Melbourne Observer. 130522C. May 22, 2013. Part C. Pages 83-100

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 83

Victoria Pictorial

Victorian Theatres Historic Photo Collection

● Waratah Theatre, Ascot Vale. 1944.

● Dress Circle foyer of the Regent Theatre, Collins St. 1948

● Roxy Theatre. Ballarat Rd, Maidstone

● Hoyts Windsor Theatre, Albert St, Prahran. 1945.

● Hoyts Trocadero Theatre, Hopkins Street, Footscray

● Dress Circle foyer at the Capitol Theatre, Swanston St., Melbourne

● Plaza Theatre, High St, Northcote. Circa 1959

● Plaza, Collins St. 1948.

Page 84 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Club Fiji Resort: The Perfect Place to enjoy your holiday and get to see Fiji.

Try every activity you have dreamt of ... or do nothing - relax in your hammock with your sweetheart, your book or with a Pina Colada AT CLUB FIJI YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT ...

You are SECLUDED not ISOLATED The resort is in a quiet cove in Nadi bay wedged between cane fields with 500 meters of sandy beach.

With awesome ocean and mountain views and the traditional bures you will feel you are on your own privare island ... YET You have a large choice of island and inland adventures available.Restaurants and nightlife close by. Enjoy visiting Denarau and Vuda marinas both nearby,shopping villages and much more at your fingertips.

Our resort is styled with a Fijian flair where bures, villas and apartments are adorned with Fijian trappings. Here you will meet world travellers, friendly locals and plenty of native birds and marine life.

It’s Fiji Mate, Club Fiji… to be exact and we’re just happy to meet you and to share a story.

Active or Serene, It’s Yours for the Choosing Club Fiji Resort offers a great deal of activities for everyone to enjoy and experience.

There are water activities such as windsurfing, sailing, fishing, snorkeling and other resort activities like horse riding, coconut tasting, volleyball and many interesting activities everyone can enjoy.

You may also decide to choose a pace that is filled with walks along the beach and subtle movements in a hammock, we recommend that as well. Here at Club Fiji the slow breaking waves in the early hours of the morning and in the lazy afternoons will always relax and reinvigorate you.

Everywhere You Look, Magnificence Staring You in the Face Looking out past the beach, one can view many of the beautiful Mamanuca Islands including; Treasure Island, Malamala, South Sea Island and many others. You can also see the striking high peaks of the magnificent Yasawa Islands. You are also sitting in the Valley of the renown Garden of the Sleeping Giant and also get an opportunity to gaze upon the mountains of Viti Levu and the world famous Nausori Highlands.

Something to do (or not) for everybody Club Fiji Resort combines to give the comfortable and relaxed environment to its guests.

With Beach-front bures, villas, and apartment, you can enjoy the tropical feeling of Fiji.

Located right in front of the resort, guests can enjoy the view of the ocean right from their rooms. Some of the facilities available at the resort are:

■ 100s of metres or sandy beach to enjoy ■ Club Fiji Boutique ■ Dining at JB’s Restaurant ■ Two Bars ■ Pool table ■ Swimming pool ■ BBQ on the beach ■ Fijian meals ■ Fijian, Indian, Mexican, Thai, and Mongolian meals ■ Tours to Nadi town and around Fiji ■ Water sports ■ Diving ■ Fishing

■ Snorkelling ■ Paddling ■ Swimming ■ Sky Diving ■ Sailing ■ Live Band ■ Outdoor Movie Bure ■ Coconut tasting and coconut climbing ■ Sunset cruises ■ Free Airport pick- up from all International Flights ■ Beach Massage ■ Babysitting services ■ Beach Volleyball ■ Wireless Internet

Club Fiji Resort Owner: John Bullock Postal Address: P.O. Box 9619, Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands.

Phone Direct: 0011 679 6720 150 Fax Direct: 0011 679 6702 324 Email: reservations@clubfiji-resort.com

www.clubfiji-resort.com

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 85

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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio: Yesterday’s Melbourne radio ratings ....... Page 86 Theatre: The Observer’s review on Legally Blonde ... Page 87 The Spoiler: Neighbours, Home And Away ................. Page 87 Jim and Aaron: The Graham Kennedy DVDs................... Page 88 Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ............ Page 89 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

SAVOY’S 70TH BIRTHDAY Rites of Passage at Monash Uni.

● Igor Stravinsky ■ Those who love exciting classical music but find that all too often it is beyond their pocket, will enjoy the next Monash Academy of Performing Arts concert because it won't cost them a cent!

Audiences can hear Rites of Passage - a celebration concert' with the impressive Monash Academy Orchestra, on Wednesday next week (May 29) at 7.30 pm in Robert Blackwood Hall.

The free concert will feature Stravinsky's famous The Rite of Spring, coupled with a premiere from Melbourne composer Tamil Rogeon, La Danse de Jean-Francois, which has been inspired by the Stravinsky work.

And as 2013 is the centenary of Benjamin Britten's birth, the concert will also feature Britten's Sinfonia da Requiem as a tribute to the English 20th century composer.

Also performing with MAO are leading artists from the Australian electronic music scene, Daltron and Galapagoose, aka Connor Dalton and Trent Gill.

Composer Rogeon wanted to combine the forces of electronic music with the more traditional orchestral sound.

"The combined electronic orchestra aims to realise a new world of musical possibilities, facilitating the complex blending of sounds, composite timbres and unexpected textures,” Rogeon explained.

While Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring is now an acclaimed classic, at its first airing on May 29, 1913, for the Paris season of Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes company, with choreography by the great Nijinsky, the audience was shocked by the avant-garde nature of the music and nearly caused a riot in the theatre.

There should be no such shenanigans when the audience take its seats in Robert Blackwood Hall on Monash's Clayton campus, to hear a fine orchestra, conducted by Fabian Russell, play the best of exciting 20th century music and an interesting contemporary work that will surely get people talking. www.monash.edu/mapa or 9905 1111 - free but bookings recommended.

- Julie Houghton

By JULIE HOUGHTON

● David Bennett, Nicholas Jensen, Lydia Klimek, Terry Taylor, Natasha Rodriguez and John McCafferey.

■ Birthdays are always cause for celebration, and Savoy Opera Company is marking its 70th anniversary with a Gilbert and Sullivan musical knees-up.

This acclaimed G and S company will celebrate this FridaySaturday (May 24-25) by performing a double bill at Monash University's Alexander Theatre in Clayton.

Audiences will enjoy a new production of Gilbert and Sullivan's rarely performed classic, The Sorcerer, with the curtain raiser Cox and Box. The Sorcerer tells the story of a love potion gone wrong at a country wedding, and couples Gilbert's celebrated works with one of Sullivan's most energetic and evocative scores.

Performed with full orchestra and Savoy's fine chorus, The Sorcerer is grand entertainment for all ages.

The cast includes Matthew Cookson as John Wellington Wells, with Piera Dennerstein as the heroine Aline, David Campbell as the misguided hero Alexis. Jamie Moffat and Lydia Klimek appear as amorous in-laws, with Myfanwy Coghill as the village matchmaker whose plans for her daughter, Lucy Gries, come horribly unstuck.

Michael Try portrays one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most bittersweet characters, Dr Daly, the village Vicar.

Accompanying The Sorcerer will be Sullivan's Cox and Box, a short work about two lodgers and an unscrupulous landlord.

Nick Jensen, David Campbell and Jamie Moffat play the benighted trio in this lively production. Both shows are directed by Stee Dixon with musical direction by Brian Clough.

The Savoy Opera Company has been entertaining Melbourne audiences since 1943, and several professional opera singers have started their career with Savoy, including Opera Australia singers Shane Lowrencev and Henry Choo.

This double bill maintains the Savoy tradition of promoting emerging talent, combined with the most seasoned G&S performers.

The shows are on at 8pm on Friday and Saturady (May 24 and 25); and at 2pm on Saturday (May 25).Tickets: $22 - $37. Bookings: 9905 111 or www.monash.edu.au/mapa

Kate Kendall stars in ‘The Lover’ ■ Last Thursday saw the opening night of When Theatre And Architecture Collide at the RMIT Gallery, 344 Swanston St, Melbourne, as they presented Marguerite Duras’s The Lover, translated and adapted for the stage by Colin Duckworth and the pop-up-set designed by Peter Corrigan.

Kate Kendall delivers a faultless performance of the critically acclaimed 2007 Stork Theatre production of novelist Marguerite Duras’s powerful reminiscence of Indochina that has been adapted for the stage as part of the exhibition Peter Corrigan: Cities of Hope.

Kate tells the story of the young 12-15 year old daughter who attracts a wealthy Chinese gentleman. Her portrayal of the daughter, and then of the mother was truly incredible, for the switch of characters was so quick.

It was a performance of 85 minutes and Kate never once faltered and her telling of the story was very impressive. This is a very entertaining event.

The season runs until tomorrow (Thurs., May 23) and then it will be staged at the Trades Hall. A very clever piece of theatre very well done by Kate Kendall and the team.

Season: Until May 23 at 8.00pm Venue: RMIT Gallery Tickets: $35/$30 Bookings: www.trybooking.com/COKZ - Review by Brian Amos Radio Eastern 98.1 Theatre Program

● Monash Academy Orchestra

Aaron Rourke pays tribute to Ray Harryhausen and Bryan Forbes - Page 88

● Kate Kendall appears in The Lover which soon opens 8pm on Thursday, May 30 at the New Ballroom at Trades Hall.

Photo: Mark Ashkanasy

Page 86 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Observer Showbiz

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

LATEST RATINGS

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

Tues. 6am-9am.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Rob Foenander

LEE’S TRIBUTE TO SLIM

■ Country music star Lee Kernaghan’s latest single release is a tribute to the late Slim Dusty.

Titled Flying With The King it tells the story of one of Lee's most cherished memories with Slim and an unforgettable Ansett flight from Sydney to Perth in the mid 1990s.

The single is from Lee's highly acclaimed album Beautiful Noise.

WOMEN IN SONG

■ ABC Country Music has released a new compilation album, Women In Song, dubbed "a celebration of great Australian female artists".

Women In Song features tracks from leading Australian artists Kirsty Akers, Catherine Britt, Beccy Cole, Dianna Corcoran, Tania Kernaghan, Anne Kirkpatrick, The McClymonts, Sara Storer, Jasmine Rae, Tamara Stewart and Felicity Urquhart.

STAMFORD COUNTRY

■ Neil Mitchell (3AW) and Jon Faine (774 ABC) tied for top spot in the morning radio ratings announced yesterday (Tues.). Each attracted 13.3 per cent of the Melbourne audience, measured 9am-12 Noon.

3AW narrowly won the overall ratings (12.7), followed closely by 774 ABC 11.4), in the third survey for the year, measured February 24-March 30, and April 7-May 11, by Nielsen for Commercial Radio Australia.

Then followed: Fox, 9.6.

Gold, 8.6. MMM, 8.3. Nova, 7.3. Mix, 6.6. Smooth, 5.7.

JJJ, 5.0. SEN, 4.6. Magic, 4.1.

ABC FM, 3.4. Radio National, 2.4. Newsradio, 1.3.

Ross Stevenson and John Burns (3AW) won the breakfast session ratings, 18.2. Then followed Red Symons (774), 14,8; and Matt Tilley and Jo Stanley (Fox), 9.1.

Kevin John and Jane Holmes (Magic 1278) suffered another drop, to 3.4 per cent. Gold’s Anthony Lehmann and Brigitte Duclos increased their share to 7.2, with sister station Mix bouncing back to 5.4.

■ Live country music is back at the Stamford Hotel Rowville. Stampede Sundays will feature local artists performing once a month.

Upcoming acts include Rough Cut Country Band (June 16); Steve Eales (July 22); and Tim Farren (Aug. 18)

Eddie McGuire’s Hot Breakfast at MMM spiked from 7.9 to 8.5.

Denis Walter (3AW) is still in single figures, 9.6, after his show was reduced to three hours.

He was bettered in the afternoon shift by Gold, 11.2; MMM, 11.1; and Fox, 10.6.

There are some lessons to be learned by 3AW in the afternoon and drive sessions.

Tom Elliott (3AW Drive) 10.0, was slightly down again, beaten by Jules Lund and Fifi Box at Fox, 11.3.

3AW’s Sports Today and Nightline, measured 7pm-Midnight, attracted 11.9 per cent, bettered by the ABC (12.4), and followed closely by Mix (10.3).

Overall weekend ratings saw 3AW (11.5) narrowly ahead of ABC 774 (10.6), Fox (9.2), and Gold (8.3).

George visits 3AW

MILDURA FESTIVAL 2013

■ The annual Mildura Festival is gearing up for another big year with a number of high profile artists already confirmed to appear.

Chad Morgan, Stuie and Camille French, Reg Poole, Craig Giles, Bob Corbett and Allan Caswell will head a list of more than 50 artists who will perform from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, October 6, in and around Mildura.

- Rob Foenander

■ 3AW’s website says Remember When-Nightline cohosts Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady “are now in their 18th year together”. They started in 1990 ... so should that reference actually read as their 24th year?

r Observbei z Show

Wednesday, May 22 ■ Scottish writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh in 1859. He died aged 71 in 1930.

US-born radio and TV host Bob Dyer (Dies) was born in 1909. He died aged 74 in 1984.

Singer Linda Goerge was born in England in 1949 (64). Happy birthday Linda!

● George Donikian (cenjtre) was in the 3AW studios with Simon Owens and John Blackman, whilst regular Nightline hosts Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady are on mid-year leave. Philip is touring the holy places of Europe. Bruce will be on leave again in July-August, whilst escorting a Queen Mary II tour taking in New York City, London and Paris.

Theatre Extra A Death In The Family

● Andrew McPhedran, Darren Mort, Lee McClenaghan and Petra Glieson in A Death In The Family.

■ Quality theatre enthusiasts must not miss Ward Theatre Company’s production of A Death In The Family, running until May 25 in a multi-tiered performance space at the Docklands Cotton Mills, Footscray.

Company founder Wendy Ward has skilfully adapted James Agee’s autobiographical novel for theatre performance, with Helena Plazzer’s music beautifully vocally accompanied by Emma McKay. Set in1915 in Knoxville, Tennessee, Agee’s PulitzerPrize-winning story is told through the eyes of his remembered self, six years old Rufus Follett.

The Follett’s family life is peacefully happy and harmonious, until suddenly shattered by the death of a family member.

We see how this death impacts on the family, and sense that Rufus will never be able to understand God, in spite of his mother Mary’s strong religious beliefs. We also recognise hope in reference to the symbolic butterfly.

The intimate audience mostly sits close to the actors, but director Wendy Ward’s cast is so superbly immersed in their performances that it becomes impossible to think of them as ‘actors’ – rather, we become embodied in the scenes with the characters, sharing their experiences and emotions.

With minimal staging and no props, the cast’s improvised actions brilliantly create reality.

Soren Jensen does great work as the Narrator, relating the story from Rufus’s third-person perspective, and speaking his dialogue.

The wonderful cast includes Darren Mort (Jay), Lee McClenaghan (Mary), Petra Glieson (Hannah), Andrew McPhedran (Andrew) and Helena Plazzer (Aunt Sadie).

A Death In The Family runs for two hours, plus a 15- minute interval.

The Ward Theatre is easy to find, but check helpful directions on the company website. No refreshments are available at interval.

This is powerful, evocative theatre, presented with innovative, artistic flair. Congratulations to Wendy Ward and her cast and crew.

Performance Season: Until May 25 Venue: Building 63, Docklands Cotton Mills, 91 Moreland Rd, Footscray Tickets: $30/$25 Bookings: trybooking.com/40254 Website: www.wardtheatrecompany.com/# - Cheryl Threadgold Melbourne

Observer

On This Day Thursday, May 23

Friday, May 24

Saturday, May 25

Sunday, May 26

Monday, May 27

Tuesday, May 28

■ American singer Rosemary Clooney was born in 1928, and died aged 74 in 2002.

British actress Joan Collins was born in London in 1933 (80). She starred in Dynasty.

US comedian Drew Carey is 55.

Australian playwright Ray Lawler is 92 (1921). He was born in Footscray.

■ Australian operatic singer Dame Joan Hammond was born in New Zea-land in 1912.

She died aged 84 in 1996.

Australian bushman R M (Reginald Murray) Williams was born in 1908.

Priscilla Presley (nee Wagner) was born in New York in 1945 (68).

■ Comedian Syd Heylen was born in Renmark, SA, in 1923. He died aged 73 in 1996.

Country singer Tom T Hall was born in 1936 (77).

Actor Andrew Clarke was born in Adelaide in 1954 (59).

Actor Mike Myers was born in Ontario in 1963 (50). He celebrates his halfcentury today.

■ English music hall per-former George Formby was born in Lancashire in 1904. She died aged 55 in 1961.

Actor John Wayne (Marion Morrison) was born in 1907. He died aged 72 in 1979.

Actor Robert Morley was born in Wiltshire, UK, in 1908. He died in 1992 (84)

■ US actor Vincent Price was born in 1911. He died aged 82 in 1994.

Sydney TV-radio presenter Mike Gibson is 73.

British singer Cilla Black (Priscilla White) is 70 (1941). She is still performing on British TV, Politician Pauline Hanson is 59 (1954).

Fotballer Wayne Carey is 42 (1971).

■ US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in 1917. He died aged 45 in 1963.

Radio man Stan Zemanek was born in 1947. He died aged 60 in 2007.

Actress Jo Beth Taylor was born in Perth in 1971 (42).

News reader Natarsha Belling is 43.

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

Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 87

Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler Legally Blonde The Musical ★

ShowBiz!

Nas Campanella has made history by being the first blind cadet journalist employed by the ABC. She is pioneering a novel way of presenting and producing radio news for Triple J. 3MBS, Melbourne’s classic music sta tion continues its this year's Radiothon until Sunday (May 26) with the theme of Music In Return. Phone 9416 1035.

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

★

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven ■ Monday, May 27. Kate is stunned when Mark Brennan walks back into her life; Steph tries to make amends with Lucas and Vanessa; Lou and Sheila's friendship blossoms.

■ Tuesday, May 28. Kate has to choose between Mason and Brennan, but is it too late for either? Terese proves her management skills, putting Paul in his place; Matt hides his jealously from Lauren.

■ Wednesday, May 29. Mason refuses to get back together with Kate after learning she kissed Brennan; Lauren is haunted by something from her past; Kyle struggles to cope with his loss of vision.

■ Thursday, May 30. Matt and Brad come to an uneasy truce; Lauren is still worried about her past. Will Rani confessess everything?

■ Friday, May 31. Toadie suspects Mason is about to fall into Paul's trap; Callum is heartbroken and lashes out against Rani; Ajay admits he's struggling to be a parent to Rani on his own.

IndependentTheatre True Love Travels On A Gravel Road

Home and Away ■ Monday, May 27. Casey is in remand and tells the police that he doesn't know anything about the money and the gun in the flat. After seeing the world of pain that she has caused for Brax and Casey, Ricky's guilt is beginning to eat away at her. Wanting what's best for her baby, Rosie decides to drop out of school.

■ Tuesday, May 28. Marilyn is finding it difficult to take a step back from John and Jett. Kyle confronts Ricky about her involvement with Casey's arrest.

Bianca convinces Rosie to stay in school.

■ Wednesday, May 29. Marilyn lies to get out of dinner with John, Heath is finally convinced someone is out to get the Braxtons and Indi runs the gym into debt while paying for the private investigator. Bianca researches study options for pregnant students in an effort to help Rosie.

■ Thursday, May 30. Double Episode. Indi finally lets go of Romeo. Much to Dex's apprehension, April gets a placement at his hospital. Marilyn upsets John by implying he has got feelings for her.

An Evening Of Scientific Phenomenon

● Lucy Durack and Rob Mills star in Legally Blonde The Musical ■ Legally Blonde The Musical, play- cess can be achieved by using integrity, ing at the Princess Theatre, is the per- loyalty and being true to yourself. fect heart-warming antidote for wintry The super, top-line cast is headed by chills.

Lucy Durack as Elle. Lucy sparkles Don't be fooled by the show's frothy in the role, delighting with her beautiful pink image though, because behind the singing voice and warm, endearing pereffervescence and escapism are well- sonality. grounded real-life messages, making this Director Jerry Mitchell has choreoshow beaut all-round entertainment for graphed the terrific dance routines, inteens to centenarians. cluding one particularly spectacular With music and lyrics by Laurence number sure to boost skipping rope sales!

O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and Music and lyrics are integral to the book by Heather Hach, Legally show's story, and musical director Blonde The Musical is based upon the Kellie Dickerson's orchestra presents novel by Amanda Brown and the splendid renditions of the enjoyable Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion pic- tunes. ture, starring Reese Witherspoon.

Two scene-stealers are well-trained Combining modern-day content with canines, Bruiser, the chihuahua and good old-fashioned morals, the show British bull-dog, Rufus. tells of glamorous blonde sorority sister Complementing the happy overall theand prom queen Elle Woods (Lucy atre experience is the impressively poDurack) and her determination to join lite, welcoming manner extended by ex-boyfriend Warner (Rob Mills) at Harvard's Law School, run by Pro- Princess Theatre front-of-house staff fessor Callahan (Cameron Daddo). to patrons.

If licensing rights for Legally Blonde Kind-hearted, positive-thinking Elle encounters life's ups and downs with the The Musical become widely available support of friends, including hairdresser further down the track, the show will Paulette (Helen Dallimore), student predictably be hugely popular for senior colleague Emmett (David Harris), school and local theatre performances.

Right now, however, don't miss this fitness instructor Brooke Wyndham (Erika Heynatz), former foe bubbly, joyful professional production Vivienne (Ali Calder) and a Greek with its top cast and superb staging and chorus comprising UCLA's sorority lighting, playing at Melbourne's PrinDelta Nu's, Serena (Ashlea Pyke), cess Theatre until September 29.

Bookings: www.ticketmaster.

Margot (Shaye Hopkins) and Pilar com.au (Chloe Zuel).

Significantly, Elle proves that suc- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

‘MY CROWNING GLORY’

● Brian Cox ■ British particle physicist Brian Cox will appear in Melbourne on Wednesday, August 14, in a Hamer Hall stage presentation – An Evening of Scientific Phenomena. The evening will be hosted

by Adam Spencer (who yesterday announced he is stepping down from the ABC).

Brian is the UK’s foremost communicator of all things scientific. His television programs are ground breaking – Cox has the innate ability to make highly complex matters enormously entertaining and easy to contemplate.

Price: $79-$195. Booking details: artscentremelbourne.com.au

■ International violinist André Rieu describes his performance at last month’s investiture of King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima as “the most beautiful day of my musical career and the crowning glory of my work”.

Rieu gave a concert in with his Johann Strauss Orchestra in Amsterdam to close the festivities.

He will visit Australia

● André Rieu

in August, to promote concerts in October. He will perform in Melbourne on Friday-Saturday, October 18-19 at Rod Laver Arena.

Called And The Waltz Goes On Tour, the tour is named after his successful album on which he collaborated with Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Rieu will also perform in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

● Emily Goddard (Maggie) and Glenn van Oosterom (Jake) in True Love Travels On A Gravel Road, at fortyfivedownstairs until June 2.

Photo: Michelle Odgers ■ It has been exciting to observe award-winning Melbourne playwright Jane Miller work passionately at her craft over the years, achieving success both in Australia and internationally.

Miller's latest play, True Love Travels On A Gravel Road, opened last week to a packed house at fortyfivedownstairs, where theatregoers can enjoy her artistic collaboration with top Melbourne theatre director, Beng Oh, until June 2.

True Love Travels On A Gravel Road has been workshopped and developed over recent years, winning an R E Ross Trust Playwrights' Script Development Award in 2011.

Presented by 15 Minutes From Anywhere and set in rural Australia, the comedy drama tells of ordinary people driven to ruthlessly pursue happiness.

One person's dream becomes another's reality, with terrible consequences.

The talented acting ensemble has worked with Miller and Oh through the collaborative developmental process and the benefits are apparent in their naturalistic embodiment of their characters.

Chris Broadstock (Sam), Marnie Gibson (Angie), Emily Goddard (Maggie), David Kambouris (Richard), Glenn van Oosterom (Jake) and Elizabeth McColl (Glenda) complete the fine cast.

An ingenious, corrugated set designed by Christina Logan-Bell, instantly places the audience in the outback, complimented by Andy Turner's lighting and Tim Bright's sound design.

Just one thing, care needs to be taken that actors inside the set's darkened interior are not visible through open doors when moving to entrances.

Special aspects of Miller's plays include her ability to create very real, well-rounded characters, skilled comedy writing, and never neglecting her audience.

Director Oh says that Miller's words are written to be spoken. "Her text rolls off the tongue and is a gift to actors", he says.

Congratulations to Beng Oh, Jane Miller and all involved for an excellent production.

Season: Until June 2 Times: 7.30pm Tues - Fri., 2pm and 7.30pm Sat., 5pm Sun. Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Duration: 90 minutes Tickets: $37 full, $30 concession Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs.com, 9662 9966.

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Page 88 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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

● The King of Australian television, the great and irreplaceable Graham Kennedy. Four classic and hilarious In Melbourne Tonight episodes of The Graham Kennedy Show are now available on DVD for the first time each featuring a host of legendary Australian talent.

FILM: THE GRAHAM KENNEDY SHOW: Genre: Comedy/TV. Cast: Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton, Philip Brady, Peter Smith, Joff Ellen.

Year: Assorted Years.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 263 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: **** Verdict: A hilarious journey back to the unique and irreplaceable Australian television entertainment variety show In Melbourne Tonight with 'The King' of Australian television, the great and unpredictable Graham Kennedy. This wonderfully nostalgic set features four unforgettable episodes from the 1960's to the early 1970's, including Australia's first 'Adults Only' transmission. Also included intact are a host of classic television commercials, as well as such entertainment icons as Bert Newton, Rosemary Margan, Philip Brady, Pete Smith, Jack Little, Joff Ellen, Elaine McKenna, Jimmy Hannan, Jon English, Daryl Somers and Ozzie Ostrich, to name a few. Great fun and enormously entertaining! ... and here's hoping for more.

FILM: HITCHCOCK: Genre: Drama.

Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Helen, Mirren, Scarlett Johansson.

Year: 2012.

Rating: M. Running Time: 98 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **½ Verdict: The story between the relationship of legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville set during the filming of the groundbreaking classic Psycho in 1959. Based on the compelling book Alfred Hitchcock and The Making of Psycho by Stephen Rebello, the film sadly misfires by comparison as it falls into parody and illogicality, most notably Hitchcock's obsession with murderer Ed Gein, which inspired the story of Psycho, and lack of realism and characterization. Anthony Hopkins is clearly having a good time as the great Alfred Hitchcock, and Helen Mirren simply Helen Mirren as his wife and muse Alma Reville, and even though looking at it as a dark comedy or parody may enlighten the enjoyment, the legendary and hugely influential auteur deserved more respect!

FILM: GANGSTER SQUAD: Genre: Action/Crime/Drama.

Cast: Josh Brolin, Ryan Goslin, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte.

Year: 2013.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 113 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **½ Verdict: Set in Los Angeles in 1949, a select group of incorruptible police officers band together in an effort to take down the ruthless L.A. underworld mob boss and gangster Mickey Cohen. This is not a remake of The Untouchables and reset in Los Angeles, but in fact is based, or inspired, by actual events. Unfortunately though, all reality is suspended and replaced with events resulting in nothing more than an inferior 'B' version of Brian De Palma's more satisfying and stylish The Untouchables. However, if all you are looking for is an all out slam-bang, shoot em' up, action packed gangster film, then this one might be for you.

FILM: AUDREY HEPBURN TIMELESS COLLECTION: Genre: Comedy/Romance/Musical/Drama.

Cast: Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, William Holden, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart.

Year: 1954, 1957, 1961.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 331 Minutes.

Format: DVD. Stars: **** Verdict: Delightful DVD box set features three irreplaceable Audrey Hepburn classics including Blake (The Pink Panther) Edwards' Breakfast at Tiffany's, with Audrey in her iconic role as New York socialite Holly Golightly, who becomes interested in a young man who has moved into her apartment building. In Billy (Some Like It Hot) Wilder's Sabrina, Audrey is in the daughter of wealthy family's chauffeur with two brothers bidding for her affections, and finally, in Stanley (Charade, Singin' in the Rain) Donen's Funny Face, a fashion shoot in a book store brings about a new discovery of a new model.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke

RAY HARRYHAUSEN June 29, 1920 - May 7, 2013

● Effects master Ray Harryhausen with two of his creations from the 1981 film Clash Of The Titans.

■ Ray Harryhausen, one of the that goes on the rampage after being most influential visual effects creators freed via an atomic blast. in movie history, sadly passed away on Due to the film's limited budget, Mr Tuesday May 7, aged 92.

Harryhausen created a technique This technical innovator has inspired which would be termed 'split-screen' everyone from George Lucas to Rob- (rear projection on overlapping miniaert Rodriguez, Sam Raimi to Terry ture screens), so he could intergrate the Gilliam, John Lasseter (Pixar) to fantastic images into real-world backTim Burton, and provided many won- grounds. drous images for millions of movieThis technique he developed would goers over four incredible decades. be called Dynamation, and is still Born in Los Angeles on June 29 used by stop-motion animators today.

1920, Mr Harryhausen's interest in As his reputation grew, Mr Harryfantasy and special effects would be hausen's visual genius would be loved raised when, as a 13 year-old, he went by audiences around the world, with and saw the 1933 classic King Kong. eye-popping work in It Came From Left completely awed by what he Beneath The Sea (1955) (****); 20 had seen, the young boy wanted to know Million Miles To Earth (1957) (****); how it was all done.

The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad (1958) Much research, plus advice from a (*****); The 3 Worlds Of Gullivar friend of his father's who worked at (1960) (***½); Mysterious Island RKO, led to some impressive home- (1961) (****); Jason And The Argomade shorts, one of which was seen by nauts (1963) (*****); First Men In Kong's effects creator Willis H The Moon (1964) (****); One Million O'Brien.

Years B.C (1966) (***½); The Valley This early work attracted the atten- Of Gwangi (1969) (***); The Golden tion of producer George Pal, who Voyage Of Sinbad (1973) (****); hired him to work on his Puppetoon Sinbad And The Eye Of The Tiger shorts for Paramount.

(1977) (***); and his final film, Clash While in the army, Mr Harry- Of The Titans (1981) (***). hausen's expertise was used on a numMr Harryhausen received a most ber of training films. deserved (and long overdue) honorary The rising talent got to work with Oscar in 1992.

O'Brien when he was hired for Mighty Another shining, guiding light has Joe Young (1949) (***½), a very en- gone, but to finish with Mr Harrytertaining variation on the 1933 mas- hausen's own words, "I'm very happy terpiece, and reportedly completed at that so many young fans have told me least 85 percent of the stop-motion ani- that my films have changed their lives. mation.

That's a great compliment. It means I Warner Brothers gave Mr did more than just make entertaining Harry-hausen his big break on The films. I actually touched people's lives Beast From 20,000 Fathoms (1953) - and, I hope, changed them for the (***), involving a prehistoric creature better."

BRYAN FORBES July 22, 1926 - May 8, 2013 ■ Another cinematic pioneer, actor/ writer/producer/director Bryan Forbes, also passed away, on Wednesday May 8, aged 86.

A powerhouse talent on both sides of the camera, Mr Forbes left a stark, strong impression that will be felt by movie buffs for generations to come.

As a screenwriter and director, Mr Forbes was in overwhelmingly peak form between 1958 and 1966, delivering audiences a number of classics that still shine brightly and boldly today.

This include I Was Monty's Double (1958) (****) (co-starring John Mills and directed by John Guillermin); The Angry Silence (1960) (****½) (starring Richard Attenborough and helmed by Guy Green); The League

Of Gentlemen (1960) (****½) (starring Jack Hawkins and directed by Basil Dearden; Whistle Down The Wind (1961) (****½) (starring Alan Bates and Hayley Mills); The L-Shaped Room (1962) (****½) (starring Leslie Caron); Station Six-Sahara (1962) (***½) (directed by Seth Holt and costarring Denholm Elliott); Seance On A Wet Afternoon (1964) (*****) (starring Kim Stanley and Richard Attenborough); King Rat (1965) (****) (starring George Segal); and The Wrong Box (1966) (****) (starring Michael Caine).

Established, along with Richard Attenborough, Guy Green, Basil Dearden, Michael Relph and Jack ● Turn To Page 95

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS. 2. IRON MAN 3.

3. THE BIG WEDDING. 4. THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES. 5. OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN. 6. OBLIVION. 7. THE CROODS. 8. SPRING BREAKERS. 9. DRIFT. 10. THE COMPANY YOU KEEP. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MAY 16: A PLACE FOR ME, BROKEN, SATELLITE BOY, SNITCH, TABU, THE CALL. MAY 23: DEAD MAN DOWN, THE HANGOVER PART III, THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST, JEFF WAYNE'S MUSICAL VERSION OF THE WAR OF THE WORLDS: ALIVE ON STAGE! - THE NEW GENERATION. THE DVD TOP RENTAL & SELLERS: 1. LIFE OF PI [Drama/Adventure/ Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma].

2. THE HOBBIT: An Unexpected Journey [Fantasy/Adventure/Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen].

3. GANGSTER SQUAD [Crime/ Drama/Action/Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling].

4. HITCHCOCK [Drama/Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston].

5. SKYFALL [Action/Adventure/ Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench].

6. QUARTET [Comedy/Drama/ Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly].

7. LES MISERABLES [Musical/ Drama/Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway].

8. WRECK-IT RALPH [Animated/ Family/John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer].

9. ARGO [Thriller/Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman].

10. TWILIGHT SAGA: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 [Drama/Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson].

Also: THIS IS 40, PARENTAL GUIDENCE, THE SESSIONS. ALEX CROSS, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS, TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE, RED DAWN, PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS, DREDD. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: JACK REACHER [Action/Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike].

CITIZEN GANGSTER [Action/Drama/ True Storu/Scott Speedman, Kelly Reilly].

APARTMENT 1303 [Horror/Rebecca De Mornay].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: LOOSE CANNONS [Comedy/Action/ Gene Hackman, Dan Aykroyd].

PUNCHLINE [Comedy/Drama/Tom Hanks, Sally Field].

BODY DOUBLE [Horror/Thriller/Craig Wasson, Melanie Griffith].

PAL JOEY [Music/Comedy/Drama/ Romance/Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth, Kim Novak].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR: The Complete First Season.

Tur age 95 urnn T Too P Page

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 89

Observer Showbiz THE PRODUCERS

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

‘CALENDAR GIRLS’ AT ELTHAM SHOWS

● Swedish actress Ulla (Lisa Brash) auditions for Leo Bloom (Steven Walker) and Max Bialystock (Sonny Beycher) in The Producers, playing in Elwood until May 25.

Photo: Des McMillan ■ A vibrant, refreshingly youthful production of the Mel Brooks’s musical The Producers is being presented by the JYM Theatre Company at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Road, Elwood, until May 25.

Amazingly, nobody in the cast is over 28, yet all deliver their roles with seasoned flair.

Director Brendan Cohen should take a bow here, because his expert direction, including clever use of characters to facilitate smooth set changes, provides an excellent performance vehicle for his talented cast.

Special mention should also be made of Musical Director Philip Stretton and his equally youthful orchestra. This is Philip’s third show as MD with JYM, and his impressive orchestra never fails to produce sounds equal to the best heard around town.

The story tells of has-been musical producer Max Bialystock and nerdy accountant Leo Bloom, seeking a sure-fire flop so they can close the show and abscond with the backers’ money.

They think they have the worst show ever… until it all goes horribly right!

Sonny Beycher as the confident shyster Max and his antithesis partner, the awkward Leo, played by Steven Walker, are terrific in their roles, using well-paced comedy timing.

Effervescent Lisa Brash delights as glamorous Swedish actress Ulla, singing and dancing with oomph and style.

Joel Lazar (Nazi playwright Franz Leibkind), Oliver Rose (flamboyant director Roger De Bris) and Josh Mulcahy (assistant, Carmen Ghi) all deliver entertaining performances, while the versatile ensemble members present some great characterisations.

Cara Johnston’s snappy, well-rehearsed choreography is topped off with some beaut tap-dancing.

Audiences really appreciate performers using high-powered energy to ensure we enjoy the show. Thank you. We loved it!

Congratulations JYM Theatre on another success.

Performance Season: May 22, 23, 25 at 8.00pm Venue: Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Rd, Elwood Tickets: $35-$42 Bookings: www.jymtheatre.com

PHÈDRE ■ A media call and dress rehearsal was held yesterday (Tues.) for Phèdre, being staged at the Merlyn Theatre at The Malthouse, Sturt St. Featured were Act 2 performances of Hippolytus and Aricia (Edmund Lembke-Hogan and Abby Earl); and Hippolytus and Phèdre (Edmund Lembke-Hogan and Catherine McClements).

Written by Jean Racine, this most famous of French tragedies continues Bell Shakespeare’s foray into French classical theatre, with Co-Artistic Director Peter Evans directing Ted Hughes’s passionately wrought translation of love, betrayal, humiliation, despair and death.

Phèdre is married to a notorious and absent King Theseus, who has been missing for months.

When rumours of his death reach her, the forbidden desire that has been rising in her erupts in a confession of devastating love for her stepson, Hippolytus.

Rejected by him and faced with the shock return of her husband, the devastated Phèdre stands-by while her stepson is accused of her rape.

This mythic tale of erotic obsession explodes with wild accusations, chilling curses and violent deaths. It cannot end well, and, like any good tragedy, it doesn’t.

Starring Catherine McClements (Phèdre), she’ll be performing alongside Marco Chiappi (Theseus), Julie Forsyth (Onenone), Bert Labonte (Théramène), Olivia Monicciolo (Ismène), Caroline Lee (Panope), Edmund LembkeHogan (Hippolytus) and Abby Earl.

Melbourne

Observer

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Calendar Girls (by Tim Firth) Until May 24 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, Main Road, Research. Director: Gayle Poor. Tickets: $22.50/$17.50. Bookings: 9437 1574.

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: The Phantom of the Opera Until May 25 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Bookings: 1300 362 547. www.cloc.org.au ■ Nova Music Theatre: Sweeney Todd Until May 25 at the Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading. Director/designers: Chris and Lynette White: Musical Director: Phillip Osborne. Tickets: $38/ $33. Bookings: 1300 305771 or 9727 0192.

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): The Merry Widows (by Cenarth Fox) Until May 26 at the Strathmore Community Hall, Corner Napier and Loeman Streets, Strathmore. Director: Mel de Bono. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284.

■ The Basin Theatre: The Woman in Black Until June 8 at The Basin Theatre, Corner Doongalla and Simpson Roads, The Basin. Director: Justin Stephens. Tickets: $25. Bookings: 1300 784 668 www.basintheatre.org.au ■ Moreland Theatre Company: Arsenic and Old Lace (by Joseph Kesselring) Until June 1 at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Corner Sydney and Glenlyon Roads, Brunswick. Director: Rick Barry. Tickets: $25/$18. Bookings: www.moreland.org.au ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Picasso at the Lapin Agile (by Steve Martin) May 23 - June 8 at the Clocktower Theatre, Corner Wilson and Carpenter Streets, Brighton. Director: Jeff Saliba. Tickets: $20/$18. Bookings: 1300 752 126 or www.brightontheatreco.com ■ Savoy Opera Company: Cox and Box and The Sorcerer May 24 and 25 at 8.00pm, May 25 at 2.00pm at The Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton. Bookings: 9905 1111 www.monash.edu.au/waps ■ The Mount Players: The Threepenny Opera (by Bertolt Brecht), May 24 - June 23 at 56 Smith Street, Macedon. Director: Leo Vandervalk: Musical Director: Peter Weerts. Tickets: $28/$25.

Bookings: www.themountplayers.com.au ■ Gemco Players Community Theatre: Don't Drink the Water (by Woody Allen) May 24 - June 1 at the Gem Community Arts Centre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Director: Kym Davies.

Tickets: $24/$22. Bookings: www.gemcoplayers.org ■ Phoenix Theatre Company: The Wedding Singer May 24 June 1 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Director/Choreographer: Renee Maloney; Musical Director: Katie Packer. Tickets: www.phoenixtheatrecompany.org ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: Laughter on the 23rd Floor (by Neil Simon) May 29 - June 15 at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella Street, Lilydale. Director: Kevin Trask. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: www.lilydaleatc.com ■ Fab Nobs Theatre Inc and Williamstown Music Theatre Company: [title of show] June 7 - 15 at the Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater, Bookings: fabnobstheatre.com.au or 0401 018 846. June 20 - 23 at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Corner Melbourne Road and Electra Street, Williamstown. Bookings: wtc.org.au 1300 881 545. Tickets: $32/$28.

■ MLOC Productions: Big The Musical June 14 - 22 at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Road, Elwood. Director: Trish Carr; Musical Director: Geoff Earle: Choreographer: Keir Jasper.

Tickets: $32/$30/$28. Bookings: www.mloc.org.au ■ Windmill Theatre Company: The Phantom of the Opera June 21 - July 4 at the Drum Theatre, Dandenong. Director: Chris Hughes: Musical Director: Julia Buchanan; Choreographer: Robert Mulholland. Tickets: $39.60/$35.20. Bookings: www.phantomoftheopera.net.au ■ Sunshine Community Theatre: Boston Marriage (by David Mamet), June 28 - July 6 at the Dempster Park Hall, 82 Phoenix Street, North Sunshine. Director: Lee Cook. Tickets: $15/$12.

Bookings: 0407 802165 www.sunshinecommunitytheatre.com ■ Aspect Theatre: Hairspray July 12 - 20 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Road, Parkdale. Director: Lyn Laister; Musical Director: Emma McGeorge; Choreographer: KimAnnette. Bookings: www.aspecttheatre.com After hours: 9580 8415.

AUDITIONS ■ The Basin Theatre Company: Lend Me a Tenor (by Ken Ludwig) May 22 at 7.30pm at The Basin Theatre, corner Simpson and Doongalla Roads, The Basin. Director: Joe Tuppeney. Audition bookings: 0408 336310.

■ Purely Pensive Productions: The Importance of Being Earnest May 26, 3.00-5.30pm at St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, Diamond Creek Road, Greensborough. Audition bookings: www.purelypensive.com.au ■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Real Inspector Hound (by Tom Stoppard), June 2 at 2.00pm and June 5 at 7.30pm at the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute Hall, Yarra St, Warrandyte. Directors: Nieta Manser/David Tynan.Audition bookings: 0439 311428.

The Good Person of Szechuan The true brilliance of Brecht is exposed and stripped bare in The Good Person of Szechuan, performed at the La Mama Courthouse in Carlton.

The show was written during Brecht’s years of exile from Nazi Germany but was translated into this Santa Monica version by David Harrower. Whilst exploring themes of love, morality, identity and addiction, the show asks deep questions about what it truly means to be a good person. The action that takes place is chaotic yet beautifully serene at the same time.

The Good Person of Szechuan centres on Shen Te, a prostitute who is proclaimed a ‘good person’ by the gods, and her predicament of being caught between a desire to help and her need to survive. HaiHa Le plays Shen Te and does an outstanding job at portraying this strong yet fragile character in a powerful manner. She is supported by an exciting ensemble cast that work together harmoniously to provide a true theatrical experience that will drawyou in and excite the senses.

The show is edgy, raw, and in your face, as Brecht would have wanted it to be. Lawrence Strangio had directed this latest production to truly captivate and engross the entire audience. I In fact, he has not only engrossed the audience, but uses them as an integral part of the action. The set design of Lisa Höbartner, although seemingly simple, works incredibly effectively and cleverly in allowing the focus to be on what is really important, the story and the powerful questions at hand.

The entire cast and crew should be extremely proud of this remarkable production and the journey that they allow their audience to be part of alongside them.

Season: Until May 26 Times: Wed, Sun 6.30pm ; Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm; Wednesday 1pm;Thursday 11am Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton Tickets: Tickets $25 Full ; $15 Concession Bookings: www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6142 - Review by Stephen Leeden

AUDITIONS

■ Croydon Parish Players: Fiddler on the Roof Information Night May 28, 30 at 8.00pm, Auditions June 3, 4 at 7.00pm at the Croydon Uniting Church, Tallent Street, Croydon. Director: Russell Walters; Musical Director: David Billmori. Email: info@croydonparishplayers.com ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Morning Departure June 3, 4 at 2 Albert Street, Williamstown. Director: Gaentano Santo. Audition bookings: 0419 529 208.

■ Sunshine Community Theatre: And the Big Men Fly (by Alan Hopgood) June 6 at 2.00pm, June 10 at 8.00pm at the Dempster Park Hall, 82 Phoenix Street, North Sunshine. Director: Stephen Andrews. Audition bookings: 0407 802 165.

■ Wyndham Theatre Company: Deathtrap (by Ira Levin) June 22, 29 at 12.00 noon at the Crossroads Theatre, Corner Synot Street and Duncans Road. Werribee. Director: Ron Fenton. Audition bookings: 0403 338 836.

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (by Gay Presson Allen), June 27 at 7.00pm, June 30 at 12 noon at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation Street, Geelong West. Director: Stacey Carmichael. Audition bookings: 0400 233 085.

■ The Melbourne Observer Local Theatre report is compiled

by Cheryl Threadgold in an honorary capacity. News and photos of shows, auditions and theatre people can be sent to: editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 90 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 21 Across

Across

Down

Down

1. Seaside walkway 6. Pouch 11. Brief sharp pain 15. Most cheerful 20. Naming word 21. Chicken breed, ... Island Red 22. Nominate 23. Behind bars 25. Active 26. Indian port, now Chennai 27. Moves closer to 29. Infuriates 32. Unaccompanied 34. Hair dye 36. The N of UN 39. Firmly cooked (of pasta), al ...

41. Of punishment 43. WWII German sub (1-4) 46. Church passage 48. Tin or lead 49. Spy, ... Hari 51. Fulfil (demand) 52. Upsetting 55. US university 56. Shoe cord 59. Follows orders 61. Friar 62. Sports day 63. Britain's Scilly ...

64. Afternoon performance 67. Mythical horned horse 68. US property agent 70. Lunatic 71. Landlord's income 72. Weather map line 73. Lady's title 74. Send (cash) 75. Most avid 77. Anticipate 78. Days & ...

79. Flee 82. Painters' stands 86. Boredom 87. Long time 89. Austrian alpine flower 92. Children 94. Escapade 96. Luncheon meat 98. Identical sibling 100. Laughing scavenger 101. ... & evens 103. Fasten (envelope) 105. Civic 106. Finished 108. Number of cat's lives 111. Dig for minerals 112. Exclusive group members 114. Lampoon 116. Vow 119. Filled tortilla 120. Scottish valley 121. Exercise club 123. Incursion 124. Lambs' mothers 125. Straggler (4-5) 126. Self-sustaining environment 127. Sect, Hare ...

130. Olympic Games body (1,1,1) 131. Talk at incessantly 135. Nude 138. Brazilian soccer hero 139. Rugged peak 141. Grind (teeth) 144. A great deal of 146. In the manner of (1,2) 147. Flying saucers (1,1,2) 148. Through 149. Executive jet 150. Swine enclosure 151. Flog 152. Dictator, Adolf ...

153. Eyelid swelling 155. Ayes & ...

157. Wattle tree 158. Shafts of light 160. ... & lows 161. For a specific purpose (2,3) 162. Henry VIII royal house 163. Kon-Tiki's captain, ... Heyerdahl 165. Bride's partner 166. Immense period 167. Irish organisation (1,1,1)

168. Seance board 169. Climate feature, El ...

171. Argentina's Buenos ...

172. Struck with leg joint 175. Relationship (3-2) 176. Wading bird 179. Carrot colour 180. Middling (2-2) 182. ... spumante 184. Coaches (team) 185. Bright (future) 186. Unhappy 188. Unfluctuating 189. Earthenware cup 190. Owl call 191. Yuck!

193. Cover with gold 194. Bind with string 196. Cold meats & cheeses shop 197. Cash advance 198. Fully satisfies 200. On end 205. Named before marriage 207. Damsels 210. Mouth organ 211. Femur 212. Actress, ... Thompson 213. Anti-attacker spray 214. Gambling city, ... Vegas 216. Street 218. Fabled whale, ... Dick 219. Breakfast or dinner 220. Insignificant people 224. Excessive self-love 227. Rock band, Manfred ...

229. Hand (out) 230. Give off 231. Money resources 232. Dork 233. Slog 235. Extremely 237. Ruminate 239. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco 241. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2) 244. Lads 246. Size 249. Infant's carriage 252. Eminent 254. Birthplace of St Francis 256. Canada's capital 258. Hillocks 259. Baby's skin problem, ... rash 260. Licence update 263. Shopping binge 264. Spoof 265. Formed a crowd 267. Russian newspaper 270. Strangely beautiful 271. Exhausting supply of (5,2) 272. Red-nosed reindeer 273. Deliberately sink 274. Greek fable teller 277. As well 279. Ancient Peruvian 281. Hum tunelessly 284. Ukraine capital 286. Captures (criminal) 288. Rousing (speech) 292. Mongrel 294. Writer, ... Blyton 295. Uncensored 298. Milk coffee style 300. Knight's charger 301. Tapering fruit 303. Noblemen 306. Priest's lectures 308. Barrier across stream 309. Head cook 311. More briny 314. Recycle 315. Hammered (in) 316. Perspiration-soaked 317. Spanish friend 318. Crazy 319. Knowledge tests 320. Dedicatory poems 321. Suffering optical defect (5-4) 322. Shelters from sun 323. Promise 324. Moderated (5,4)

1. Prudish 2. Had to repay 3. Reception host 4. Acute anxiety 5. Manage, make ... meet 6. Young hen 7. Vegetable, spring ...

8. Moscow citadel 9. Sample (3,3) 10. Hollywood legend, Marilyn ...

11. Attracts 12. NC US state 13. Tiny insects 14. Readily 15. Dollar division 16. Silly 17. Macaroni or spaghetti 18. European currency unit 19. Ones & ...

24. The A of AD 28. In proportion, pro ...

30. Saudi native 31. June 6, 1944 (1-3) 33. First batsman 35. More orderly 37. Misfortunes 38. Kind 40. Sending via Internet 42. Take on 44. Cook in juices 45. On dry land 47. Eskimo hut 48. Became gentler 49. Latter-day Saints follower 50. Youths 53. Lurked 54. Kindles 57. German shepherd dogs 58. Admires 60. Spruce (up) 63. Crossly 65. High cards 66. Conger fish 68. Metal track 69. Neglect 76. Young paper seller 79. Extrasensory perception (1,1,1) 80. Fast-moving celestial body 81. Bursts (of laughter) 83. Royal racecourse 84. Come in 85. Slide on snow 88. Vital 90. Large birds 91. Taverns 93. Furthest inside 95. Chinese city, Hong ...

97. Utterly stupid 99. Penned 100. Principal 102. River-mouth triangle 104. Directed 107. LP material 109. Uproar 110. Set of two 111. Lowing sounds 113. Most shipshape 115. Discrepancy 117. Thyme or coriander 118. Minus 121. Mourned 122. Assembly toy kit 127. Cambodian communist group, ...

Rouge 128. Irritated (of skin) 129. Carelessly 132. Magician's chant 133. God of Islam 134. Author, Georgette ...

135. Most slender 136. Nepal's capital 137. Work clothes 138. Had 140. Pregnancy 141. Slopes

142. Space traveller 143. Bulb flowers 145. Study of past events 151. Apt 154. Tugs sharply 156. Corrosive fluids 159. Boxer, Muhammad ...

164. French yes 169. Suckle 170. Snooped 173. Token (fee) 174. Baby eagles 177. Pop song's flip (1-4) 178. Mixer drinks 181. Former (3-4) 183. Defrosting 187. Great foe 192. Alternator 195. Writers 199. Is plentiful 201. Unfeeling 202. Impact sound 203. Climb 204. Sydney surf beach 206. Bell 207. Florida resort 208. Condemn to hell 209. Pen tips 213. ... & papa 215. Greed 217. Up hill & down ...

221. Premonitions 222. News stories 223. Polluted air 224. Jacob's Old Testament twin 225. Start (of illness) 226. Scent 228. Romanticise 234. Flattery 236. Summary 238. The States (1,1,1) 240. Jet-bubble bath 242. Joined 243. Cheap-rate time (3-4) 245. Antagonist 247. Parachute delivery 248. Playful marine mammal 250. Remove (limb) 251. Prepared mentally, ... up 253. Speaks 255. Trade 257. Banknote bundles 258. Ship's bottom 261. Naturist 262. Rhyme, Wee ... Winkie 265. Mutter 266. Fissure 268. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2) 269. Charge with offence 275. Irish Republic 276. Single egg cell 278. Sniffed 280. Brothers' sons 282. Repose 283. Longest river 285. Pimples 287. Holy people 289. Stage whispers 290. Mariner 291. Black Sea port 292. Dr Jekyll's alter ego (2,4) 293. Pull heavily 296. Standards 297. Illegal moneylending 299. Garbage 302. Performer 304. From India or China 305. Composer, Andrew ... Webber 306. As a gamble, on ...

307. Nevada quickie divorce city 308. Weave (one's way) 310. Shun food 312. Towards centre of 313. Wet weather

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● ‘Telstra testimonials’ is a weekly section of the Melbourne Observer, where we hold the national communications company to account.

Australians are sick and tired of breakdowns, and a poor service attitude.

Every week we send a copy of the Melbourne Observer to David Thodey, CEO of Telstra, Locked Bag 5639, Melbourne, Vic 3001. He and his staff are always welcome to comment on, and fix, the complaints

Truth hurts ■ Observer Editor Ash Long is no longer permitted to post comments on the Telstra 24/7 Facebook page.

Someone has withdrawn this facility.

Are we touching a nerve, Telstra?

Wait till June 5

No internet ■ Ree Ziernicki says: “10 weeks and I still have no internet, just a bill.”

38 minutes

■ Ashley Hartnell asks: “Hey Telstra I have been on hold for 38 minutes on 13POND. “Any chance of some help here please?”

Employ people ■ Rick Kober comments: “Yes my $88 phone bill is overdue but that does not warrant you calling me three times with your stupid annoying automated voice system.

“If you want to get your freaken point across and I will not hang up ... employ a real person and then maybe, just maybe I might think you care about your customers.”

‘Stuffed up’ ■ Matt Robertson asks: “How is it that I have moved house twice while being a Telstra customer and both times not only have you stuffed up both my home phone and Internet connections but you've made me wait over a week for basic services that everyone should have access to?

“And both times (you) made me pay full price for your incompetence.

“Not good enough. If I didn't have a contract I would not be a Telstra customer!:

Listing vanishes ■ Teresa Wheatley complains: “Can someone please explain why after 15 years of our phone being connected with no changes made to the service, why would our White Pages listing be removed from both online and hard copy?

“Seriously pissed off as we are business owners and if someone can not remember our business name they look up our private number!\Very annoyed customer! If I ran my business like Telstra we'd be broke!”

■ Telstra asked Teresa to fill out a form. “We're currently working through a large backlog of customer requests, it may be up to 3 to 4 days before we're able to (reply).”

■ Jason Andrew asks: “ Hi Telstra. How reliable is your AFL live app?

“I note that you advertise the app with the following "Catch every minute of every match of every round live this AFL season".

“This implies I can catch "every minute live".

“Yet when I go to the reviews of the App on Google Play and read Whirlpool forum reviews, people are absolutely scathing about the app.

“On Google Play the rating is largely one star out of five for the past two months.

“On Whirlpool, people talk about demanding refunds. Who is right?

“Is the app rubbish and you are falsely advertising that you "can catch every minute" or is this some sort of scare campaign from, say, rugby league followers ?”

Pay-out demand

■ Marea DiMakos comments: “ I am appalled at the level of service provided by your overseas call centre staff, including the supervisor.

“Bring the call centres back to Australia.”

■ Penni Tastula said: “I went into Telstra shop in Darwin today with the idea to trade up my $35pm own phone plan to a new Iphone 5 on a plan at $130pm for 24 months.

“I was told I had to pay out my plan at $435 as well.

“I am contracting to pay an additional $100 a month x 24 = $2,400 and I have to pay an additional $435.

“Needless to say I didn't - I will see the plan out and then go visit Optus.

“As a long-term Telstra customer I am very disappointed!”

Complaints

Straight through

Make it Aussie ■ Emma Reavell comments: “Good work Telstra doing works in my street and (you) bugger both the phone line and Internet.

“Then tell me that it should be resolved by May 20 ... then send me a text saying it should be fixed by the June 5, 2013. Good, well done.”

Every minute?

■ Ree Ziernicki comments: “I’ve been transfered to a complaints centre but it looks like I need a complaints centre for them too!

“The Business Ombudsman is now investigating and I encourage anyone who has an issue with Telstra to take the time and get them involved.”

Empty promise ■ Rebecca Trevethan says: “We're up to 5 weeks after moving four blocks. We got charged for our not connected internet service twice on the last bill. (I) lodged a complaint on Sunday but haven't heard anything back. The last person I spoke to on Wednesday ‘guaranteed’ me internet within five business days, but we'll see how that turns out - he'd be about the 15th person to tell me that.”

Transparency ■ Benjamin Watson says: “If you’re chasing a bill payment, why ring 100 times from a blocked number? I never answer them and never will. I’m sure alot of people are the same, be transparent and make it come up as Telstra calling!”

■ Ash Long commented: “Wow! I got straight through to Telstra without having to hold the line ... I wonder if that's because I wanted to pay an account by Debit Card?”

■ Kevin Brennan replied: “Bloody good luck. bloke. I waited 1 hour 23 min for a answer and got some twit who did not know English.

“In the end I sent a letter to the manager and I got (an) answer in two weeks.

“Telstra greed sending jobs overseas. I have tried all telcos,Telstra best of bad.”

Still waiting ■ Vanessa Purcell said: “Four weeks and still waiting for a connection - waited all afternoon today for the contractor - no show ... not sure how this fits with your 24/7 service?

4/52 and still waiting.”

Telstra hangs up ■ Layna Wilson complains: “Put on hold twice to tech support and hung up on both times.

“I am losing my patience with the bad service.

“No Internet for over a month and no answers.”

No service

Ducking for cover

■ Sheralee Hunter Reuter says: “How's that for great service, two phones and an IPad ,no Internet service on any of them all day.

“You wonder why people go to the other telcos. The service we're getting is pathetic ... by the way it's been lately, we may as well send smoke signals.”

Broken promise ■ Rod Pope said on Thursday: “Really disappointed in Telstra right now.

“I lodged an on-line complaint on May 3 and have heard nothing back.

“The email I got, confirming receipt of my complaint, said that the aim was to resolve my complaint within five working days.

“It also said I would receive regular updates throughout the process.

“Still waiting and had no updates ... it is now May 16.”

‘Took money’ ■ Michelle Tapper says Telstra took money from her bank account after the authority was cancelled: “So after cancelling the Direct Debit last month when your company took money from my bank after we had called to delay the payment, we decided to cancel the agreement, “This month you once again pull funds from our account without authorisation. Once again bank account is in the red for a bill that we had already paid through B-Pay ... class act Telstra. (What a) way to treat loyalty.”

Grab for $3.19

■ Sam Colwell asks: “Has any one else had a $575 bill on a $60 plan?

“When you try and get it fixed up (it is Telstra’s fault because it hasnt been changed from a $20 to $60) Telstra just ignore and ignore you.

“I hope to speak to someone regarding this matter soon because it has been refered to the Ombudsman.

“I have taken this matter up with Telstra several times but they duck for cover and try and avoid the issue.

Well Telstra it’s not going away.”

More delays ■ Sharon Bellchambers says: “I am so unhappy. I rang Telstra on Sunday May 12 to change our bundle as we had reached our 100gb allowance and the Internet had slowed down.

“We ungraded to a 200gb plan (Entertainment max bundle).

“We're told it takes two business days to take effect. Now today when I rang (because nothing has happened) they say we were given the wrong info.

“Our new contract can not take effect until May 20 which is the end of the plan month for us. What a load of crap.

“In this modern age how can this happen? Our previous contract had actually finished so what's the problem?”

‘Worst service

■ Kapitan Loulou says: “Just when you think the Telstra level of incompetence couldn't get any worse, I receive after all this time on my capped plan a $3.19 service call surcharge.

“What the hell for, may I ask? Trying to squeeze every cent you can out of your customers disregarding your poor service or is there a legitimate reason behind this?

“Why am I being charged this after years of being on the same capped plan with no surcharge? Unbelievable!”

Case managers ■ Jordan Day states: “Received a call back (has taken 5 months and 2 complaints via the Ombudsman).

“Not at all happy with my terse Case Managers who feels that three months refund of my internet bill is OK. I am not at all happy with this, because there is no record of the promised 12 months offered to this very disgruntled customer.

“Telstra, I cannot deal with your pettiness any longer. Come December, goodbye! Shocking!”

These are all real stories. Customer ‘feedback’ sourced from Telstra’s 24/7 page on Facebook

■ Becca Jane states: “Worst service ever, no service for three months.

“Promised credit to my account and yet it you send me a bill for excess charges I’m not due to pay..

“I call you guys a hundred times and it’s never sorted. In fact something else goes wrong after I call.

“I’m promised call backs which never happen! So sick and tired all poor service.

“Telstra does not deserve a cent of the money they rake in.

Disgusted!”

Aussies please ■ Naomi Verney-McCooke says: “I would like the number to speak to an Australian customer rep in Australia ... I do not like being told by your customer reps that I cannot do so after they have confirmed that they are overseas and will not put me onto their supervisor ... if I cannot have this number then I have no choice other than to get legal advice.”

Anyone there?

■ Stephen Briggs says: “Is anyone at Telstra listening? I guess I will just have to go the Ombudsman.”

Got a complaint about Telstra? E-mail to editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 93

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Page 94 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Mighty combination wins ■ Shelbourne's Larry Eastman combined with Stawell's Kate Hargreaves to land the second heat of the Rising Stars Young Drivers Series with 5Y-0 Bettors Delight/Classical Gal gelding Bettor Move.

Sent forward from gate five in the C2 & C3 class event, Bettor Move was able to stride past the leader Endorsement and after being rated to perfection, defied all challengers to score from Endorsement and Eljulio (three wide last lap) in a rate of 1-59.6.

From near last to victory ■ Bunbartha father and son - John and Matt Newberry were winners of the Bertocchi Smallgoods Pace for C1 class over 2150 metres at Bendigo with 6-Y-0 Falcons Icon/Sandra's Soky gelding Classic Icon in a rate of 2-01.2.

Taking a concession, Classic Icon was taken back at the start from gate five to possie near last, before going forward three wide uncovered in the final circuit only to be pushed four wide approaching the home turn when Sir Philo came out underneath him.

Despite making the home turn very wide, Classic Icon ran home strongly to gain the day in advance of Dillon Daphne which followed him home, with Manolo Raine using the sprint lane from last along the markers to finish third.

Swift time at Shepparton ■ At Shepparton on Thursday afternoon, Echuca's Wayne Lear combined with Duncan Dornauf taking a concession, to land the Quest Shepparton Pace for C1 class over 2190 metres with Weekend Rustler, a 6-Y-0 gelded son of Rustler Hanover and Bluette.

Beginning swiftly from gate five, Weekend Rustler had little difficulty in leading and after being rated to perfection, ran out an easy winner over Modern Lebron (one/one) and a death-seating On Fire Within, returning a mile rate of 2-02.

Ran home strongly ■ Kialla trainer Dean Pattison also used a claim with Riley Fortin aboard Riviera Kiss to snare the Jarvis Delahey Pace for C1 class (mares) over 2190 metres.

Restrained from gate five to settle closer to last than first with the hot favourite Kensington Palace leading from barrier three, Riviera Kiss (Village Jasper/Karlias Next) was able to follow Easton All Action ahead of him home three wide on the last lap and when taken off her back on straightening, ran home strongly to score from Easton All Action and Kensington Palace in a rate of 2-00.5.

Safe start for trotters ■ Nagambie's Chris Lang was successful at Shepparton with Sundon/Byrdie Num Num mare Justa Phoenix in the Ginos Pizza & Pasta Trotters Handicap for T1 or better class over 2190 metres.

With Chris Alford in the sulky, Justa Phoenix began safely from outside the front line to lob in the open, before receiving cover from her stablemate Swede Dreams who was taken off the marker line

by Greg Sugars.

Eased three wide on turning, Justa Phoenix ran home best to score from the pacemaker Daretobedifferent and Swede Dreams in a rate of 2-05.9.

Not out of second gear ■ Astute Invergordon trainer Ian Ward has 5-Y0 Pacific Fella/Vivacia gelding What A Fine Fella going great guns at present, chalking up a hat-trick of wins by easily taking the Neatline Homes Pace for C3 & C4 class over 2190 metres at Shepparton.

Driven by Chris Alford, What A Fine Fella after leading from the pole was never out of second gear, accounting for Final Flutter which trailed by 8.8 metres in a rate of 2-00 even, with Hezfullarunning (one/one) third.

BRILLIANT DRIVE AT Y. VALLEY ■ Local trainer Allan McDonough landed the De Bortoli 3-Y-0 Pace over 2150 metres at Yarra Valley on Monday May 13 with Union Guy/Classy Dream gelding Classy Guy. Driven by Daryl Douglas, Classy Guy began brilliantly to lead from gate six and was never headed in accounting for the first starter Blisstar which trailed by 1.9 metres in a rate of 2-01.7, with Arriens coming from last at the bell to finish third.

Tough time ■ Lance Justice took advantage of a concession for Melton based Zac Phillips to snare the De Bortoli Pace for C1 class over 2150 metres with 4-Y0 Real Desire/Keeping Watch gelding Real Grit.

In what was a tough effort, Real Grit from outside the front line possied three back in the moving line, with the heavily supported favourite Dusty Smiles leading from the pole.

Setting off three wide solo at the bell, Real Grit raced uncovered for the final circuit, outstaying his rivals to record a 1.8 metre victory in 2-00.9 over Dusty Smiles and Precious Dragon which trailed the leader.

Delightful ■ Team Sugars (Ross and Greg) added another winner to their sensational season's tally, when 4-Y-0 Life Sign/Next Trip mare Illawong Geraldine led throughout from the pole to greet the judge in the Imagination Play Eastern Zone Series D Final for C2 & C3 class over 2150 metres at Yarra Valley much to the delight of prolific owners Martin and Kaye Hartnett.

Travelling on a tight rein all of the way, Illawong Geraldine taking a mares concession just lasted score by a head over Brutus Smith which made a few moves during the race, with Im Living The Dream flashing home late for third.

A winner of six from 42, Illawong Geraldine returned a mile rate of 1-59.8.

Three wide ■ The all conquering Coimadai combination of Adam Kelly and Gavin Lang were successful at Yarra Valley with Badlands Hanover/Coringa Ruby 3-Y-0 gelding Rubys Bad Boy in the United Petroleum Pace for C0 class over 2150 metres.

Settling mid-field in the

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

Combo conquers all

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

moving line from gate two on the second row, Rubys Bad Boy was sent forward three wide in the last lap , before gathering in his rivals with ease to defeat Rorybeebellows from last and American Para which faced the breeze in a rate of 2-01.3.

Eased away ■ Shepparton duo Steve O'Donoghue (trainer) and Bec Bartley (driver) scored an impressive victory with 4-Y-0 Wagon Apollo/Cashel Epona entire Joco Padel in 2nd Heat of the Vicbred Platinum Country Series Q for T0 class over 2150 metres at Yarra Valley on Monday May 13.

Taken back from outside the front row to settle at the tail of the field, Joco Padel coming off a second to Spidergirl on debut at Bendigo on April 8 eased away from the markers to lead up the outside division racing for the bell.

Joining the pacemaker and hot favourite Aldebaran Sunstar on the final bend, the pair raced away from their rivals to fight out the finish, with Joco Padel prevailing by 7.4 metres in a rate of 2-03.9.

Adalia Dash finished third 14.5 metres away after following the winner home.

Late run ■ It was a home town victory in the Charlton & District Community Bank Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2100 metres at Charlton on Tuesday, when 4-Y-0 Wagon Apollo/Oh Yes Indeed mare Wicked Schemes led throughout to score from Wildenstein and Trot For Pete.

Trained by John Tormey and driven by Scott Dyer, Wicked Schemes was allowed to bowl resulting in her rivals being forced to chase a long way from home.

Although Widenstein ran home late, Wicked

Schemes had a margin too big to reduce on straightening, running out a 6.8 metre winner in a moderate 2-07.3.

Speed burst ■ At Bendigo on Thursday, veteran Bridgewater trainer Eric Rothacker was successful with 4-Y-0 Last Sunset/Maorita gelding Watch My Sox on debut, taking out the Santons Of Bendigo Trotters Mobile for T0 class over 1650 metres.

Bred and raced by Eric and wife Ann, Watch My Sox with Inglewood reinsman Peter Sanderson in the sulky led out from gate four, before being crossed in the last lap by the well supported favourite Faster Than Cleo which came with a slick burst of speed from last.

Keeping with the leader, Watch My Sox eased away from the markers on the home turn, with the pair racing clear to fight out the finish.

Showing plenty of heart, Watch My Sox kept on coming to score by 1.2 metres in a rate of 2-02.6, with Jusamirel a further 26.3 metres away in third place.

Big strides ■ Junortoun trainer Paul Tonkin snared the Win TV News Pacers Handicap for C0 class over 2150 metres at Bendigo with 3-Y-0 V P Finance/Longtan Sultress gelding Longtan Cougarman, a former south-east South Australian.

Driven by Ellen Tormey, Longtan Cougarman settled five back in the running line from gate six, moving three wide through the middle stages to park outside the trotter Optimum which had crossed the early leader Lost Forever.

Striding to the front on the final bend, Longtan Cougarman held a slender margin to the wire.

■ The all conquering Coimadai combination of Adam Kelly and Gavin Lang were successful with Badlands Hanover/Coringa Ruby 3-Y-0 gelding Rubys Bad Boy in the United Petroleum Pace for C0 class over 2150 metres at Yarra Valley on Monday.

Settling mid-field in the moving line from gate two on the second row, Rubys Bad Boy was sent forward three wide in the last lap , before gathering in his rivals with ease to defeat Rorybeebellows from last and American Para which faced the breeze in a rate of 2-01.3.

Had 20-metre handicap ■ Parwan trainer/driver Jodi Quinlan added another winner to the Hartnett tally at Charlton on Wednesday, when 4-Y-0 Live Or Die/Solberge gelding We Never Say Die scored in the Dunlop Super Dealer Pacers Handicap for C1 or better class over 2100 metres.

Starting from a 20 metre handicap on the rain effected surface, We Never Say Die came from last to swamp his rivals over the concluding stages in defeating UMI (one/one) which dashed away in the last lap, with Juan Amigo (three back the markers) third. The mile rate 2-04.6.

Third outing since Feb. ■ Bacchus Marsh duo Alan and Amy Tubbs were successful with speedy Blissful Hall/Charming Lombo 4-Y-0 gelding Barkers Hall in the Alabar Bloodstock Pace for C4 & C5 class over 1650 metres at Lord's Raceway Bendigo on Thursday.

Raced by a large syndicate headed by Paul Dobson, Barkers Hall having his third outing since February began brilliantly from gate four to lead easily and allowed to control the tempo, kicked away on the final bend to score by 2 metres in a slick 1-56 mile rate over Conflict Of Interest which trailed, with Discrimination third after following the pair.

Bred by Keith and Margaret Semmens who also figure in the ownership, Barkers Hall's recorded his 9th victory in 32 outings.

Head ■ Four-year-old Armbro Operative/Hi Ho Fitz mare Big Mumma Fitz has certainly come of age this season, chalking up four wins from eight outings, the latest at her home track Dalvui Raceway Terang on Tuesday May 14 after a rather slow start to her career.

Trained and driven by Robert Arundell, Hi Ho Fitz first up since March, was successful in taking the Talisman Floats Terang Pace for C1 class over 1680 metres in a mile rate of 1-59.7.

Starting from gate two on the second line, Hi Ho Fitz was bustled in the early stages, lobbing four back in the moving line with the well backed pole marker Chasing Chelsea leading.

Despite making home turn four wide, Hi Ho Fitz at start number 13, finished all over the top of her rivals to defeat the pacemaker by 2.1 metres, with Bohemian Lombo third after trailing the front runner.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Maryborough/Ballarat, Thursday - Geelong/Echuca, Friday - Melton, Saturday - Bendigo, Sunday - Terang, Monday - Warragul, Tuesday - Mildura.

Horses to Follow ■ Bettors Package, Final Flutter, Kamwood Dawn, Tannissa, Roman Way, Blisstar, Mediation.

■ Listen to Len Baker on Harness Review at 8pm Mondays on 979fm.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Page 95

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 88

Top 10 Lists

TALENTED GALLOPER HARD TO BEAT ■ Young sprinting sensation, Your Song, is certainly the one to beat in the upcoming Doomben 10,000 and the Stradbroke Handicap over the next couple of weeks.

The Doomben 10,000 will be run this Saturday at their picturesque racetrack, with a good field of sprinters engaged.

However after his sensational win in the BTC Cup over 1200 metres recently, Your Song, has to be the one to beat.

Having only his seventh start, he blitzed possibly the best sprint field you could muster with the exception of Black Caviar and Hay List, winning by a conservative five lengths from Rain Affair, who was a similar distance behind the mighty Black Caviar in her last race in the T.J.Smith Classic.

Unlike the T.J. the B.T.C Cup was run on a bog track, and his trainer, Anthony Cummings, said he is better suited on a dry track, where as Rain Affair is noted as one of the best wet trackers in Australia.

Not only is Your Song, favourite for the Doomben 10,000, but is also favourite to take out the Stradbroke Handicap on June 8.

If he can with the Doomben 10,000 he will probably weighted at around 54 kilos for the Stradbroke.

The tragic news after that is that he will be retired to stud a rising four year-old, after the Stradbroke, after only nine starts.

Your Song is owned by a Filipino millionaire, and will be let down before starting his stud career.

As mentioned earlier his trainer, Anthony is saddened yet again with another loss of a stable star.

Cast your mind back a couple of years ago, when Cummings had another star in the stable under the banner of Smart Missile, who Cummings and his rider Glen Boss, said at the time that Smart Missile was one of the best of three-year-olds going around.

Although failing to win a Group One event, he was retired to stud after only six starts.

Your Song re-

Ted Ryan

● Efficient Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

minds me very much in stature and looks, to the champion galloper, So You Think, although a lighter colour.

So You Think was prepared by Anthony's father, Bart, winning two Cox Plates, the first of those as a three yearold at only his fifth start.

So You Think was by the higly regarded sire, High Chaparral, while Your Song is by the exciting Australian sire and former top sprinter, Fastnet Rock.

Have a look at some of the stars sired

by Fastnet Rock in the past few years.

The filly regarded as the best in 30 years, Atlantic Jewel, who hasn't raced for several months, is regarded by top judges as the best filly in the past 30 years, while others like Irish Lights, Mosheen, Nechita, Foxwedge and Super Cool come to mind.

As I wrote last week racing is the poorer for the loss, of Black Caviar, Pierro, Smart Missile, All Too Hard,

and now Your Song, possibly More Joyous, and Hay List certainly robs racing of some great gallopers, those that attract the racing crowds.

Back to the Doomben 10,000, where Your Song is favourite in front of local star, Buffering, who missed the kick in the BTC. Others who will contest the 10,000, are the Peter Snowden galloper, Epaulette, who is racing very well, then Rain Affair, who has been easy in the markets, and the consistent mare, Arinosa.

The John'O'Shea mare, Sea Siren, who has yet to put her best foot forward is out the gate. \

Living legends

■ Some of the former stars of the turf have joined some of yesteryear champions at Living Legends at Sunbury.

Those who have joined in recent times are the former Hong Kong champion,

Good Ba Ba, who raced her recently under the care of Ric Hore-Lacy, a winner of three Group One International mile races at Sha Tin. Others include two of Lloyd Williams's team, Efficient and Zipping.

Efficient won the 2007 Melbourne Cup, while Zipping, one of the most honest performers to race finished fourth a couple of times in a Melbourne Cup, won four Sandown Classics, and ran second to So You Think, in the Cox Plate.

They join the likes of Apache Cat, Better Loosen Up, 2000 Melbourne Cup winner, Brew and Bullish Luck.

● So You Think Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 With them are the weight in check, and a 1995 Melbourne few battling trainers, Cup winner, Dor- who just love it. iemus, dual Cox I attend a number of Plate winner, Fields picnic meetings and it Of Omagh, 1997 is a great day out, esMelbourne Cup win- pecially places like ner, Might And Healesville where Power, 1994 Caul- you can camp up the field Cup winner, trees with your hamper Paris Lane, top sprinter, Regal and have a great day Roller, 1999 Mel- out.

One such person bourne Cup winner, Rogan Josh, Bart who dominates the picCummings last win- nic scene in the riding ner, and two interna- and training ranks is tional great sprinters Adam Bodey.

Bodey has won his Sacred Kingdom, and Silent Witness. 13th straight picnic While a good friend jockeys premiership, of mine, Keith his 35 wins was almost Faulkner, has retired double that of runnerthe strong stayer, up, Clay Beasy on 19.

Zavite, to the home.

Bodey rode an asIf you have a bit of tonishing 35 winners time on your hands slip from a total of 131 up and have a look at rides. the scene at Sunbury.

An average of It is a magnificent around 33 per cent; a set up, and only an hour out of Melbourne, if great effort, although that; and you are help- fields are smaller.

He is also a trainer ing a good cause, plus there is plenty of enter- of the picnic gallopers.

Well Done Adam. tainment for the children.

Check them out on the internet on www. livinglegends.org.au

Bodey dominates

● Zipping Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

■ Picnic racing doesn't get the plaudits it deserves as a lot of ex-race horses and jockeys who find it hard to keep their

● Adam Bodey

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TRUE BLOOD: Season 5.

NEWSROOM: Season One. LORD PETER WIMSEY: The Complete Third Series.

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TRUE BLOOD: Season 5.

NEWSROOM: Season One. DOCTOR WHO: Series 7 - Part 2.

- James Sherlock ■ From Page 88

Bryan Forbes Hawkins, a producers co-operative called Allied Film Makers, which helped finance League Of Gentlemen, one of Britain's biggest hits in 1960.

Mr Forbes would then form Beaver Films Limited with close friend Attenborough, a company that would produce three of their best films, The Angry Silence, Whistle Down The Wind, and Seance On A Wet Afternoon.

Last, but not least, Mr Forbes had an acting career that began in 1946 (in a short film entitled Smith, Our Friend), and lasted four decades (his last appearance was in the 1987 TV movie December Flower).

Notable films include The Small Back Room (1949) (****½) (directed by Powell/ Pressburger); The Million Pound Note (1954); An Inspector Calls (1954) (starring Alastair Sim); The Colditz Story (1955) (****½); Quatermass 2 (1957) (***½); I Was Monty's Double (1958); Yesterday's Enemy (1959) (****) (starring Stanley Baker); The Angry Silence (1960); League Of Gentlemen (1960); The Guns Of Navarone (1961) (***½); A Shot In The Dark (1964) (*****); The Slipper And The Rose (1976); International Velvet (1978); and the likeable British film Restless Natives (1985) (***).

Mr Forbes's individualistic approach will be missed, and a particular quote of his sums up so many of today's Hollywood-style film-makers, "If you treat the production of films like the production of shoes, you end up with Hush Puppies."

- Aaron Rourke

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Page 96 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

AFL CREATES ITS OWN BUMPY ROAD

■ Bump or no bump? The AFL has created its own “Bumpy Road”.

Bumping, that is ‘legitimate bumping’, has been part of our game since ‘day one’.

The modern day trend to eliminate danger of any sort to players, which is commendable, has brought on the incessant number of ‘interpretations’ which have gradually changed the way our game is played.

The legal bump is from the side to the side of an opponent between the shoulder and the knee with at least one foot on the ground.

A bump with both feet off the ground I call a ‘wrestling’ term of a ‘flying tackle’ which in our laws is a ‘charge’ and a reportable offence.

Down the years with lenient umpiring, front-on tackles referred to as ‘shirt-fronts’ became acceptable.

Mistake! An illegal tackle or as now referred to ‘bump’ is dangerous and lethal and must be outlawed. The legal ‘bump contact’ if the ball is within 5m should be retained.

Which brings me to the latest ‘interpretation’ of the ‘sliding rule’ at ground level. It too is now contentious and out of control.

A slide to win the ball was a natural part of our game. If contact was made to an opposition player’s body below the knee it was a free-kick for tripping and a reportable offence.

Pretty simple – complicated by another ‘interpretation’ because of ‘lax umpiring’.

The next problem staring us in the face is ‘the head high contact’. The umpires are using it for any tackle near the shoulder level and in particular when the clever player twists or shoves his head, neck and upper body so the legitimate tackle from below the shoulder to the knee now appears to be ‘around the neck’ and umpires’ fall for the ‘stage’ and call “head high!”

If the umpires, and today there are three of you, would ‘whistle’ strictly to the laws as written and protect the legitimate ‘ball players’ we would truly boast ours is the greatest ‘skilled football game’ in the world and we can forget about ‘interpretations’ which are introduced to protect the ‘spirit’ of our game, loose umpiring and injuries to the players.

“Play the ball is the call”.

Women’s Draft

■ The inaugural AFL Women’s Draft was conducted in capital cities throughout Australia.

The Melbourne and Western Bulldogs Football Clubs selected 50 players that will play in the inaugural AFL Women’s Exhibition game during AFL Women’s Round on Saturday June 29 at the MCG. It will be the first time AFL clubs have competed in an AFL sanctioned women’s match.

Daisy Pearce from the Darebin Falcons was selection number one.

The squads were selected as follows: Melbourne 1: Daisy Pearce, Darebin Falcons FC (V) 3: Chelsea Randall, Swan Districts FC (WA) 5: Kara Donnellan, Swan Districts FC (WA) 7: Kirby Bentley, East Fremantle FC (WA) 9: Lou Wotton, East Burwood Devils FC (V) 11: Melissa Hickey, Darebin Falcons FC (V)

Follow the laws

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel 13: Ellie Blackburn, Beaconsfield FC (V) 15: Melissa Caulfield, East Fremantle FC (WA) 17: Jasmine Garner, St Kilda Sharks FC (V) 19: Kiara Bowers, Coastal Titans (WA) 21: Madeline Keryk, St Albans Spurs (V) 23: Bree White, St Albans Spurs (V) 25: Courtney Gum, UNSW/ES (NSW) 27: Alicia Eva, Melbourne University (V) 29: Emma Swanson, Peel Thunderbirds (WA) 31: Brooke Whyte, Coastal Titans (WA) 33: Bianca Jakobson, Berwick FC (V) 35: Jennifer Lew, Sydney University (NSW) 37: Leah Kaslar, Palm Beach Currumbin (Q) 39: Kaitlyn Ashmore, Melbourne Uni (V) 41: Renee Forth, Coastal Titans (WA) 43: Stephanie Walding, East Fremantle (WA) 45: Amy Catterall, St Kilda Sharks (V) 47: Alexandra Price, Port Adelaide FC (SA) 49: Bronwyn Davey, Greenacres FC (SA) Western Bulldogs 2: Stephanie Chiocci, Diamond Creek (V) 4: Aasta O’Connor, Darebin Falcons (V) 6: Karen Paxman, Darebin Falcons (V) 8: Katie Loynes, Diamond Creek (V) 10: Emma Kearney, Melbourne University( V) 12: Lauren Arnell, Darebin Falcons FC (V) 14: Rebecca Privitelli, Darebin Falcons FC (V) 16: Elise O’Dea, Darebin Falcons FC (V) 18: Nicola Stevens, Melbourne University (V) 20: Natalie Thomas, Yeronga AFC (Q) 22: Katie Brennan, Darebin Falcons FC (V) 24: Leah Mascall, Coastal Titans (WA) 26: Louise Stephenson, Melbourne Uni (V) 28: Kate Lutkins,YerongaAFC (Q)

30: Lauren Spark, Melbourne University (V) 32: Kira Phillips, Peel Thunderbirds (WA) 34: Sarah D’Arcy, Eastern Devils (V) 36: Ally Anderson, Zillmere FC (Q) 38: Courtney Cramey, Morphetville Park (SA) 40: Jenna Bruton, Ballarat Youth Girls (V) 42: Penny Cula Reid, St Kilda Sharks (V) 44: Emily Bates, Yeronga AFC (Q) 46: Jessica Dal Pos, Darebin Falcons FC (V) 48: Kellie Marie Gibson , Swan Districts (WA) 50: Natalie Wood, Darebin Falcons FC (V)

Two essentials ■ Many ‘old-timers’ believe from experience that two essentials rarely change in our game.

The first is the third quarter is the definitive quarter to decide the end result of the match; and second, after Round 7 the ladder positions generally shape the end of season positions.

We can expect some changes by season’s end as WCEs, Collingwood, Carlton and Adelaide have top players returning from injuries.

But at this point the favourites to meet in the Grand Final are Geelong and Hawthorn while Sydney, WCEs, Essendon, Fremantle and Collingwood look best placed to make the top six. It is difficult to win the flag outside the top four.

The improvers are definitely Essendon, but they collapsed in the final 11 rounds last year, Port Adelaide has been remarkable and hopefully Richmond and North Melbourne.

It is a more even competition this season except for Melbourne and GWS.

■ “I can’t live without my Foxtel” especially the live coverage of the games.

The expert commentators, both kick by kick and the in-depth, scientific, analytical probers are confused at every match about three major rules.

1. Marks. When and what is a Mark or a legal free kick for illegal interference?

2. Head-high tackles or any body contact sliding in for the ball on ground level.

And 3. 50m penalties for encroaching within the 5m protection area when an opposition player has won a Mark or Free-kick and elects not to “Playon”.

There is no doubt the confusion with current umpire adjudications can be traced back 20 years or so to the then top umpires refusing to free kick blatant breaches of ‘The Laws of the Game’ for the ‘easier approach of - just let it go’ with the subsequent ‘Laws Committee’ stepping in with the biggest ever ‘bug-bear’ to our game of ‘interpretations’ of the various ‘contentious aaws’.

If umpires would only umpire to the ‘letter of the Law’ there would not be a problem.

It is best explained by the Mark contest Law. For close on 100 years it was clearcut. Players went for the mark and the best man won the contest. “In the back was a Free”.

Then along came the part time paid ‘playing coach’. He was the boss and he developed ‘strategies’ or ‘tactics’.

He retired and became the ‘nonplaying coach’. He was paid to get results. So he worked on the key areas of winning. Winning at all costs. Marking was one of the most important.

He worked out if my player is in the wrong spot to mark he could ‘out position’ his opponent from taking the mark by “bumping, pushing with hands, forearms or any part of the body, back or side and the real “scientific” spoiler - deliberately punching hands and arms so it is impossible to hold the mark.

There was only one coach then, but as more clubs became ‘commercially savvy’ to what the ‘big dollars’ could buy – not only star players – but more specialist coaches and inevitably the sophisticated “sport scientists” all with input, legal and some bordering on illegal, to keep their jobs, we have today’s multi problems.

I’ve said for years the umpires can fix the ‘on-field’ illegal tactics by umpiring strictly to the Laws.

In a high mark the slightest push can put a player out of the contest.

There was no need for the ‘interpretation of ‘hands-in-the-back’ ruling’.

A push in the back is ‘non negotiable’. It has always been a ‘free’.

Now former ex-players turned expert analysts are saying if you don’t use your hands you can push an opponent with forearms or other parts of the body! Rot! Utter rubbish!

I also dismiss the stupid interpretation of defending players chasing down field being penalised 50m for encroaching on the 5m protected area of a player who has won a mark or free.

The ‘standing the mark law’ isspecifically to protect that player from being interfered or tackled by an opponent until the umpire calls “playon”.

It is not for overzealous ‘bossy’ umpires to award in many cases a 50m

ROUND 9 Friday, May 24 Collingwood vs. Sydney Swans (MCG) (N) Saturday, May 25 Port Adelaide vs. Geelong Cats (AS) GWS Giants vs.

West Coast Eagles (SK) St Kilda vs.

Western Bulldogs (ES) (T) Richmond vs. Essendon (MCG) (N) Brisbane Lions vs. Carlton (G) (N) Sunday, May 26 Hawthorn vs. Gold Coast SUNS (MCG) (E) North Melbourne vs.

Adelaide Crows (ES) Fremantle vs. Melbourne (PS) (T) ‘gift’ goal. This developed when mastercoach Mick Malthouse told his players to run and position themselves within 5m of their team-mate standing the mark to prevent the opponent having the advantage to ‘play-on’.

Fix one tactic up pops another!

The ‘sliding’ tackle interpretation is an extension of the ‘tripping’ Law which covers below the knee contact.

It should now be re-analysed as it was brought in to prevent serious leg injuries such as broken or fractured lower limbs.

The problem of the serious ankle and ACL injuries come from the player’s self inflicted pressure of twisting at full pace or landing with all the weight and stress on the knee or ankle.

Could it come down to being over trained or in the hectic pre-match warm-up?

We want more speed – perhaps we have imposed the penalty of “more can be asking ‘too much’!”

As predicted the ‘head-high’ tackle interpretation has become a ‘joke’ and a cop-out for poor umpiring.

The Law states the legitimate tackle starts at “below the shoulders down to the knees”.

Pretty simple! But now the ‘smarty’ players violently body twist and/or duck and throw their heads as though being decapitated and the umpires fall for it.

You hear them shouting “free for head high tackle!” What has happened to reward ‘great tackle? Why has “holding the ball” gone missing?

Suns: drugs ■ Gold Coast Suns Chairman John Witheriff has issued the following media statement: “An ongoing investigation by ASADA and the AFL is underway into the potential use of performance enhancing drugs in the AFL. “The Gold Coast Football Club confirmed in a media statement on February 5 that certain individuals involved with the Essendon fitness program during the period under investigation briefly worked for the club.

“The Gold Coast Football Club is fully cooperating with the continuing investigation and we look forward to meeting with representatives from ASADA shortly.

“It would be inappropriate for the club to make further comment at this stage.”

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Caravans, Camping and Touring

$78,500

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