Melbourne Observer. 120321C. March 21, 2012. Part C

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - Page 55

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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio Confidential: Caro in line for award ... Page 58 Independent Theatre: Increased coverage ........ Page 57 The Spoiler: For those who have lost the plot ....... Page 58 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 62 Cheryl Threadgold: Community, Independent Theatre .... Page 61 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

GREEN ROOM WINNERS Guess where I’m going for my birthday party

Dancer launches Kingsville firm ● Di Rolle’s column, continued from Page 10

● Dancer Sean McGrath’s dog, ‘Louie’ ■ Each cover is cut individually and all dog beds are stamped with a unique number making them one of a kind.

Kingsville Recycled Furnishings offer quality, stylish, innovative products that are locally made and environmentally sound.

Unique scatter cushions, floor cushions, dogs beds, leads and collars in a range of sizes and styles with exciting new products to come.

All cut and constructed by hand in Kingsville, Melbourne. Kingsville Recycled Furnishing is both locally owned and operated, using local materials. (And Louie loves his new bed) “In the years leading up to the beginnings of Kingsville I worked for the most part on stage,” says Sean.

“As a professionally trained actor, singer and dancer I worked on numerous music theatre productions such as Cats, Chicago, The Producers, Priscilla The Musical and also in film and television.

“During this time I also learned to paint, draw and sew.

Following several injuries and needing a change in direction, I pursued work in other areas including backstage management for several fashion festivals and in interior design with former Herman & Herman designer. Christopher Elliott,” Sean said “I have been an advocate for environmental and animal causes for many years giving to Oxfam and WWF for almost 10 years.

“My aim is to encapsulate all that I love and to pay forward the environmental messages I have learned.

Kingsville Recycled Furnishings is reshaping existing materials, offering quality, innovative product alternatives that are locally made and are environmentally sound.”

Sean added. www.kingsvillefurnishings.com.au ■ Mike Munro is no longer part of the Sunday Night program hosted by Chris Bath, according to an exclusive story at the TV Tonight website.

■ Hamish MacDonald (Ten), Hugh Riminton (Ten), Matt Moran (Ten) and the ABC’s correspondent in Japan, Mark Willacy, have been nominated for the Graham Perkin Journalist of the Year Award.

■ Greg Evans devoted his entire morning breakfast radio program (3SR FM, Goulburn Valley) on Friday to anti-bullying. Producer Mandy Turner said 10 guests appeared on the show.

● Green Room Lifetime Achievement Award winner John Romeril received his award from Max Gillies ■ Contemporary Australian playwright John Romeril was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Melbourne theatre identity Max Gillies at the Green Room Awards held at The Playhouse, Arts Centre, on Sunday.

Gillies, a close friend, worked with Romeril at The Pram Factory.

A Technical Achievement Award was posthumously awarded to Technician, Production/Stage Manager, Designer and Teacher Dori Dragon-Bicchierai.

Many techs were in attendance recognising Dori's enormous contribution to both commercial/mainstream and fringe/independent theatre in Melbourne over a number of decades.

The Awards celebrate excellence on the professional stage in Melbourne. The Green Room Awards Association recognises the world-class cabaret, dance, musical theatre, opera and theatre productions that grace Melbourne’s stages every year, and awards outstanding work in these industries.

Malthouse Theatre was singl;e biggest winner on the day with nine awards if you count body of work recipients Iain Grandage and Anna Cordingly.

Meow Meow's Little Match Girl (Malthouse Theatre in association with Meow Meow Revolution) cleaned up in the cabaret section with four awards.

Back to Back Theatre's controversial Ganesh Versus The Third Reich took three awards at the weekend. It had encountered Hindu backlash when staged.

Opera Australia scored six awards, with the majority of them for their acclaimed production Of Mice and Men. The Victorian Opera took three awards. Vic Opera was also nominated as part of dance co-production with Chunky.

Australian Ballet received three awards, and Chunky Move was recognised with two.

In musical theatre, Rock of Ages celebrated with five honours, and Love Never Dies claimed four.

La Mama took six, including three for Angus Cerini's Save For Crying. ★★★★★ Alternative & Hybrid Outstanding Production: Taxi (D & Associates / Big West Festival) Conceptual Realisation: At the Sans Hotel (Nicola Gunn / La Mama) Ensemble Performance: Ganesh Versus the Third Reich (Back to Back Theatre / Malthouse Theatre / Melbourne Festival) Design Integration: Special (The Rabble / La Mama) Mise-en-Scene: Taxi (D & Associates / Best West Festival) Cabaret Outstanding Production: Little Match Girl (Malthouse Theatre in association with Meow Meow Revolution) Artiste: Meow Meow, Little Match Girl (Malthouse Theatre in association with Meow Meow Revolution) Musical Direction: Iain Grandage, Little Match Girl (Malthouse Theatre in association with Meow Meow Revolution) Original Songs: Geraldine Quinn, You're the Voice: Songs for the Ordinary by an Anthemaniac & The Last Gig in Melbourne (Geraldine Quinn) Director: Marion Potts, Little Match Girl (Malthouse Theatre in association with Meow Meow Revolution) Contribution to Cabaret: Finucane & Smith ● Turn To Page 57

● Nick Cody, comedian ■ Nick Cody could be a full forward for the AFL, a strong looking charismatic Aussie guy with a great sense of humour, red hair and a smile to die for.

He is instead a comedian and a very funny guy. I urge you all to go to his show during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, called Sinful Thinking it’s bound to be a lot of fun.

Art, culture, politics, none of these things interest Nick.

He prefers the simple pleasures in life, like getting pranked by a Thai lady-boy or his pet budgie swearing for the first time.

After sold-out performances at the last two Melbourne Comedy Festivals, Nick Cody is back with a brand new hour of his hilariously irreverent and self-deprecating standup.

I love him, you will love him … just leave your morals at home.

The Herald Sun did write last year about Nick, there is something a little bit humbling about a comedian who, at the end of the show, makes sure he individually thanks every person for coming.

I like that and he is only 24 years old.“Charismatic, selfdeprecating and warm …. The crowd absolutely loved him: - said Chortle UK – that is a great review!

‘Uncontrollably laugh-out-loud funny “ 4 stars – the Herald Sun You may have heard him on Nova’s Hughesy and Kate and seen on Studio A. Nick will be appearing at Softbelly Bar, 367 Little Bourke St, Melbourne with previews commencing on March 29! My birthday – so guess where I will be going!

Show starts at 9.30pm.

Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au (Sundays at 8.30pm) His shows run to April 22 – no shows Monday.

- Di Rolle

Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Places To Go

Mosq Restaurant Shop 2, 60 Bray Street, South Yarra. 0420 362 105 ....................................................................................................

With Moroccan lanterns throwing intricate patterns on the wall, intimate alcoves and straight-from-Marrakesh furniture, exoticism here is served with a whopping side of glamour.

Diners can lounge on a day bed amid all this opulence and pick at Middle Eastern tapas and cocktails, enjoy a large range of local craft beer or suck on a fruity flavoured shisha pipe.

Group bookings are supported.

Bar and restaurant open Monday-Sunday.

E-Mail: info@mosq.net.au www.mosq.net.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

ShowBiz!

Observer Showbiz

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - Page 57

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

Green Room Awards Winners’ List - From Page 55

● Emma Clark, Samantha Hagen, Ellen Sutton, Francine Cain from the Rock of Ages cast.

Photo: Gavin D Andrew Dance Principal Male: Anthony Dean Griffey (Lennie Small), Betty Pounder Award for Choreography: Gideon Of Mice and Men (Opera Australia) Obarzanek, Assembly (Chunky Move / Victorian Op- Principal Female: Jacqueline Dark (Donna Elvira), Don era, presented by Melbourne Festival in association Giovanni (Opera Australia) with Sydney Festival & Brisbane Festival) Supporting Male: Bradley Daley (Curley), Of Mice Design: Toni Maticevski (Costumes), Richard Nylon and Men (Opera Australia) (Millinery), Matthew Bird (Nest Design & Backdrop), Supporting Female: Suzanne Johnston (Mrs Herring), Gavin Brown (Curtain Design) & Benjamin Cisterne Albert Herring (Victorian Opera) (Lighting), Aviary (Phillip Adams BalletLab in asso- Certificate Award (not in the program/not a trophy): ciation with Melbourne Festival) Ongoing Standard of Excellence: Orchestra Victoria Sound and Music Composition and/or Performance: Theatre (Companies) TIE BETWEEN: Lighting: Nick Schlieper, Baal (Malthouse Theatre / Cast of Assembly (Live Performance), Assembly Sydney Theatre Company) (Chunky Move / Victorian Opera presented by Melbourne Festival in association with Sydney Festi- Set/Costume: Anna Cordingley, Body of Work Sound/Composition: Iain Grandage, Body of Work val & Brisbane Festival) Female Actor: Zahra Newman (Performer), Random AND Soloists and Victorian Opera Chorus & Orchestra (Real TV / Melbourne Theatre Company / Brisbane Victoria (Live Performance), Requiem (The Austra- Powerhouse / Sydney Opera House) Male Actor: Robert Menzies (Performer), The End lian Ballet) Male Dancer: Luke George, Body of Work (Luke (Malthouse Theatre / Belvoir) George / Jo Lloyd / Phillip Adams BalletLab in asso- Direction: Bruce Gladwin, Ganesh Versus the Third Reich (Back to Back Theatre / Malthouse Theatre / ciation with Melbourne Festival) Female Dancer: Kirsty Martin, The Merry Widow (The Melbourne Festival) Production: Ganesh Versus the Third Reich (Back to Australian Ballet) Back Theatre / Malthouse Theatre / Melbourne FestiEnsemble: Concerto (The Australian Ballet) Concept & Realisation: Becky, Jodi & John (Becky val) Theatre (Independent) Hilton, Jodi Melnick & John Jesperse / John Jesperse Male Performer: Ben Grant (Alfie) Save for Crying Company and Dancehouse) Music Theatre (doubletap / La Mama) Direction: Kristin Hanggi, Rock of Ages Female Performer: Marta Kaczmarek (Masha), Cafe Design: Gabriella Tylesova (Costumes & Set), Love Scheherazade (fortyfivedownstairs) Never Dies Ensemble: After all this (Elbow Room / Melbourne Lighting: Nick Schlieper, Love Never Dies Fringe - Dear Patti Smith) Sound: TIE BETWEEN: Design: Sebastian Peters Lazaro & Ellen Strasser (Set Peter Hylenski, Rock of Ages Design & Construction), Undine (Four Larks) AND Lighting Design: Richard Vabre, Small Odysseys Mick Potter, Love Never Dies (Rawcus / Arts House) Choreography: Kelly Devine, Rock of Ages Sound/Composition: Mat Diafos Sweeney (Music Musical Direction: Guy Simpson, Love Never Dies Composition & Direction), Undine (Four Larks) Female Artist Leading Role: Pamela Rabe, Grey Gar- Direction: TIE BETWEEN: dens Marcel Dorney, After all this (Elbow Room / Melbourne Male Artist Leading Role: Brent Hill, Rock of Ages Fringe /-Dear Patti Smith) Ensemble or Full Ensemble Performance: AND TIE BETWEEN: Laurence Strangio, Six Characters in Search of an AuThe Ensemble, Rock of Ages thor... (La Mama) AND Production: Save for Crying (doubletap / La Mama) The Cast of Flower Children Association Awards Male Artist Featured Role: Matt Hetherington, Next To Lifetime Achievement Award: John Romeril Normal Female Artist Featured Role: Emma Jones, The Hatpin Technical Achievement Award: Dori Dragon Bicchierai New Writing for the Australian Stage: Angus Cerini, Certificate Award (not in the program/not a trophy): Outstanding Support for New Australian Musical Save for Crying (doubletap / La Mama) Certificate Awards (not in the program/not a trophy): Theatre: Magnormos Outstanding Contribution to the Melbourne Stage: Opera Direction: Bruce Beresford, Of Mice and Men (Opera Anna McCrossin-Owen AND Australia) Debbie Phyland Production: Of Mice and Men (Opera Australia) Conductor: Tom Woods, Of Mice and Men (Opera Outstanding Contribution to the Melbourne Stage: Nigel Poulton (fight choreographer) Australia)

AWAKE AT LA MAMA

■ La Mama and A Quiet Little Fox present Awake from March 21-April 1 at the La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street Carlton.

In a land screaming for water, a woman slowly dies from lack of sleep.

In idyllic green suburbia, a man and a woman struggle to preserve their world in the wake of his debilitating amnesia.

Based on horrifyingly true cases, Awake crafts a tale where the unexplainable suffering of one’s closest and dearest is told with devastating warmth and humour.

Written and directed by Fleur Kilpatrick, the 12-month development of Awake has culminated with its premiere at the 2012 Adelaide Fringe Festival, followed almost immediately by the La Mama season.

The cast includes Justin Batchelor, Kristina Benton, Joanne Sutton and Alex Roe. Performances: March 21 – April 1Times: Wed, Fri 8.30pm, Thu, Sat 6.30pm and Sun 4.30pm Running time: 50 minutes La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton Tickets: $25 Full,| $15 ConcessionTickets available online: www.lamama.com.au or via the La Mama Booking line: 9347 6142.

A Little Room ■ The Living Room Theatre presents A Little Room until March 24 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Writer/maker/performer and company founder Michelle St Anne artistically integrates film images and music with dialogue, as A Little Room tells of three women sharing the joys and agony of new and lost love.

The intriguing layers to this production’s narrative are at times open to individual interpretation.

St Anne notes in the program that it is her ‘slow meditation into grief’.

One thing for certain is that the cast comprises four highly skilled actors including Susan Miller (The Narrator), Gabrielle Quin (Miss Place), Kate Gorman (Lana) and Michelle St Anne (Betty).

The cast’s slow, impressively controlled movements are beautifully presented as the women’s stories unfold and Kate Gorman’s brief but tuneful vocal rendition is good too.

Independent Theatre

by Cheryl Threadgold Michelle StAnne is indeed a highly talented ‘maker’ whose superb direction of A Little Room is strikingly complimented by Kris Chainey’s lighting and Jared Lewis’s film/sound design and original music compositions.

Congratulations to Michelle on receiving an Australia Council of the Arts grant to write the company’s next work and for courageously exploring new theatrical territory.

Tickets: $32/$25.

Bookings: 9662 9966 or www. fortyfivedownstairs.com

Ad Nauseam ■ La Mama and Attic Erratic present Ad Nauseam: A Night of Infidelity from March 21 to April 1 at La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St., Carlton.

Ad Nauseam is a mesmerising monologue following one man’s journey through the streets and bars of an unkind city into the dark recesses of his desire.

Developed over several years by writer/composer Tom Pitts (Melbourne Fringe Awards Special Commendation 2010, Best Emerging Writer), Ad Nauseam is crafted from poetic language , with a musical score of waltz and rock, seducing and repelling the audience in equal amounts as the protagonist's night comes together into one big heap: the lights and rain, the oil, the beauty and the ashes.

The cast includes Nicholas Bendall with Trelawney Edgar and Grace Travaglia.

Performance Season: March 21 – April 1Times: Wed, Fri, Sun 6.30pm, Thu, Sat 8.30pm.

Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St., Carlton.

Running time: 60 minutes Tickets: $25 Full, $15 Concession Bookings: Online www.lamama. com.au or 347 6142

● Nicholas Bendall in Ad Nauseum A Night of Infidelity at La Mama Courthouse, Carlton.

Page 58 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Observer Showbiz

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Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

CARO NOMINATED FOR TOP AWARD

Country Crossroads

3AW PRESENTERS IN LINE FOR QUILL AWARDS

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

Rob Foenander

ALAN IS JUST KIDDING

■ Well renowned Australian singer-songwriter Alan Caswell has released his first children’s album titled Just Kidding.

The collection contains songs co-written with Don Spencer, Drew McAlister, Kaylee Bell and Mick Hamilton.

"Most people think that children's music is a separate genre… I see it as quality songs for really intelligent people who just happen to be eight years old. “ write country music and I am as proud of these songs as any I have written." Alan says.

More info: www.allancaswell.com

THE WINNERS CD

■ The Australian Country Music Association has released the 2012 Winners CD for country music fans.

The CD is a compilation of songs from the both the many winners and finalists of the prestigious Golden Guitar awards from over the years and is the 20th release in the series.

Total sales of the series to date exceed 470,000 units. The CD is available at all music retailers.

COUNTRY FUNDRAISER

● Caroline Wilson ■ 3AW journalist Caroline Wilson, who appears on Nine’s Footy Classified, and 3AW morning host, Neil Mitchell, have been nominated for the Quill Awards run by the Melbourne Press Club.

Mitchell is a former President of the Club.

Winners will be announced at the Quill Awards Dinner on Friday (March 23) at Crown Palladium.

Talk Radio, is thin. Melbourne-based Pacific Star Network, and Sydney-based Macquarie Radio Network continue to ‘mop up’ after the MTR 1377 experiment, rumoured to have cost more than $15 million over two years.

Rob Loewenthal has taken over as Macquarie Managing Dircetor. Executive Chairman Russell Tate said Jack Singleton and Kate Thompson had also joined the company board.

Re-shuffle at Macquarie ■ Public knowledge of negotiations between the partners in the now-closed Mebourne

● Jack Singleton

MUSIC STORE CLOSES

■ Retailer ,the Country Music Store, is set to close following the announcement that owner Ron Adsett is retiring.

For many years, the Store was the only specialist country music retailer in the country, supplying records and then CDs to customers all over Australia and in more than 20 countries around the world.

r Observbei z Show

Wednesday, March 21 ■ Patsy Biscoe, singer noted for her Here’s Humphrey appearances, was born in India in 1946 (66).

Australian musician Paul ‘Pixie’ Jenkins, who appears with John Williamson, is 55.

Sydney comedian Vince Sorrenti was born in Punchbowl, NSW, in 1961 (51).

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven.

■ Monday, March 26. Lucas is hurt when his friends doubt his innocence; meanwhile, Tash is temporarily distracted from her problems, but she’s still hurting.

■ Tuesday, March 27. Michael realises the only way to mend his relationship with Tash is to live his own life; Karl tries to keep the peace with Jessica.

■ Wednesday, March 28. Jade lets Rhys’s manipulation get to her; meanwhile, Tash puts on a brave face in the wake of Michael’s shock departure.

■ Thursday, March 29. Toadie’s efforts to remain relaxed are tested when Callum insists on cooking the first meal in their new kitchen; shocked by what happened between her and Rhys, Jade tries to confess to Kyle.

■ Friday, March 30. While Andrew prepares for Red Cotton’s first gig at Charlie’s, Summer tries to show her support by offering to review the gig and help generate publicity; Sophie realises who her true friends are.

Home and Away

Radio man’s 50th

■ Country music fans will be able to enjoy the talents of numerous local artists at this year’s Royal Exchange Hotel Traralgon Good Friday fundraiser. The event itself will take place on Sunday, April 1, from12 noon onwards The annual concert is a very successful fundraiser for the Royal Childrens Hospital Appeal and at the same time a popular community event.

Artists donating their services this year include Rick Bartlett, Darcy Fox, Harry Hookey, Lindsay and Gail Hammond, Muz and Mrs Jones, and Jodie Bryant, plus others. More info contact dgoconnell@bigpond.com Phone: 0412 161 419.

The Spoiler

■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7.

■ Monday, March 26. Heath's quest for revenge endangers Bianca, Brax is confronted by memories of Charlie and leaves the hospital, and Roo tells Harvey she wants more time.

■ Tuesday, March 27. Brax realises Leah has feelings for him and Sid tries to wake Brax up to the danger that he's in.

■ Wednesday, March 28. Henri resumes as Casey's tutor and Roo and Marilyn meddle in John and Gina's situation ■ Thursday, March 29. Romeo puts a boundary between him and Ruby. Xavier and Sasha try to bring John and Gina together.

■ Friday, March 30. Sid suspects Alan Henderson's wife is trying to poison him and Sasha is caught retrieving a message that implicates her.

‘Hush’ launch on Monday ● Don Crawford, who worked at a number of Victorian radio stations including 3GL and 3AW, partied hard at Mount Waverley on Saturday to mark his 50th birthday. Don now lives in Thailand.

■ Palace Cinemas are swinging their support behind the Hush Music Foundation, which produces CDs which raise funds for children’s hospitals across Austrlia.

Antonio Zeccola, Managing Director of The Palace Group, will announce on Monday that his cinemas will run a 30 second ad at each of his cinemas promoting the CDs which are the brainchild of Dr Catherine Crock.

Melbourne

Observer

On This Day Thursday, March 22

Friday, March 23

Saturday, March 24

Sunday, March 25

Monday, March 26

Tuesday, March 27

■ Irish actor Wilfred Brambell was born in 1912. He died in 1985, aged 72.

US actor Karl Malden (Sekolovitch) was born in Gary, Indiana, in 1913.

He died aged 96 in 2009.

Mime artist Marcel Marceau was born in Strasbourg, France in 1923. He died in 2007.

■ Joan Crwaford, American actress, was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1906. She died aged 71 in 1977.

Australian actor Norman Yemm is 79.

US TV personality and blogger Perz Hilton was born Mario Lavandeira in 1978 (34).

Runner Sir Roger Bannister is 83.

■ Harry Houdini (Ehrich Weiss) was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1874.

He died aged 52 in 1926.

Silent film comedian Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle was born in 1887. He died aged 46 in 1933.

Actor Steve McQueen was born in Indiana in 1930. He died aged 50 in 1980.

■ Australian wildlife expert Harry Butler was born in Murray Bridge, SA, 82 years ago.

The late Bernard King, flamboyant entertainer, was born in 1934. He died aged 68 in 2002.

Singer Aretha Franklin is 70 today.

Actor Paul Michael Glaser is 69.

■ Australian actor Chips Rafferty was born as John Goffage in Broken Hill in 1909. He died aged 62 in 1971.

Playwright Tennessee Williams was born in 1911. He died aged 70 in 1982.

Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy is 81.

US actor James Caan is 73 today.

■ American actor David Janssen was born in 1930. He died aged 49 in 1980.

English actor Michael York is 70.

German actress Maria Schneider was born in 1952. She died aged 58 in 2011.

Singer Mariah Carey was born in New York in 1970 (42).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2011 - Page 59

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Places To Go

Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Observer Showbiz

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2011 - Page 61

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Observer Showbiz DVD & Blu-Ray Recommendations

FILM: THE DEBT: Cast: Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Worthington.

Genre: Action/Thriller/Drama.

Year: 2010.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 113 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: Compelling Hollywood remake of the 2007 Israeli espionage thriller of the same name that begins in 1997 as shocking news reaches a group retired Mossad secret agents about a former colleague. All three have been venerated for decades by their country because of the mission that they undertook back in 1965, when the trio tracked down a Nazi war criminal in East Berlin at great risk and personal cost, and the team's mission was accomplished, or was it? The suspense builds nicely across two different time periods, with a lot of startling action and surprising revelations along the way. As we cut between 1965 and 1997 The Debt rarely loosens its grip and will keep you guessing and captivated right up to the closing moments. Screen great Helen Mirren has rarely, if ever, disappointed and this is no exception. She owns the role as the retired agent and carries the film with her unique strength, vigour, class and style as we are woven through an intricate spy mystery and gripping tension filled plot that started at the height of the Cold War. This is one of those rare Hollywood remakes that is a cut above the original, and a truly satisfying movie experience.

FILM: DREAM HOUSE: Genre: Drama/Mystery.

Cast: Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts.

Year: 2011.

Rating: M. Running Time: 92 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **1/2 Verdict: A moderately effective little thriller about a family who unknowingly moves into a home only to find out brutal murders were committed previously and soon uncover even darker mysteries within its walls, and from here the less said the better. Directed by veteran filmmaker Jim Sheridan, his previous efforts include the superb dramas In The Name of The Father and the Oscar winning My Left Foot, and even though this is not in the calibre of those, or such spooky tales as Stanley Kubrick's The Shining or The Others, to name just a couple, it's not a complete loss either. All the cast do well in their respective roles, most notably Daniel Craig, but as the mystery of the story unfolds the tension never builds to a boiling point of unnerving, nail-biting edge-of-your-seat terror as it should have, leaving you somewhat more bewildered than stunned instead, resulting in more bark than bite, but I don't write it off completely, because the time will pass quickly and even slightly inferior efforts of the genre such as this can be worth a visit.

FILM: National Geographic TITANIC Collection: Genre: Documentary.

Cast: Robert Ballard.

Year: TBC. Rating: PG. Running Time: 208 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: **** Verdict: An excellent selection from National Geographic to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic on the 15th of April, 1912, the RMS Titanic, that hit an iceberg and sank in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic killing 1,517 passengers and crew.

This extraordinary story has never gone away since that night, and Titanic's sinking has fascinated the world like no other tragedy even a century later, as the events of that night and the people involved and the ship itself continue to captivate. National Geographic have released this boxset that includes the captivating documentaries: [1]: Secrets of the Titanic, a 1985 documentary detailing Robert Ballard's discovery the Titanic wreck; [2]: Titanic's Nuclear Secret, the true story of how Ballard and his crew navigated Cold War politics to continue their search; and [3]: Seconds From Disaster; Titanic, a forensic account of what went wrong that fateful night 100 years ago. These three produced documentaries are a powerful haunting and poignant journey of a tragic event that will still captivate 100 years from now. Highly recommended!

Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

The Raid ■ (MA). 101 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas on March 22.

Explosive, exciting and exhausting, The Raid is the best action film to hit our screens since John Woo's 1992 classic Hard-Boiled, and any film that can manage that feat deserves major attention from a wide audience.

In one of the film's rare quiet moments, we are introduced to Rama, an elite squad officer who is about to embark on the most dangerous mission of his career.

After going through rigorous training exercises, Rama reassures his pregnant wife that he will return.

The target is a notorious drug dealer and an ominous 15-storey building is his headquarters.

What makes the mission so treacherous is that dozens of hardcore criminals also call the building home, and will do anything the kingpin says.

As the heavily-armed squad enter the building, this will be a riad they will never forget.

Combining elements from other great close-quarters films such as James Cameron's Aliens (1986), Dan O'Bannon's Return Of The Living Dead (1985), John Carpenter's Assault On Precinct 13 (1976), and the international hit REC (2007), The Raid proceeds to create an identity all its own, with a level of energy and conviction rarely seen in modern cinema.

Editor/writer/director Gareth Evans makes an extraordinary feature film debut, delivering numerous action set-pieces that have to be seen to be believed.

The fact that the film never becomes repetitive is a credit to Evans' clever approach to the material.

By varying the kind of action (gunplay, hand-to-hand, machetes, knives), and subtley changing the environment that the characters fight in, Evans is always able to keep the action fresh and visually impressive.

He is also smart enough to give his key characters a foundation which do resonate (we genuinely want Rama and his squad to survive all the brutal mayhem going on around them), a key fact that so many action filmmakers ignore these days.

The Raid (which is co-produced by movie critic and major film buff Todd Brown, from the terrific Twitch website), has already had incredible critical and audience success overseas (so much so that two sequels are already in the works), and now it is Australia's turn to be exhilerated and blown away, making it the hit it so definitely deserves to be.

RATING : ****1/2

Presumed Guilty ■ (M). 102 minutes. Screens at the Brighton Bay Cinema (Phone: 9596 3590) on Friday March 23 at 6.30pm.

Emotionally involving, powerful drama that is based on an incredible true story. Alain Marecaux (Phillippe Torreton) is a hard-working bailiff who is accused (and jailed) of sexually abusing a young child in 2001.

Innocent of all charges, Alain will see his family, life, and state-of-mind slowly crushed over the next four years.

Director Vincent Garenq takes us, along with Alain, into the huge labyrinth of the legal system, and how hard it is for him to show the courts that he is an innocent man.

His matter-of-fact, realistic depiction of this infamous case is outstand-

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. JOHN CARTER. 2. PROJECT X. 3. CONTRABAND. 4. THIS MEANS WAR. 5. THE VOW. 6. SAFE HOUSE. 7. THE ARTIST. 8. THE DEVIL INSIDE. 9. HUGO. 10. MY WEEK WITH MARILYN.

● Poster for The Raid ing. Torreton is simply astonishing as Alain, making us feel for his truly horrifying plight. This award-winning film is certainly must-see viewing.

RATING : ****

50/50 ■ (M). 100 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

An enjoyable mix of comedy and drama, this entertaining if somewhat uneven film is certainly worthy viewing.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Adam Lerner, a 27 year-old Seattle resident who works at a local radio station.

Living a careful, safe existance, Adam still hangs out with his childhood best friend Kyle (Seth Rogan), and is in a relationship with artist Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard).

Adam's world is turned upside down when he discovers he has a rare form of spinal cancer, which introduces him to supportive care therapist Katherine McKay (Anna Kendrick).

This also brings Adam into closer contact with his smothering mother (a superb Angelica Huston).

When Will Reiser's script concentrates on Adam's personal journey, especially his dealings with his mother, his dementia-effected father, and two fellow cancer patients (very well-played by Philip Baker Hall and Matt Frewer), the film works fine.

Unfortunately the two female characters are rather poorly written, coming across as romantic comedy stereotypes rather than real people, making the film feel more familiar than it should be.

Kendrick (Up In The Air) thankfully makes Katherine more natural and acceptable, but Bryce Dallas Howard's performance is obvious and one-note, telegraphing her character's progression in an all-toopredictable manner.

Seth Rogan is, well, just Seth Rogan.

The film is anchored wonderfully

by Gordon-Levitt's excellent performance, keeping Adam believable and likeable.

It is another fine turn from this talented actor.

Director Jonathan Levine (The Wackness) never lets the film fall into melodrama, nor lets the comedy undercut or cheapen the serious subject matter.

Despite its flaws, 50/50 is a small film that deserves to be seen.

RATING : *** - Aaron Rourke

NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MARCH 15: 21 JUMP STREET, GHOSTRIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE, KID WITH A BIKE, MARGIN CALL, THE RUM DIARY, VINCENT WANTS TO SEA. MARCH 22: THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, THE HUNGER GAMES, THE RAID. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part One [Drama/ Fantasy/Robert Pattinson].

2. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS [Romance/Comedy/Drama/Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams].

3. DRIVE [Action/Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks].

4. THE HELP [Drama/Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer].

5. CONTAGION [Drama/Thriller/ Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow].

6. TAKE SHELTER [Drama/Thriller/ Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain].

7. WARRIOR [Drama/Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte].

8. THE WHISTLEBLOWER [Drama/ Thriller/Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, Monica Bellucci].

9. THE CUP [Drama/Tom Burlinson, Stephen Curry, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Hunter].

10. SHARK NIGHT [Thriller/Chris Carmack, Katherine McPhee, Sarah Paxton].

Also: OUR IDIOT BROTHER, THE TREE OF LIFE, THE HUNTER, I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT, SHERLOCK: The Complete Series Two, CRAZY STUPID LOVE, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3, LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS, RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, FINAL DESTINATION 5.

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: RED STATE [Comedy/Thriller/John Goodman, Melissa Leo, Michael Parks].

TRANSIT [Action/Jim Caviezel, James Frain, Elisabeth Rohm].

IMMORTALS [Action/Adventure/ John Hurt, Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke].

RITES OF PASSAGE [Thriller/Christian Slater, Stephen Dorff, Wes Bentley].

SOPHIE [Family/Brittany Bristow, John Rhys-Davies].

COLUMBUS CIRCLE [Thriller/Jason Lee, Amy Smart, Selma Blair].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: CLASS OF 84 [Action/Thriller/ Crime/Tim Van Patten, Michael J. Fox, Roddy McDowell].

THE BEASTMASTER [Action/Marc Singer, Tanya Roberts, Rip Torn].

Turn To Page 67

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 62 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012 g y y Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 7 Across

1. Portion 5. Appliance, ... cleaner 8. Gluttony 11. Coloured-tile design 14. Nit-picker 18. On the sick list 19. The U of IOU 20. Zigzag pattern 23. Chef's garment 24. Scandalous 27. Entice 28. Beeped (horn) 29. Debates 31. Fuzzy leather 32. Crush (fly) 34. Roof edges 36. Fantasise 37. Not even once 38. Toddlers 39. More unfriendly 41. Ardent 44. Certainly 47. Dance 49. Equally balanced 50. Gazed fixedly 52. Bill 54. Recess 56. Restaurant list 58. Throw out of house 60. Most awful 62. Young dogs 64. Rain heavily 66. Egyptian snakes 67. Avoided 70. Measuring rod 71. In control, at the ...

72. Singing voices 73. Finished 74. Cupid's shaft 75. Climbing vegetable 77. Armoured vehicle 79. Dominate (market) 83. Pummelled 85. Unusually 87. Exhaust (supply) 89. Wandering 91. Gratifying 94. Stressed 97. Declare 98. Scenes 99. Questionable 100. Court fine 103. Column 105. Custodian 107. General pardon 110. Pork cut, ... ribs 111. Relaxes 114. Renovate (ship) 116. Frosty 118. Exclusive 120. Expressing contempt 122. Hue 124. Screen collie 126. Vibrated noisily 129. Divides 132. Castle entrance 136. Borders 139. Falsify 140. Quantity of paper 142. Fracas 145. Edit (text) 146. Splendid sight 148. Halt 150. Chopped down 152. Outlook 154. Remain

Across

Down

1. Covering for feet 156. Ticket remnant 2.

Pained expression 157. Become septic 3.

Orient 159. Hand-make (jumper) 4.

Duration of presidency 161. Eiffel Tower city 5. Long narrow prospect 164. Surplus 6. Greatest 167. Essential 7. Glove 169. Slightest 8. Cheer 171. Canoodle 9. Ghostly 10.

Charismatic 173. Happen 11.

Assaulted & robbed 174. Periodic 12.

Tranquil 177. Socially excluded 13. Bring about 180. Anglican parish priest 14. Price of passage 183. In an unspecified way 15. Aromatic herb 187. Leaps over 16. Advocate 190. Pencil rubber 17. Walrus teeth 192. Constant 21. Body's building blocks 194. Book publicity hype196. Ever 22. Phantom Of The ...

25. Engine booster 197. Of the sun 26. Befuddle 198. Musical pace 28.

Gently 200. Peace offering, ... branch 30.

Calming drug 201. Male sibling 33. Language 203. Root vegetable 35. Compete 205. Sport, Rugby ...

38. Toughen (steel) 207. Willingly 40. Moral 209. Drain 42. Utter (cry) 43. Location 211. Improper 45. Tidings 213. Undergarment 46. Wheat tips 215. Powered bike 48.

Guacamole ingredient 217. Ambience 49.

Furthest limits 220. Portable light 51. Dashes 222. Lockjaw 53. Mulish 224. Nobleman 55. Well-behaved child, little ...

227. Recognition 57. Unmoved 228. Welcoming 59. Relinquish (land) 61. Ready for business 232. Kitchen flooring 62.

Pluto or Earth 234. Circuit-breaker 63.

Suggestion 237. Leather strap 65. Planned movement 239. Golf club 66. * symbol 240. Goodbye 68. Hard Italian cheese 241. Warm & cosy 69. Dentist's tools 242. Port style 76. Likely 244. Considering 78. Much ... About Nothing 245. Small religious group 80. Fleur-de-lis 81. Jittery 247. Booming 82.

Dog, cocker ...

250. Stimulates 84.

Water tank 251. Adversary 85.

Matures 252. Type of bee 86. Dozes 253. Depart 88. Wicked 255. Packing boxes 90. Approachable 257. Shattered 92. Meeting schedule 260. Skin eruptions 93. Diaper 95. Rock or jazz 264. Comfort 96. Scope 266. Affixed with spikes 101.

Rainbow shapes 267. Judas' payment, ... pieces of 102.

Determined individual silver 103.

District 270. Astonish 104. Zone 273. Principles 106. Acting sovereign 274. Jetty 108. North American deer 275. Craze 109. Prince Edward, ... of Wessex 277. Not drunk 110. Sluggish 112. TV studio filming area 279. Treadle 113. Feminine pronoun 281. Seethe 115. Excursion 283. In force (of license) 117. Secretes 285. Ledger entry 119. Pine or palm 286. Annul 121. Notion 287. Dreary 123. Unnerve 290. Dries up 124. Beach rescuer 291. Follow 125. Caustic 292. Salad dressing 127. Docile 128. High hits 293. Mongrel 130. The same 294. Pose for artist 131. Cheek whiskers 295. Loathes 133. Wonderment 296. Paper hanky 134. Nags 297. Sloop or ketch 135. Grass colour 298. Ice-cream dessert 137. Deadly poison 299. Topic 138. Fury

Down 141. Keenly perceptive 143. Raise (children) 144. Belonging to whom?

147. Hopeless wish, ... in the sky 149. Mountains 151. Labours 153. Is able to 155. Lovable 157. Room base 158. Bladder 160. Decorate with pictures 162. Tiny particle 163. Creep (towards) 165. Beast of burden 166. Here ..., gone tomorrow 168. French brandy 170. Additionally 172. Loose hood 175. Hanker after 176. Hatchets 178. Slothful 179. Dodge 181. Plant seed 182. Written material 184. Elect 185. Deciduous tree 186. Woodwind instrument 188. Second-hand 189. Suit-maker 191. Regal 193. Speaking to crowd 195. Fixed procedure 196. Ward off 199. Copious 202. Legacy 204. Traitor 206. Female relative 208. Hunger 209. Wound mark 210. Bombard 212. Residences 213. Beat up 214. Current units 215. Interim 216. Camera stand 218. Arm joints 219. Each person 221. Sped on foot 223. Flightless bird 225. Bore diameter 226. On fire 229. Lungs & liver 230. Plagiarised 231. Home (duties) 233. Single thing 235. Acidic 236. Civilian wartime prisoner 238. Honey drink 243. Heavenly spirits 245. Half 246. Blister-like pouch 248. Gambling chances 249. Extinct bird 254. Inaccurate 255. Free from blame 256. Allow in 258. Enigma 259. Serious-minded 261. State further 262. Undulating 263. Four-door car 265. Straddling 268. Pester 269. Minimise 271. Hosiery garment 272. Improvement (in economy) 274. Beg 276. Skilled 278. Fundamental 280. Die down 282. Flour cereal 283. Promises 284. Schoolboys 288. Geological eras 289. Handle

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - Page 63

Solution on Page 28

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Page 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Observer Showbiz DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

IT’S GLORIOUS AT LILYDALE SHOWS

● James Carlon and Jackie Fraser in Eltham Little Theatre’s Don’t Dress for Dinner .

Photo: Liz McCrory ■ Eltham Little Theatre: Don’t Dress For Dinner (by Marc Camoletti) March 15 – 31 at 8pm, Thursday to Saturday, and 2pm on March 23 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Jonne Finnemore.

Tickets: $20/$16. Bookings: 9437 1574 www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: Glorious (by Peter Quilter) Until March24 at 8.30pm, 2.30pm matinee on March 28 at 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Doug Bennett. Bookings: 9735 1777. www.lilydaletc.com ■ 1812 Theatre: Round and Round the Garden (a comedy from Alan Ayckbourn's Norman Conquests trilogy) Until March 31 at The Bakery, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Bookings: 9758 3964 or 0406 752067. www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Altona City Theatre: Aladdin the rock panto March 23 at 7.30pm and March 24 at 2.00pm at Altona City Theatre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona. Director: Scott Bradley; Musical Director: Jaxson McLennan; Choreographer Steph Jones. All tickets $7.

Bookings: 0425 705 550. www.altonacitytheatre.com.au ■ The Mount Theatre: Art (by Yasmina Reza) Until March 31, 8.00pm Fridays, Saturdays, 2.00pm matinees on Sundays at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Bookings: 1300 463 224 (10am-5pm Tues to Sat) Bookings: 1300 463 224 ■ Sherbrooke Theatre Co. Inc: The Shoehorn Sonata March 22, 23, 24 at 8.15pm at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Road, Doncaster … Bookings: 1300 650 209.

The Plague Dances

AUDITIONS ■ Frankston Theatre Group: The Mousetrap (by Agatha Christie) March 22, 23, 7.00pm-10.00pm and March 24, 12.45pm-4.30pm at The Shed, Overport Rd., Frankston. Director: David Wearne. Audition bookings: 0412 518710.

■ Peridot Theatre Company: One Act Play Season. The Shell Seekers (by Charlotte Bingham) March 25 at 1.30pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Christine Grant. For further details visit www.peridot.com.au ■ 1812 Theatre: The Lonesome West (by Martin McDonagh) March 25 at 7.30pm at The Bakery at 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Grant Lepan-Walker.

Enquiries: 0432 129660.

■ Peridot Theatre Company: One Act Play Season. No Chocolates, By Request (by Chris Hodson). March 26 at 7.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley.

Director: Lisa McNiven. Audition bookings: 0410 567 834.

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Who's A Good Boy? (by Anthony Wood) March 27 at Brighton Theatre Company, cnr.

Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Andrew McMillan. For audition enquiries please email a.mcmillan50@optusnet.com.au ■ Essendon Theatre Company: Love and Other Calamities (One Act Play Season) March 29 at 7.30pm and April 1 at 2.00pm at the West Essendon Community Centre, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. For more information visit www.essendontheatrecompany.com ■ Peridot Theatre Company: One Act Play Season. The Waiting Room (by John Bowen) April 2 at 7.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Annie Blood.

Call 9551 9084 for audition bookings.

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Life and Beth (Alan Ayckbourn) April 1 at 2.00pm at Bracken Hall, Wilson St., Cheltenham (off Centre Dandenong Rd.). Director: Alan Ayckbourn. Enquiries: 0411 645003.

■ Malvern Theatre Company: An Evening with Chekhov's Short Comedies (by Anton Chekhov) April 1 at 2.00pm, April 2 at 7.30pm at 29 Burke Rd., East Malvern. Director: John Keogh. Enquiries: 0401 745483.

SHOWS ■ Leongatha Lyric Theatre: Habeus Corpus (by Alan Bennett) March 23 - 31 at 8.00pm and 2.00pm matinee on March 25 at Mesley Hall, Leongatha Secondary College, Nerrena Rd., Leongatha. www.lyrictheatre.net.au Bookings: Mushroom Crafts 5662 3940.

■ SLAMS Music Theatre: Hairspray March 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31 at 8.00pm and March 25, 31 at 2.00pm at Mahon Theatre, Aquinas College, Great Ryrie St., Ringwood. Tickets: $32/$28. Bookings: 9720 3205 www.slams.org.au ■ Hundreds of supporters have saved the Melbourne Cabaret Festival, far exceeding its $15,000 fundraising goal.

The 35-day fundraising campaign raised $18,180. It marks the first time in Australia that a Festival has received ‘core funding’ via crowdfunding. The campaign was supported by Geoffrey Rush, the Dresden Dolls, Paul Capsis, Sammy J & Randy, Alan Brough and the Jane Austen Argument.

Melbourne

Observer

● Four Larks creators Mat Diafos Sweeney (left), Sebastian Peters-Lazaro and Jesse Rasmussen.

Photo: Garth Oriander ■ Malthouse Theatre and Four Larks present the premiere of The Plague Dances from April 14 to May 6 in the Tower Theatre, Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt St., Southbank.

Four Larks are Malthouse Theatre’s 2012 Company in Residence, and have taken the mantle as some of the country’s most exciting theatre-makers.

They create grand-scale, polyphonic ‘junkyard’ operas with huge ensembles and original scores.

An ensemble of more than 20 members will present The Plague Dances, a dance of death with a contagious undercurrent.

The phenomenon of dancing mania has left a mysterious trail through history – entire communities infected with a spontaneous urge to dance until they literally drop. It’s suicide with a backbeat, but what’s behind these lethal outbreaks?

The devil’s drumming or religious ecstasy?

Inspired by a mysterious event in Strasbourg, 1518, in which more than 400 townspeople were ‘infected’ by a desire to dance (even to their deaths), The Plague Dances transposes an enigmatic historical moment onto a haunting, dreamlike realm.

It follows a repressive priest, an isolated community, and a fearful young woman who becomes the site of the town’s ‘contagion’, exploring our most basic emotions with devastating results.

Written by Mat Diafos Sweeney, Sebastian Peters-Lazaro, Jesse Rasmussen with Marcel Dorney, The Plague Dances provides ideas of collective hysteria and communal panic, as relevant today as they were during the Salem witch-trials.

Performance Season: April 14 – May 6 Venue: Tower Theatre, Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt St., Southbank.

Bookings: www.malthousetheatre.com.au

Caravan

● Donal Taylor (Rodney), Catherine Larcey (Penny), Susan Rundle (Monica), Eddie Edmunds (Parkes) and Andrew McNess (Pierce) in Essendon Theatre Company’s Caravan.

Photo: Eddy Dora ■ Essendon Theatre Company presents the Australian comedy Caravan until March 24 at the West Essendon Community Centre, 9 Bradshaw St., West Essendon.

Patrons adapt to holiday mood when greeted by a nostalgic foyer display of caravan holiday memorabilia and the theme continues inside the theatre.

The authentic caravan interior set, equipped with bunks, double bed, dining and kitchen area has been custom built by Champion Caravans and looks terrific.

Written by Colin MacDonald and directed by Dawn Hinrichsen, Caravan tells of three couples, two married and a friend who brings along his young girlfriend, holidaying together in the confines of a caravan.

Tensions erupt as things go wrong, ranging from bad weather and no hot water to revelations of adultery and Pierce’s arachnophobia.

The cast delivers naturalistic performances in the roles of Penny and Parkes Robinson (Catherine Larcey and Ryan Edmunds), Rodney and Monica Rice (Susan Rundle and Donal Taylor), Pierce (Andrew McNess) and Gwendolyn (SamanthaEllen Bound).

Particularly strong performances were enjoyed from Samantha-Ellen Bound, Catherine Larcey and Susan Rundle.

The script’s plot may be a little thin, but it is great to sit back in cabaret style and be entertained by a fun show and the audience laughed and had a good time.

Caravan is very special for director Dawn, because her mother, Essendon Theatre Company’s late president Eileen Bentley, obtained the rights to the show shortly before her death last year.

Following in Eileen and Dawn’s footsteps is Dawn’s daughter Rhiannon Dummett, who will co-direct a one act play for the company’s second season.

Tickets: $20 full price, $18 Concession.

Bookings: www.essendontheatrecompany.com or . 0422 029 483

SHOWS

■ Encore Theatre: Rumors (by Neil Simon) Until March 31 at 8.00pm, March 25 at 2.15pm at the Clayton Community Centre theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Tickets: $20 Full Price, $18 Concession, $15 Opening Night tickets. Bookings: 1300 739099 www.encoretheatre.com.au ■ Beaumaris Theatre: To Kill a Mockingbird (by Harper Lee) Until March 31 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris.

Director: Robyn Morris. Tickets: $25/$22 9583 6896 www.beaumaristheatre.com.au ■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Avenue Q Until March 31 at The Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place (off Malvern Street), Bayswater. Director: Tony Burg; Musical Director: Danny Forward. Bookings: www.fabnobstheatre.com.au or 0401 018 846 ■ Melbourne Passion Play: April 1 at 1.30pm and April 6 at 10.00am at Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster. Director: Robert Durai.

Further information: www.passionplay.info

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.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2011 - Page 65

Page 66 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - Page 67

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

PAKENHAM CUP READY TO ROLL ■ The Pakenham Racing Club is ready to rock and roll with their Telstra Shop Pakenham Cup this Sunday (March 25) over the 1750 metre journey.

Under the astute leadership of Chief Executive, Michael Hodge, the Club has got plenty of pre- racing action organised.

The action will get underway tomorrow morning, with Breakfast with the Stars, with special Guest speaker, Max Walker, with a sumptuous breakfast planned, and having worked with Max on a few sporting nights, he without a doubt is one of the most eloquent speakers on any circuit.

The breakfast will be held in a special marquee on the home straight where guests will be able to see all the action of horses working, especially those contesting the Cup, who will be in action on the course proper.

While Max is known for his sporting achievements not only as a Test cricketer and a former Melbourne footballer, he has many other attributes.

Max is heavily involved with the telecommunications industry.

As the man who wrote the first IPhone app for the Victoria Racing Club, he will talk about how to effectively utilise today's telecommunication tools to help grow our businesses by standing out in the crowd.

With his slogan of Wickets, Words and Widgets, he will tell you how to combine them to help and share ideas with your clients.

Not only have his sporting achievements have put him on the map, but he has had quite a colorful television career and has penned 14 books, a number of these, best sellers.

One of the nicest guys in all walks of life, you will enjoy a morning with Max at Pakenham.

The action will get underway at 7am through until 8.30am/ 9am, tomorrow at the Pakenham Racetrack just over the Monash heading to Gippsland, only an hour from the City.

Ted Ryan

For bookings ring the Club on 5941 1207.

It will be a great morning with “Tangles’.

On Friday night (March 23), the Club will run its Calcutta on the Pakenham Cup with Dave Whalen; always a good night, and who knows, you could pick up the winner of the Cup at a good price.

The action gets underway from 6.30pm with a 7pm start.

Total cost is $55 per person, and includes a two course meal, main and dessert.

Two beers or two glasses on wine on arrival, and full bar service will be available right throughout.

I run several Calcuttas, and they are good nights, pitting yourself against the other bidder for the horse you think can win the Cup and the value of that horse against the odds.

If you haven't been to a Calcutta, I suggest you go along, it is always a great night.

If you would like to join us on the night ring the Club on 5941 1207, to book a table.

The Cup I mentioned earlier will be run this Sunday with a top field to contest the Cup, worth $100,000, sponsored by the Telstra Store at Pakenham, and the program will contain some very good fields for other races.

There is always plenty of entertainment for the children

Observer Racing

■ From Page 58

Top 10 Lists NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: SHERLOCK HOLMES IN NEW YORK [Mystery/Drama/Roger Moore, Patrick Macnee, John Huston].

IT TAKES A THIEF: Season Two. IT TAKES A THIEF: Season Three.

QUINCY M.E. - Season Five.

DOC MARTIN: Series Five.

BERGERAC: Series Three.

DORA THE EXPLORER: Dora and the Three Little Pigs.

KEVIN SMITH: TOO FAT FOR 40.

CINEMA ASIA: [Five-Part Documentary].

BB KING AND FRIENDS LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL. TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part One [Drama/Fantasy/Robert Pattinson].

2. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS [Romance/Comedy/ Drama/Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams].

3. DRIVE [Action/Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks].

4. THE HELP [Drama/Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer].

5. CONTAGION [Drama/Thriller/Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow].

6. SHARK NIGHT 3D & 2D [Thriller/Chris Carmack, Katherine McPhee, Sarah Paxton].

7. WARRIOR [Drama/Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte].

8. THE WHISTLEBLOWER [Drama/Thriller/ Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, Monica Bellucci].

9. OUR IDIOT BROTHER [Comedy/Elizabeth Banks, Steve Coogan, Zooey Deschanel].

10. THE CUP [Drama/Tom Burlinson, Stephen Curry, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Hunter].

Also: The Hunter, The Tree of Life, I Don't Know How She Does It, Sherlock: The Complete Series Two, Crazy Stupid Love, Paranormal Activity 3, Love and Other Drugs, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Fright Night, Final Destination 5.

and plenty of prizes to be won in the Fashions on the Field, and it is always a great day.

I will be handling all the presentations on the nine event card.

Shoot Out in style ■ Top galloper, Shoot Out, who lost a bit of form after taking on Australia's best horses hit top gear for new trainer Chris Waller, when he blitzed them in the Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm recently.

Waller fought back tears after watching the recent stable addition race away from stablemate Danleigh to win by two lengths in a dominant performance.

Waller said :"A very special thanks to the owners for giving him to me to train, it is a privilege to train a Derby winner and getting him Group One form".

Waller added:

Showbiz Extra

● Max Walker will be at Pakenham tomorrow (Thurs.)

"Former trainer, John Coast Yearling Sale. run in Sydney on EasShoot Out sent hi ter Saturday the faWallace has done a great job with this s earnings to over $2.2 vorite Samaready, a horse, so for the own- million with his latest dominant winner of the Blue ers to give me the victory. chance to take over Incidentally, Shoot Diamond Stakes at and give the horse a Out wasn't the only Caulfield, is flying.

Her trainer Mick change of scenery is Magic Millions graduPrice is over the moon full credit to them". ate to win at Warwick as to the way she has Shoot Out's jockey, Farm. handled the reverse Hugh Bowman, deEarlier both Kinnof going in scribed the win as a ersley and Al Dharfa, way very dominant one, impressed with good Sydney.

The more-thanand he looks like he is wins for the Gai ready filly will have back to his best.

Waterhouse and Guy her next hit out in the Shoot Out's own- Walter stables.

Riesling Stakes in ers Graham and Linda Sydney, before tackHuddy picked up the ling the Golden Slipson of High Chaparper. ral, for only $15,000, I will look at the from the Oaklands Golden Slipper in Stud draft at the 2008 ■ As a lead up to the depth in my next colMagic Millions Gold Golden Slipper to be umn in the Observer.

Golden Slipper

Len Baker on Harness Racing ■ Armbro Operative/Cosi Van Tutte gelding

Flyin Fox was once again ultra impressive when greeting the judge in the Wimmera Security 3-Y-0 Pace over 1700 metres at Horsham on Friday.

With Jayson Finnis in the sulky for Port MacDonnell trainer Mick Micallef, Flyin Fox settled mid-field in the moving line from gate three on the second line, before being set alight at the bell to park outside the leader In The Frame Lombo heading into the back straight on the final occasion.

Racing away on straightening, Flyin Fox

scored by an untouched 12 metre margin in advance of the Tarpeena roughie Majeur Le Crest in a rate of 1-58.1, with Saint Petersburg (three wide last lap) third.

■ Meetings for the week :

Wednesday - Cobram/Mildura, Thursday - Melton/Kilmore, Friday - Maryborough/Melton, Saturday - Ararat (Cup), Sunday - Gunbower (Cup)@Echuca (?), Monday - Yarra Valley, Tuesday - Mildura.

More On Page 68

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: RED STATE [Comedy/Thriller/John Goodman, Melissa Leo, Michael Parks].

TRANSIT [Action/Jim Caviezel, James Frain, Elisabeth Rohm].

IMMORTALS [Action/Adventure/John Hurt, Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke].

IMMORTALS - 3D [Action/Adventure/John Hurt, Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke].

RITES OF PASSAGE [Thriller/Christian Slater, Stephen Dorff, Wes Bentley].

COLUMBUS CIRCLE [Thriller/Jason Lee, Amy Smart, Selma Blair].

THE BODYGUARD [Drama/Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston].

BB KING AND FRIENDS LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL. - James Sherlock

This week’s footy Round 1 Saturday, March 24 GWS Giants vs. Sydney Swans (ANZ) (N) Thursday, March 29 Richmond vs. Carlton (MCG) (N) Friday, March 30 Hawthorn vs. Collingwood (MCG) (N) Saturday, March 31 Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions (MCG) Gold Coast SUNS vs. Adelaide Crows (MS) (T) Fremantle vs. Geelong Cats (PS) (N) North Melbourne vs. Essendon (ES) (N) Sunday, April 1 Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast Eagles (ES) (E) Port Adelaide vs. St Kilda (AS) (T)

The Last Word Lawsuit, n. A machine where you go in as a pig and come out as a sausage.

- Ambrose Bierce

Page 68 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Dad and lad cause upset ■ Echuca father and son - Shane and Thomas Gilligan - caused a major upset in the Breed For Speed 23 March 3-Y-0 Pace at Melton, when Elsu/ Operative Dream filly Elsu Dream scored at Supertab odds of $128.00.

Settling four back in the moving line from gate two on the second line, Elsu Dream which had been placed only once in 18 previous outings, gained a nice three wide trail home in the last lap on the back of Moore Cullen.

Taken four wide on the final bend, Elsu Dream ran home best to defeat the leader Minti Choice by a half head in a rate of 1-59.7, with Another Elsu (also

by Elsu) coming from last for third.

Langs score the laurels ■ Veteran Meltonian Graeme Lang was a winner at Bray Raceway Ballarat on Wednesday, following the victory of WA owned 5-Y-0 Pacific Fella/Boast mare Gorgeous An Devine in the Prowse, Perrin & Twomey Pace for C1 class over 2200 metres.

Driven by son Gavin, Georgeous An Devine from gate two on the second line settled three back in the running line, moving to be one/one with a circuit to travel.

Easing three wide on the final bend, Georgeous An Devine ran home solidly to gain the day in a rate of 2-02.2 over Mathias (three wide at bell) and Indifference which led from outside the front row, before running off mid-race and settling three back in the moving line.

Youngster’s first victory ■ At Ballarat on Wednesday, former smart youngster Lively Operative recorded his first victory in over 14 months, when successful in the M & L McLean Cleaning Services Pty Ltd Pace for C1 class over 1710 metres.

Taking a concession for Inverleigh based Ash Wharton, Lively Operative was sent forward from outside the front row in an effort to cross the flying Rockn Katie (gate five) which proved fruitless, leaving him stranded in the open throughout.

Surging clear approaching the home turn to lead into the straight, Lively Operative defied all challengers in defeating the heavily supported Johnny Tee off a three wide double trail throughout, with The Big Dance gaining an inside passage in the shadows of the post to finish third.

Raced by the Jagman Group and trained at Bacchus Marsh by Greg Carr, Lively Operative scored by 2 metres on the wire in 1-58.8 and in winning, brought up his 8th success in 47 outings.

Could not defy challenge ■ Ever reliable 6-Y-0 Band Of Chips/Red Buttons gelding Button Brigade brought up his sixth victory in 65 race appearances, when greeting the judge in the Ballarat Leagues Club Trotters Handicap for T1 or better class over 2200 metres.

Trained at Daylesford by Bob Conroy who was in the winners stall at Bendigo the previous Saturday after Optimum (Anne-Maree Conroy) had scored in The Monte, Button Brigade coming from the 30 metre mark bided his time mid-field, with the leaders Dundos Image (barrier one) and Adamiska (barrier three) went ballistic from the start.

When Dundos Image went off stride racing for the bell, Adamiska crossed to lead for the final circuit, with the favourite Rostevarren resuming since August 2010 and coming from a daunting 40 metre backmark, circling the field from well back to issue a challenge.

Kicking clear on turning with Rostevarren a spent force, Adamiska couldn't defy the challenge by Button Brigade, which came with a well timed run out wide approaching the home turn to hit the front halfway up the running to score by 8.5 metres in 2-03.3, with Maggie Truscott third.

MOTHER AND SON WIN AT TERANG ■ The Warrnambool Harness Racing Club held a neat seven event restricted meeting at nearby Terang on Monday March 12, with local runners well to the fore.

The Terang mother and son partnership of Marg and Jason Lee were successful with 4-Y-0 Rustler Hanover/Sakaya gelding Keayang Rustler in the J & J Kelly Stock Agency Pace for R2 to R4 class over 2180 metres.

Best to begin from the pole, Keayang Rustler was restrained to take a trail on the well supported Lombo Royal Flush (gate four) which was driven hard by Michael Stanley from the start.

Always travelling sweetly, Keayang Rustler put the race beyond doubt in a few strides on straightening, dashing away along the sprint lane to score by 5.1 metres in a rate of 158.3 over Lombo Royal Flush and another local in Djibouti (three wide last lap - four wide home turn from last).

Chased hard ■ Elliminyt (Colac) trainer Mark Driscoll combined with Hamilton's Caleb Lewis to land the Ian Wilson Pace (1st Heat) for C0 class over 2180 metres with 4-Y-0 Shakamaker/Channon gelding Stinganempire, proving his Mt Gambier victory a week earlier on debut at big odds was no fluke.

Given an easy timethree back in the moving line from gate three with the odds-on favourite Let Memphis Loose leading from gate two, Stinganempire followed Dance With Mia ahead of him three wide into the final bend.

When Let Memphis Loose kicked away on straightening, he looked all over a winner, however Stinganempire chased hard to blowse him in the shadows of the post, with Rightfully Mine (one/ three) third on debut. The mile rate 2-00.1.

Easy win ■ Dean Braun's Mach Three/Elshabiba filly Machabiba ($1.10) returning from an unsuccessful NSW Oaks campaign, had an easy victory as expected in the George Taylors Stores 3-Y-0 Pace over 2180 metres.

Driven by ChrisAlford who made the long journey for one drive only, Machabiba was driven forward from outside the front row to assume control, before coasting to the wire in 1-59.7 over Signs

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

Driven with aggression

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

And Wonders which raced in the open and Arr En Special (five back the markers), bringing up her second victory in seven outings.

Open tally ■ Breeders crown victor Bellas Delight, a daughter of Bettors Delight and Bella Aurora raced by Rob Auber and partners, opened her season's tally (and there will be plenty more), with an easy victory in The Ad Group Pace for C2 & C3 class over 2200 metres at Bray Raceway Ballarat on Wednesday.

Trained at Bolinda by Kari and Paul Males, Bellas Delight driven by Greg Sugars was eased to the tail of the field from inside the second line, with the last start Ballarat winner Starlight Logan leading from the pole.

Moving forward on the back of Sidney Shaw at the bell to park out for the final circuit, Bellas Delight bounded away on straightening to win as she pleased in advance of the roughie Relentless Advance (three wide last lap) and Balance Point which trailed the leader in a rate of 2-00.8.

Fifth success ■ Maryborough, home of The Redwood, hosted further heats of the Lyn McPherson Memorial Breed For Speed Series on Wednesday - the Bronze for mares T0 only over 1609 metres.

The first sponsored by Yankee Spider went the way of Sundon/Belle Kiri 4-Y-0 Donkiri for Diggers Rest trainer Carlo Corso and veteran reinsman Peter Wells, a former Kiwi.

Beginning brilliantly to lead throughout from gate five, Donkiri defied all challengers on straightening to score by 1.3 metres in advance of a death-seating Mont Morley and Miss Kai Ching (one/one), chalking up her fifth suc-

cess in 26 outings. Smart 4-Y-0 Justa Phoenix (Sundon/Byrdie Num Num) first up since April last year, was successful in heat two.

Trained by Chris Lang at Nagambie and driven

by Chris Alford, Justa Phoenix (gate four) also led for the majority of the trip in accounting for her stablemate Teasing which led out from gate three before taking a trail, with Dream Of Flair running home strongly from last for third. The mile rate 202.5.

Hit form ■ Four year old Armbro Operative/Crystal Reign mare Little Red Cloud has suddenly hit form again and was a brilliant winner of the Womens Cancer Foundation Pacers Handicap for C3 or better class over 2190 metres at Maryborough for Nathalia owner/breeder/ trainer Noel Tyndall and Tooleen reinsman Nigel Milne, bringing up two wins in the space of five days.

Taking a sex concession, Little Red Cloud from barrier three was badly away, eventually hitting her gait to possie five back along the markers.

Extricated to be three wide trailing the well supported Grinnerawinner in the final circuit, Little Red Cloud when taken wide on turning, again motored home to blowse Perfect Life along the sprint lane after trailing the weakening leader Sir Winston by a half head, with Flash Of Freedom (three back the markers) third. The mile rate 2-02.4.

At Melton ■ Kialla trainer Dean Pattison landed the Girls Night Out 23 March Pace for R0 & R1 class over 2240 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Thursday with 4-Y-0 Village Jasper/ Karlias Next mare Riviera Kiss.

■ The Mildura based training combination of Shayne and Greg Cramp snared the trifecta in the $20,000 Alabar Bloodstrock Northern Region Championship Final hosted by the Ouyen Harness Racing Club at their home track Mildura on Thursday March 15, the victor being Kiwi bred 4Y-0 Bettors Delight/Achy Breaky Heart gelding Flip The Coin.

One of four runners from the establishment, the others being Jamies Boy, Maastricht and Shiro, Flip The Coin was ultra impressive in his victory, giving youthful local concessional reinsman Jacob Kerridge (a relative newcomer) his biggest moment in the sport.

Driven with aggression from outside the front row in the 2190 metre feature for C1 & C2 class, Flip The Coin was sent forward as the mobile gate pulled away, intent on leading at all cost, however Glenn Douglas aboard the roughie Jasmint had the same idea and the pair went ballistic in the early stages (lead time 43 seconds).

Not letting up, Flip The Coin eventually obtained the head of the field position, but not before burning plenty of fuel and appearing to set the race up for the swoopers at the business end.

Given easy passages, The Dip (one/one), Jamies Boy (one/two), La Moray (one/three) and Maastricht (one/four) looked like fighting out the finish a long way from home.

Bec Bartley and La Moray made a swift move racing for the bell to lead up the outside division, but was under pressure to do so with The Dip trying in vain to hold him out.

With the runs commencing hitting the back straight on the final occasion, Jasmint veered out under pressure checking both The Dip and Jamies Boy momentarily, with Maastricht surging out wide on the track.

Still in front approaching the home turn in quarters of 30.2, 31.1, 30.2 and 29.5 for the last mile, Flip The Coin showed great fighting qualities to stall off all challengers in scoring by a huge margin of 9.3 metres over Maastricht, with Jamies Boy a further 8.5 metres away in third place. The mile rate 2-00.5.

Trained in the name of Greg Cramp, Flip The Coin was making his 23rd appearance at the races, having now registered 8 wins and 8 placings, all in the northern part of the state.

Responded when asked ■ Melton trainer Robbie O'Connell was successful with consistent 5-Y-0 Village Jasper/Shiftys Revival mare Revivalist in the Alabar Pace for R2 to R4 class over 2200 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Thursday, much to the delight of owners John Dorrington and family.

Driven on this occasion by Gavin Lang, Revivalist heavily supported to start a firm $2.80 favourite, possied mid-field in the moving line from gate two on the second line, with the pole marker Another President leading.

Easing three wide in the final circuit to follow both Gentle Force and Armbro Expo, Revivalist gained a lovely trail into the race and when asked for an effort on straightening, quickly put the issue beyond doubt in accounting for Armbro Expo and Bronze Destiny which followed the winner home.

A winner of 10 races with 19 placings from 47 outings, Revivalist returned a mile rate of 1-59.3.

Horses To Follow ■ Easton All Action, Man Of The World, Dundos Image, Hiflyin Cruiser, Steaming, Djibouti, Dutton Way. - Len Baker

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2011 - Page 69

Observer Sport

Page 70 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

MY TAKE ON FOXTEL’S CHANNEL 504: AFL 24-7

■ It is designed for the ‘footy fanatic’ who has unlimited time to watch all the shows either live or on repeat replays.

Many ‘old-timers’ who are retired, have time to kill and a ‘patient’ partner will love the format.

For budding coaches who can absorb ALL the detail on tactics, replays, white boards and stats – it’s a dream.

You could start ahead of coaching legends, Leigh Matthews, Mick Malthouse and Kevin Sheedy! I love it!

But I can now see why Ch 7’s Kerry Stokes was happy to pay the ‘over-the-top’ fee to share the AFL TV rights with Foxtel who paid a lot less.

He knows his audience reach and has taken the ‘punt’. Stokes believes they want the ‘best of the best’ for their football diet.

This means live coverage of the BIG games, by the most respected commentary teams, capsuled around the full-on football weekend from Friday night to Sunday night. And that’s it!

Back to Foxtel’s 24/7 coverage.

ALL games are covered by specialist ‘pros’, ex players and callers, so here are my comments on Ch 504’s other shows.

At Final Siren on Sunday night comes After The Bounce, a fun look at the round spiked with hilarious deeds provided by Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley and Jason Dunstall and spiced with in-depth comments by both and the more serious Alistair Lynch.

This leads into EMT (Eddie McGuire Talks) which will be compulsory viewing because Eddie is a ‘proven pro’.

Just as his initial show proved with his exclusive interview of the huge story on Liam Jurrah and his grandmother and mother.

This was followed by Kevin Sheedy and Tom Scully with Eddie using the line, “Sheeds, do you realise it was 1066 days since your last win as a coach?”

Neither Eddie or Sheeds picked up on this ‘Giant’ number in our history.

It hit me as when I started my media career in 1961 on 3KZ with Philip Gibbs, a doyen of sports commentators, if the scoreboard hit 10.6.66 Phil would shout 10-66, ‘William the Conqueror’! – a reference to the historical victory at The Battle of Hastings in which said William conquered the English King Harold.

And so many of our English forebears left us inheriting blond hair, fair complexions and blue eyes!

Sheeds loves history so there’s one more to add. And it was GWS losing score in its final NAB Cup demolition by the impressive Tigers!

The ‘signature program’ On The Couch with Gerard Healy, Mike Sheahan and Paul Roos is still a must.

My ratings of the other shows and presenters has Mike Sheahan’s ‘Open Mike’ with his relaxed ‘one-on-one’ interviews as excellent.

After The Bounce with Jason Dunstall, Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley and Alastair Lynch provide light relief which is important with most of the shows heavily concentrated on ‘indepth’ analysis of tactics.

In this area my standouts are David King, Lynch, Rod Eade on Insiders; Dermott Brereton, David Parkin and Tony Shaw on AFL Teams and the newcomers language to the commentating caper.

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel Here are a few more to fathom out: “Filling the hole, Treading water, Unloading, Targets, Line into Corridor, Press, Talent on Talent, One on One, Zone, Possession football” and there are more as they do their best to out-do one another.

I believe the most intelligent remark I’ve heard to date was when Dunstall asked Lynch and King what is the most important first kick after a behind in today’s football, “is it long into the middle or to the boundary line?”

‘Lynchy’ opted for long to a teammate but keep possession. King answered, “the first kick is no longer the most important as it’s generally short to a team-mate – it’s the second kick which counts the most in today’s game as if delivered correctly it goes over the defenders to the midfield runners and sets up a scoring opportunity.”

The final show is 360 with the ‘odd couple’, ABC’s Gerard Wheatley and the Herald Sun’s Mark Robinson.

This features four nights a week and each edition has two guests who arrive after five minutes or so boring, banter between the two hosts with too much “in talk”.

The guests contributions are refreshing, intelligent, entertaining and ‘no-nonsense’ responses.

The guests include Cam Mooney, Barry Hall, Eade, Mark Thompson, Rob Murphy, Mark MacLure and others.

Respectfully I offer thoughts for Mark Robinson to consider.I find Mark’s delivery distracting as he bumbles to get his comments and questions across to his guests and viewers.

This is strange as he is literate, intelligent, and a well respected journo.

He also looks down and doodles while his guest is answering his questions.

I’ve tried to analyse why he does this because he and co-host are well versed in colourful words and putting them together into meaningful sentences.

It maybe due to technology especially for journos’ filing their stories on portable ‘lap-tops and i-phones’ with the built in ‘spelling check’ and auto ‘wipe-out’ of wrong words or sentences-like the real ‘subbies’ of days past?

I recall as a young umpire in the early 1950s being privileged to meet, separately, two brilliant writers.

The first was Hugh Buggy, the VFL football editor for The Argus.

He also wrote feature stories on Melbourne’s notorious criminals, murderers and underworld wars of the 1920s and 30s.

The second was John Eddy, The Herald’s finance editor.

Both had one thing in common.

Their brains and minds were way ahead of their mouth when communicating verbally with the result sentences spurted out at ‘jet-speed’.

You had to really listen and concentrate to understand the ‘gold-nugget’ words of wisdom being imparted.

Mark’s style is the antithesis.

Tighten up your comments and questions and like your columns make every word a gem to behold.

NAB Cup summary ■ The two undefeated teams, the Crows and Eagles deserved to fight for the flag and Adelaide’s win proved it is the big improver in the lead-up to the 2012 season.

More than 27,000 mostly-Crows fans were at AAMI Stadium to cheer their heroes to a 34pt win, Adelaide 2.10.17.95 d WCE 2.5.13.61; Bernie Vince and coach Brenton Sanderson were the big winners.

The voting in the Michael Tuck medal for the 2012 NAB Cup Grand Final was as follows: B Vince (Adel Crows) 9 (3 3 3), M Priddis (West Coast) 5 (2 2 1), S Thompson (Adel Crows) 4 (1 1 2).

Judges: ■ M Rucci (Adelaide Advertiser) Vince, Thompson, Priddis.

■ P Walsh (ABC Radio) - Vince, Priddis, Thompson.

■ S Larkin (AAP) - Vince, Priddis, Thompson.

On Friday night’s three games Collingwood returned to some semblance of form with a 33pts win over a struggling St Kilda.

Both teams suffered important injuries with Magpie skipper Nick Maxwell going down with a leg injury and the unlucky midfielder Lenny Hayes ko’d in an accidental clash and taken to hospital.

Both are expected to be available for Round 1.

All teams used the Round 4 matches to pick their likely line-ups for the ‘big-time’ opening.

The results are fascinating to contemplate. What do we make of Carlton? The Blues were the only

team which did not win a match. Sunday when it really counted they were outscored by North Melbourne by 16 points with captain Chris Judd struggling with 14D, 5T, 1M and scoreless.

Five top players, Michael Jamison, Andrew Walker, Nick Duigan, Jeremy Laidler and giant Robert Warnock are already ruled out of Rd 1.

With North’s Drew Petrie kicking 7 goals straight it highlights the loss of defenders Jamison, Laidler and Duigan.

Other teams to impress were Richmond with Jack Riewoldt, 6 goals and Brett Deledio at his top with 33D, 4gls and North Melbourne, Swans, Bulldogs, Essendon and Port Adelaide.

The flag favourites Collingwood $3.75, (not Hawthorn $4.50), Geelong $5.50 and Carlton at $10 seemed to treat the NAB Cup as a joke and could pay the penalty in the opening rounds.

The final scores of all Rd 4 matches are: Coll 0.10.20. 80 d St Kil 0.6.11.47; Rich 0.20.20.140 d GWS 0.10.6.66;Haw 0.13.8.86 d Freo 0.12.11.83; Port Ad 0.17.10.112 d Melb 0.9.10.64; Swans 0.14.19.103 d GCSuns 0.13.6.84; Ess 0.16.16.112 d Bris 0.8.8.56; Geel 11.18.84 d W.Bull 0.11.9.75; Nth Melb 0.18.8.116 d Carlton 0.15.10.100.

The AFL should stay with the current format which with Foxtel’s coverage will grow in stature and importance.

Demons will miss Sylvia ■ The Melbourne Football Club has advised that Colin Sylvia will miss 46 weeks of football, after injuring his back during the NAB Cup game against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Sylvia injured his back in a marking contest during the fourth quarter.

Sylvia spent Friday night in hospital with scans revealing two minor spinal fractures.

Melbourne Football Manager Josh Mahoney said: “This is obviously disappointing for Colin to injure himself on the eve of the season.

“However, considering the circumstances the outcome could have been a lot worse and we look forward to having Colin back on the field in the near future.”

Wang. to score 2013 match ■ The AFL has confirmed a pre-season match in the 2013 NAB Cup would be played in Wangaratta at the Showgrounds Oval.

Following on from the cancellation of the March 3 game between Essendon and St Kilda, AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson said the competition wanted certainty for football fans in the VCFL and the Wangaratta region

that the disappointment from earlier this month would be recognised with a match next year.

"The AFL has been in regular discussions with the Wangaratta Rural City Council, since the weekend of March 3, and has now locked in a match in next year's NAB Cup," Mr Anderson said.

"The teams to be fixtured for Wangaratta will be subject a final decision when the draw is determined in October but Essendon has indicated it will seek to play as one of the teams scheduled at the venue.”

Further, MrAnderson said the AFL and Essendon had resolved that the City Council and the two Ovens and Murray football clubs directly involved would not be left with any residual expenses caused by the cancellation of the March 3 match.

"The City Council and local clubs had been preparing for the game for some months and put in considerable work to readying the venue, as well as purchasing food and drinks around the expected crowd for the match.

"The AFL and Essendon have determined to meet those costs incurred by the Council and the clubs, as they should not suffer any penalty for the match not going ahead."

Essendon Chief Executive Ian Robson said the club had planned a number of positive initiatives for the community in Wangaratta.

“Following the cancellation of the match, we have been working closely with the two football clubs and local council in Wangaratta to reach a positive outcome for the wider community.

"We have indicated to the AFL our desire to play a NAB Cup game in the region next year and we will explore other community engagement opportunities.

"We understand this has affected many people in the local area and together with the AFL will meet those costs incurred by the Council and the clubs as a result of the game being cancelled.

"Most importantly, for the many young kids at the ground who missed the opportunity to see their heroes, a number of players will visit Wangaratta next week."

The Wangaratta Rural City Council said it was pleased with the outcome, especially for the two Ovens and Murray clubs involved.

“In our discussions with the AFL and Essendon, it was always the aim to recover costs and establish with the AFL a platform for the future,” Council CEO Doug Sharp said.

“This outcome achieves that. It provides certainty and clarity and gives all parties a chance to reload for the future.

“We appreciate the willingness of all parties to reach a mutually acceptable outcome, and particularly that of the AFL, which has been extremely co-operative and understanding of the situation.

“This outcome rules a line under an unfortunate set of circumstances and allows us to move forward and look to make next year’s AFL NAB Cup game at Wangaratta another sell out.”

VCFL North East Area Manager John O’Donohue said he was delighted the matter had been resolved.

“Although we are naturally disappointed the game was unable to proceed, having a NAB Cup match confirmed for 2013 is a positive outcome for country football.”

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 21, 2011 - Page 71

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