Melbourne Observer. 120328C. March 28, 2012. Part C. Pages 47-64

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - Page 47

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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Veritas: Barry’s TV world first ...................... Page 49 Radio Confidential: ‘Singo’ mat get 3AW.......... Page 50 Cheryl Threadgold: Local Theatre latest news ....... Page 53 Jim and Aaron: DVD, movie reviews, top 10 lists ....... Page 56 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD Logies latest. Country Music. On This Day. And plenty more!

FROM THE GROUND UP Bad Boys of Music Theatre

Famous Requiem ■ Every so often you hear a work that makes you think you must have died and gone to heaven. Such a work is Gabriel Fauré's famous Requiem, with its soaring choruses and beautiful Pie Jesu for a fine soprano soloist.

Leading Melbourne musical ensemble Gloriana Chamber Choir is bringing the delights of Fauré to St Mark's Anglican Church, 250 George St, Fitzroy, on Sunday (April 1) at 2.30 pm.

And Gloriana's director Andrew Raiskums is chuffed to have secured the in-demand soprano of the moment, Siobhan Stagg, to sing the famous Pie Jesu.

"Siobhan is one of our rising stars, and I can't think of anybody who can sing the Pie Jesu with the purity and beauty that she brings to it. Her voice truly touches the hear, so it is a coup for us to have her," Andrew said.

At the first anniversary service to commemorate Black Saturday, Barney Zwartz said: 'Siobhan sang Fauré's Pie Jesu with an angelic purity and beauty that palpably deepened the already solemn mood inside the cathedral. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was visibly moved."

Sunday at St Mark's will be a happier occasion for the Fauré Requiem, and it also features bass-baritone soloist Matthew Thomas and organist Christopher Cook.

According to Raiskums, in his requiem Fauré wanted to lay emphasis on death being a joyful deliverance, an aspiration towards a happiness beyond the grave, making it an appropriate choice in the lead up to the Christian celebration of Easter with its death and life theme.

As a choir, Gloriana always delivers a fine massed sound, under the sensitive and skilled direction of Andrew Raiskums as conductor. In this concert, the soloists and choir will be joined by an orchestra drawn from the Australian National Academy of Music.

Apart from Fauré's Requiem, the concert will feature other French delights, including Poulenc's Mass in G and some contributions from Debussy, Saint-Saens, Berlioz and Messiaen.

Tickets are $30 pre-purchased or $35 at the door. Enquiries: 0417 368 277.

- Julie Houghton

■ Tickets are now on sale for the Circus Oz world premiere of From The Ground Up, which is being presented from June 20 – July 15 under the heated Circus Oz Big Top at Birrarung Marr, Melbourne.

Circus Oz is currently touring the USA with the popular show Steampowered in Salt Lake City (Utah), Davis (California), Fayetteville (Arzonia) and Princeton (New Jersey).

The ensemble soon returns to Melbourne to work with some fresh new performers where they will gleefully bolt together, developing and creating exciting acts for From The Ground Up. Friends and families will be entertained by power-packed aerialists, knockabout jugglers, live wire musicians – all acrobatically suspended in disbelief under the Circus Oz Big Top. Circus Oz is credited with revitalising a traditional art form in a uniquely Australian way and is a rock ‘n’ roll, animal-free circus that has influenced the development of circus arts around the world since its foundation in 1978.

Circus Oz undertook its first and critically praised international tour in 1980, and has since continued touring to more than 100 cities and regions in 26 countries, playing to more than two million people.

Season: June 20 – July 15 Duration: 2 hours (including 20 minute interval) Venue: Circus Oz Big Top, Birrarung Marr, between Federation Square and Batman Avenue, Melbourne Booking: ticketmaster.com.au and 136 100

● John Franklin and Andrew Strano ■ Fancy a laugh? Then watch out, because the Melbourne Comedy Festival is heading your way.

One of the first acts, The Bad Boys of Music Theatre are back with a frenetic five-night season of their new show at Chapel Off Chapel from tonight (Wed., Mar. 28) until Sunday (Apr. 1).

John Franklin and Andrew Strano became mates years ago when doing their university music theatre courses at the Victorian College of the Arts, and these days spend an entire show lampooning each other and parodying many fine music theatre tunes in the process.

These boys are never short of a word, and there are plenty of them in the title of the show - The Bad Boys Of Music Theatre Are Not Quite Right In The Head.

Obviously they do not follow the old maxim that brevity is the soul of wit.

However, these two young singers work seamlessly together and this year's show is in true cabaret style with round tables and chairs for the audience, so you can take in a glass of wine or a coffee and sit back and be entertained.

It's all happening in the Loft Theatre at Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran.

Phone: 8290 7000 www.thebadboysofmusictheatre.com - Julie Houghton

Remember Shirley Cecil?

The Voice premieres ■ The Nine Network is giving maximum publicity to its new series, The Boice, which begins on Logies night - Sunday, April 15 at 6.30pm.

The music competition featuressuperstar coaches Keith Urban, Seal, Delta Goodrem and Joel Madden. Host is Darren McMullen.

There are three phases of competition: The Blind Auditions, The Battle Rounds, and the Live performance shows.

One of the contestants is Melbourne performer Matt Hetherington. Thousands of talented singers from around Australia submitted their auditions online in a bid to join the program.

The Voice will commence with The Blind Auditions. Coaches can select an artist for their team of competitors.

■ The former Donvale home of early Melbourne Tv and radio personality Shirley Cecil has been put on sale as a deceased estate through Ray White Manningham.

Shirley was a 3DB and HSV-7 personality, and lived with husband Mike Lodge on the acre-block at 13 Wembley Gardens, Donvale. It is being sold by nieces Ruth Puchlenko and Judith Perry.

Mike Lodge was a leading civil engineer. The property features four living zones, tennis court and water fountain, says agent Frank Perri. An April 21 auction is planned.

Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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ShowBiz!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - Page 49

Observer Showbiz

It’s Record Store Day

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

BARRY’S WORLD FIRST

Showbiz Shorts

Veritas

■ Former 3MP and John Burgess, 68, appeared on Today Tonight last week to talk about a Gold Coast court case over unpaid rent on a $1000a-week apartment.

‘Burgo’, ex-host of Wheel of Fortune, admitted over having paid $11,500 on a $27,000 debt.

There was also talk of a $90,000 loan from a Gold Coast businessman, ● John Burgess but ‘Baby John’ argued that this had been paid in full. He is now working as a breakfast radio host on 6IX Perth.

He enjoyed the Queensland high life, and had driven a yellow Ferrari that was a familiar sight on the Gold Coast.

He was reportedly paid $1500 a week to host the 3MP breakfast program, before the station became MTR in 2010.

● Barry Minster

Farnham OK: manager

■ Observer columnist Mark Richardson has a photo feature (Page 39) in this week’s edition about the Grand Installation held by the Freemasons.

Rather than being a closed door event, it was telecast to the world on the internet.

Melbourne TV man Barry Minister, who many know from HSV-7, was in charge of directing the TV production, which was deamed across the globe believed to be a world first for the society once deemed to be secret.

Minster had a team of nine cameras and the production was first-class. It brought back memories of his former HSV-7 colleague, the late Alf Potter, who was also a member of the fraternity.

Melbourne’s Best TV-Radio Critic

Stars at the Logies ■ Australia’s record stores are amongst the healthiest, most dynamic and vibrant in the world and will once again celebrate their continued success with the fourth Record Store Day Australia to take place in music stores right across the country on Saturday April 21, says publicist Julie Cavanagh.

Organised by the Australian Music Retailers Association, Record Store Day Australia recognises that music fans have not lost the joy that comes from owning a music collection that spans the years of their favourite artists.

Around 70 per cent of music bought by Australians is bought as a physical product, in other words a CD or a vinyl record.

The joy of thumbing through the racks of CDs and DVDs, choosing a purchase and then reading the cover for the detailed history is still a part of the thrill of owning a music collection.

So music retailers across the nation have again banded together for Record Store Day Australia.

They want to celebrate the value of having music in Australian stores and supporting the artists who create it.

Aim of the day is to celebrate that Australia’s specialist music stores are wonderful places to browse, reminisce and purchase your favourite music from any era or genre.

“I think the great thing that happened last year with Record Store Day was the amount of in store connection that occurred directly between artists and stores,” says Gavin Ward, Chairman of AMRA. “With stores around Australia involved there were lots of places where unsigned and signed artists were in-store to meet fans on the day.

“For a real fan the joy of shopping at a music store is alive and well, Record Store Day is all about the celebration of that passion that the real fans enjoy,” Many stores will feature live music and appearances from top artists along with special offers, competitions and free giveaways as part of the day’s fun.

The day has the support of record companies and Australian music icons who know the importance of supporting specialist music stores. For further information go to www.recordstoreday.com.au

Mousetrap tickets ■ Tickets for the strictly limited Melbourne season of The Mousetrap, August 30 - October 7, at The Comedy Theatre have gone on sale.

Agatha Christie's iconic play will be brought to life by a stellar cast, which includes Robert Alexander (Bell Shakespeare, Dance Academy, Muriel's Wedding), Travis Cotton (MTC's Hamlet, Black Swan's Away), Linda Cropper (Offspring, Melba, Little Fish, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries), Nicholas Hope (AFI recipient; Best Actor in a leading role for his performance in Bad Boy Bubby), Jacinta John (All Saints, McLeod's Daughters), Gus Murray (Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby, McLeod's Daughters), Justin Smith (Bastard Boys, Rent, Billy Elliot the Musical) and Christy Sullivan (MTC's Next to Normal, Packed to the Rafters).

■ Tony Bennett and Delta Goodrem will perform at the Logies.

Presenters will include Shaun Micallef, Dave Hughes, Adam Hills and Mick Molloy.

The Logies will be shown on Channel 9 on Sunday, April 15.

‘Burgo’ broke: TV report

AD NAUSEAM

■ Written by Tom Pitts, Ad Nauseam is sub-titled A Night of Infidelity.

It is a monologue with a difference.

The man, Nick Bendall, hypnotically draws you into his life and mind, reliving and relating an evening of dark excess, at times with teasing sneering cynicism.

He engages you, taking you into his confidence, showing off, confessing, laughing at himself or laughing at you - or is he you?

However, the difference with this monologue is that the entire performance is choreographed, mood and atmosphere constantly changing with the action, lighting and music moving seamlessly and rhythmically as an integral whole, producing stunning entertainment.

The music which is also composed by Tom Pitts and the lighting design by Sarah Parker combine to change the pace to and from and through colours and styles, from soft and gentle to loud late nightclub to the final solo dance by the man - you know the kind of solo dance you see at any nightclub or wedding reception, by the drunk who does not even know where he is but who thinks that he’s the star.

Two girls, Kate Laverack and Grace Travaglia demonstrate in turn, a different approach and reaction by the man to each girl and their reaction and approach to him as the action, lighting and music combine and continue to move and change. Magic The set piece is by Sarah Walker, produced by Danny Delahunty, Artistic Director for the Attic Erratic production company Performances: Until April 1,Wednesday, Friday, Sunday 6.30pm. Thursday, Saturday 8.30pm Venue: La Mama Courthouse,

Independent Theatre

by Cheryl Threadgold 349 Drummond St, Carlton.

Performance time: 60 minutes.

Tickets: $25/$15.

Bookings: 9347 6948 or online at www.lamama.com.au - Guest Review by Rita Crispin

Collaboration The Project ■ Collaboration The Project presents Collide A Double Bill at Theatre Works, St Kilda from April 12 – 21.

This jam-packed evening of dance will include contemporary and hip hop dance styles.

Directed by Paul Malek with choreography by Collaboration The Project, this dance project strives to provide Australian dancers, choreographers and artists performance and creative opportunities on Australian shores.

The company’s goal is a strong and connected artistic environment, allowing creative artists to grow and expand their craft Performance Season: April 12 – 21, Tues to Sat at 8.00pm Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St., St Kilda.

Tickets: $35 Full, $25 Conc, $20 groups 10+ (plus booking fee) Bookings: 95343388or www. theatreworks.org.au

■ The Nine Network has this week launched an additional digital channel.The ad-based station is called Extra ... The Ten Network’s Biggest Loser failed to gain one million viewers in its Sunday night slot ...There are doubts whether Young Talent Time will continue.

● John Farnham ■ Manager Glenn Wheatley says entertainer John Farnham returned home after just one night in hospital after complaining of pains.

Wheatley denied that Farham had suffered a heart attack, and said his mate had suffered chest pains, but then said he thought the problem might be kidney stone related. “"Contrary to the rumours, he wasn't rushed to hospital. He had some slight pains which resembled what he felt some years ago when he had gallstones.

He had an operation then to get rid of those," Wheatley told the Herald Sun. "He went in for some tests, came out this morning feeling chipper and now he's at home."

Talking Melbourne

■ It’s been a while since we followed the exploits of 3AW Nightline co-host Bruce Mansfield.

Observer reader Peter of Malvern provides us with an update: “A lady had rung 3AW Nightline and the two chaps were impressed with her and Bruce said where do you live?

“She said Williams Landing which she ex- ● Bruce Mansfield plained was somewhere between Werribee and Laverton. Mansfield wanted to give a prize and asked “is that anywhere near Dingley”?

“After a lifetime in Melbourne, surely he has some idea of locations – they have had events at Dingley so he has been there – and everyone knows where Werribee is.”

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Observer Showbiz

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Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

‘SINGO’ COULD STILL GET 3AW

Country Crossroads

SYDNEY AD MAN CHASES TOP MELBOURNE STATION

info@country crossroads.com.au ● Big Breakfast Show.

Southern FM 88.3.

Tues. 6am-9am. ● Country Crossroads.

Casey Radio 97.7.

Wed. 10pm-12 Midnight

■ Well, that didn’t last long, did it?

Just weeks after announcing that Ed Phillips was joining Melbourne’s 91.5, Ed has been replaced by the man he took the shift from, Mike Perso.

The station is promoting that its local content, but is in fact only doing live Melbourne-only shows at breakfast and ‘drive.

Rob Foenander

GYMPIE 2012

■ The 2012 Gympie muster was officially launched in Brisbane on Thursday (March 22).

Australian artists confirmed to appear at this years event include Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Doug Bruce and The Tailgaters, Travis Collins, 2012 Toyota Star Maker Bob Corbett and Jayne Denham, amongst other well-knowns.

Headlining the show will be American superstar Kenny Rogers who has an impressive performing and acting career spanning over 54 years to date.

TROY IN TOWN

■ Australian country music star Troy Cassar Daley was in Melbourne last week performing at the Hallam Hotel ahead of some other Victorian country dates.

Country Crossroads Gary Turner got to catch up with Troy for a one on one interview and a live acoustic version of his song Homefrom his new CD release of the same title.

Troy will be part of the next Country Crossroads series commencing April 26 on Foxtel’s Aurora Channel 183.

CRAIG’S NEW RELEASE

■ Craig Morrison has released his new self titled CD Jam Packed With Hits, according to his publicity company.

Craig is no newcomer to the industry and has been treading the boards from a young age. His father is well-known Australian entertainer Lucky Starr.

The CD already boasts two chart successes with Hot Kinda Love and Fences.

AND SO IT GOES

■ American country music legend Don Williams’s new music project And So It Goes features some well known friends dropping by to help out on the recording.

Keith Urban, Vince Gill and Alison Krauss add vocals and instrumental niceties to the CD that will be released on June 19.

- Rob Foenander

● John Singleton ■ Sydney businessman John Singleton, 70, may still win control of Melbourne radio station 3AW, with the help of his long-time friend Gina Rinehart, reports The Australian newspaper.

Mrs Rinehart has bought a substantial shareholding in Fairfax Media, and is seeking two seats on the board of the media company, the national broadsheet says.

The paper’s Adam Shand speculates that Mrs Rinehart’s purchase of 12.6 per cent of Fairfax Media shares is connected to a renewed effort by Singleton to buy the Fairfax radio stations 3AW, 2UE in Sydney, 4BC in Brisbane, and 6PR in Perth.

Shand says Singleton’s purchase of the Smart Radio network in regional Queensland late last year is in an area where Mrs Rinehart’s mining interests are sensitive.

Networking on 91.5 FM

■ The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is presenting Mama Africa (May 3-6), The Black Power Mix Tape (May 3-9), and Come Back Africa (May 10-13).

r Observbei z Show

● Ed Phillips

● Mike Perso

$30,000 cash to giveaway ■ How many radio station listeners participate in phone-in competitions? How many care about the content or the result?

Would listeners just prefer for the next music track to be played.

Gold 104.3 must believe that the majority of the listeners that it wants to attract have a vital hourly interest in these contests.

So far this year, the Melbourne station has run a ‘Where in the world?’ phonein contest, another Rock-ShopRelax competition, and this week has started a ‘Stripped Back’ promotion with $30,000 in cash.

Grubby and Dee Dee

● James Grove Thirty grand pales into insignificance against the million dollar promotion run by FM market leader Fox last month.

But Gold has determined to promote its latest guessing competition every daylight hour, with hosts including Brigitte Duclos andAnthony Lehmann, Craig Huggins, James Grove and Gavin Miller.

“The trouble with cash giveaways is that you are giving away your bottom line,” one Melbourne radio station executive told the Observer.

“Most stations obtain prizes from sponsors, swapping it for excess air time that costs little or nothing.”

Gold’s ratings have dropped from 7.4 to 6.7. Their breakfast combo has dropped from 5.7 to 5.1.

Radio ratings released ● Diane ‘Dee Dee’ Dunleavy and Peter ‘Grubby’ Stubbs, pictured with SEN 1116’s Daniel Harford (centre), were on the sports station on Friday to discuss the 2012 AFL season. The former Gold 104.3 breakfast program duo were at a sports breakfast at Docklands on Friday with David King, Mark Maclure, Tommy Hafey and Chris Connolly. It’s worth flying a rumour ... how good would Grubby and Dee Dee be as breakfast show presenters on SEN 1116’s sister station, My MP, which is presenting a easy listening-gold selection of music?

■ 3AW won the second 2012 ratings with 15.1 per cent, ahead of 774 ABC (11.1) and FOX (9.9). Then came: Nova, 8.1. MMM, 7.3. Gold, 6.7.

Magic, 6.3. Mix, 5.8.,JJJ, 5.,1.

SEN, 3.7. 91.5, 3.8. Radio National, 3.5. ABC FM, 2.7. News Radio, 1.7. MTR’s final result was 1.4.

Ross and John (3AW) won the breakfast time slot (17.7).

Neil Mitchell topped mornings (16.2). Denis Walter won (11.1). Hinch scored 12.2, narrowly behind FOX (12.9) Melbourne

Observer

On This Day

Wednesday, Thursday, March 29 March 28

Friday, March 30

Saturday, March 31

Sunday, April 1

Monday, April 2

Tuesday, April 3

■ Michael Parkinson, English TV talk-show host, is 77. He was born in Yorkshire in 1935.

Reba McEntire, American country singer, is 58. She was born in Oklahoma.

Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson (Perrygrove) was born in Birmingham in 1963 (49). Cheers!

■ American singer Frankie Laine was born in 1913. He died aged 93 in 2007.

Entertainer Rolf Harris was born in 1930 (82).

John Astin, who played Gomez in the Addams Family, is 82.

Actor Warren Beatty is 75. He was born in Richmond, Virginia.

■ American actress Shirley Jones was born in 1934 (78). She starred in The Partridge Family.

US musician Herb Alpert was born in Los Angeles in 1935 (77).

American actor Richard Chamerlain is 77.

Scottish actor Ewan McGregor is 41.

Irish actor Colin Farrell was born in 1976 (36).

■ April Fools Day. US actress and singer Debbie Reynolds is 80.

UC actress Ali McGraw was born as Elizabeth Alice McGraw in 1938 (74).

US actress and singer Jane Powell is 83 (1929).

Singer Susan Boyle is 51 (1961).

■ Dutch author Hans Christian Andersen was born in 1805. He died aged 70 in 1875.

Actor Buddy Ebsen (Jed Clampettr in The Beverly Hillbillies) was born in 1908. He died aged 95 in 2003.

Racing driver Jack Brabham is 86 (1926).

UK actress Penelope Keith is 73 (1939).

■ Actress and singer Doris Day (von Kappelhoff) is 88 (1924).

Actor Marlon Brando was born in 1923. He died aged 80 in 2004.

American entertainer Wayne Newton is 70 (1942).

US actor Alec Baldwin is 54. He was born in New York in 1958.

■ Eric Idle, one of the Monty Python team, was born in County Durham, England in 1943 (69).

Model and actress Elle MacPherson (Eleanor Gow) was born in Sydney in 1964 (48).

NZ actress Lucy Lawless (Xena) is 44.

Actress Amy Matthews was born in Melbourne in 1980 (32).

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, March 28, 2012 - Page 51

Education and Training

Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Melbourne Observer

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - Page 53

Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS ■ Essendon Theatre Company: Love and Other Calamities (One Act Play Season) March 29 at 7.30pm and April 1 at 2.00pm at the West Essendon Community Centre, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. For more information visit www.essendontheatrecompany.com ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Life and Beth (Alan Ayckbourn) April 1 at 2.00pm at Bracken Hall, Wilson St., Cheltenham (off Centre Dandenong Rd.). Director: Alan Ayckbourn. Enquiries: 0411 645003.

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

■ Peridot Theatre Company: One Act Play Season. The Waiting Room (by John Bowen) April 2 at 7.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Annie Blood. Call 9551 9084 for audition bookings.

■ Fab Nobs: Next to Normal April 3, 5 at the Fab Factory, Industry Place, Bayswater. Director: Nicholas Kong; Musical Director: Naomi Osborne. Audition bookings: 0414 367062 or email fabnobs2n@gmail.com ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Calendar Girls (by Tim Firth) April 10, 11 at 7.30pm at Brighton Theatre, Cnr. Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Alan Burrows. Audition bookings: 0412 077761 or email aburrow1@bigpond.net ■ Monash University Academy of Performing Arts: Return to the Forbidden Planet April 18 at 4.00pm, April 19 at 6.00pm, April 20 at 4.00pm at Normanby House, 100 Normanby Rd., Clayton. Director: Bryce Ives; Musical Director: Adrian Portelli. Audition bookings: 9905 4687 or fred.wallace@monash.edu ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: God of Carnage April 22 at 1.00pm, April 23 at 7.30pm at 2 Albert St., Williamstown.

Director: Bruce Akers. Audition bookings: 0432 984781.

■ Gemco Players: The Crucible (by Arthur Miller) April 29 from 4.00pm, April 30 from 7.30pm at The Gem, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Director: Sharon Maine. Audition bookings: email pagetostageaustralia@gmail.com

SHOWS ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Compleat Female Stage Beauty (by Jeffrey Hatcher) April 19 - May 5, Tues- Sat at 8:15pm, Sundays 5pm at 2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown.

Director: Chris Baldock. Bookings: www.wlt.org.au or 9885 9678.

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Never the Sinner (by John Logan) April 20 - May 5, 8.15pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, 2pm matinees April 21, 29 at 29a Burke Road, East Malvern.

Director: Nicholas Opolski. Tickets: $20/$18. Bookings: 1300 131 552. www.malverntheatre.com.au …

■ Peridot Theatre: The Peppercorn Tree (by Alison Campbell Rate) April 27 - May 12, Wed - Sat at 8.15pm, April 29, May 5 at 2.15pm, May 6 at 4.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Bookings: 1300 138 646 (no mobiles) or 9898 9090 (for mobiles) www.peridot.com.au

INDEPENDENT THEATRE ■ Arts House presents the Australian premiere of Alma Mater from April 18 – May 13 at the North Melbourne Town Hall.

This is iPad theatre in the confines of an intimate white room. Fresh from an extended sell-out smash hit at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Glasgow-based interdisciplinary duo Fish and Game make their Melbourne debut with the Australian premiere of Alma Mater .

Alma Mater fuses high-technology with lo-fi charm, as individual audience members enter a specially constructed, full-scale child’s bedroom to immerse themselves in the world of a little girl, weaving a complex, handheld fairy-tale for the 21st century via an iPad. With an original score by John De Simone, performed by experimental octet Ensemble Thing and cinematography from award-winner Anna Chaney, Alma Mater is a haunting meditation on family, familiarity and growing-up.

Venue: Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne Season: Wednesday, April 18 – May 13 Time: Every 10 minutes between: Wed - Sun, 2pm – 9pm.

20 minutes no interval.

Tickets: Full $10/Conc $5 Bookings: artshouse.com.au or 9322 3713 Note: Performances take place in a specially constructed room suitable for solo audience members over the age of 12.

Local Theatre Melbourne

Observer

With Cheryl Threadgold

ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN SHOWS ■ 1812 Theatre: Round and Round the Garden (a comedy from Alan Ayckbourn's Norman Conquests trilogy) Until March 31 at The Bakery, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Bookings: 9758 3964 or 0406 752067. www.1812theatre.com.au

Passion Play

■ The Mount Theatre: Art (by Yasmina Reza) Until March 31, 8.00pm Fridays, Saturdays, 2.00pm matinees on Sundays at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Bookings: 1300 463 224 (10am-5pm Tues to Sat) Bookings: 1300 463 224 ■ Encore Theatre: Rumors (by Neil Simon) Until March 31 at 8.00pm at the Clayton Community Centre theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Tickets: $20 Full Price, $18 Concession, $15 Opening Night tickets. Bookings: 1300 739099 www.encoretheatre.com.au ■ Beaumaris Theatre: To Kill a Mockingbird (by Harper Lee) Until March 31 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris.

Director: Robin Morris. Tickets: $25/$22 9583 6896 www.beaumaristheatre.com.au ■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Avenue Q Until March 31 at The Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place (Off Malvern St.), Bayswater. Bookings: www.fabnobstheatre.com.au ■ Leongatha Lyric Theatre: Habeas Corpus (by Alan Bennett) Until March 31 at 8.00pm at the Leongatha Secondary College, Nerrena Rd., Leongatha. www.lyrictheatre.net.au Bookings: Mushroom Crafts 5662 3940.

■ SLAMS Music Theatre: Hairspray March 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31 at 8.00pm and March 25, 31 at 2.00pm at Mahon Theatre, Aquinas College, Great Ryrie St., Ringwood. Tickets: $32/$28.

Bookings: 9720 3205 www.slams.org.au ■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Dancing at Lughnasa (by Brian Friel) April 13 - 28 at 8:00pm Thursday, Friday, Saturdays. Matinées 2:00pm Sundays at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., West Geelong. Bookings: 5225 1200 www.geelongrep.com.au ■ The 1812 Theatre: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? April 18 - May 5 at The Bakery at 1812, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Evenings 8.00pm, Matinees 4.00pm. Director: Libby Procter. Tickets: $25.

Bookings: 9758 3984. www.1812theatre.com.au

● Simon Costa portrays a Roman Soldier in the Melbourne Passion Play to be presented on Sunday, April 1 at 1.30pm and Friday, April 6 at 10.00am at Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster.

Now in its 16th year, under the direction of Robert Durai, the Melbourne Passion Play is seen by many thousands of Victorians from all walks of life.

The production is a non-commercial, non-denominational free event and is performed at various locations in Ruffey Lake Park by a large cast of volunteer performers.

Free entry. For further details visit the website www.passionplay.info

INDEPENDENT THEATRE REVIEW

TWO SHOWS MERGE SEAMLESSLY ■ La Mama Theatre and Quiet Little Fox presents Awake until April 1 at La Mama Courthouse, Carlton.

Two different stories seamlessly merge under the sub-titles of Wonderland and Sandman, both depicting families coping with loved ones suffering from debilitating medical conditions.

Written and directed by Fleur Kilpatrick, Awake is a beautifully crafted text, superbly brought to life by first class performers, direction and Kristina Benton’s original music.

The mood for Wonderland is initially set by a well-harmonised, poignant vocal rendition from the four actor ensemble, focussing on the theme “remember”.

The story tells of musician Gene having just arrived home after hospitalisation for amnesia and his positive, devoted wife of eleven years who implores him to know her.

He knows he is very sick, but … he is awake. Justin Batchelor and Kristina Benton present outstanding performances, with Batchelor capturing the quiet sensitivity of a musician who no longer recognises his own music.

Sandman features Joanne Sutton, Alex Roe and Justin Batchelor, who deliver exceptional performances as a country mother and sister, her son and brother, respectively.

Batchelor demonstrates impressive versatility by quickly transforming from frail, cultured Gene to rough, knockabout Nat. The theme of sand cleverly entwines throughout this story as a brother and son react to their sister and mother’s diagnosis of a fatal genetical disorder, which prevents her from sleeping.

The song theme for this story is “dreaming”. Awake is a fine production with high quality writing, acting, music and direction, offering audiences a memorable theatre experience.

Congratulations to all concerned.

Performances: Until April 1 Times: Wed, Fri 8.30pm, Thur, Sat at 6.30pm and Sun 4.30pm

● Kristina Benton and Justin Batchelor in Awake at La Mama Courthouse.

Photo: Sarah Walker Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St., Carlton.

Running time: 50 minutes.

Tickets: $25 full, $15 concession Bookings: www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6142 - Review by Cheryl Threadgold

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

Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Lovatts Crossword No 8B Across

1. Crocodile relative 6. French woman's title 11. Appraised 15. Truce (5-4) 20. Verbal 21. Small insect 22. Turban-wearing Indian 23. George Cross island 25. Agile 26. Act as go-between 27. Ellipses 29. Swiss cheese 32. IX 34. Pronto (1,1,1,1) 36. Re-stage (2-5) 39. Incidental comment 41. Jeans material 43. Category (of art) 46. Played (with) 48. Gaggle birds 49. Matthew, ..., Luke & John 51. Temperate 52. Abhorrence 55. Tibetan priest 56. Acorn bearers 59. From Emerald Isle 61. Pine fruit 62. Golfer, ... Norman 63. Start 64. Peculiarity 67. Red Planet alien 68. On edge (5,2) 70. Aggravate 71. Replenishes (4,2) 72. Urges into motion 73. Spanish pre-Euro currency unit 74. Grassed sections 75. Defunct 77. Municipal boss 78. Composer, Andrew Lloyd ...

79. Situated inside 82. Devouring 86. Caught in the act 87. Annual period 89. Social exclusion 92. Requests, ... for 94. Stop briefly 96. Surface layer 98. Off-limits (2-2) 100. Flow-rate recorder 101. Dawdles 103. Not one 105. Caster 106. Manipulative person 108. Female horse 111. Splendour 112. Employs to excess 114. Amazement 116. Difficult 119. Muslim chieftain 120. Practise boxing 121. Fitness centre 123. Lamenting cry 124. Australian gem 125. Able to be located 126. Generous 127. Epic journey 130. Harbour work boat 131. Especially tag 135. Biting flies 138. Child's jumping pole, ... stick 139. Increase 141. Presumes (the worst) 144. Haul 146. Mature 147. Bangkok native 148. Compete 149. Bulldoze 150. Sales agent 151. Sicilian volcano 152. Pen cartridge 153. Mirth 155. Tenant's payment 157. Prophecy 158. Forbidden activity (2-2) 160. Overly fat 161. Squeeze 162. Crooner, ... Fisher 163. Rim 165. Plucked string sound 166. Hatchet

Across 167. Baronet's title 168. Family, ... & blood 169. Rugged peak 171. Altercation (3-2) 172. US symbol 175. Spotted pattern, ... dots 176. Trim, ... & terrific 179. Discovered 180. Flip (coin) 182. International trade fair 184. More submissive 185. Front of ship 186. Smash into 188. Belgrade native 189. Drinking-house 190. Charity gifts 191. Definite article 193. Cold & damp (of cellar) 194. Affirmatives 196. Abominable snowman 197. In addition 198. Stoneworker 200. TV popularity figures 205. Director, ... Howard 207. Aids 210. Or else 211. Respond too strongly 212. Feudal peasant 213. Sob 214. Moral crime 216. Formerly Persia 218. Ice hockey disc 219. Monster 220. Secret hopes 224. Hired killer 227. Rugs 229. Famed lioness 230. Bamboo rod 231. Nodules 232. One time only 233. Pant 235. Remove (brooch) 237. Entertainer, ... Coward 239. Old Testament son of Isaac 241. Raw vegetable dish 244. Garden shack 246. Stress 249. Raced 252. Spain's capital 254. Make certain 256. Lame walker's aid 258. Warder 259. Striped cat 260. Mosquito-borne disease 263. Of the eyes 264. Routine 265. Wrinkle 267. Wench's bonnet 270. Phantoms 271. Strain 272. Anti-slide 273. Accurate 274. Part of play 277. Skip 279. Red-rind cheese 281. Beauty parlour 284. Sea phase, low ...

286. Salt Lake City state 288. Exploited 292. Infiltrating spy 294. Blister-like pouch 295. Magic sticks 298. Slight mistake 300. Dodge 301. Illness, scarlet ...

303. Fuss, song & ...

306. Dish, ... thermidor 308. Wood-shaping tool 309. Banded gemstone 311. Renounced 314. Restraining cord 315. Away from coast 316. Offend 317. Civilian garb 318. Oil cartel 319. Mountain nest 320. Sports day 321. Essential 322. Library patron 323. Steel-belted tyre 324. Metal wind instrument

Down

Down

1. Very eager 2. Overtime reimbursement, time in ...

3. Matches 4. Laid slates 5. Horse colour 6. Provided with personnel 7. Strange 8. Egg white 9. Come out 10. Arrival 11. Plush fabric 12. Farm vehicle 13. Composition 14. Fuel oil 15. Meat cutlet 16. Conscious (of fact) 17. Alleviates 18. Early Peruvian 19. Prepare (newspaper) 24. Dry 28. Stare lustfully 30. Lion's call 31. Tibetan oxen 33. Least busy 35. Wise sayings 37. Fluorescent lamp gas 38. Gateau 40. Cardinal's title, His ...

42. Teenage heart-throbs 44. ... de corps 45. Restricted portion 47. At an advantage (3-2) 48. Wild animal reserve (4,4) 49. Small fish 50. Barge 53. Moderates 54. Catches fire 57. Pieced together 58. Wisps 60. Yells 63. Perform surgery 65. Highly priced 66. Any moment now 68. Ku Klux ...

69. Onto 76. Foolishly 79. Vex 80. Giver 81. Exudes 83. Love (French) 84. Unrevealed 85. Silence 88. Classifying 90. Pulls along on rope 91. Misfortunes 93. Unknown place 95. Shady trees 97. Incorrect 99. Aperture 100. Breakfast or dinner 102. Utilise 104. Artist's naked models 107. Sounded out letters of 109. White wine, ... Riesling 110. Among 111. Career golfers 113. Involve deeply 115. Not bound by oath 117. Grim fate 118. Wig material 121. Recover from (3,4) 122. Street assailants 127. Of past times 128. Pine (for) 129. Rankling 132. Emotional ties 133. Represented in court, ... for 134. Scoundrel 135. Chivalry 136. Airmail letters 137. Degree of incline 138. Ceremonial display 140. Swimming ballgame (5,4) 141. Medieval social system

142. Primitive art forms 143. Groups' proxies 145. US President, ... Bush (6,1) 151. Chose 154. Fencing swords 156. SE English county 159. Belonging to us 164. Oxlike antelope 169. Pickled bud 170. Up in the air 173. Has ambitions 174. Beirut is there 177. Saudi natives 178. Transports 181. Complying with 183. Pale colours 187. Passenger jet 192. Becoming more exciting (7,2) 195. Brighten up 199. Collects 201. Actor, ... Baldwin 202. Lowdown 203. Brace (oneself) 204. Abdominal area 206. Non-rural 207. Water, ... ale (4'1) 208. Little devils 209. Outlaw priest, Friar ...

213. Tiny songbird 215. Movie hero, ... Jones 217. Brief sleeps 221. Strong winds 222. Not ever 223. Buy quickly, ... up 224. ... spumante 225. Unintoxicated 226. Flower smell 228. Plain 234. Rebelliously 236. Mimic 238. Lyrical poem 240. Cigarette residue 242. Geronimo's people 243. Surrounded by 245. Tropical shrub 247. Relic 248. Run playfully 250. Due 251. In attendance 253. Open valley 255. Naming word 257. Fellow 258. Irish dances 261. Leguminous plant 262. Flattened, ... out (pastry) 265. Great Train robber, ... Biggs 266. Bowsers, petrol ...

268. Grass leaf 269. Monastery 275. Italian farewell 276. Media bulletin 278. Eire, Republic of ...

280. Reduced dangerous tension in 282. Experts 283. Peace prize city 285. Respectfully, on bended ...

287. Foggier 289. Yacht's mooring cushion 290. Roots 291. Weirder 292. Cerebral 293. Entangle 296. Book of maps 297. Crisis 299. Shillings & ...

302. Russian river 304. Fasten (to) 305. Press into pleats 306. Skinny 307. Power group 308. Nautical greeting 310. Christmas 312. Cleveland is there 313. Large hawk

Soloution on Page 26

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - Page 55

MEGA

CROSSWORD No 8B 1

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148 153

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93

115

139

147

165

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86

131

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152

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130

145

58

126

129 135

144

84

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69

92

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105

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38

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98

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19

63

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102

37

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76 82

89

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36

68

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95 101

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18

28

72

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17

48

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16

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71

78

15

62

74

158

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61 65

14

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33 41

70

13

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51

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39 49

10

303 310 317

320 323

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Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

Melbourne

Observer

DVD & Blu-Ray Releases

Top 10 Lists

FILM: THE IDES OF MARCH: Genre: Drama/Thriller.

Cast: George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour-Hoffman.

Year: 2011.

Rating: M. Running Time: 101 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ****1/2.

Verdict: There have been many great standout political thrillers, The Manchurian Candidate, Seven Days in May, All The King's Men, The Missiles of October and All The President's Men are just a few, and now The Ides of March can take pride and place among the best of them. It takes place during the frantic last days before a heavily contested U.S. presidential primary, when a campaign press secretary finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens the shot at the presidency, and it's a knockout, a thrilling, compelling, and sometimes nail-biting insight into the down and dirty political landscape when things go wrong.

Directed by, co-produced, co-written and co-starring George Clooney, he is in his element on both sides of the camera with a subject matter that previously garnered him well deserved critical acclaim with Confessions of a Dangerous Mind and Good Night, and Good Luck, and here George again scores a landslide victory, delivering a tightly controlled, meticulously paced, provocative battle of political wills. Ryan Gosling gives a bravura performance as the press secretary, and the stellar cast all give riveting performances, every one right at the top of their game.

Enough said, it comes highly recommended, and proves that assassinating a leader could be done without firing a single shot.

THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. 21 JUMP STREET. 2. JOHN CARTER. 3. GHOSTRIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE. 4. PROJECT X. 5. MARGIN CALL. 6. CONTRABAND. 7. THIS MEANS WAR. 8. THE RUM DIARY. 9. THE VOW. 10. THE ARTIST.

FILM: REAL STEEL: Cast: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goya, Hope Davis.

Genre: Action/Drama.

Year: 2011.

Rating: M. Running Time: 122 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **1/2 Verdict: It's Rocky meets Transformers in this futuristic pot-boiler where robot boxing is a top sport, and a struggling promoter who discovers he has an 11-year-old son who wants to know more about his father, and as the relationship progresses, they find a discarded robot they hope will take them to the championship and big money. Real Steel is filled with plenty of CGI (Computer Generated Images) with metal on metal fist thumping, pulse pounding action that is sure to satisfy fans of the Transformers series and countless other sci-fi action movies. Hugh Jackman as the father and Dakota Goya as the son are clearly having a good time, and between the action we are allowed to breathe some mild relief as the father and his estranged son continue on their journey to hopeful success in a ruthless game of brutal competition and deception.

But even though the performances are good and the fight sequences well staged, some almost scene for scene from Rocky, this is a fairly emotionless effort, even though it does try, ultimately resulting in a cold hard steel romp that you can't help but feel you've seen too many times before.

FILM: THE HOLE: Genre: Thriller/Adventure.

Cast: Haley Bennett, Chris Massoglia, Bruce Dern, Nathan Gamble.

Year: 2011.

Rating: M. Running Time: 92 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY 2D & 3D. Stars: *** Verdict: An affective and enjoyable little thriller of two brothers, Dane and Lucas, and their neighbour Julie, who discover a bottomless hole in the basement of their new home, only to find that once the hole is exposed, a spooky and terrifying evil is unleashed. Veteran director Joe Dante is no stranger to the subject matter, he previously gave us the classics Gremlins and The Howling among others, and here he delivers the scares in a nicely paced old fashioned tale that concentrates less on gushing blood and gore, if any at all, and more on atmosphere and imagination alone, taking us back those simple things that scared the living daylights out of us as children, making a welcome change to the all too many gut-wrenching splatter-fests of teen horror titles out there.

So, with strange shadows lurking around every corner and nightmares coming to life, and forced to come face to face with their darkest fears, as they try to put an end to the mystery of The Hole, a sting in the tail could determine otherwise.

- James Sherlock

● Vera Farmiga in Higher Ground Despite the warm embrace of those around her, Corrine experiences doubt about herself and the life she is living, doubts that she finds hard to ■ (PG). 93 minutes. Now available express to other members of the commune. on DVD. Taut and thoughtful, this rather unWhat makes Higher Ground such der-rated Western proves to be a cut- an intriguing and involving film is beabove due to an intelligent script and cause director Farmiga and writers two stars who are in great form.

Carolyn S Briggs and Tim Metcalfe Kirk Douglas stars as Matt Mor- (based on Briggs's memoir This Dark gan, a respected local sheriff who World) don't treat the religious memenjoys a happy family life with his bers as cardboard caricatures (a misnative-American wife and young son. take made by the recent Salvation This is destroyed when his wife is Boulevard, to disastrous effect), and raped and murdered by two cattle instead shows them as living, breathmen in front of their son, who man- ing human beings.

There are people that Corrine has ages to escape on one of the attackers' horses. genuine affection for, and she sees Returning to his father and raising how religion can be one element in the alarm, the enraged sheriff sees guiding one to a happy, content life. that the attacker's saddle is The downsides are also shown, inmonogramed with the initials CB, cluding a rigid, narrow-minded view showing that the horse belongs to of the outside world, and the treatment cattle baron Craig Belden (Anthony of women, particularly when it comes to leadership roles, but Farmiga and Quinn).

Taking the train to Gun Hill, where company want us to make our own Belden rules one and all, Matt will minds up about these people and the stop at nothing to bring his wife's killer life they lead, rather than give us easy divisions and answers. to justice.

Writer James Poe (Lilies Of The After a weak opening, where we Field / The Bedford Incident / They see Corrine as a child trying to cope Shoot Horses, Don't They?) and di- with her parents' troubled marriage, rector John Sturges (The Great Es- as well as her introduction to church cape / Bad Day At Black Rock / The life, the film gets better and better, as Magnificent Seven) are more inter- Farmiga's direction becomes more ested in showing the consequences of confident and assured.

Performances are first-rate and violence than merely churning out another shoot-em-up, and how violent pitch-perfect, considering how overjustice doesn't bring matters to a close, the-top and cliched they could have but just keeps passing on a legacy of so easily been.

Hopefully Higher Ground will atrage and loss.

This approach gives the charac- tain a sizeable, appreciative audience.

RATING : **** ters added depth, allowing the cast to give fully-rounded performances.

Douglas (Champion / Out Of The Past / Spartacus) is perfect as the stoic, tough, but fair Matt, and Anthony ■ (M). 120 minutes. Now available Quinn (Zorba The Greek / La Strada on DVD. Moody and intense, this beautifully / Requiem For A Heavyweight) is tercrafted, brilliantly acted drama is strikrific as the powerful Belden.

Both characters aren't your typical ingly memorable viewing.

Michael Shannon (World Trade good guy-bad guy, making the film allCentre / Bug / My Son, My Son, What the-more fascinating.

Carolyn Jones (How The West Have Ye Done? / The Runaways) gives Was Won / The Addams Family) gives an Oscar-calibre performance as a nicely-tuned performance as the one Curtis, a devoted family man who starts having frightening dreams and person who tries to help Matt.

Last Train From Gun Hill is a hallucinations about an approaching strong film that certainly deserves apocalyptic storm, and these visions more recognition than it currently has. affects his relationship with his wife Samantha (a very busy Jessica RATING : **** Chastain), their daughter Hannah (Tova Stewart), and his work friend Dewart (Shea Whigham).

■ (M). 109 minutes. Now available Not knowing if these images are on DVD. real or not, Curtis starts building an After creating a strong body of elaborate underground shelter, a venwork as an actress, which includes ture which may take him over the The Departed, Down To The Bone, edge.

Writer/director Jeff Nichols (ShotJoshua : The Devil's Child, The Manchurian Candidate, and Up In The gun Stories / Mud) evokes an incredAir, Vera Farmiga makes her direc- ible atmosphere and fragile state-oftorial debut with Higher Ground, and mind, always keeping the viewer on the result is more than respectable. edge as we're not quite sure what Farmiga stars as Corrine Walker, Curtis will do next.

I wholeheartedly agree with Jim who along with her husband Ethan (Joshua Leonard) and young daugh- Sherlock on Take Shelter, and it is a ter live at a religious community, shame that this visually splendid film where everyone lives strictly by the is not receiving a Blu-Ray release.

RATING : **** word of the Lord.

Last Train From Gun Hill

Take Shelter

Higher Ground

NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: MARCH 22: THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, THE HUNGER GAMES, THE RAID. MARCH 29: A DANGEROUS METHOD, DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX, MIRROR MIRROR, TOMBOY, WRATH OF THE TITANS. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part One [Drama/ Fantasy/Robert Pattinson].

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

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

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

5. RED STATE [Comedy/Thriller/ John Goodman, Melissa Leo, Michael Parks].

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

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

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

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

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

Also: IMMORTALS, THE CUP, OUR IDIOT BROTHER, THE TREE OF LIFE, THE HUNTER, I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT, CRAZY STUPID LOVE, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3, LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS, FINAL DESTINATION 5.

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: THE DEBT [Thriller/Action/Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Worthington].

REAL STEEL [Action/Drama/Hugh Jackman, Hope Davis, Kevin Durand].

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN [Drama/Tilda Swinton, John C. Riley, Ezra Miller].

THE INBETWEENERS MOVIE [Comedy/Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: SNOW WHITE AND THE THREE STOOGES [Comedy/The Three Stooges, Patricia Medina].

BLUE LAGOON & RETURN TO BLUE LAGOON [Adventure/Brooke Shields, Christopher Atkins].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE GREAT MINT SWINDLE [Drama/TV/Grant Bowler, Maya Stange].

Turn To Page 59

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - Page 57

Page 58 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - Page 59

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

GOLDEN SLIPPER COUNTDOWN ■ The countdown is on for the running of the richest two yearold race in the world, the Golden Slipper to be run at Rosehill on Easter Saturday.

As usual the 1200 metre trip of the classic has received a top class field of nominations.

The top Victorian filly, Samaready, a brilliant winner of the Blue Diamond on her home track at Caulfield, looks the one to beat and is favorite for the rich event.

Her trainer, Caulfield mentor, Mick Price is over the moon with the way she has settled in Sydney, and the way she has handled the clockwise way of racing.

The daughter of More Than Ready is raced by the Vinery Stud and they are looking forward to her racing over years to come with the ability she shown so far.

Admittedly it is a different ball game going the reverse way in Sydney, but some horses adapt immediately, others don't handle it, and others take time.

On the second line of betting is the Gai Waterhouse trained youngster Pierro, who put in a great run to win the Silver Slipper at Rosehill on March 3, after missing the start.

Waterhouse has a big opinion of the colt, and after an earlier mishap flew home to beat the very good filly Hussousa.

Pierro is also nicely bred being by Australia's leading sire Lohnro, and will be hard to beat.

One that will be very hard to toss, if the Hawkes stable decides to tackle the Golden Slipper, is the undefeated Victorian youngster All Too Hard, a brilliant winner of both his starts.

All Too Hard is a half brother, to the mighty mare, Black Caviar, being by Casino Prince from the Helsinge, the dam of Black Caviar.

The mail was about when he had his first start at Flemington in February, when he blitzed them in Talindert Stakes up the straight 1100 metres.

He worked strongly to the line, and

Ted Ryan

Observer Racing

● Samaready: Blue Diamond Stakes Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

showed all the qualities of his half sister.

Raced by Patinack Farm Racing the colt was then produced in the Sires Produce Stakes over 1400, another300 metres.

A lot of astute judges including myself felt it would be too much at only his second start, but he left us with our heads bowed as he once again bolted in over the 1400 metres.

Whatever the stable decides they have another big winner in their camp.

If he takes his place in the Golden Slipper field look out he will be the one to beat.

Others with chances are Raceway, another from the strong Gai Waterhouse camp; No Looking Back, runner up in the Magic Millions to stablemate, Driefontein, losing on protest, to his more fancied opponent.

Both will contest the Slipper.

Another you can't leave out is the Gerald Ryan trained, filly, Snitzerland, who has impressed Victorian racegoers with her exploits of easily winning at Mornington.

Then she was produced at Flemington with similar result, bolting in.

She was ridden on both occasions by leading Sydney hoop, Corey Brown, who won't get off her back.

I will follow up the Golden Slipper again next week after Samaready has run in Riesling Slipper.

Magic Millions ■ The Media Manager of the Magic Million sales concept, Greg Irvine, is ecstatic with the result of the recent 2012 Magic Millions QTIS Yearling Sales on the Gold Coast.

At the Wire Thoroughbreds secured a well bred colt by lead-

● Pierro winning the Silver Slipper Stakes Photo by Magic Millions ing sprinting sire ers at the sales were, himself up to many a Choisir on the final the Choisir colt men- top position before day of the sales for tioned for $ 150,000, a moving to the Yarra Murtajill colt went for Glen Racing Club as $150,000.

The chestnut colt $135,000, and a Jet their Racing Secreproduced some spir- Spur Colt brought tary, when he did a splendid job for many ited bidding in the sale $110,000. years. ring, and is the spitting After leaving Yarra image of his sire.

Glen, he still kept a The colt by hand in racing, but Choisir, is out of Anlater in life he conother Syn, and is a likely type according to ■ It was with sadness tracted the terrible that I learned from rac- Motor Neurone Disgood judges.

A Benardini- ing colleague Ray ease, which attacks the Citichy colt went for Benson. of the death of nerves cells in your $100,000, while a nice a top racing man and a body, causing the Show a Heart-Shady personal friend Neil muscles to waste away right through the Affair filly, was Baird.

Neil and I go back body. knocked down for many years.

A great bloke; al$80,000.

Just after joining ways with advice or A Reset-Kisses filly brought a tidy $ Channel Nine, I met help. him when he was emOur deepest sym75,000.

The three top sell- ployed as a racing pathy to his wife Marclerk at Moonee Val- garet, and family; ley, later joining the from all of us at then Victoria Amateur Melbourne Observer; Turf Club, now the especially personally Melbourne Racing from me.

Club.

Rest in Peace, Neil.

There he worked - Ted Ryan

Vale Neil Baird

This Week’s Footy

● All Too Hard Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

Thursday, March 29 Richmond vs. Carlton (MCG) (N) Friday, March 30 Hawthorn vs. Collingwood (MCG) (N) Saturday, March 31 Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions (MCG) Gold Coast SUNS vs. Adelaide Crows (MS) (T) Fremantle vs. Geelong Cats (PS) (N) North Melbourne vs. Essendon (ES) (N) Sunday, April 1 Western Bulldogs vs. West Coast Eagles (ES) (E) Port Adelaide vs. St Kilda (AS) (T)

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 56

Top 10 Lists BREAKING BAD: The Complete 4th Season.

BREAKOUT KINGS: Season One. FUTURAMA: Season Five.

FUTURAMA: Season Six. PACKED TO THE RAFTERS: The Complete Season Four.

LIKE WATER [Documentary/Anderson Silva].

TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part One [Drama/Fantasy/Robert Pattinson].

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

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

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

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

6. RED STATE [Comedy/Thriller/John Goodman, Melissa Leo, Michael Parks].

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

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

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

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

Also: The Bodyguard, Immortals 2D & 3D, The Cup, The Hunter, The Tree of Life, I Don't Know How She Does It, Crazy Stupid Love, Paranormal Activity 3, Love and Other Drugs, Final Destination 5.

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: THE DEBT [Thriller/Action/Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Worthington].

REEL STEEL [Action/Drama/Hugh Jackman, Hope Davis, Kevin Durand].

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN [Drama/ Tilda Swinton, John C. Riley, Ezra Miller].

THE INBETWEENERS MOVIE [Comedy/Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison].

LIKE WATER [Documentary/Anderson Silva].

- James Sherlock

Harness Racing Extra ■ Daylesford father and daughter - Bob & Anne-Maree Conroy were successful in taking out the Flatmans Home Timber & Hardware Pty Ltd Monte Final (under saddle) for T0 or better class (D-H) over 1720 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday with 7-Y0 Straphanger/Direct Salute gelding Optimum.

Always handy from the 10 metre mark, Optimum proved a little too strong for Daretobedifferent over the concluding stages, scoring by 1.7 metres in a rate of 2-07.4, with the 20 metre backmarker Kyvalley Mac third.

Eddie Conroy's Cost Me A Quid threw away all chance at the start when badly away, before breaking when under pressure on straightening.

■ Fully American bred Like A Prayer/ Aspenglow mare Cold Sister snared her biggest prize, when successful in the $30,000 (Group 2) Lyn McPherson Memorial Breed For Speed Gold Series Final over 1720 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday.

Trained and driven by Avenel's David Aiken for Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer and racing under the banner of Cold Mountain Stud, Cold Sister was given the run of the race from the pole trailing Topnotch Dream one of two Chris Lang trainees.

Using the sprint lane on turning, Cold Sister ran home strongly to score from a death-seating Dealornodeal going for a clean sweep of the series, with Topnotch Dream a disappointing third. The mile rate 1-59.5.

Cold Sister had been a victim of the terrible Queensland floods 12 months ago and was lucky to survive. ● More Harness Racing from Len Baker on Page 60

Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Showbiz Social Club

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Melbourne

Observer Sport

FUN AT WARRAGUL

● Vocalist Rachel Camerino at the Showbiz Social Club held at Bentleigh on Monday night. Photos: Gigi Hellmuth

■ St Arnaud trainer Brian Kiesey has been having a ball of late with his squaregaiters and travelled a long distance to land the Drouin Signs Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2205 metres at Warragul on Monday March 19 with 7-Y-0 Digger Almahurst/Flying Candy mare Candy Digger.

Driven by Brian Gath, Candy Digger coming from a 20 metre backmark settled four back along the markers, before moving to be one/one at the bell.

When the leader and favourite Our Flash Girl galloped on straightening and Drop Of Paradise ran outwards, Candy Digger gained a split through the centre and raced clear over the concluding stages to score by 4.5 metres in a rate of 2-06.8 from Drop Of Paradise and Hei Matau which trailed the pacemaker.

It was Candy Digger's 6th victory (3 this season) in 119 race appearances.

Dad, son win ● Adam Dunning , bossa nova guitarist, composer and vocalist

■ Trafalgar father and son - Chris & Glenn Hunter combined to snare the Gippsland Media Centre Pace for C0 class over 1785 metres with honest Jet Laag/Del Shipp 4-Y-0 gelding Hiflyin Cruiser.

Leading easily from the pole, Hiflyin Cruiser was given a comfortable time at the head of affairs, kicking away on the final bend with the race safely in his keeping, defeating the well backed Diamond Fantasy (three wide last lap) and Wirrawee Echo in a rate of 2-01.2.

● Lisette Payet, vocalist and pianist

● Pianist Ray Haynes

Harness Racing

Blistering speed

Melbourne

Observer

lenbaker@ bigpond.net.au

with Len Baker

Vinmar Homes Trotters Handicap for T1 or better class over 2570 metres.

Trained at Great Western by Kerryn Manning and driven by partner Grant Campbell, Michael Thomas was having his first outing since August when victorious at Hamilton and after stepping away safely from the 10 metre mark, Campbell had no hesitation in sending him forward to tackle the leader Trappers Puzzle for the front running within a lap.

Always travelling under a tight rein, Michael Thomas coasted to the wire in a rate of 2-06.9 to score by an untouched 5.5 metre margin in advance of Trappers Puzzle which easily held down second, with Bonspiel Delight third after following the pair.

With a record of 6 wins and 2 placings from 14 race appearances, Michael Thomas has a big future ahead of him.

Smart, fast

■ Parwan duo Craig Demmler and Jodi Quinlan had an easy all of the way victory from the pole with 4-Y-0 Jet Laag/ Dancing Sylvia gelding Dufflecoat Jet Lag in the Print Solutions @ Work Pace for C1 class over 1785 metres at Warragul.

Driven by Jodi, Dufflecoat Jet Lag despite over racing, bounded clear on the home turn to score in advance of the roughie Gordons Ville which trailed and Pomardi (one/ one - three wide home turn) in a slick rate of 200.3.

■ Parwan trainer/driver Jodi Quinlan produced a smart juvenile by the name of Getya Wings Out to land the Bendigo Bank 2-Y-0 Pace over 1609 metres on debut.

Given a perfect passage one/one from gate four with the hot favourite Delightful Joy leading from the pole, Getya Wings Out was eased three wide in the last lap to join the leaders approaching the home turn.

Surging to the front on straightening, Getya Wings Out a daughter of Mach Three and American bred Paige Nicole Q returned a mile rate of 159.2.

Impressed

Big hand

Easy all way

■ Tuesday harness racing was held at Beckley Park Geelong and smart 5-Y-0 Malabar Maple/ Krysta gelding Michael Thomas resumed with an impressive victory in the

Racing Briefs

■ As usual the Melton district played a big hand at the Geelong fixture with Lucknpower, Artoc and Born Again Sassy all greeting the judge.

Four year old entire Lucknpower (Northern

Luck/Cammag Girl) trained at Rockbank by Joe Bajada and driven by Bobby Butt was successful in the APG Yearling Sales Pace for C0 class over 2100 metres.

Settling one/one midrace after leading up the outside division from gate four, Lucknpower when taken wide on the home turn, ran home strongly to score from the roughie Captain Chequer along the sprint lane from three back the markers, with Mister Pickles rushing home late from last on the markers for third. The mile rate 2-00 even.

Easy time ■ The SEW-Eurodrive Pace for C4 & C5 class over 2100 metres was a real family affair with Kiwi bred 6-Y-0 Artiscape/Eileen Monica gelding Artoc saluting.

Raced by Melton's Danny and Anna Mullan along with former South Australian state cricketer Paul Nobes, Artoc driven

by Samantha Mullan crossed to lead shortly after the start.

Given an easy time, Artoc was joined approaching the home turn by the roughie Smokin Joker who appeared to have his measure on turning after taking a slender lead, but unable to cross.

Driven with plenty of vigour all the way up the running, Artoc outstayed Smokin Joker to gain the day by a half neck in 200.8, with Change Of Tact off a three wide trail in the final circuit third when first up for Kerryn Manning.

Toyed ■ Mach Three/Sassy Sarah filly Born Again Sassy toyed with her rivals in the Al's Star Signage Pace for C0 class (mares) over 1609 metres for Mt Cottrell trainer Bill Galea and Shepparton reinsman reinsman Nathan Jack.

- Len Baker

■ Bob Butt took the driving honours for the night after combining with Lara trainer Dean Braun to capture the Tabsportsbet Pace for C1 class over 1609 metres with former Western Australian Nuclear Bunny in a rate of 1-57.3.

A 4-Y-0 gelded son of Precious Bunny and Shoalwater, Nuclear Bunny showed blistering speed from gate five to lead throughout in accounting for the heavily backed favourite Shifting Sand (three back the markers) and Thats My Secret which trailed the winner.

Ended on high note ■ Shepparton (Kialla) trainer/driver Stephen (Boyo) Boyington finished the week on a high note after landing a stable double at Kilmore on Thursday Twottabigboy in the Josh & Ryan Carrafa Trotters Mobile for T1 & T2 class over 2180 metres and Mohican War Drum in the TAB Sportsbet Pace for C2 class over 1690 metres.

Twottabigboy (Wind Cries Maori/Wayinthedark) bred and raced by Wayne Aylett, raced in the open from gate six, before surging clear on the final bend to win well over Jackbegood which trailed the weakening leader Red Hot Special, with Lelis Boy (one/ two) third. The mile rate 2-04.8.

Mohican War Drum (Our Sir Vancelot/Classic Suzanne) was given a sweet passage from gate two trailing the noted leader The Red Opal (gate one), before dashing home along the sprint lane to score from the pacemaker and a death-seating Lite Prince in 1-59.6.

Sprint lane utilised ■ Veteran Ararat part-owner/trainer Milton McKinnis was in the winners stall at Kilmore on Thursday, following the victory of 7-Y-0 Kiwi bred Washington Vc/Hot Stepper gelding George Street Lad in the Reservoir Hotel Claiming Pace over 1690 metres.

Given a lovely trip from the pole trailing the well supported pacemaker Frankie Maguire (gate five), George Street Lad finished best along the sprint lane to record his first success since September 2009, tipping out the leader in a rate of 2-00.4, with Limit Less a game third after racing parked.

Milton had a very good horse by the name of Sporting Son which raced a number of decade's back, going through to open class.

Wins at Maryborough ■ Craig Demmler and Jodi Quinlan enjoyed a successful afternoon at Maryborough on Friday, with both Mach Robyn and Illawong Sister Styx winning their respective races.

Mach Robyn (Mach Three/Sign Of Robyn) led for the final circuit to land the Bryan Perry Pty Ltd 3Y-0 Pace in advance of a death-seating Flyin Crusa and Mosquito Master (one/one) in a rate of 1-59.2 for the 1690 metre journey, while Illawong Sister Styx (Christian Cullen/Smart Dame) led throughout from gate two in 2-02.8 to score from Dives Patch which trailed and Thats All Right which raced in the open.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Geelong/Bendigo, Thursday - Charlton/Ballarat, Friday - Shepparton/Melton, Saturday - Kilmore, Sunday - Stawell@Melton, Monday - Maryborough, Tuesday - Cranbourne.

Horses To Follow ■ Thats All Right, Patrique, Red Riverbed, Im Smouldering, Dark Jasper, Xanderxav, Easton All Action, National Service, Illawong Geraldine, Koori Art.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - Page 61

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Page 62 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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Melbourne

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GWS GIANTS WIN PASS MARK

■ The GWS Giants deservedly won a pass-mark in front of 38,203 fans for its first up historical game.

They played 17 debutants who displayed spirit, endeavour, courage and perseverance in the first ‘Battle of the Bridges’ Sydney derby.

But The Swans still won by 63 points. Punters who took the 99.5 and then 88 points in are ‘saying thank you very much’ to the bookies!

GWS lacked forwards which can be remedied while the defence was solid under the constant pressure of the Swans superior midfield.

Sydney got a shock in the last quarter when outscored by the Giants 2.3 to 1.8 as most thought the ‘kids’ would run out of legs and collapse into a crunched mess.

Not so to the joy of coach Kevin Sheedy.

Another plus was the form shown by the defence led by veteran Chad Cornes, Toby Greene, Tim Mohr, Adam Kennedy and Devon Smith.

Curtly Hampton was a lively forward.

The five players with AFL experience, Cornes, James McDonald, Rhys Palmer, Callan Ward and Phil Davis provided 37 of the 63 tackles laid and by example helped the youngsters to fearlessly bore into the contest with gusto.

The Giants will be encouraged with the imminent return of six definite players.

Dean Brogan (174G 50gls) will give GWS a top dual ruck and resting forward combination, essential in today’s game, to partner with the impressive Jonathon Giles, 24 yrs, who spent four years as understudy to Brogan at Port Adelaide.

Luke Power (282G 226gls), Sentanta O’hAilpin (80G 67gls), the $million midfielder Tom Scully (31G 6gls), the No1 Draft pick Jonathon Patton due to return in six weeks and expected to be a sensation at Full Forward, and also tough-nut defender ex Bulldog Sam Reid (10G).

The problem for The Giants was the lack of high marking, goal kicking forwards but it’s realistic to suggest there will be a massive improvement up forward with the inclusion of this group.

John Longmire would have been disappointed with the first half except for the two late goals and the last quarter but the third quarter was a slaughter as his team responded to put the result beyond doubt.

Adrian Anderson, the AFL’s Football Operations Manager, was present to see his umpires undo the good work of the 3m distance ‘ruck’ rule used in the NAB Cup to stop the wrestling, pushing and strong arm tactics at ‘ballups’ and boundary throw-ins.

The weak excuse being touted is the umpire cannot see who starts the infringement.

It is the ‘flat-footed’ ruckman who believes he cannot out jump his taller opposition player and resorts to a shepherding scuffle.

We wouldn’t need the 3m ‘interpretation’ if the umpires showed strength and immediately whistled this illegal tactic but I don’t expect it to happen even though, like ‘hands in the back rule’ is and was clearly spelt out in the Laws of the Game.

And Adrian, the 9 point goal would give further excitement to our game.

It’s been trialled and the fans loved it, so bring it on!

Historic match

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel AFL reviews score system ■ The AFL wrote to all clubs to advise that the AFL Commission had approved the immediate introduction of the use of broadcast vision to assist in scoring decisions for the 2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

The Score Review System, which had been trialled through the 2012 NAB Cup, take effects immediately.

AFL General Manager Football Operations, Adrian Anderson, said the field umpires would be able to request that the off field official review immediately available vision where some doubt exists following a scoring attempt.

If the vision is conclusive the Score Reviewer will confirm the correct result with the on field officials.

If the vision cannot assist, the final verdict will then be referred back to the umpires on field.

Player will not be able to call for a score challenge and, based on the 2012 NAB Cup, the expectation is for play to be delayed by no more than a minute.

Although some matches may have no Score Reviews at all, it is expected that on average there could be 12score reviews per match.

"The AFL Commission accepted a recommendation this morning to allow an off field official to assist where there is some doubt as to the correct decision following a scoring attempt," Mr Anderson said.

"The trials through the NAB Cup have shown that broadcast vision can assist us reaching the correct decision in some cases, and we have elected to introduce the change if we can eliminate errors in some instances.

"Video technology will not remove all errors from the game, as some replays cannot assist, but the aim is to improve decision-making where possible," he said.

The introduction of the Score Review System will be able to used immediately from round one as all infrastructure at grounds (televisions / links to umpires on-field etc) is already in place after the trials through the NAB Cup.

Sunday launch ■ The North Melbourne Football Club will launch its official partner-

ship with the Ponting Foundation at the Round One match against Essendon at Etihad Stadium on March 31.

Joined by North champion Brent Harvey, Ricky Ponting said he was delighted to have the foundation team up with his beloved club for the next three years.

“It’s great to have the Kangaroos on board and we will be auctioning some players’ gear from the match against the Bombers to raise funds for the Ponting Foundation.”

Since 2002 Ricky and Rianna Ponting have been actively involved in supporting causes associated with childhood and youth cancer, raising funds approaching $10 million.

In 2008 they established the Ponting Foundation - a registered charitable fund that distributes grants to beneficiary charities that create and administer a range of programs helping young Australians and their families beat cancer.

Blaze of glory in Sydney ■ The AFL has launched the 2012 Season in a blaze of glory and I must add ‘publicity’ in Sydney with the stand alone local Derbybetween GWS and The Swans.

The Sydney media has done us proud. The Sunday and Daily Telegraph has filled more than 40 pages with news on The Swans and GWS. What’s more they have brought in their ‘big guns, highly respected journalists, Phil Rothfield ‘Sports Editor at Large’, Malcom Conn, Rebecca Wilson’s full page inside back page column last two Saturdays to support AFL Sports Editor, Neil Cordy.

The Australian led by Peter Lalor and Greg Denham have weighed in heavily as their articles below can confirm as well as the SMH’s Michael Cowley and Dominic Boni, plus the ‘new boy’ on the block, AFL.com.au Andrew Demetriou was despised and hated in Sydney but has turned it around and won the respect of the media and hopefully the football public through his honesty and perseverance.

I support and agree with him but you judge for yourselves.

There have been full page colour glossy team photos and season’s Match Draw of The Swans and GWS Giants and a 12 pages lift-out of the

Greater Western Sydney 1.2 3.3 3.4 5.7 (37) Sydney Swans 4.1 8.4 13.8 14.16 (100) GOALS Greater Western Sydney: Ward, Wilson, Giles, Hoskin-Elliott, McDonald Sydney Swans: Kennedy, Bird, Jetta 2, McVeigh, Everitt, Jack, Rohan, McGlynn, Bolton, Roberts-Thomson, Mumford BEST Greater Western Sydney: Palmer, Bugg, Greene, Hampton, McDonald, Cornes Sydney Swans: Jack, Kennedy, McGlynn, Jetta, Bird, Bolton INJURIES Greater Western Sydney: Nil Sydney Swans: Nil SUBSTITUTES Greater Western Sydney: Dylan Shiel replaced by Dom Tyson in the third quarter.

Sydney Swans: Luke Parker replaced by Harry Cunningham in the third quarter.

Reports: Nil Umpires: Stevic, Meredith, Mollison Official crowd: 38,203 at ANZ Stadium season opener GWS v Swans playing for the charity White Ribbon Trophy.

Andrew’s own words ■ An open letter from Andrew Demetriou to all AFL supporters: The Australian Football League celebrates an historic occasion with the official launch of the 2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, which for the first time is happening in the heart of Sydney.

On behalf of our 18 AFL clubs, the AFL would like to thank the more than seven million Australians whose support, passion, volunteerism and participation help make our game great.

We hope you share our pride in what Australian Rules football has been able to achieve since its humble origins in Melbourne over 154 years ago.

Your game has now become Australia's Game.

As we pause to remember the wonderful contribution of the late Jim Stynes, who lost his courageous battle with cancer earlier this week after a stellar career as a player and then as a community leader, we also look forward to a year which represents a coming of age as we welcome our 18th club, the Greater West Sydney Giants, to the AFL family.

The Toyota AFL Premiership season kicks off with the much anticipated Opening Round clash between the Giants and their cross-town rivals, the Sydney Swans.

Over the course of the year, Toyota AFL Premiership season matches will be played in every state and territory, from Cairns to Hobart, Gold Coast to Perth, Adelaide to Darwin, Launceston to Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Our game is now truly Australiawide. Australia's Game continues to provide opportunities for kids from all backgrounds to engage in healthy and active lifestyles.

Across the country, community football clubs, schools and NAB AFL Auskick centres are preparing for the season ahead, nurturing and developing the future stars of our game.

In 2011, 7.48 million people attended Toyota AFL Premiership season matches and about the same number attended matches involving the more than 2500 community clubs which field more than 12,300 teams

each week of the season in 273 leagues around Australia.

Of course, Australia’s Game continues to face challenges. We need to build 18 strong AFL clubs, bed down expansion, and strengthen the community base whilst keeping the game spectacular, affordable and accessible for all.

We also need to protect the integrity of the game and make the necessary decisions for the long term.

But we can tackle these challenges with confidence.

To quote respected journalist and AFL Life Member, Mike Sheahan, Australian Rules Football "is symbolic of a class-less Australia, for when the football is played, every person in the crowd, in front of the television screen, listening to the radio, is equal ... football is the end product of all that's typical of Australia - health, vitality, athleticism, optimism, flair, victory and defeat, and tribalism."

On behalf of the 18 AFL clubs and the hundreds of footballers who will compete in 2012 for the Toyota AFL Premiership, thank-you for your ongoing support and passion.

You are the lifeblood of Australia's Game.

Jim Stynes ■ My Comment on this sad day is dedicated to friend Jim Stynes and his family in Dublin and Melbourne.

Jim turned my lampooned 1967 ‘Impossible Dream’ of an International footy series between our two countries from a crazy joke into a miracle reality.

It has survived his lifetime of 45 years.

Hopefully, like his contribution to life, it continues forever.

Well done Jim! RIP - ‘H’

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