sufficient time to lower its Top Gallant Masts so it can pass under the bridge.

Magazines closed ● Pierro

Photo: Magic Millions

■ Morrison Media has closed four magazines: Bi-monthly magazines Trail Bike Adventure and Australian Longboarding Magazine, and annual titles Snowboarder and Powder Hound have folded.

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 49

Pack Up Your Troubles Warren has received many prestigious English awards for his work as a musician, and most recently he was composer and musical director of Ella and Marilyn, the musical play written by Bonnie Greer celebrating the relationship between the two iconic divas Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald at the Stratford East theatre in London. He was also the composer for the RSC's production at the Swan Theatre and in Ottawa, Canada of The Penelopiad, based on the book by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. His solo piano performances pay tribute to the giants of piano from Bach and Beethoven, through Brubeck to Jerry Lee Lewis, and he has been described as "dazzling and electrifying" by The Guardian and with "haunting power" by the Financial Times. But for this talented musician, giving back to those less fortunate is of prime importance, and he spends much of his time working on non-commercial projects for the benefit of others. One thing is certain - Pack Up Your Troubles on Sunday, April 29 at 7pm at Glen Eira Town Hall will be one of those nights to remember and treasure. Details: www.packuptroubles.com.au Adults $25/concession $20. 0449 267 680 - Julie Houghton

More or Less Concrete ■ Arts House presents More or Less Concrete with Tim Darbyshire, from April 18 at Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall. Australian choreographer and performer, Tim Darbyshire, will lead an eclectic creative team to present the world premiere of an intriguing performance work, More or Less Concrete, that reveals the link between human movement and sound as triggers of emotion and memory. More or Less Concrete was developed over several years, including intensive-research periods through residencies at Victoria University and Dancehouse, where a series of experiments were explored between the moving body and found kinetic materials, including aluminium foil suits, harmonicas fixed to the mouth, sticky taped shoes, pizzaboxes and large metallic trash cans. Venue: Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne Season: Wednesday, April 18 – Sunday, April 22 (Q and A post show on Thursday, April 19) Time: Wed - Fri, 7.30pm; Sat 3pm and 7.30pm; Sun, 5pm. Duration: 50 minutes no interval. ■ From Page 56

Top 10 Lists NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE DAME EDNA EXPERIENCE: Series 2. AN AUDIENCE WITH DAME EDNA EVERAGE: The Complete Collection. DIANNA RIGG AT THE BBC. THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: Season One. TITANIC: 100th Anniversary Compilation [Documentary]. CSI MIAMI: Season 8. ALLY McBEAL: The Complete Series. ROYAL UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS: Burghley House to Waddesdon Manor. TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part One [Drama/Fantasy/Robert Pattinson]. 2. PUSS IN BOOTS 2D, 3D + DVD [Animated/Family/Antonio Banderas, Selma Hayek]. 3. MONEYBALL [Drama/Sport/Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman]. 4. ATTACK THE BLOCK [Comedy/Sci-Fi/Action/Jodie Whittaker, Nick Frost]. 5. NEW YEAR'S EVE [Comedy/Romance/ Halle Berry, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro].

Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

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Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Easily assumed control ■ Doreen owner/breeders John and Christine Yeomans were successful with promising Bettors Delight/Red Hot Rita filly Im Smouldering in the Capital Mutual 2-Y-0 (Fillies) Pace over 2180 metres at Kilmore on Wednesday (April 11). Trained by John with the assistance of Shane Gallagher, Im Smouldering (gate four) led out before being crossed by Rogers Passion (gate six), with Gavin Lang immediately easing round the leader to assume control. Driven to perfection, Im Smouldering proved too strong for Rogers Passion along the sprint lane in a rate of 2-02.7, with Craig Turnbull's Pressplay out wide close up in third place.

Hat-tick of wins ■ Parwan trainer/driver Allan McDonough's Western Terror/Classy Dream gelding Classy Western brought up a hat-trick of wins by taking the Hanson Cleaning Pace for C0 class over 2180 metres at Kilmore. Starting from the extreme draw, McDonough wasted no time in sending Classy Western forward to take over after the hot favourite Seven Ounce began badly from the pole. Travelling under a tight rein throughout, Classy Western scored easily in advance of True Happiness, with Seven Ounce a most unlucky third. The mile rate 2-01.5.

Sprint lane used ■ Another Kilmore winner was Ardmona trainer/ driver Doc Wilson's honest 5-Y-0 Awaba/Countess Of Belora 5-Y-0 gelding Black Doug in the Rose, Wine & Racing Festival April 29 Pace for C2 class over 2180 metres. Given a sweet passage from the pole trailing the speedy Manningham Park drawn next to him, Black Doug through the agency of the sprint lane gained the day in advance of Lifes A Lombo which followed him all of the way, with Manningham Park weakening for third. The mile rate 2-01.2.

Seized the day ■ Nagambie's Chris Lang has 5-Y-0 Kadabra/Africa mare Amelia Darling going great guns at present and landed the E.B. Cochran Cup 21st April Trotters Handicap at Kilmore with her. Given a lovely passage from barrier two trailing the polemarker Orlandos Dream, Amelia Darling was taken wide approaching the home turn, running on strongly to gain the day in advance of Orlandos Dream and Sir Pegasus in a rate of 2-06.1.■ Friday - Yarra Valley/Melton, ■ Saturday - Kilmore, ■ Sunday - Geelong, ■ Monday - Horsham, ■ Tuesday - Wangaratta@Shepparton.

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SENSATIONAL MILDURA CUP ■ A tremendous field lined up for the 2012 edition of the Park Douglas Printing $50,000 (Group 2) Mildura Pacing Cup for M0 or better class over 2600 metres on Saturday (April 14) . What a race it was, with victory going to much improved ex-Kiwi 5-Y-0 Badlands Hanover/Sheza Trick gelding Heza Trick, giving owners Eric and Heather Anderson under the banner of Anderson Racing their second cup victory in four years, having previously scored with Bold Cruiser in 2009. Trained at the Anderson's Strathfieldsaye property by son-inlaw Glenn Douglas, Heza Trick with brother Daryl in the sulky was taken off the gate (barrier five) to possie three back in the moving line, with Toulouse Lautrec burning away from gate four to lead from the rank outsider Thats Mister Ali (gate six). Favourite Abettorpunt was quickly eased away from an awkward second line draw to trail Heza Trick in the early stages, with reinsman Caleb Lewis electing to move forward in the middle stages to park outside the pacemaker. The action really started to hot up racing for the bell, when Glenn Douglas urged the bonny mare and stablemate of the winner Make Mine Cullen forward from last to park in the open, with ‘Dasher’ letting Heza Trick loose to death-seat for the final circuit. Applying plenty of pressure to Toulouse Lautrec in the back straight on the final occasion, Heza Trick raced away on straightening to score by a margin of 7.3 metres over last year's runner-up Lets Slash An Burn which gained inside runs on turning from three back the markers when Wartime Sweetheart trailing the leader shifted away from the marker line, with Abettorpunt (four wide home turn) a nose away in third place and Make Mine Cullen fourth. In quarters of 30.1, 31.1, 28.4 and 28.7 for the last mile after a lead time of 75.7 seconds out of the gate, Heza Trick returned a mile rate of 2-00.1 for the journey, 1.9 seconds outside Safari's record set in 2007. It was a super night Team Douglas who also scored with Stirling Charmer in the $17,500 Loddon Valley Stud Free For All, while Daryl chalked up four winners for the evening, the other two being Dallas Valentino (trainer Mick Cirillo - Swan Hill) in the

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Sunraysia Daily Pace and Well Oiled Lombo (Murray Jardine Ouyen) in the Quality Hotel Mildura Grand Pace. Top Melbourne reinsman Greg Sugars also enjoyed a happy night after winning the $15,000Tankard Dental Mildura Guineas aboard Top Tamba and the $25,000 Mark Gurry & Associates Cup Final for C4 to C8 class with Our Arlington. Top Tamba (D M Dilinger/Miss Philpotts) trained at Romsey by popular Leigh Miles for wife Alison, was sent forward from the extreme draw to park outside The Ole Buckeroo in the 2190 metre feature, before drawing clear on straightening and defying a late finish by Our Walden Bury (one/one) to score by a head in 2-01.5, with The Ole Buckeroo weakening to finish third 6.3 metres away. Former New Zealand 4-Y-0 Washington Vc/ People's Princess gelding Our Arlington was very strong in his victory. Trained at Bannockburn (Geelong area) by Geoff Webster, Our Arlington wasn't pushed from outside the front row, with Sugars giving him time to find his feet before moving forward to park outside another of the Douglas runners Timeless Era. Keeping the leader honest in the last lap, Our Arlington outstayed his rivals to lead on straightening and record a 2.3 metre victory over Arber which trailed the leader, easing three wide on turning, with Timeless Era a further two metres away in third place. Raced by Ron Anderson, Neil Richmond and Garth Allen all from the Geelong district, Our Arlington recorded his 9th victory in 21 outings (18 in Australia).

Carnival ■ Victoria's biggest provincial carnival - Mildura Cup Week commenced on Tuesday April 10, featuring two heats of the Park Douglas Printing Mildura Pacing Cup, supplemented by several other heats of races catering for all classes, including the Mark Gurry &Associates Cup for C4 to C8 class over 2190 metres and the Tankard Dental Mildura Guineas for Three Year Olds over the same journey. Heat one of the Pacing Cup was taken out by the Lance Justice (Melton) trained and Leigh Sutton driven 5-Y-0 Mcardle/Titan Bloss gelding Toulouse Lautrec raced by Adelaide's Colin Croft of Sokyola fame. Driven with aggression from the pole to hold out Thats Mister Ali (gate four) running into the first turn, Toulouse Lautrec then had to defy a challenge from the second elect Lets Slash An Burn ($3.20) from outside the front row, then the bonny mare Make Mine Cullen ($2.00 fav) who was sent forward from the extreme draw to park in the open mid-race. Kicking clear approaching the home turn, Toulouse Lautrec defied all challengers in defeating Lets Slash An Burn by 6.9 metres, with Make Mile Cullen a further 4 metres away in third place. With quarters of 30.9, 32.1, 28.9 and 28.4 for the final mile after a lead time of 72.5 seconds, Toulouse Lautrec returned a mile rate of 1-59.3 for the 2600 metre trip. Others to qualify for Saturday's Final were Fourmoor which trailed the winner and the local Bet Your Life (three back the markers).

■ Trotters are only seen in Sunraysia at carnival time and the VSTA Trotters Cup for T0 to T4 class over 2600 metres was taken out by 6-Y-0 Straphanger/Marnie Kaye gelding Flowover for veteran South Australian part-owner/trainer/driver Marcus Hearl. Coming from a solo 40 metre backmark, Flowover gradually made ground to be five back along the markers, with the three favourites Brylin Crescent, Candy Digger and Bella Swan all breaking gait at some stage and the rank outsider The Final Cut leading from the pole. Let loose down the back straight on the final occasion, Flowover joined the pacemaker on straightening and finished best to defeat him by 2.1 metres in 2-07.4, with Candy Digger recovering to finish third, albeit 8.4 metres from the winner.

Vince, Damian honoured ■ Bolinda trainer Vince Vallelonga and reinsman Damian Wilson took the honours for the night on Thursday with a stable treble - Doves Patch, Fiery Count and Find Time To Cruise. Doves Patch, a 6-Y-0 daughter of Washington Vc and Little White Dove was sent forward from the extreme draw to park outside the leader Beau Ciel, before outstaying her rivals to land the Robert J Shaw's Paint Place Pace for C1 & C2 class (mares) over 2190 metres in accounting for the pacemaker and Montana Madge which trailed the front runner in a mile rate of 2-03.9.

Cosy passage from Gate 2 ■ Five year old Courage Under Fire/Make Em Count gelding Fiery Count snared the VHRSC Pace for C3 to C5 class over 2190 metres in a rate of 203.4. Given a cosy passage from gate two trailing the speedy Superstar Xpress (gate six), Fiery Count was eased three wide at the straight entrance and ran home best to defeat a death-seating Dakota Rebel, with The Evangelist (one/one) third.

Greeted the judge ■ Falcon Seelster/Nitouche Franco five year old Find Time To Cruise greeted the judge in the Irymple Hotel Motel Pace for C0 class (mares) over 2190 metres, returning a mile rate of 2-03.9. Despite racing in the open for most of the journey from gate two on the second line with the leader La Bouche (gate two) racing fiercely on debut, Find Time To Cruise dashed away approaching the home turn to win in a breeze over Seca Dream which trailed the leader, easing three wide on the final bend, with Redrumandruskies (one/one) third.

Led throughout ■ One of the most popular victories on the night was Broken Hill visitor Rockets Revenge in the Fishers Supermarkets Pace for C0 class over 2190 metres. Trained by Paul (Freckles) Evans and driven by Ellen Tormey, Rockets Revenge (Pacific Rocket/ Ok Joy) led throughout from gate five to score from All Charged Up off a three wide trail last lap and Lifebeginsatfifty which faced the open. The mile rate 2-02.4.

Enjoyed the run ■ Long Forest pair Maree and John Caldow were winners at Kilmore, when Blissful Hall/Profiteer 5-Y-0 gelding Red Blister scored in the Cool Rooms galore Pacers Handicap for C3 or better class over 2150 metres in a slick 2-03.9. Enjoying the run of the race from barrier three trailing Bressingham, Red Blister ran home best to gain the day in advance of Valiant Lustre and Flash Of Freedom in a mile rate of 2-03.9.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - Page 61

Melbourne Buying Guide

Page 62 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 18, 2012

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Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

DEMONS SIGN NEW MAJOR SPONSOR

■ The Melbourne Football Club has secured Australia’s online travel agent Webjet as its joint major sponsor. Webjet will feature on the front of Melbourne’s guernsey and its training apparel. CEO Cameron Schwab said it was a great result for the club. “At a time when the club has experienced a challenging period, this announcement is a great fillip,” he said. “Webjet are a great Australian success story, and have built a fantastic brand and are ambitious as to their future growth. “The Melbourne Football Club can now play a key role in relation to this. “The partnership with Webjet puts us back on track from a commercial perspective. We were faced with a challenging situation, but we would never compromise our integrity. “Webjet has seen the opportunity and we are delighted with the association.” Webjet Managing Director, John Guscic, said the new partnership was a great outcome for both parties and an opportunity for Melbourne members and supporters to “take advantage of all our great travel offers. We see it as a fantastic association. “Webjet has mass appeal and it’s great to be involved with an iconic brand such as Melbourne Football Club,” he said. “Melbourne Football Club is part of the sporting fabric of Australian society and we look forward to connecting with all Melbourne supporters. “The relationship with Melbourne Football Club is part of our ongoing marketing campaign for Webjet, which is the No.1 online travel agent in Australia.” Guscic said Webjet was expanding its business, with customers now offered a massive range of booking choices in both flights and hotels “Webjet always wants to provide the best quality and range of travel products for our customers.” The MCG scoreboard and boundary will feature Webjet signage for every AFL match this season, from round four. Webjet will also gain prominence via the club’s digital advertising and corporate hospitality, plus Melbourne’s media backdrop.

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel Letter from the West From Austin Robertson Hi Harry, Salutations from the West. I enjoy getting your stuff each week and I was fascinated in the last editorial on the explanation for umpires to correctly bounce the ball. With all those crosses and alignment necessary, sometimes in front of 80,000 screaming fans, could it be too much for some umpires to handle? (With your ‘set-shots’you were meticulous in your ‘alignment’ technique. HB) It's almost as though you need a degree in physics, or at least a plumbob to sort it out. In the Geelong-Hawthorn epic, because of the state of the ground, the umps were tossing the ball in the air. Immediately, the centre bouncedowns and those at the stoppages, were cleaner, very little jostling between rival ruckmen, a fair contest for both teams, and, it opened the game up and made it faster. Isn't this what the AFL are after? (Of course and that is why the 3m distance rule used in the NAB Cup was such a success. HB) Also, with the bouncing of the ball all over the ground, even on a dry day, it seems to me there is a problem because of the varying heights the ball

About Austin Robertson ■ Above is a letter from Austin Robertson Jnr (son of Austalia’s world champion sprinter and Swans champion player 1927-37). Allow me to add Austin Jnr came to South Melbourne in 1966 and played 18 games kicked 60 gls, returned to WA and topped the WAFL goal kicking from 1968 to 72 incl 157 in 1968. He, like Peter Hudson was deadly accurate. ‘Ocker’, obviously from his remarks above didn’t use the imaginary ‘crosses’ but he always lined his kick up with head over the ball, the perfect drop onto his boot and a strong follow through with a straight, extended leg. Like umpires bouncing it starts with the head over the ball! Now ‘Ocker’ wants to know why I favour the retention of the bounce by umpires – simple. Take a newcomer to our game and the first unique feature he sees is the bounce. In my time with the one umpire we not only had to master the straight bounce but also catch the offending rucks with illegal shepherding. Today one of the ‘bouncer’s’ colleagues pays these frees plus there is the line across the centre circle to keep the combatants apart until the ball hits the ground. The ‘crosses’ formula is simple – one in centre of forehead, one on centre top and bottom of the ball and all lined up with the one where the ball hits the ground! Bingo! ‘Ocker’ should be used in the AFL to help forwards in the art of ‘consistently, converting’ goal opportunities.

will bounce, because no surface is really the same. Why not make it constant by throwing the ball up? I know football is a game of traditions, and we are thankful for that, but it is also a myth that these traditions are impervious to change. If umps threw the ball up, it would sort everything out I reckon, including the continual embarrassment for umpires who can't handle it. (‘Ocker’, you are being charitable to the profession - and the ‘professional’ umpire who has had to workon and conquer the art. The players work on the art of dribbling and curving the ball through the big sticks for the ‘miracle’goals. With practice and hard work the skill can be achieved. HB) Harry, for publication in the Subiaco Post, the paper I write for, could you give me your thoughts on why you think it necessary to preserve the 'bounce' as a part of our game? Mate, I hope you are well. As I said I enjoy getting your stuff each week. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Ocker

My view on the bounce ■ In respect to umps bouncing the ball straight. The key is the flat bottom of the ball must be in perfect sync with the ground surface and the ball held balanced each end by the hands. In Umpire Jacob Mollison’s bouncing going to the right is caused by his right hand being ‘finitely’ in front of his left and is stronger in the downward movement. Everything must be in perfect balance and alignment. In ‘Simple Simon Says’ language “IMAGINE” you have a cross drawn in the middle of your forehead, similar crosses on the top and bottom in the middle of the ball and a cross on the ground where you are going to bounce the ball – now line those crosses up starting with your head cross over the ball crosses and it must go straight up. It will save you embarrassment and losing confidence. It all starts with that first bounce!

Mifsud, Davey statement ■ Aaron Davey and Jason Mifsud met to mediate issues arising from

comments published by Grant Thomas on ninemsn. Aaron and Jason had a discussion a few weeks ago. Both have different recollections of the conversation which gave rise to a misunderstanding. Based on his discussion with Aaron Davey, Jason now accepts that Aaron didn’t say the words that were published by Grant Thomas and Jason has apologised to Aaron for putting him in the situation where those words were published. “I have apologised to Aaron personally for the distress this has caused him and his family and I am pleased we were able to fully discuss the matter,” Jason Mifsud said. Aaron said he was pleased to get together with Jason to resolve this issue. Aaron said Jason is a man who he trusts and respects and he looks forward to working with Jason to advance the opportunity for indigenous people in the future. “Clearly there was a misunderstanding following my conversation with Jason a couple of weeks ago. “Jason is a man I trust and respect and I look forward to working with him in the future,” Aaron Davey said. “Importantly we were guided by the appropriate cultural protocols that upholds the integrity and values of indigenous people,” Aaron and Jason said. Jason Mifsud added: “Following this morning’s meeting with Aaron, I am now looking forward to continuing in my role with the AFL”. The Melbourne Football Club said it fully supported the mediation process that was undertaken. “Importantly, this has provided the opportunity to bring this matter to a close for Aaron, Mark Neeld and the Club," Melbourne Football Club CEO Cameron Schwab said. AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou said the AFL was pleased that Jason Mifsud and Aaron Davey had met each other, and had talked this issue through to a resolution. The AFL now considers the matter to be closed

New role for Dermott Brereton ■ Greater Western Sydney General Manager of Football Operations, GraemeAllan, said DermottBrereton, a five time Hawthorn premiership player, would work in a part-time capacity with the Giants forwards. “We are delighted that somebody of Dermott’s vast experience and knowledge has agreed to help tutor our young players,” Allan said. “Dermott is widely acknowledged as one of the finest players of his generation. A tough, skilful performer who excelled in big matches and we believe he will be a great teacher for our young forwards.”

Round 4 Friday, April 20 St Kilda vs. Fremantle (ES) (N) Saturday, April 21 Carlton vs. Essendon (MCG) Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide (ES) Adelaide Crows vs. GWS Giants (AS) (T) West Coast Eagles vs. Hawthorn (PS) (N) Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast Suns (G) (N) Sunday, April 22 Geelong Cats vs. Richmond (SS) (E) Sydney Swans vs. North Melbourne (SCG) Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs (MCG) (T)

Brereton said he was excited about the challenge of working with the AFL’s 18th and newest team. “There’s no doubt there is a lot of promising young talent at the Giants and I hope I can help them as they embark on their AFL careers,” he said. Brereton played 211 games and kicked 464 goals for Hawthorn, Sydney Swans and Collingwood in a career spanning 14 years. A member of the Hawthorn Team of the Century, he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

‘Live at the footy’

■ The AFL and Southern Cross Austereo have announced that live music is returning to AFL matches in 2012. Live At The Footy will feature both emerging and established artists over 13 Saturday nights at the MCG and Etihad Stadium. Performances will take place during the pre-match or at halftime. AFL General Manager Strategy and Marketing Andrew Catterall said Live At The Footy will build an authentic and lasting connection between Australia’s game and Australian music. “Musicians, punters and players alike share a common passion for the game and their music. We are lucky to have partners in Southern Cross Austereo, Channel 7 and Frontier Touring, plus our clubs and stadium managers, who are willing to help us build this connection, and to help us provide opportunities for emerging and established Australian artists to promote their talents to a broader audience. “Jointly, we think Saturday nights in Melbourne is the natural spot to do it,” Mr Catterall said. Ben Amarfio, General Manager, Southern Cross Austereo Melbourne said Live At The Footy was an opportunity to combine both footy and music. “Triple M has been the exclusive FM radio partner of the AFL for over 14 seasons and our whole pitch is about producing an entertaining call that appeals primarily to our core audience – people under 55. “As an FM broadcaster, when we’re not calling the footy we are passionate about being the home of the best in rock music. “So, to be able to finally combine our two passions - footy and rock music - is a dream come true for us. And to be able to promote home-grown talent is an even greater thrill for us. “Triple M together with Radar Music will rock football all season long with our ‘Live At The Footy’ series of events at Saturday night matches this year. “

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Travel: Northern Territory

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