Melbourne Observer. 120229C. February 29, 2012. Part C. Pages 41-64.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 41

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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio Confidential: Daniel O’Donnell .......... Page 42 Veritas: Academy Award winners ..................... Page 43 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 43 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 53 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 54 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

ABC WINS OVERNIGHTS Tribe needs to learn to listen

Little Shop of Horrors at CPAC

● Tony Delroy (ABC) and Andrew McLaren (3AW) ● Luke Watts, Julia Grace, David Paterson, Sarah Peirse, Brian Lipson and Alison Bell.

■ Integration of people with disabilities is a wonderful thing, but in the new Australian play Tribes, integration has meant that one family's deaf son Billy has missed out on tools he needs to be able to join both the hearing and nonhearing world.

Billy is the only deaf member of his family, and it's a rather snobbish and belligerent one. When he introduces his new partially deaf girlfriend Sylvia, Billy realises that despite being taught to lip-read by his family, he has missed out by not being taught sign language or being introduced to the deaf community.

Billy's family raised him as a hearing person, but when Sylvia teaches him sign language, Billy discovers a community he can join in that fits him better than his family who often ignores him.

And when Billy decides to leave home in protest at never feeling he fits in with his family, they can't believe it, and are forced to do some soul searching.

The scene is set for a lot of confrontation, always a good start for a meaty drama, and playwright Nina Raine has blended speech and sign language in her play, which provokes many questions about language, parents, belonging, community and the nature of communication.

Hearing-impaired actor Luke Watts from Sydney takes on the demanding role of Billy, combining his own ability with sign language with the need to be able to speak in the play.

Directed by Julian Meyrick for the Melbourne Theatre Company,Tribes poses challenging questions for its audience, and stars Alison Bell, Julia Grace, Brian Lipson, David Paterson, Sarah Peirse and Luke Watts.

It's at the Sumner Theatre, Southbank Boulevard, Southbank, until March 14.

Bookings at www.mtc.com.au or 8788 0800 - Julie Houghton

FALLING ratings for 3AW’s Melbourne Overnight radio program have savagely cut the audience numbers towards the start of the daily breakfast show hosted

by Ross Stevenson and John Burns.

With ABC 774 officially winning the first 2012 radio ratings survey figures in the Midnight-Dawn timeslot, the drop in audience numbers must be a major concern for programmers at 3AW, which narrowly won the survey, released on Thursday.

ABC 774 won the audience survey with 21.7 per cent of the Melbourne audience, comparedto 19.6 per cent at 3AW, overnight.

The Nielsen survey was released on Thursday, and measures all people aged 10 and over.

The ABC programs hosted by Tony Delroy (10pm-2am), and shared during the week between Trevor Chappell and Rod Quinn, win outright on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.

3AW wins narrowly on Monday (18.8-17.5) and Tuesday (23.722.3).

The ABC has also taken the ascendency in the majority of the quarter-hour timeslots, in which ratings are measured: 12 Midnight, 12.15am, 12.30am, 12.45am, 1am, 1.15am, 1.30am, 1.45am, 2am, 2am, 2.15am, 2.30am, 2.45am, 3.15am, 3.30am, 3.45am, 4.15am At 3AW, Andrew McLaren and Mark Petkovic take the lead in only five of the 22 the quarter-hour slots in the shift: those starting at 4am, 4.30am, 4.45am, 5am and 5.15am.

At 2am, ABC 774 now has 13,000 listeners, compared to 3AW’s 8000 listeners.

Through the week, Andrew McLaren’s program now averages 13,000 listeners. He peaks with 18,000 just after midnight, falling to a low of 8000 at 2.30am, then builds to 37,000 people in the 5.15am-5.30am slot. ABC 774 has 27,000 listeners in this lead-up time to their breakfast program.

Filming of ‘I, Frankenstein’ ■ This week marked the commencement of filming I, Frankenstein, a major production that will boost Victoria’s economy by up to $37 million and employ around 500 local cast and crew.

Featuring Aaron Eckhart in the title role, the major production by Hopscotch Features in partnership with Lakeshore Entertainment, the movie commenced production at Melbourne’s Docklands Film Studios and will film at a number of Victorian locations over the next 10 weeks.

State Minister Louise Asher announced that Victoria secured the production of I, Frankenstein in November after beating off strong competition from other states.

I, Frankenstein is written and directed by internationally recognised Australian writer/director Stuart Beattie (Tomorrow, When the War Began, Australia, Pirates of the Caribbean franchise) and will be produced by Lakeshore Entertainment’s Tom Rosenberg (Million Dollar Baby, Underworld) and Gary Lucchesi (Primal Fear, Million Dollar Baby) along with Hopscotch’s Andrew Mason, Lakeshore’s Richard S. Wright, Hopscotch's Troy Lum and Kevin Grevioux.

● Trevor Chappell and Rod Quinn (ABC)

Hunt for volunteers ■ The Warrandyte 55 Plus Variety Group is seeking additional members for their 2012 shows.

Interested singers, dancers, comedians, musicians and backof-house assistants may apply by ringing the club on phone 9844 2437 Mondays (except Public Holidays) between 1.00pm and 3.00 pm or Allan on 9877 1077.

● Dan Bellis (Mr Mushnik) and Audrey 2.

Photo: David Belcher ■ Cardinia Performing Arts Company (CPAC) presents the rock musical Little Shop of Horrors until March 9 at the Cardinia Performing Arts Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham.

Nerdy Skid Row florist assistant Seymour Krelborn helps business and finds fame when purchasing a strange plant and naming it Audrey II after Audrey, the girl he adores.

Seymour is horrified to discover that Audrey II craves human blood and flesh, which he must source to satisfy the plant’s appetite.

This part of the storyline is gruesome, but taken as light-hearted theatre, the show is fun and enjoyable.

CPAC’s production is hallmarked with Lee Geraghty’s creative directional flair and the toe-tapping music is rendered by musical director Tony Toppi’s orchestra.

The slick, well-rehearsed dance routines reinforce Robert Mulholland’s reputation as one of the best choreographers in town.

Brad Ericson (Seymour) is perfectly cast and Jessica Rawlins (Audrey) presents a first class characterisation.

Dan Bellis (Mr Mushnik) and Josh Prince as abusive bikie dentist, Orin, do good work.

Talented singing/dancing quartet Emma Sparrow (Ronette), Claire De Freitas (Shirelle), Nicola Bull (Crystal) and Sarah Power (Chiffon) are invaluable assets to the show, joined by a strong ensemble.

Kelly Price and Ashley Jenkins operate the lovable but bloodthirsty plant, Audrey II. Congratulations to Wardrobe Coordinator Fiona Sparrow, for the striking, colourful costumes and to set designers Lee Geraghty and Ashley Jenkins.

Little Shop of Horrors is good entertainment in a beautifully appointed venue, with a lakeside café for pre-show/ interval refreshments.

Just a warning to remember the pre-show announcement that anyone whose mobile phone rings during the performance will be “fed to the plant”!

Performances: March 3, 9 at 8.00pm, March 4 at 2.00pm, March 8 at 7.00pm.

Venue: Cardinia Performing Arts Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham.

Tickets: $30 full price, $27 concession, $25 child. Family ticket $100 (2 adults, 2 children) Bookings: 0407 090354 www.cardiniaperforming arts.com - Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Oscar winners list - Page 43

Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Observer Showbiz

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

RATINGS WIN FOR BRUCE, PHIL

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

Southern FM 88.3.

Tues. 6am-9am. ● Country Crossroads.

Casey Radio 97.7.

Wed. 10pm-12 Midnight

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Rob Foenander

SISTER ACT

■ A trip down memory lane is what Rita and Mary Schneider offer with the new release of their CD, TheEarly Years.

The album showcases the careers of two of Australia's well loved country singers/yodellers, variety performers and songwriters who travelled the world to entertain.

Rita (now deceased) and Mary became household names through their live shows and recordings Their song Washboard Rock n Roll is claimed to be the first rock n roll song written by an Australian artist in Australia.

ADAM TO TOUR

■ Country music star Adam Brand’s Up Close And Personal tour kicks off in Melbourne on March 28.

Adam has been recently touring the USA with Taylor Swift and is looking forward to re-connecting with his local fans.

Adam will perform at Wellers in Kangaroo Ground on March 28 and the Hallam Hotel on April 1, amongst other local venues.

More info - www.adambrand.com.au

BECCY COLE’S ROAD SHOW

■ Another Australian country star about to the hit the road for a national tour is the ever popular Beccy Cole.

Fresh from her Golden Guitar award at this year’s Tamworth festival, Beccy will visit Victoria in April for a number of concerts around the state.

■ A studio interview between Irish music star Daniel O’Donnell topped a happy week for 3AW Nightline hosts Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady last week.

They won the first Melbourne evening ratings survey for 2012, and the star interview (with Brady, and the show’s producer Simon Owens) was another boost for the long-running show.

Nightline (8pm-Midnight, weekdays) averaged 16.5 per cent of the Melbourne radio audience, compared to ABC 774 with 13.8. The government broadcaster has appointed Lindy Burns to its evening program in 2012.

Nightline performs strongest at the start of the week. It builds from a small audience (7.8 per cent) when Sports Today signs off.

Guests including Patti Newton, Doug Aiton, movie man Paul Harris and John Blackman are used in the first hour of the show while audiences build.

The effect of 7.30pm8.30pm blockbuster TV series such as My Kitchen Rules and X factor is significant on radio audiences.

The 3AW pair also hold top position (16.2 per cent) with their Sunday night nostalgia program, Remember When.

ABC 774 registers 15.6 per cent average across the 8pmMidnight timeslot.

DANIEL IN MELBOURNE

■ Ireland’s superstar Daniel O'Donnell was in Melbourne last week ahead of his two shows at the Regent Theatre on March 10 and 11.

Daniel appeared on Channel 10 program The Circle on Friday morning and later did an interview with 3AW in the evening.

Rumour has it that this is Daniel’s final tour down under and he will tell all in an exclusive with Foxtel’s Country Crossroads TV show.

The new series seven commences April 26 on Aurora Channel 183. More info at www.countrycrossroads.com.au - Rob Foenander

r Observbei z Show

Wednesday, February 29 ■ US singer/actress Dinal Shore was born in Tennessee in 1917.

She died aged 76 in 1994.

Motivational speaker Anthony Robbins (Mahavorick) was born in 1960 (52).

TV and rdaio host Jonathon Coleman was born in London, England in 1956 (56).

● Simon Owens

3AW’S ‘NIGHTLINE’, ‘REMEMBER WHEN’ ON TOP

● Daniel O’Donnell with Philip Brady in the 3AW Nightline studios at Docklands on Friday night

‘Just popping through’

● Retired radio man Keith McGowan and wife Angela are touring Queensland, visiting former 3UZ and 3AK staffer Henry Gay (pictured above with wife Maureen). The McGowans report wet weather, 30 degree heat, and are keeping dry in their tent under a mango tree at Hervey Bay. On their way, Keith, the former 3AW Overnighters host, dropped in at Crow FM, a community station at Wondai (Qld).

Keith says: “It is a community station with a difference, in that it sounds very professional and all the staff are paid a liveable wage and it is run like a real commercial venture.

“It is housed in the old bank building and it is a great setup. I dropped in to see it, and they begged and grovelled and pleaded with me to do some voice tracks for them. OK, I asked them if I could. It didn’t take them long to find reams of stuff for me to record.”

The Mansfield-BradyOwnes combination was important for 3AW as it inched home in first place.

The aggregate figure measured over 5.30am-Midnight, Monday-Sunday, put 3AW in top spot with 12.8 per cent.

Then followed: ABC 774, 12.3. Fox, 9.6. Nova, 8.5. Gold, 7.4. MMM, 7.3. Mix, 7.2. Magic 1278, 6.0. JJJ, 4.9. Radio National, 3.1. SEN, 3.0. 91.5, 2.9.

ABC FM, 2.7. Newsradio, 1.4.

MTR 1377, 1.4.

At 3AW, the breakfast show audience attracted 17.4, ahead of Red Symons (ABC 774) with 14.4. Neil Mitchell dropped to 12.2 Denis Walter’s afternoon program fell to 8.7. Hinch climbed to 11.2.

Can’t keep good man down

■ Whilst Tony Jones’s name seems to have disappeared from the Radio Sports National website, he was quick to bob up this month on the Gold 104.3 breakfast program with Brigitte Duclose and Anthony Lehmann.

Jones is a long-standing presenter on Nine News. Lehmann has been increasing his TV profile with appearances on the Ten Network’s The Project.

● Tony Jones Melbourne

Observer

On This Day Thursday, March 1

Friday, March 2

Saturday, March 3

Sunday, March 4

Monday, March 5

Tuesday, March 5

■ American dance band leader Glenn Miller was born in 1904. He died aged 40 in 1944.

Scottish actor David Niven was born in 1910.

He died aged 73 in 1983.

Football identity Leigh Matthews is 60.

American actor Ron Howard was born in Oklahoma in 1954 (58).

■ Dr Seuss (Theodore Seuss Geisel) was born in the US in 1904. He died aged 87 in 1991.

Desi Arnaz, Cuban bandleader and actor, was born in 1917. He died aged 71 in 1986.

Singer Lou Reed is 69.

Actress Belinda Giblin was born in Tamworth in 1950 (62).

■ Inventor Alexander Graham Bell was born in Scotland in 1847. He died aged 75 in 1922.

Singer Ronan Keating was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1977 (35).

Actress Jean Harlow was born in 1911. She died aged 26 in 1937.

Aussie film producer Maragret Fink was born in 1933 (79).

■ Shakin’ Stevens, Welsh singer, was born as Michael Barratt in 1948 (64).

Musician and producer Emilio Estefan was born in 1950 (62).

British singer Chris Rea was born in 1951 (61).

Australian actor Steve Bastoni was born in Rime in 1966 (46).

■ Actor Sir Rex Harrison was born in England in 1908. He died aged 82 in 1990.

English singer and actress Elaine Page was born in 1948 (48).

Cricketer Rodney Hogg was born in Richmond, Vic., in 1951 (61).

Singer Andy Gibb was born in England in 1958.

He died aged 30 in 1988

■ Sculptor, artist Michelangelo was born in Italy in 1475. He died aged 88 in 1564.

Comedian Frankie Howerd was born in York, England, in 1917. He died aged 75 in 1992.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa was born as Claire Rawstron in New Zealand in 1944 (68).

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

Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 43

Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour The Spoiler OSCAR WINNERS Media

ShowBiz!

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven.

■ Monday, March 5. Growing impatient, Michael approaches Emilia; meanwhile, Kate involves Rhys in her plan to split Kyle and Jade up.

■ Tuesday, March 6. While Emilia and Michael agree to keep their relationship secret for now, Chris wrestles with what he’s discovered; fired up Summer chases her journalism dreams.

■ Wednesday, March 7. Tash wrestles with the revelation that Michael and Emilia are together; Karl enjoys training with Jessica for the fun-run, but is thrown when she asks him out.

■ Thursday, March 8. Susan looks forward to her new apartment only to find the reality of it confronting; determined Sophie looks to win respect at her new school.

■ Friday, March 9. With Kate’s challenge weighing on his mind, Rhys considers trying to seduce Jade, just to prove he can; Summer helps Susan find happiness in her independence.

Home and Away ■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7.

■ Monday, March 5. Tension builds as both April and Henri want a romantic getaway with Heath.

Roo becomes competitive fundraising for Alf as she tries to outshine Harvey. And Irene decides to get a singing coach.

■ Tuesday, March 6. April and Henri find out about Heath's deceitful two-timing behaviour. There's speculation about a romance between Irene and Eddie. And Tyler returns and steals a knife.

■ Wednesday, March 7. Tyler tracks down Casey and chases him while brandishing a knife. Indi becomes jealous and angry when Romeo admits that Ruby joined him surfing. And Brax apologises to Leah for his recent behaviour.

■ Thursday, March 8. Indi decides to trust Romeo and let him surf with Ruby and Gina sees John accept money from Brax.

■ Friday, March 9. John reveals his connection with Brax to Gina and moves out. Roo flirts with a tradie to get under Harvey's skin. And questions are unanswered about whether the Walker family will move for Sid's new job?

■ The Academy Awards were staged on Monday (Australian time) in Hollywood, hosted by Billy Crystal.

Best picture: The Artist.

Actress in a leading role: Meryl Streep, Iron Lady.

Actor in a leading role: Jean Dujardin, The Artist.

Actress in a supporting role: Octavia Spencer, The Help.

Actor in a supporting role: Christopher Plummer, Beginners.

Directing: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist.

Cinematography: Hugo.

Art direction: Hugo.

Costume design: The Artist.

Makeup: The Iron Lady.

Foreign language film: A Separation, Iran.

Film editing: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

Sound editing: Hugo.

Sound mixing: Hugo.

Documentary feature: Undefeated.

Animated feature film: Rango.

Visual effects: Hugo.

Original score: The Artist.

Original song: Man or Muppet from The Muppets.

Adapted screenplay: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, The Descendants.

Original screenplay: Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris.

Live action short film: The Shore.

Documentary (short subject): Saving Face.

Animated short film: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.

Gympie Muster advance tickets ■ Advance tickets have now gone on sale for the Gympie Muster which is to be held from Thursday, August 23 until Sunday, August 26.

Muster Mates tickets cost from $74 per person per day. Family tickets are offered from $165 per daqy. The Muster Mates tickets cost $80 extra per day for VIP status. Tickets may be purchased through www.muster.com.au

Jodi Gordon to marry overseas

Two Dancers and Artist ■ Senior Artists Ty King-Wall and Miwako Kubota of The Australian Ballet join Melbourne-based artist Debra Luccio for a special discussion at Steps Gallery, 62 Lygon St, Carlton South, on Monday, March 12, at 7.30pm.

Entry by Ticket Only. Cost: $10 (non-refundable).

Ticket sale profits go to The Australian Ballet's Dancers Further Education Fund. Places limited.

Bookings essential.To book contact Mary Tokatlidis 0448 026 643 or info@debraluccio.com.

Melbourne’s Best TV-Radio Critic

Press complaints double ■ The number of new complaints each month to the Australian Press Council has risen to twice the previous level since last September.

Converted to annual totals, this means an increase from below 500 to about 1000.

Robyne Schwarz has been appointed a Public Member of the Press Council.

Ms Schwarz is currently the President of the Victorian Health Services Review Council and a member of the Royal Children's Hospital Clinical Ethics Committee.

Actions undertaken ● Meryl Streep at the Oscars

Jane Clark on radio ■ Tom Latham, 3WBC FM presenter, advises that he will interview Jane Clark on Thursday next week (March 8) at 10am in his new arts program.

Jane is curator at MONA (Museum of New and Old Art), which Tom says has become the largest tourist attraction in Tasmania with 389,000 visitors, of whioch 53 per cent are interstaters.

■ The Press Council says there have been a njumber of outcomes following the hearing of some recent complaints.

A picture of a large kitchen knife accompanying a story about a school stabbing has been removed.

The Council heard that offence had been caused to Jews, by cartoons linking a politician with fascism A press outlet corrected print and online claims that all logging of native forests in Tasmania has ceased Another press outlet published a clarification and follow-up article to redress misleading claims and quotes, the Press Council announced.

Observer Special Reader Offer

CD: Matthew Field ‘Love Story’ $20 including postage and handling Melbourne pianist Matthew Field has released his latest CD, Love Story. The CD includes 13 great tracks: Lady Di Columbine Dance Medley - Souvenirs D’Enfance and Marriage D’Amour Easy Winners Rondo Alla Turca Medley - Jardins Secret and Coleur Tendresse Moonllight Sonata Tenderly The Man I Love Les Roses De Sable Ballad Pour Adeline Somewhere In Time Medley - Murmures & Love Story You can obtain this CD for $20, including postage and handling

Simply send the form below. All orders will be despatched promptly after cheque/ money order clearance.

Please PRINT CLEARLY your name/address/ phone number, and mail with cheque or money order to The Sheet Music Department P/L

To: The Sheet Music Department P/L PO Box 1023, Research 3095

Ed Phillips joins 91.5 ■ DMG Radio has announced that Ed Phillips will be joining Melbourne's 91.5FM from next week.

Ed began his radio career in 1988 in regional Victoria. Hired that night by Triple M, Phillips spent the next eight years on their stations in Perth, the Gold Coast and a long stint in Melbourne in Drive.

From there, a two year radio partnership with Livinia Nixon, when the pair presented the Drive show on Mix 101.1, and that chemistry would later translate into hosting Temptation from 2005 to 2009.

Veritas

Flashes

● Jodi Gordon ■ Former Home And Away star Jodi Gordon and her sweetheart Braith Anasta are to marry overseas.

Gordon, who also starred in the newly released Any Questions For Ben movie, says the couple are yet to settle on a destination Her fiance is skipper of the Roosters NRL team.

5 Marconi Ct, Research 3095

Yes! Please send me a copy of Matthew Field’s CD, Love Story. I enclose my Cheque/Money Order for $20.

Name: .....................................................................................

Address: ................................................................................ ...................................... Phone: ............................................

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Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Homemaker

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 45

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Buying Guide

Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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Buying Guide

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 47

Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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Travel Extra

Winter stays from Mid April to Mid September Come a nd stay at our beautif ul resort this winter a nd get away from the cold.

With a mazing ocea n views, heated pool, 2 spas, a sauna a nd f ully self contained apartments so spacious you'll feel like your at home. We have some a mazing long stay dea ls There is a courtesy bus to the Ca loundra RSL, The Power boat club a nd The Bowls Club is just around the corner.

Two couple dea l Stay 2 weeks in a t wo bedroom pa nora mic ocea n view apartment with 2 queen beds a nd t wo bathrooms for only $1600.

3 weeks for $2300 a nd four weeks for $2900

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Every unit features a large dining area and lounge which lead out onto a north-east facing balcony or patio, designed to make the most of the sunshine and the spectacular views over the Pumicestone Passage to the Coral Sea/Pacif ic Ocean, Bribie Island and Caloundra.

Unbelievable t wo couple dea l Stay t wo weeks in one of our lower f loor apartments with 1 Queen bed a nd 2 singles with 2 bathrooms for a n incredible $1000 a nd $500 per week af ter that !!! Be ver y quick.

A ll our apartments face the ocea n a nd have a large ba lcony with a view.

One bedroom dea ls Stay t wo weeks or more in one of our queen bedroom apartments on our lower f loors with lovely ocea n views for $450 per week.

Telephone reception bet ween 9a m to 5pm to get one of these great dea ls on 07 5492 2200

Easter Specials Bring the k ids away to play at our friendly resort.

Enjoy our huge heated pool with waterslide, have a game of tennis on our f ull size court, picnic and barbeque in the park next door or stroll out to the beach with no roads to cross for a price you really can af ford. Rela x on an evening in our on-site restaura nt a nd keep them quiet with our free in-house movie cha nnels a nd Austar.

Stay 2 weeks from the 30th March in one of our one bedroom apartments, spacious enough for t wo adults and t wo sma ll children with sofa bed in the lounge area, for a great Easter holiday that doesn't cost the earth ONLY $ 1800 Come and stay in a t wo bedroom apartments from the 9th April for the second week of the Easter holidays for ONLY $750 for si x nights lower f loors with slightly interrupted ocea n views or ONLY $900 for si x nights high up with pa nora mic ocea n views.

Gemini Resort 49 Landsborough Pde, Golden Beach, Q!ld 4551 Phone: (07) 5492 2200. Fax: (07) 5492 1000 w w w.facebook.com/GeminiResort gemini@geminiresort.com.au

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 49

Travel Extra Travel Escape the wet weather and come to Cairns – WINTER WONDER:

we are experiencing the driest summer in 50 years Bedroom fromnow $150 perpernight Save 50% on 11Bedroom apartments, only $90 night (min 3 nights).

Bedrooms fromnow$180 perpernight Save 40% on 2 2 Bedroom apartments, only $126 night (min 3 nights) ValidAugust to 30/6/12,15 excludes Easter.

Valid between - December 15, 2011

1, 2 or 3 BEDROOM SELF-CONTAINED APARTMENTS

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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Travel Extra

The Pavilions, Port Douglas Fact File

The Pavilions Port Douglas your place in paradise!

Boutique holiday accommodation in Port Douglas Australia.

NAME: The Pavilions, Port Douglas ADDRESS: 35 Macrossan St, Port Douglas, Qld 4877 PHONE: (07) 4099 4888 FAX: (07) 4099 6025 CONTACT: Stephen Warden WEB: www.thepavilions.com.au E-MAIL: info@thepavilions.com.au

Just a one hour very scenic drive north from Cairns International Airport.

As the Accommodation is located in the heart of Port Douglas you are only a short stroll away from everything in Port Douglas - beautiful 4 Mile Beach, 5 star restaurants, boutique and international designer shops, the eclectic Sunday market to the fabulous Marina Mirage.

- 4 Star - Boutique Holiday Apartments - In the Heart of Port Douglas - Walk to Beach, Shops, Dining & Marina - Studio, 1 & 2 Bedroom Accommodation - All have Spa Baths & Private Balconies - Wireless Internet Available Example: 2 BEDROOM ACCOMMODATION - dual key Comprised of 1 Bedroom & Studio Apartments King size bed/twin Spa bath Air conditioning & ceiling fans Private Terrace with ceiling fan Television, Cable, DVD and Data Phone ADSL Wireless Service Kitchen/ette including fridge, microwave and hotplates Room Safe, Hairdryer, Iron Apartment serviced weekly

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 51

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Melbourne

Observer

Travellers’ Good Buys

with David Ellis

Taking the helm into Britain’s history ■ We have a colleague who as a travel writer knows as much about driving a boat as we know about the driving force behind the mating ritual of the Tanzanian Bwango Mango Tsetse Fly. So when he flew off to London with his lady to take a self-drive boat up the Thames, colleagues foregathered over drinks to speculate on (a) how much damage he would do to the boat, (b) how many injuries he would inflict upon himself, (c) how many injuries he would inflict upon others, and (d) in what mental state his partner would return home.

Remarkably he confounded us on all counts, but rather than us trying to tell you the story of his trip, we’ve asked him to tell you himself.

Here’s his account.“Look,” I kept telling Sandra as we rode the train from Heathrow to the village of Benson, “they wouldn’t let us do it if it was that difficult for a couple of novices.”

She was remarkably unconvinced, but having picked up our boat from the jetty of Le Boat in Benson, easily negotiated our first lock, and found a mooring for the night, she began to relax.

Or maybe it was the couple of pints of bitter and the hearty fare at The Boathouse pub that washed away any remaining qualms.

Our boat was a Capri TS, and certainly comfortable enough. A couple of outside seats at the stern, a galley with table and benches, fridge, TV

● Head of the River Inn at Oxford

Observer Wines & Liqueurs Melbourne

with David Ellis

Pinot Gris hitting its straps ■ Pinot Gris appears to be really hitting its straps of late, not just here but internationally, particularly amongst female drinkers who enjoy its slightly more fruit-forward characters either for social sipping or with a variety of food choices.

And interestingly California is now the world’s biggest maker of Pinot Gris, overtaking its home-town France (and Italy where its known as Pinot Grigio,) while Australian growers are also planting more of the variety, as are many in New Zealand.

One particularly enjoyable New Zealand Pinot Gris is from Essenze in Waipara on the South Island where the 2011 vintage was one of almost textbook perfection: their resultant wine that’s just been released here is one with ripe fruit flavours of peach, pear and with citrus touches, and a touch of minerality.

Chief Winemaker, Corey Ryan and young-gun off-sider, Gwyn Olsen can be justifiably proud of this one, and to enjoy it (at a well-priced $19.99) to its best at the table, they suggest matching with roast chicken over shiitake mushroom and goat’s curd fettuccine.

■ Rymill in South Australia’s Coonawarra have released their first-ever Gewurztraminer, and it makes you wonder why they’ve waited so long to show their skills at making this perfumed, sweeterstyle wine – and which in this case is made in more dryer-than-usual mode.

Senior Winemaker, Sandrine Gimon crafted the 2011 Rymill Coonawarra gt (for Gewurztraminer) as part of the company’s “Coonawarra Foodies” range of wines.

And she certainly achieved her goal of a wine that’s traditionally crisp and luscious, and ideal to partner with a myriad food options, in particular most spicy Asian dishes (think along the lines of Vietnamese barbecued pork fillet,) duck, or chicken or pork stir-fries.

Nicely priced at $19.95 for adventurous foodies.

and gas stove, a smallish double-bed up front, and a bathroom that was a bit of a squeeze.

But, hey, we’d chosen the smallest in the fleet and had plenty of hot water by running the engine a few hours a day We planned on what Le Boat calls it’s “Scholars’ Cruise,” motoring upstream to Oxford and downstream to the rowing course at Henley.

But after a couple more pints we decide to ignore the Henley bit and spend more time wending our way to and from Oxford.Wallingford proved an excellent place to start. County realignments now place it in Oxfordshire but it was once the chief town in Berkshire, and an important part of the fortified defence line against potential Viking invasion.

It also proved a beautiful place to stroll around, to stocking-up on provisions and to sit on deck and admire the cathedral and old bridge – and chat with fellow river travellers moored nearby.

We also ventured by taxi a few kilometres to North Moreton, a timewarped English village with thatched roofs and a superb old pub called the Bear Inn. Not to mention a decaying church and an eccentric vicar almost more interested in our family history, that we’d come mildly in search of, than we were.

And we found the Thames a userfriendly place. The lock keepers patiently understood the learning curves of we first-timers, while the river’s regulars, many of whom live on longboats inevitably embellished with rooftop gardens and sun lounges, were only too willing to catch a rope and help us tie-up.

And while there were plenty of mooring places with facilities, it was also just as easy to drive a few pegs into the bank alongside the river’s towpath, attach some ropes and, hey presto, tied up for the night to indulge the absolute peace and calm.

Oxford proved as sublime a destination as we had anticipated, and we’d suggest tying up a few hundred metres from Folly Bridge and not far from Christ Church Cathedral and College.

It was amongst the best of the city’s experiences.Then it was back down river to Benson, stopping for a night at Abingdon, where William the Conqueror once celebrated Easter, and the remains of its ancient abbey and gardens.

All in all, it was a very different and invigorating way to explore an iconic corner of England.

Le Boat’s charter rates start from about AU$1400 per week, plus we paid AU$160 for collision-waiver insurance, and fuel for the week’s motoring was just over £30.

Larger boats, taking up to 10 people, are also available.Le Boat offers similar arrangements in England’s Norfolk Broads, Scotland, Ireland and Europe.

You can get details from Le Boat Australia on 1800 118 940, visit www.leboat.com.au or email sales@leboat.com.au

■ Result of a textbook perfect vintage ■ Try this one with Vietnamese barbecued pork fillet.

● Le Boat

Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 53

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz

Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

DVD & Blu-Ray Releases

● Gregory Peck and author Harper Lee on the set FILM: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD: 50th Anniversary Edition: Cast: Gregory Peck, Brock Peters, Robert Duvall, Frank Overton.

Genre: Drama.

Year: 1962.

Rating: PG. Running Time: 129 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***** Verdict: Screen legend Gregory Peck deservedly won an Oscar for his brilliant performance as the Southern lawyer Atticus Finch in the Depression-era South, who defends a black man accused of rape in this film version of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee, and though his compassion for injustice and defence costs him many friendships, it earns him the respect and admiration of his two motherless children.

Gregory Peck's personal favourite from his entire body of extraordinary work across a career that spanned six decades, the AFI's (American Film Institute) 2003 list of 100 Years - 100 Heroes and Villains, rightfully placed Atticus Finch as the screens the number one hero. Totally respectful to the literary classic and superbly directed and controlled with great care and attention to detail under the direction of Robert Mulligan and writer Horton Foote for his Oscar winning screenplay, To Kill a Mockingbird is an highly intelligent, compelling, poignant and ultimately unforgettable screen experience that everyone should make a priority to see, and see again!

FILM: CONTAGION: Genre: Drama/Thriller.

Cast: Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard.

Year: 2011.

Rating: M. Running Time: 106 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: **1/2 Verdict: An intense thriller that centres on a global threat posed by a deadly disease and an international team of doctors contracted by the Centre for Disease Control to deal with the outbreak. Outstanding cast all try their best in this fairly straightforward effort on a subject that Hollywood has visited numerous times before with far more terrifying impact, most notably Danny Boyle's chilling post-apocalyptic infectious odyssey 28 Days Later, Robert Wise's The Andromeda Strain and Elia Kazan's taut and searing pre-apocalyptic 1950 classic Panic In The Streets starring Richard Widmark and Jack Palance, to name a few. Director Steven Soderbergh treats the subject matter with respect but it's his character development and a matter-of-fact approach severely hamper it from becoming the shattering and unforgettable experience it could easily have been, instead of another zombie movie it very nearly looked like becoming, which could have been more livelier.

FILM: THE WOODY ALLEN COLLECTION [Limited Edition]: Genre: Comedy/Drama.

Cast: Woody Allen, Billy Crystal, Kenneth Branagh, Leonardo DiCaprio & Many More.

Year: 1994-2002.

Rating: M. Running Time: Assorted Running Times.

Format: DVD. Stars: ***** Verdict: Like him or not, there is no denying that legendary Oscar winning writer, director and actor Woody Allen is regarded as one of the most vibrant and prolific filmmakers of our time, and like few others, Charles Chaplin, Stanley Kubrick Clint Eastwood and Terrence Malick come to mind, a uniquely maverick filmmaker who tells his stories his way without bowing to studio policies or politics. Now at last, for the first time in Australia, a limited edition box set all of Woody Allen's theatrical features from 1994 to 2002 has been compiled to bring together "The Woody Allen Collection", an outstanding selection featuring some of his most exciting and innovative films including Bullets Over Broadway, Deconstructing Harry, Mighty Aphrodite, Everyone Says I Love You, Celebrity, Sweet and Lowdown, Small Time Crooks, Curse of the Jade Scorpion, Hollywood Ending and the superb rarely seen 1997 documentary Wild Man Blues filmed during his 1996 European tour with his jazz band. Other than the names listed above, this box set is brimming over with a Who's Who of cinemas top talent that also includes Drew Barrymore, Helena Bonham Carter, Carlize Theron, Tea Leoni, Hugh Grant, Edward Norton, Robin Williams, Sean Penn, George Hamilton, Mira Sorvino, Judy Davis, John Cusack, Dianne Wiest, Treat Williams and many more. This unique selection contains some of Woody Allen's most passionate, endearing, dramatic, enchanting and delightfully funny material, all put together by an intricate combination of determination, skill, sensitivity and sensibility to produce works of art from a visionary filmmaker who may be small in stature but an unequalled giant from the world of cinema like no other.

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists

● Olivia Colman and Peter Mullan in Tyrannosaur

Tyrannosaur ■ (MA). 92 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

Emotionally bruising, with an intensity that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat, Tyrannosaur is confronting viewing, but is also quality film-making of the highest order.

Peter Mullan stars as Joseph, a widower who is unemployed, a heavy drinker, is filled with uncontrollable anger and fury.

One night after a particular pub confrontation, Joseph in a fit of rage kicks his own dog to death.

After another needless stand-off with some pub locals, he retreats into a charity shop run by Hannah (Olivia Colman).

Hannah reaches out to the volatile visitor, seeing someone who is in desparate need of help.

A tentative friendship begins, but will soon include Hannah's abusive husband James (Eddie Marsan).

Accomplished actor Paddy Considine (Dead Man's Shoes / Hot Fuzz / My Summer Of Love / The Last Resort), makes an auspicious feature film debut as director with Tyrannosaur, which is an expansion of his award-winning 2007 short film Dog Altogether, which is also brilliant, draining viewing.

He creates a bleak world, where violence and hatred is passed on from one generation to the next, and having a sense of hope is almost impossible.

The fact that the film manages to finish on some kind of a positive note without compromising the material attests to Considine's talent as both a writer and a film-maker. Mullan (My Name Is Joe / Trainspotting / Braveheart / Young Adam / Boy A / Session 9) is extraordinary as Joseph, making an unlikeable character completely involving, and both he and Considine allow us to understand this deeply troubled person.

It's terrific to see this great actor (and director, who helmed the films Orphans, The Magdalene Sisters, and NEDS) being able to strut his stuff, after the cardboard character given to him in Spielberg's deplorable War Horse.

Colman (Hot Fuzz / Confetti / Peep Show TV Series) is equally as good as Hannah, who projects a sense of warmth and loneliness so naturally it makes it all the harder to watch when she becomes the victim of domestic violence.

Marsan (Vera Drake / Pierrepoint / The New World / Happy Go-Lucky / The Illusionist / Gangs Of New York), another actor wasted in War Horse intertwines to maximum effect both the cowardly and cruel sides of James.

Considine is helped considerably by cinematographer Erik Wilson (Submarine), capturing this world with incredible clarity.

Comparible to the harrowing 1997 film Nil By Mouth directed by Gary

Oldman and starring Ray Winstone, Tyrannosaur is not easy viewing, but is the kind of kitchen-sink drama that the UK do so well.

Go in prepared and you will experience one of the best films of the year.

RATING : ****1/2

The Sunset Limited ■ (M). 91 minutes. Coming Soon.

Screened on cable with little fanfare, this HBO production does the impossible by taking a two-character play set in one room and making it an utterly absorbing film.

When the characters are played by Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L Jackson, the director is Tommy Lee Jones, and the play and screenplay are written by Cormac McCarthy, you know there is some serious talent involved.

Set over one night, we see a black ex-con (Jackson) trying to help a white professor (Jones), who he stopped from throwing himself under an oncoming train.

The drama takes place in the excon's New York tenement apartment, as they discuss God, human nature, and the world they live in, one talking about about faith and hope, the other talking about a battered resignation in a world that has gone very, very wrong.

Cormac McCarthy, who has had a number of his novels turned into movies (the butchered All The Pretty Horses, the impressive No Country For Old Men and The Road), adapts his own work here, and makes his words and characters come across in a dazzlingly precise manner, again showing the eternal fight between light and dark that happens within man.

Director Tommy Lee Jones brings the characters to life so vividly on screen, making sure not to go overboard with visual gimmickry, that you forget that it is just two guys in a room talking.

After his wonderful directorial debut with The Three Burials Of Melquiades Estrada, Jones shows once more an intelligent, measured approach, concentrating on a detailed character-rich journey.

Both performances are outstanding, delivering McCarthy's dialogue with passionate precision, one never overshadowing the other, making for a real two-way conversation.

It's great to see Samuel L Jackson displaying his immense acting talent again, after sleepwalking through so many terrible action films over the last 10 years.

Given its setting and subject matter, this is the kind of project that had to hit the bullseye on every level.

Thanks to McCarthy, Jones, and Jackson, The Sunset Limited does just that, and proves to be another triumph for HBO. RATING : ****1/2 - Aaron Rourke

THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE VOW. 2. THIS MEANS WAR. 3. SAFE HOUSE. 4. STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE (3D).

5. THE GREY. 6. CHRONICLE. 7. MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. 8. ONE FOR THE MONEY. 9. THE DESCENDANTS. 10. HUGO. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: FEB 23: 6 PLOTS, CONTRABAND, EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE, GONE, KILLER ELITE, LATE BLOOMERS, TYRANNOSAUR. MARCH 1: A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN, A SEPARATION, CARNAGE, LIKE CRAZY, PROJECT X, SEA REX 3D, SIONE'S 2: UNFINISHED BUSINESS, THE DEVIL INSIDE. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. THE HELP [Drama/Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer].

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

3. THE THREE MUSKETEERS [2011/Action/Adventure/Orlando Bloom, Milla Jovovich].

4. CRAZY STUPID LOVE [Comedy/ Romance/Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore].

5. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 [Thriller/Lauren Bittner, Katie Featherstone].

6. TREE OF LIFE [Drama/Brad Pitt, Sean Penn].

7. THE HUNTER [Drama/Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill].

8. LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS [Comedy/Romance/Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway].

9. TRESPASS [Thriller/Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman].

10. THE THING [Horror/Science Fiction/Joel Edgerton, Mary Elizabeth Winstead].

Also: FOOTLOOSE, RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, FRIGHT NIGHT, THE HANGOVER: Part II, FINAL DESTINATION 5, CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger, RED DOG, THE ONE, THE GUARD, BRIDESMAIDS. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: THE CUP [Drama/Tom Burlinson, Stephen Curry, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Hunter].

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

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

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA [1954/Family/Adventure/Kirk Douglas, James Mason].

BLACKBEARD'S GHOST [1968/ Family/Comedy/Peter Ustinov, Dean Jones, Suzanne Pleshette].

THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE, TWO, THREE [1974/Thriller/Walter Matthau].

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT [1930/War/Lew Ayres, John Wray].

Turn To Page 59

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Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Observer Showbiz THE MOUSETRAP ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG) commemorates the 60th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, by presenting this classic mystery at the Strathmore Community Hall, cnr Loeman and Napier Sts, from March 1 – 10.

Directed by Drew Mason, this longest running ‘whodunit’ in the world tells of being trapped in a blizzard, phone lines down, roads blocked and the unlucky occupants of a suitably isolated guesthouse are unsure of their fate but sure of one thing: someone has murder on their mind.

What dark secrets do they share? What has brought them together in this place? Who will survive? Someone will die.

Make sure you don’t ever tell whodunit.

Performances: March 1 – 3, 7 – 10 at 8.00pm, March 4 at 2.00pm.

Tickets: $20 full price, $15 concession, $2 discount off full price tickets for groups of 10 or more.

Bookings: 9382 6284 www.stagtheatre.org/reservations

ALBERT NOBBS ■ Brighton Theatre Company presents Albert Nobbs until March 10, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8.00pm, with Sunday matinees at 2.15pm at the Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Wilson St, Brighton.

Written by Gordon Steel, and directed by Eric Heyes, the story tells of Albert Nobbs struggling to adjust to retirement after a lifetime of hard work.

His world is turned upside down on the sudden death of his wife, Connie, but Connie’s ghost returns to sort out Albert’s life and help him do the things he would never do when he was married.

Albert Nobbs offers a portrait of a modern working man that is both touching and delightfully funny. Tickets: $20/$18.

Bookings: 9589 0005. www.brightontheatreco.com

PARADE ■ Waterdale proudly announces the Victorian premiere of Jason Robert Brown’s Parade , opening on March 2 at the Rivergum Theatre, Parade College, 1438 Plenty Rd., Bundoora and running until March 10.

Set in 1913, Parade tells the true and tragic tale of Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-born Jew living in Georgia who is put on trial for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a factory worker under his employment.

Already guilty in the eyes of everyone around him, a sensationalist publisher and a janitor’s false testimony seal Leo’s fate.

His only defenders are a governor with a conscience and, eventually, his wife Lucille, who finds the strength and love to become his greatest champion.

Waterdale’s show is directed by Aimee Fraser, with musical direction by Ian Nisbet and choreography by Emma Kiely.

Tickets: $24/$20 Bookings: waterdale.org.au/parade

AUDITIONS ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Scrubbers (written and directed by Cenarth Fox) March 4 and 5. For full details refer to website www.stagtheatre.org ■ The Mount Players: Wuthering Heights March 4 and 11 at 12.00noon at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Frank Harvey. Audition bookings: 0447 199 665.

■ The Basin Theatre Group: Out of Order (by Ray Cooney) March 5 at 7.30pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Bob Bramble. Audition bookings: 0418 586 273.

■ 1812 Theatre: Brilliant Lies (by David Williamson) March 11 and 12 at 7.00pm at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully.

Director: Zina Carman. Bookings: 0408 001 667.

■ Players Theatre Company: Urinetown March 11, 9.00am6.00pm, March 12, 7.00pm - 10.00pm, Dance audition March 14 at Fleigner Hall, Highland Ave, Oakleigh. Director: Carl Whiteside; Musical Director: Rebecca Dupuy-Purcell; Choreographer: Hayley Wood. For character descriptions and audition information, please visit www.playerstc.net Audition bookings: 0403 581 380 or email playerstheatre@hotmail.com ■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Pirates of Penzance Jr. (Youth Auditions) (written by WS Gilbert and A Sullivan) March 16, 7.00pm-10.00pm, March 17, 18 from 9.00am-12.00noon.

Please email audelt@hotmail.com . Closing date: March 2.

SHOWS ■ Sherbrooke Theatre Co. Inc: The Shoehorn Sonata March 9 - 24 at 8.15pm, Sunday twilight matinees at 5.15pm on March 11 and 18 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Bookings: 1300 650209 www.sherbrooketc.org.au

Community Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

IT’S HOT AT LA MAMA REVIEW

Man Alive

● Sophie Walsh-Harrington (Damsel Sophie) presents her comedy-cabaret show Hot at La Mama Theatre until March 4.

■ Yorkshire-born comedy-cabaret chanteuse Damsel Sophie (aka Sophie Walsh-Harrington) is writer/performer of her new one-woman show Hot, playing under the direction of Alexander Wright at La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday Street, Carlton, until March 4.

Damsel Sophie is a 26-year-old dynamic package of superb song, dance, comedy and storytelling skills. Her first show, The Damsel In Shining Armour, played to a sell-out season at La Mama and an Australian tour last year, plus received critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The audience shares Damsel Sophie’s tongue-in-cheek journey of self-discovery as a cabaret star after winning the 2011 Adelaide Fringe Festival Best Cabaret Award, including exploring various music genres, donkeys and ‘proper’ theatre styles.

La Mama Theatre is the ideal venue for this show and there are some funny and entertaining moments during the one hour performance.

However, at times I thought Sophie’s performance talents deserved a better script. Also, while audience participation can be fun and inclusive, in Hot it appeared mostly unnecessary and pointless, even with the song Raining Men. Multi-talented Damsel Sophie (Masters in Theatre: Writing, Acting and Directing) deserves to enjoy continued success on her award-winning trajectory.

Performances: Until March 4.

Times: Wed, Sun 8.30pm; Thu, Fri, Sat 9.30pm Running time: 60 minutes Venue: La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday Street Carlton Tickets: $25 Full, $15 ConcessionBookings: Online www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6142

● Marc Jongebloed as Waldorf, the store window dummy who turns into a human and Cate DowlingTrask as Oakshott, the store detective, in Malvern Theatre Company’s production of Man Alive.

■ Malvern Theatre Company presents Man Alive by John Dighton until March 3 at 8.15pm at 29a Burke Road, Malvern.

Directed by Deborah Fabbro, Man Alive tells of a windowdresser preparing for the New Year’s Day sale having the bright idea of utilising a very special sun-lamp in the display window containing two blasé female dummies, Jubilee and Belgravia, and Waldorf, a male dummy fresh from the factory.

But the rays of the lamp have fantastic properties: they turn the waxen dummy into a beguiling young man, and later turn Hathaway, the store's unpopular owner, into a dummy.

Tickets: $20/no concession. $18 groups 10 plus. Bookings: 1300 131 552. www.malverntheatre.com.au

SHOWS ■ The Basin Theatre Group: Tuesdays With Morrie (by Mitch Albom and Jeffrey Hatcher) Until March 10 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Christine Grant. Tickets: $22. Bookings: 1300 784 668. www.thebasintheatre.org.au ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Lion In Winter (by James Goldman) Until March 10 at 8.00pm, Thursday to Saturday, plus Wednesday of last week, with 2.00pm matinee on March 4 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Bookings: 9457 4117 www.htc.org.au ■ Frankston Theatre Group: Wait Until Dark (by Frederick Knott) March 2 - 10, 8.00pm performances, 2.00pm matinee on March 10 at the George Jenkins Theatre, Monash Campus, McMahons Rd., Frankston. Director: David McCall. Tickets: $26.50, Conc. $24.50. Bookings: 9905 1111 www.frankstontheatregroup.org.au ■ Gemco Players: Wait Until Dark (by Frederick Knott) March 2 - 17 at 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. 2.30pm matinees on March 4, 11 and 17. Director: Barry O'Neill. Tickets: $22/$20. www.gemcoplayers.org ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: Glorious March 7 - 24 at 8.30pm, 2.30pm matinee on March 28 at 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Bookings: 9735 1777. www.lilydaletc.com ■ 1812 Theatre: Round and Round the Garden (a comedy from Alan Ayckbourn's Norman Conquests trilogy) March 8 - 31 at The Bakery, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Bookings: 9758 3964 or 0406 752067. www.1812theatre.com.au ■ The Mount Theatre: Art (by Yasmina Reza) March 9 - 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 .

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Caravan March 15 - 24 at 8pm Thurs - Sat., 2.00pm matinee Sunday at the Community Centre, 9 Bradshaw St., West Essendon (off Buckley St.) (Melways 28 B3) Bookings: www.essendontheatrecompany.com 0422 029 483

REVIEW: INSIDE OUT (LA MAMA)

■ Written by Donna Bradshaw, and directed by Sara Catchpole, this contemporary psychological drama takes us into the home of sisters Naomi and Catherine, brilliantly played by Madeleine Ryan and Petra Elliott.

It is said that parental influence can help or haunt us and in Inside Out, we see the way in which the sisters live with the effects of their parents’ influence and in particular, of their mother, Victoria, Sara Catchpole.

The introduction of Naomi’s lover, Brad, Angus Cameron and Stuart who has his own hang-ups, Luke Lennox, create even more confusion in the mind of Naomi and doubt in Catherine’s mind. ‘ Director Sarah Catchpole has interpreted Donna Bradshaw’s new play in a clever and interesting way and it was obvious that her cast and production team have grasped the challenge with enthusiasm and energy.

Witty and humorous moments despite the serious and at times savage subject produced stifled laughter from some members of the audience.

It was the Director’s choice to create a ‘feeling rather than an idea’ and it would appear from the audience reaction, that she achieved her aim.

Innovative set design by Robert Smith, shown off by good lighting and operation by Tim Smith, particularly in the final scene, are complemented by Nick Liley’s eerie sound design.

Violinist Erin Lancaster, who is on stage for the full ninety minutes, plays accompanying music according to action and to the rapidly changing moods.

Performances: Until March 11,Wednesday and Sunday 6.30pm. Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7.30pm.

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

Tickets: $25/15.Bookings: 9347 6948 or online at www.lamama.com.au - Rita Crispin, guest reviewer

SHOWS

■ Encore Theatre: Rumors (by Neil Simon) March 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 at 8.00pm, March 18, 25 at 2.15pm at the Clayton Community Centre theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Tickets: $20 Full Price, $18 Concession, $15 Opening Night tickets.

Bookings: 1300 739 099 www.encoretheatre.com.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Don't Dress For Dinner (by Marc Camoletti) March 15 - 31 at 8pm, Thursday to Saturday, and 2pm on March 23 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Jonne Finnemore. Tickets: $20/$16.

Bookings: 9437 1574 www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au ● More on Page 60

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 55

Weddings

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au y, , g

Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 4 Across

1. Overbalancing 6. Flusters 11. Genetic inheritance 15. Lunar ray 20. Company head (1,1,1) 21. Sloped backwards 22. Vat 23. Relays (6,2) 24. Stipulations 25. Maturity 27. Having no pips 28. Half 29. Quay 31. Hunter's quarry 32. Laud 36. Humiliating remark (3-4) 37. Chilled cuppa (4,3) 38. Honey drink 41. Defensive castle ditches 44. Scientist, ... Newton 45. Latin American dance 48. Rugby handling error (5-2) 49. Royal offspring 52. Trick into crime 56. Competition 57. Fall 58. Adopt (policy) 61. Pranks 62. Greek shipping magnate 63. Kinder 64. Spotted pattern, ... dots 65. Sorcerers 66. Passage (of goods) 67. Brazilian music style (5,4) 71. Undeveloped insect 73. Uncensored (movie) 75. Gladdened 80. Large rodents 82. Rome or Naples native 83. Nosegay 85. Authenticity 86. Comedy team, Monty ...

88. Puzzle 90. Peter Pan writer (1,1,6) 91. Honoured with party 93. Kidnappers' demands 94. Pledges 95. Draw attention away 96. Terrorist's captive 97. Leave room 99. Tiny amount 100. Arms cache 104. Actress, Vivien ...

105. Mutilates 106. Wine, ... Riesling 107. Surgical insert 111. Singer, ... Minogue 113. Glacial period, ... Age 114. Yes in French 115. Frightening 117. Tennis star, Andre ...

118. Revolving tray, lazy ...

121. Peace prize 122. Visual perception 125. Bred 126. Fabled whale, ... Dick 127. Liquefy 129. Wine barrels 131. Exclude 132. Verb modifier 135. As far as (2,2) 136. Ripped apart, torn ...

139. Boulder 140. Speared 144. Magician's ... Pocus 145. Rest on knees 146. Ultra manly 147. Hard copy (5-3)

Across 148. Contagious outbreak 149. Crisscross weave 150. Diaper 152. Chat-show hostess, ... Winfrey 154. Speaker 157. Mongolian desert 158. Announce (4,3) 162. Eye membrane 163. Legless grub 166. Timber fastener 167. Twig shelter 169. Immediately following 171. Oriental continent 172. Violet/blue 173. Male deer 175. Bumpkins 176. Skid Row drink 179. Lusaka is there 180. Cutting beam 182. Relaxation art, t'ai ...

183. Adult education group (1,1,1) 184. Portion 186. Doctor's ... manner 189. Ganges country 190. Last Greek letter 191. Milan opera house, La ...

192. Swirling 196. Stagger 197. Hitler follower 198. Casablanca is there 199. Popular hymn (3,5) 201. Boatman 202. Seepage 203. Harsh-tasting 204. Pre-dinner sherry 205. Touched with lips 208. Defeated 210. Unaffected 211. Sheet of glass 212. Go back in (2-5) 213. Consequently 215. Vending machine 219. Dame Nellie ...

221. Belittle 223. Criminal fire-starters 227. Pastry snacks, Cornish ...

228. Harms 230. Two times 231. Cardiac organ 232. Indian leader, ... Gandhi 233. Lady's title 234. Redesign (hair) 238. Manoeuvring space 239. Enchant 240. Most timid 243. By mouth 246. Raises (5,2) 247. Requirements 250. Mountainous 251. Ancient 253. Length measures 256. Day-to-day 257. Granted 258. Merriest 262. Single sound system 263. Drive off 266. Dowdy 268. Slandered 269. Sleeker 270. Slender toughness 271. Long race 272. Gist (of story) 273. Argentina's Buenos ...

274. Beatles, The ... Four 275. Summer frock 276. Bemuse 277. Accented 278. Curly-tailed marine creature (3,5)

Down 1. Extra serving (3-2) 2. Noodle food 3. Welsh vegetables 4. Non-coms (1,1,2) 5. Swiss city 7. Cockerel 8. Mythical horned horse 9. Junior Girl Guides 10. Waist ribbon 11. German Mr 12. Imposing buildings 13. Factor 14. Lethargy 15. Artefacts gallery 16. Comply with 17. Gentle prod 18. Expel 19. Skinflint 24. Time signals 26. Luncheon meat 30. Davy Crockett's fort 33. Collided with (3,4) 34. Cuts into 35. Passion 38. Louder 39. Absurd pretence 40. Condense 42. Burden of responsibility 43. Cylindrical 46. Social chaos 47. Concoct 49. Punishment 50. Become liable for 51. Sure 53. Sea god 54. Souvenir 55. Spectre 59. Mollifies 60. Ill-matched 67. German alpine state 68. Broken-limb supports 69. Et cetera (3,2,2) 70. Insensitively 72. Minor planets 74. Modernising (software) 76. Easy seat 77. Joins forces (5,2) 78. Buddhist heaven 79. Lowest (voice) 81. Last Supper guests 84. Briniest 87. Upstage 89. Nudist 91. Turns into alcohol 92. Break (partnership) 98. Portugal's capital 101. Inflexible 102. Eventuate 103. Hands on hips 108. Flowering shrub, crape ...

109. Commit to memory 110. Sister's daughter 112. Childbirth contractions (6,5) 116. Marzipan (6,5) 119. Most important 120. Adding up (to) 123. Hebrew 124. Vietnam's ... City (2,3,4) 128. Toils 130. Singer or dancer

Down 132. Let in 133. Outspoken 134. SE France river 137. Extremely 138. US naval port, San ...

141. Star, ... Centauri 142. Cymbals sound 143. Failed to (4'1) 151. Golfer, ... Palmer 153. Astonished 155. Cowgirl, ... Oakley 156. Fuses (of bones) 159. Somalia's neighbour 160. Receipt 161. Not moved (by argument) 164. Crippled 165. Pungent bulb 168. Intensify (of war) 170. December conifer (4,4) 173. Ceylon (3,5) 174. Letter recipient 177. Fellow players 178. Bridging 181. Vigorous exercise classes 185. Career barriers, glass ...

186. Blitz 187. Makes gloomy 188. Tilt 193. Expressionless 194. Sloping typeface 195. Slums 200. Gains entry to 201. Dirtily 206. Prisoners 207. Fabric retailers 208. More cocky 209. Stiffly 211. Financed in advance 214. Ground oats 216. Massive 217. Illegal hunter 218. Britain's 1066 invaders 220. Non-clergy 222. In vain, to no ...

224. Giving green light to 225. Unsuitably 226. Abnormal tissue growths 229. Bargain sell-off 232. Man 235. Heavenly 236. Bell-shaped flower 237. Government supporter 241. Rugby fending move (4-3) 242. Slipped by 244. Greed 245. Boarders 248. Second book in Bible 249. Air pollution 251. Betting chances 252. Stage-plays 253. Childhood swelling disease 254. Hawk's claw 255. Famous Swiss mountain 259. Flooded (of decks) 260. Anaesthetic 261. 1000 kg unit 262. The M of YMCA (3'1) 264. Canadian lake 265. Female sheep 267. Baseballer, ... Ruth

Solution on Page 40 g

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 57

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Page 58 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2011 - Page 59

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 53

FLEMINGTON’S BIG DAY ■ The VRC is gearing up for one of its big race days of the year this coming Saturday with the running of the Australian Guineas with a top field to compete in the classic.

The Club is really turning it on; they recently announced that they had come up with a concept to deliver unrivalled value for families attending on the day.

Unveiled by the Minister for Racing, Denis Napthine, and VRC Chief Executive, Dale Monteith, the Flemington Family Pass will provide up to $110 in value for only $40 - the same price as two adult admission tickets.

The Flemington Family Pass will include: ■ Entry to Australian Guineas Day for two adults and two children under 18 (all children under 15 accompanied by an adult free).

■ Access to the family precinct on the front lawn featuring live performances by Happy Feet, Alvin and the Chipmunks and 2011 X-Factor finalist Johnny Ruffo, and a huge range of free children's activities including pony rides, inflatables, active games, an animal farm, craft activities and mini golf.

■ Vouchers for four lunch items( including healthy options), two sweet treats and four non-alcoholic beverages; ■ A $10 TAB voucher for Mum and Dad, and a racebook.

Racegoers who attended the Lightning Stakes meeting last week got a taste what racing is all about, when they saw one of the greatest spectacles you could witness in Black Caviar winning the coveted event in record time.

The $755,000 Australian Guineas promises to provide a great day of Group One racing.

History shows this race is often a stepping stone to greatness with the likes of champion sire, Zabeel, the loveable Apache Cat, Top Sprinter Miss Finland and Heart of Dreams.

The Guineas is certainly to provide plenty of excitement with Oaks winner Mosheen and

Ted Ryan

Caulfield Guineas winner, Helmet, among the many stars competing in the great race, more on that later.

Flemington passes for the day can be obtained by ringing Flemington customer service on 1-300 727 575.

Strong Guineas field ■ As mentioned earlier a smart field of three year-olds is likely to contest the classic at Flemington worth a total of $755,000.

As mentioned earlier, Helmet will be hard to beat despite his unplaced run at Caulfield.

Normally a cool customer prior to his races, he seemed to be on the wrong foot at Caulfield, before they went to the barrier and at the gates.

He kept pulling

away from his regular rider, Kerrin Mc Evoy and started to sweat up a little, then in the run got bottled up, not suiting his style of racing.

Forget that run completely, as he is a very good colt, and the 1600 metres won't worry him.

Others with definite chances are the brilliant filly Mosheen, a prolific winner of the Victoria Oaks last year, over 2500 metres, so the journey is right up her alley.

Decircles, raced by some friends of mine, is racing extremely well and the 1600 metres will suit him.

Then you have Helmet's stablemate, Pied De Terre, who has taken all before him.

Others with chances are the Sydneysider, Hoylonny, who has tons of ability, Highly Recommended from the strong Peter Moody camp, and Victoria

Observer Racing

● Mosheen Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 Derby runner-up then the starter reSangster. leased them in a quick Then you can't jerky action hence the leave out the Colin mix up with Gloaming Little trained filly Soft Back to Black Sand, and That's The Caviar and her reOne, an outstanding markable run in the winner at Caulfield Lightning. for trainer Colin Her race time of Anderson.

55.53 seconds broke the record held by another flying mare, Special, for the 1000metre dash.

Not only did Black ■ I don't think there Caviar beat Hay List are enough superla- for the fourth time, but tives left in the English the time she ran was language to describe exceptional. the wonder mare However the thing Black Caviar. that really amazed me We know it is now and all keen racehistory that she has geoers, is the sectional equalled the greatest she ran between the number of wins in a 600 metres and the row, 19 in all, with the 400. champion New Black Caviar ran Zealander, Gloaming that 200 metres in 9.98 and the another great seconds, the equivamare, Desert Gold. lent of running 20 The story that has metres (roughly 63 always intrigued me is feet,) in under a secthat of Gloaming, who ond. only missed a place She stands at 16.1 once after 50 some- hands, the same height thing starts, and then as another great horse was when he fell after of another era in Ajax. getting caught up in the The mighty Phar barrier strands and Lap, a gelding, stood fell.

17 hands, and if you In the earlier days have seen him standof racing fields like ing majestically in our the 1930 Cup won by Museum you will see Phar Lap started by how big he stands. strands pulled across Black Caviar is the front of the run- built like a brick ‘outners, house', all muscle with plenty of power in her hindquarters; that gives her so much drive, plus a big heart.

Another amazing

Blink and you’ll miss

thing about her is her temperament, she never gets flustered always cool calm and collected, that's what makes a champion.

A word on Hay List: he is a great horse, having his first start for nearly a year after a crook back and a leg injury.

Son of a champ ■ Had a call from my great mate, racing legend Ray Benson, who covers all the horse race trials across Victoria in great style.

He passed on some good information when we dined recently.

Ray was covering the Cranbourne trials recently, and young Jordan Childs, son of top rider Greg Childs, had his first rides for top trainer, Paddy Payne.

According to Ray, Jordan acquitted himself well and is going for his licence to be able to ride at picnic meetings as he is unlike his father, Greg, Jordan is a tall boy.

Greg needs no introduction having piloted the mighty mare Sunline, over many years winning two Cox Plates on the champion.

Thanks to the ‘Preserver’.

Phone Mary direct: 0405 131 069

● Ke Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

Contact Mary Richardson, our Senior Associate Editor, to arrange advertising in the Observer. Phone 0405 131 069.

Top 10 Lists BRAZIL [1985/Fantasy/Comedy/Jonathan Pryce, Robert De Niro].

THE LONGEST DAY [1962/War/Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, John Wayne & All Star Cast].

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY and BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID Triple Feature.

THE WOODY ALLEN COLLECTION [Limited Edition] Box Set: Bullets Over Broadway, Deconstructing Harry, Mighty Aphrodite, Everyone Says I Love You, Celebrity, Sweet and Lowdown, Small Time Crooks, Curse of the Jade Scorpion, Hollywood Ending, Wild Man Blues.

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: SHERLOCK: The Complete Series Two. THE TWO RONNIES: Series 9.

BENNY HILL ANNUAL 1981.

BENNY HILL ANNUAL 1982.

BENNY HILL ANNUAL 1983.

BENNY HILL ANNUAL 1984.

TOP GEAR AUSTRALIA 2.

FATHER DEAR FATHER: Series 3.

FATHER DEAR FATHER: Series 4.

EXPEDITION TIGER [Documentary].

THE ADVENTURES OF MERLIN: Series 4.

DOCTOR WHO: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe - 2011 Christmas Special.

TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. THE HELP [Drama/Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer].

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

3. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 [Thriller/Lauren Bittner, Katie Featherstone].

4. THE THREE MUSKETEERS [2011/Action/ Adventure/Orlando Bloom, Milla Jovovich].

5. TREE OF LIFE [Drama/Brad Pitt, Sean Penn].

6. LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS [Comedy/Romance/Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway].

7. THE HUNTER [Drama/Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill].

8. CRAZY STUPID LOVE [Comedy/Romance/ Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore].

9. THE THING [Horror/Science Fiction/Joel Edgerton, Mary Elizabeth Winstead].

10. TRESPASS [Thriller/Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman].

Also: Footloose, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Hangover: Part II, Fright Night, Spy Kids 4, Captain America: The First Avenger, Red Dog, Final Destination 5, The Guard, Bridesmaids.

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: THE CUP [Drama/Tom Burlinson, Stephen Curry, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Hunter].

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

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

SHERLOCK: The Complete Series Two. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD: 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION [1962/Drama/Gregory Peck].

THE LONGEST DAY [1962/War/Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, John Wayne & All Star Cast].

DOCTOR WHO: The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe - 2011 Christmas Special.

THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE, TWO, THREE [1974/Thriller/Walter Matthau].

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT [1930/ War/Lew Ayres, John Wray].

BRAZIL [1985/Fantasy/Comedy/Jonathan Pryce, Robert De Niro].

- James Sherlock

The Final Word ■ Author Mark Twain, upon being invited

by Alexander Graham Bell, to invest $5000 in the new invention could not see a future in the telephone.

In the first 15 years of the invention, the British Parliament said there was no need for telephones because “we have enough messengers here”.

Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

LINING UP FOR $1 MILLION

Racing Briefs

Monday STAWELL Kickittochris/Irish Philosophy (Kerryn ManningGreat Western) Wor Jackie (Bob Mahncke - Woorndoo) Easton Quickfeet/Afro Samurai (Peter Manning Great Western) Enjoy A Crownie (David Van Ryn - Maiden Gully)

Tuesday SHEPPARTON Spring Fly (Russ Thomson - Gillieston) Mohican Prince (Steve O'Donoghue - Kialla) Lovable Larrikin/Teo Enteo (Wayne Potter Kilmore) Jimmys Gem (Greg Norman - Avenel) Mums Little Terror (Laura Crossland - Avenel) SEBASTIAN@TABCORPPARK MELTON Loose Wire (Doug Adams - Melton) Baggy Boots (Emmanuel Portelli - Rockbank) Illawong Kath (Jodi Quinlan - Parwan) Silent Prowl (Andy Gath - Long Forrest) Optimum (Bob Conroy - Daylesford)

Wednesday MILDURA Grand Slam Miss (Kerryn Manning)

Thursday BENDIGO Boonen (Gary Hull - Ararat) Enjoy Ish (David Van Ryn) Vinnie Gambino (Glenn Douglas - Strathfieldsaye) Itscottobegood (Rita Burnett - Kilmore) Chanels Charm (David Azzopardi - Rockbank) CRANBOURNE Sunrise Panorama (Allan McIntosh - Bendigo) Lite Prince (Tony Peacock - Kilmore) Orlandos Dream (Gary Hoban - Toolern Vale) All About Art (Andy Gath) Lota Vision (Steve Zammit - Coimadai)

Friday MELTON Ananz (Peter Manning) The Phantom (Kerryn Manning) Prettylilangeleyes (Russ Thomson) Silent Prowl (Andy Gath) Courageousnquick (Brent Lilley - Melton) Jaydens Castle (Jodi Quinlan - Parwan) Franco Tijuana (Adam Kelly - Coimadai) Elegant Image (Andy Gath) KILMORE Gottahavasheffield (Keith Cotchin - Elmore) Beaudiene Betta (Paul Campbell - Marong) Pelling (Brian Gath - Longlea) Pinevale Willpower (Russ Thomson) Lady Taras Bulba (Robbie Walters - Kilmore) Miss Kai Ching (Maree Caldow - Melton) Elle Jasper (Allan McDonough - Parwan) - Len Baker

Phone Mary direct: 0405 131 069 Contact Mary Richardson, our Senior Associate Editor, to arrange advertising across Victoria in the Observer. Phone 0405 131 069. mary@localmedia.com.au

■ With a final field of only nine runners (all off the front line), there were only a few places available for next Friday night's $1,000,000 Harness Racing Grand Final and it was crucial for those close to the border line to earn valuable points to try and qualify.

Some barrier draws were so unfavourable, that connections of many conceded defeat and will now be hopeful in winning a consolation.

HEAT 9 - SPONSOR : SEW-EURODRIVE Long odds-on favourite Smoken Up scored another regulation victory to go through the heats undefeated.

Trapped wide from gate four with both Lombo Navigator (gate one) and Mysta Magical Mac (gate three) pushing up inside him, Smoken Up did his share of work, before being eased to momentarily take a one/one trail on Mysta Magical Mac. Moving to face the breeze mid-race, Smoken Up was allowed to cross Lombo Navigator approaching the bell and from there on the race was over.

Revved up on the home turn, Smoken Up did only what he had to do in defeating Lombo Navigator which gained an inside passage on straightening, with Mysta Magical Mac a game third ahead of David Hercules (one/two at bell).

With quarters of 29.3, 29.9, 28.8 and 29 even for the final zip, Smoken up returned a mile rate of 156, only .1 of a second outside Im Themightyquinn's 1-55.9 set on January 13.

HEAT 10 - SPONSOR : YES LOANS The second of the unbeaten brigade Auckland Reactor proved he will be a major factor in the Grand Final following an easy victory in an unextended mile rate of 158.7.

Trapped three wide from gate six with the rank outsider Scan Air (gate four) kicking up under him and the favourite Crombie leading from gate two, Auckland Reactor appeared as if he was in for a torrid passage until Chris Lewis surprisingly decided to give the lead away to the surprise of the patriotic WA punters who were less than happy with the decision.

With quarters of 32, 30.6, 28.5 and 29, Auckland Reactor coasted to the wire in advance of Lightning Raider which raced wide for the last lap, with Crombie never seeing Hy Royale (three back the

Theatre Extra

Harness Racing

● From Page 54

Hose, Tinkertown

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

markers) finished fourth.

Raced by a large syndicate managed by Sally Curtin, Auckland Reactor according to reinsman Anthony Butt has improved leaps and bounds since arriving in Perth and will be at his peak by next week.

■ Reverting back to Smoken Up, Lance Justice is not concerned about the horse's laziness, saying that if he has to, he will have no trouble matching Im Themightyquinn's sprinting ability.

HEAT 11 - SPONSOR : RENTRAVISION Much travelled nine year old stallion Mr Feelgood obliterated the track record to record a sizzling rate of 1-55.5 in defeating Cromac Johnny and Sneakyn Down Under.

In the most exciting race of the night, Mr Feelgood was eased at the start from gate four to settle three back in the moving line, with Has The Answers showing brilliant speed from outside the front row to lead, leaving the favourite Dasher VC stranded in the breeze.

Easing three wide at the bell, Mr Feelgood surged clear in the last lap, with Cromac Johnny giving chase.

Holding a handy margin on straightening, Mr Feelgood in quarters of 29.6, 29.6, 29.3 and 28.5 coasted to the wire, bringing himself right into contention for the Grand Final.

Trainer/driver John McCarthy as expected was delighted with the performance saying that it has taken longer than anticipated for the horse to settle in properly, while at the same time getting used to the track.

HEAT 12 - SPONSOR : PEPSI COLA Back in the sixties, British pop group Manfred Mann had a huge hit titled Quinn The Eskimo alias The Mighty Quinn.

For visitors to WA for the ID Series, to borrow a

lyric from the song "You've not seen nothing like the Mighty Quinn" is an understatement as this son of Washington VC and Love Sign continues to treat his rivals with contempt.

The champion pacer was simply awesome in winning the final heat in a rate of 1-57.5.

Restrained from gate seven to settle at the tail of the field with Can Return Fire leading from the pole and second favourite Raglan caught three wide before settling outside the leader and taking over with two laps to travel, Im Themightyquinn was set alight by Gary Hall (Jnr) approaching the bell, striding clear in the final circuit to record an effortless 18.5 metre victory over Raglan who stuck to his guns, with Bus To Harland (three back the markers) third ahead of both Hesa Buzzin and Can Return Fire.

With quarters of 32.2 and 29.8 for the first half of the last mile and a mind boggling 55.7 last half (quarter 28.2), Im Themightyquinn left his rivals standing over the concluding stages and is almost certain to start favourite regardless of where he draws in the Grand Final.

Len Baker can be heard on ‘Racing Review’ on 979 FM every Monday 8pm 979fm.net

■ MKA: Theatre Of New Writing in association with Theatre Works, opened last week with a powerful double bill, which runs until March 3.

Melbourne theatre maker Bridget Mackey has written the first play, Hose, which is followed an hour later by Western Australian playwright Nathaniel Moncrieff’s Tinkertown.

Since 2010, MKA has traditionally presented newly written works as first class productions featuring quality performers and directors, and this latest production is no exception.

Hose is set in a suburban beauty parlour, where we meet the contrasting characters of stylish, confident beautician Jody (Lily Constantine) and her dowdy, lost soul client Isabel (Claudia Tory).

After shedding layers of superficiality and succumbing to vanity, Isabel confesses to an awful crime of revenge.

Three pristine, glamorous attendants, Gordon (John Shearman), Vincent (Nicholas Colla) and Natasha (Veronica Thomas) move with crisp, robotic-like movements, oozing the artificiality of their industry.

Hose is beautifully directed by Alister Smith. ★★★ The gothic black-comedy Tinkertown is set in the Australian outback.

Chester (Steven Kennedy), just released after 10 years’ imprisonment for murdering his ex-wife, visits his teenage daughter Tammy (Rebecca Mezei).

He ends up accidentally shooting his ex-wife’s sister, Annabeth (Veronica Thomas), kidnaps Tammy, they flee across the outback, escape the cops and get to know one another.

Along the way they meet Shelley (Marilyn Harris), Cameron Moore (Roger) and Loretta (Veronica Thomas).

Giuliano Ferla adds an entertaining element as the Musician.

Moncrieff’s gothic black-comedy style means the audience ends up laughing as someone dies, such as in the first scene – uncomfortably bizarre, but that’s the genre.

Tinkertown is under the expert direction of MKA Artistic Director, Tobias Manderson-Galvin.

Most impressive are the outstanding performances from Rebecca Mezei as teenage Tammy and Steven Kennedy as Chester.

A tightening up of the play’s duration by 15 minutes or so would eliminate risk of the play dragging and ensure retaining the raw intensity of the compelling narrative.

Congratulations to MKA and Theatre Works for giving opportunity for Australian writers, performers and theatre practitioners to showcase their splendid talents.

Performances: Until March 3.

Times: Hose at 8.00pm, Tinkertown at 9.00pm Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St., St Kilda.

Tickets: Full price $25 single show/$40 double; Concession $20 single/$35 double.

Bookings: mka.org.au - Review by Cheryl Threadgold

● Hunter Bruin (Tinkertown) and Kaitlyn Clare (Hose) at Theatre Works until March 3.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 61

Page 62 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

INTENSE START TO NAB CUP 2012

■ The NAB Cup Round 1 has been completed and the NAB Bank, the AFL, the clubs, players, umpires, fans and Foxtel would be pleased with the improvement in attitude and intensity of the pre-season competition.

Most games went ‘down to the wire’ for the end result. The next two weeks will also help sort out the likely improvers and finalists.

The winners were WCE, Adelaide, Collingwood and Swans who looked very sharp against St Kilda and Hawthorn will improve further.

The disappointments were Essendon, Carlton, Brisbane and Western Bulldogs. GWS Giants and GC Suns were not disgraced.

I don’t like the Umpires grey shorts and it is time to revert to the traditional white shorts. Why do we keep changing ALL things AFL? I didn’t see the Goal or Boundary Umpires paying free-kicks so that should be scrapped as three umpires are enough to make the ‘in play’ decisions.

The umpires are down on experience with recent retirements and injuries.

In all the matches, and I’ve watched every game with the Foxtel replays, I found many frees were ultra technical, bordering on ‘tiggytouch’ tag tackles and a birthday party for players ‘ducking their bodies’ into packs for endless rulings of high tackles. It is a physical, body contact game.

Every technical decision has been whistled in Round 1 from controversial 50m penalties, 9 point goals, 10m marks and 40m runs with the ball, plus ‘play-on’ calls ignored and the ball brought back then in the next game ‘out of the blue’ the ‘play-on’ is allowed.

The supposed three metre protection area for ruckmen at ‘ball-ups’ and boundary throw-ins needs to be policed more vigorously as it will return the art of ‘ruck-work’ with palming skills rather than ‘all-in wrestling’ with the strongest body winning.

I’m not a fan of the last touch free against the player with the ball going ‘out-of-bounds’.

Again this has come about, like the hands-in-the-back interpretation because weak umpiring did not police the rules as written and applied for generations.

In the back has always been a freekick as too is deliberately punching arms to prevent taking a mark.

If a player deliberately kicks the ball ‘out-of-bounds’ to advantage his team it should be penalised – it is covered in the Laws of the Game.

And again no frees for deliberately shepherding, bumping a player contesting the mark when the ball is more than 5m away.

Umps, if you are told to be technical then protect the ball players going for the mark.

I like the ‘technology referral’ on contentious goal or behinds provided it is called promptly and decided quickly without a ‘caucus’ meeting.

Surely the players should be allowed to appeal a decision as proved in Round 1 games. The goal umpires were wrong.

Please, Adrian Anderson, get the most experienced football brains together to work through what is best for the protection of our players bodies as the game evolves with greater emphasis on endurance and pace.

It could result in reducing the incredible ‘skill levels’ of our natural ath-

geon soon to discuss the surgery and rehabilitation process, and until that time we won't make any further comment on the matter."

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel letes and ‘ball magnets’. The skilled players must be allowed greater time on the I/C bench.

If ever a team deserved to win it was Port Adelaide against Carlton.

Thankfully the gods shone down upon them. Another pet hate – umpires over-ruling their mates on a whim – if it is a blatant mistake then OK but not like in the Adelaide derby

Tip for a mate ■ Sheeds, have ‘Issy’ Folau relentlessly tag ‘Buddy’ Franklin like a leach next week.’

Doesn’t matter if ‘Issy’ doesn’t get a touch at least he’ll learn about where to run and position himself in our game.

He’ll learn more from ‘Buddy’ in one day than 10 games trying to get a kick up forward.

Both are champion athletes with superb physiques. You could be surprised how much ‘Issy’ learned!

NAB Cup Rounds 2 and 3 ■ Prior to 2011, the competition had been played as a simple 16-team knockout tournament; however, the expansion of the league to 17 teams (and 18 for 2012) forced a change of format. Rd. 1.

Under the current format, the first round sees the eighteen teams divided into six pools of three teams; each pool then plays a round robin of lightning matches on a single night.

Ladder after completed Rd. 1.

Collingwood, WCE, Adelaide 8 Pts, Hawthorn, Richmond, North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Fremantle, Geelong, Swans, St Kilda, GC Suns, Brisbane, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, 4 Pts; GWS Giants, Essendon and Carlton 0 Pts. Rds. 2 & 3. Each team plays two full-length matches (4 x 20min Qtrs plus time-on) over the following two weekends.

The two teams with the best records over the four matches play off in a Grand Final on March 17.

Rd. 2 Fixture Friday, March 2 GCSuns v Geelong, Metricon Stadium, 7.40pm; Saturday, March 3 Syd v Nth Melb, Bruce Purser, 2.40pm; Hawks v GWS Aurora 3.40pm; WCE v Pt Adel Mandurah, 4.10pm; Ess v St Kilda, Wangaratta

7.00pm; Coll v Melb Etihad, 7.40pm; Adel v Bris, Alice Springs NT at 7.10pm.

Sunday, Mar 4 W Bull v Carlton Etihad 5.40pm; Freo v Richmond Patersons Std, 5.10pm (WA time) Rd.3 Fri, Mar 9 Ess v Swans Etihad 6.10pm; Adel v Coll AAMI, 8.10pm; Sat, March 10 (6Ms) GWS v GCS (Lavington) Albury 3.10pm; Geel v Rich Simonds 3.10pm; Pt Adel v Freo Victor Harbor 3.40pm; Bris v Carl 3.40pm (V. TBC); Mel v Haw Etihad, 5.40pm; WCE v St Kil Patersons 5.10pm; Sunday, March 11 Nth Mel v W Bull Nth Ballarat 3.40pm.

Most games, including the final, are night matches. Normal games are typically played slightly short of full length (quarters lasting 17½ or 18 minutes plus time on instead of the normal 20), and with an extended interchange bench of six or eight players to offer less physically demanding conditions for the pre-season games.

Lightning matches are played over two halves of 20 minutes plus time on.When the competition was played as a knock-out tournament, teams which had been eliminated from the preseason competition played practice matches against each other.

These practice matches were known as the 'NAB Challenge', and were often played outside the major capital cities.

Particularly in the 21st century, the pre-season competition has been used as a location to trial new rule changes before they are introduced into the premiership season.

Andrew Krakouer injury statement ■ Scans have confirmed that Andrew Krakouer suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his knee while playing for Collingwood's VFL team in a practice match in Geelong on Saturday.

The injury occurred in the second quarter and Krakouer didn't take any further part in the game.

"It is extremely disappointing for Andrew and the club that this injury has occurred," said Collingwood director of football Geoff Walsh.

"Andrew will meet with the sur-

TV ad for Swans ■ The Sydney Swans 2012 television commercial aired for the first time this week, during Fox Footy’s telecast of the Swans opening preseason cup match against St Kilda.

Club officials say that the ad reflects the Swans overall positioning as ‘Sydney’s Passion’.

Shot in January, the commercial features the Swans in iconic Sydney locations including the SCG, Bronte Beach and the Light Brigade Hotel in Paddington.

Sydney Swans Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Ireland, said it was important the commercial reflected the Club’s’strong position as Sydney’s AFL team.

“The Swans are Sydney’s Passion.

We have been part of Sydney for 30 years and in that time we have built a strong connection to the city and become an important element of Sydney’s culture,” he said.

“The SCG and the beautiful beaches that feature in the commercial are iconic parts of Sydney, and so too are the Swans,” Ireland said.

Directed by Chris Langman, the commercial is a high quality, fast paced and reflects the Swans energy and culture.

The Swans commercial, and associated club campaigns are the first phase of a broader AFL campaign to celebrate Australia's game - our only homegrown national football code.

In keeping with the Australian theme, the backing track for the Swans advertisement is by emerging Australian band Hey Geronimo.

Ottens joins Rams ■ Geelong’s triple-premiership winning ruckman Brad Ottens has become the latest experienced AFL footballer to join the NSW/ACT RAMS coaching panel.

Ottens, 32, joins Jason Saddington, Tadhg Kennelly and Ryan Houlihan in the coaches box guiding NSW/ACT footballers to the elite level.

The 245-game Richmond and Geelong veteran will be the ruck and forward-line coach of both the Under18 and Under-16 RAMS. The Joss Talent Program is coming off a highly successful period with 53 players either primary or rookie listed in the end of season drafts in the last five years.

With the calibre of coaches guiding the RAMS through the Under-18 and Under-16 NAB AFL National Championships it’s likely there’ll be even more local players on club lists in the future.

Ottens said he’s looking forward to commencing the role with the RAMS.

“I never really planned on coaching but the idea of guiding and coaching younger guys really appeals to me more than coaching at senior level,” Ottens said.

“It [coaching the RAMS] is something that I’m really excited to be part of; coaching the talented young blokes who are just getting started and giving them a hand and a bit of guidance.

“It will be good to pass on some of my experiences. It’s something I’m looking forward to doing.”

In the past, NSW/ACT players have been overlooked by AFL clubs but that’s all changing with a number of players debuting in the opening round of the NAB Cup. With a defined talent pathway in place from NAB AFL Auskick to the elite level and the establishment of the Sydney Swans and GWS GiantsAcademy there are more opportunities than ever before for talented athletes to be drafted.

For Ottens, the chance to nurture and develop the next Lenny Hayes, Kieren Jack, Brett Kirk or Paul Kelly is what he’s looking forward to most in his coaching role.

“NSW is a growth area in footy in Australia. It’s traditionally a rugby state but the results of the team over the last few years is definitely improving,” he said.

“When I came through the system, NSW/ACT was a bit of a pushover and now they’re a lot more competitive, they’re definitely improving.

“It’s a growth area for the game so it’s exciting to be part of that.”

The former No. 2 draft pick said he’s excited to get started in the role and join Saddington, Kennelly and Houlihan in the coaches box.

“All of the RAMS coaches have been around the system for a long time and all have a lot to offer,” he said.

“All of us are a similar age and have only been out of the game for a little while. It’s good that we’re not too old fashioned and that we know what it’s going to take [to make it at the elite level].

“It’s good to be able to draw on experience and pass it on to the next crop of players.”

Mel joins Giants

■ The Greater Western Sydney Giants haveannounced that Melissa Doyle (Sunrise, Channel 7) has agreed to become the club’s Number One ticket holder.

Chief Executive David Matthews welcomed the Sunrise co-host to the Giants family.

“We are thrilled that someone of Mel’s calibre has accepted this role and we want to warmly welcome her and her family to the Giants as we prepare for our inaugural season in the AFL in 2012,” Matthews said.

As well as being a successful TV presenter, Melissa Doyle is a journalist and author and started her career in Canberra after graduating from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.

She is married to John and has two children, Nicholas and Talia.

She said she was honoured to be involved and was looking forward to supporting the Giants.

“To be part of the AFL’s newest club as it embarks on its journey in Greater Western Sydney and Canberra is truly exciting,” she said.

Melissa Doyle will be officially welcomed to the Giants family before the Sydney Derby at ANZ Stadium on March 24.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - Page 63

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