Melbourne Observer. 121031C. October 31, 2012. Part C. Pages 51-80 by Ash Long

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012 - Page 51

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Radio Confidential: Latest industry news ..... Page 52 Veritas: Local TV, radio, theatre gossip ............. Page 56 The Spoiler: For those who have lost the plot ....... Page 56 Jim and Aaron: Favourite movies, DVDs ................... Page 63 Cheryl Threadgold: Locall thjeatre shows, auditions ...... Page 66 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

FORVM: ‘FVNNY AS BVGGERY’ REVIEW AND PHOTOS BY OBSERVER EDITOR ASH LONG

● Geoffrey Rush at the after-show party THIS PHOTO: FORUM FACEBOOK PAGE BY MATT WATSON

■ There is something particularly special about a world-class Oscar-winning actor taking to the stage in his adopted home town to perform with and for the locals. Geoffrey Rush is the complete package - singing, dancing and joking - through the 1960s Burt Shevelove-Larry Gelbart farce, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. As Pseudolus, Toowoomba-born Rush, 61, makes his role look easy. It is relentlessly physical, but Rush never appears to tire of the toga driven romp alongside co-stars Shane Bourne (Senex), Magda Szubanksi (Domina), Christie Whelan (Philia), Hugh Sheridan (Hero), Mitchell Butel (Hysterium), Gerry Connolly (Marcus Lycus), Bob Hornery (Erronius) and Adam Murphy (Miles Gloriosus). In his performances, Rush effortlessly reminds Melburnians why he has won an Academy Award, a Tony, an Emmy, three BAFTAs, two Golden Globes, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. He is at the top of his craft. Rush appears at the top of the show with symbols of comedy and tragedy, quickly extinguishing the tragedy. “Something familiar, Something peculiar, Something for everyone: A comedy tonight!” The cast make their various entrances: Szubanksi incorporates a few Fast Forward characters; Connolly channels Frank Throng; and Bourne adds his distinct-Aussie accent to ancient Rome. All contribute to the farce.

● Samatha Leigh-Dodemaide, Gerry Connolly and Melanie Hawkins

High-canp hijinx

● Kane Alexander and Ann Wood

Mitchell Butel steals the show with high-camp hijinx. Melbourne’s own darling, Christine Whelan, suitably renders Lovely. (Christie’s husband, Rohan Browne, is one of the three talented ‘eunichs’). In the audience was Geraldene Morrow (pictured right), who played Whelan’s character of Philia, in the Australian 1964 performance alongside Jack Gardiner, Richard Walker, Jack Collins and the same Bob Hornery. Bob milks the laughs. Not bad for a veteran who we guess might be well past his LXX-th birthday. The show’s score was created by Stephen Sondheim. One or two numbers, early in the show, are probably surplus to requirements. As I remarked in the Observer review for Promises Promises, producers may need to re-think these shows written for audiences half-a-century ago. Audiences are now conditioned to 60and 90-minute TV shows, and their shorter attention spans require faster moves. Producers and directors should not be afraid to trim the original books and scores. A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is produced by John Frost. It is directed by Simon Phillips, who took to the stage on opening night to dedicate the last applause to the show’s publicist Suzie Howie who died on Thursday night. Other creatives include Associate Director Dean Bryant, Musical Director Mathew Frank and associate Simon Holt, Musical Supervisor Guy Simpson, incredible set and costume designer Gabriela Tylesova (who just continues to astound), and choreographer Andrew Hallsworth.

Theatrical memory

● Michael Wilkie with Mitchell Butel

I am found of quoting reviewer Simon Parris. He makes some sound points: the show’s marketing is unattractive; Hugh Sheridan participates in a pair of ‘I wish’ numbers; and “Brooke Synnott stands out in a jaw-dropping display of her incredible flexibility”. Yes, the show has some good-natured gratuitous bawdiness. For some that will be enough of a darwcard. In a severe review, Anne-Marie Peard of Aussie Theatre.com.au said: “I’ve really tried to like this show ... musically it’s forgettable ... it’s as satisfying as a bucket of fairy floss. Anne-Marie’s review was headed: “As good as it can be.” Funny Thing is much more than that. Not brilliant, but very good indeed. With tickets continually being promoted as cheap as $69, you will buy yourself a lifetime theatrical memory to reflect “I saw Geoffrey Rush in Forum at Her Majesty’s”. That alone justifies you buying a ticket in this limited 12-week run, at which time Rush heads to Europe for overseas filming assignments. Who knows? He may be headed for Rome. “This time it turns out all right.” - Ash Long

● Geraldene Morrow with Christie Whelan

Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Observer Showbiz

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

‘IT’S ALL CRAP’, SAYS DERRYN

Country Crossroads

placement, Tom Elliott, is a 'fabulous presenter in that position and doing exceptionally well'. Yeah, right. “He must be getting us confused. Elliott isn’t even on air yet and won’t be until next year. Go figure,” Hinch said.

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

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Rob Foenander

TROY’S NEW STAR

■ Troy Cassar-Daley has been honoured for his 2009 published Song of the Year win with Big Big Love in Queensland's Q Music Awards. Troy will have a star laid in his honour in the Brunswick St Mall ‘Walk of Fame’ as a permanent recognition of his ability, talent, hard work and dedication to music. He joins the likes of the Bee Gees, Powderfinger, Savage Garden and Keith Urban who have previously been recognised for their services to music.

TAMWORTH BUSKERS

■ An ‘all new Australian Country Music Busking Championship’ has been launched for the 2013 January Country Music Festival in Tamworth. Ten buskers will be selected during the Festival to perform at the Best of the Buskers Concert on Australia Day. Buskers will be judged across three categories and winners will take away with them "some very generous cash prizes".

LEE IN TOWN

■ Aussie country music great Lee Kernaghan was at Universal Music headquarters in South Melbourne on Thursday (Oct. 25) attending to promotional matters. Lee's new album Beautiful Noise has officially been released with very positive reviews from both industry sorts and supporters alike. Country Crossroads filmed an interview with Lee for its new series 8 commencing November 29 on Foxtel Aurora Channel 183.

WOLFE BROS. VISIT

■ Also in town with Lee Kernaghan were Nick and Tom Wolfe from the Wolfe Brothers band who will be going on tour with Lee. The boys are still on a high from their runner up success on the recent Channel 7 series Australia's Got Talent. They say that the nationwide TV exposure has now created new opportunities for them which before were just dreams. - Rob Foenander

● Derryn Hinch ■ Outgoing 3AW ‘Drive’ presenter Derryn Hinch has taken a parting shot at Fairfax Media CEO Greg Hywood. This follows a question asked of Hywood at the Fairfax annual general meeting by former Hinch producer Michael Frazer. “A question was asked about why Derryn Hinch had been sacked from his top-rating program. “It’s a fait accompi,” said Hinch. “A done deal. And I leave on Friday, November 30. “Fairfax CEO, Greg Hywood, left the impression that I wasn’t really dumped. Just my contract came round for renegotiation and we 'couldn’t come to an effective agreement'. “The two parties, he said, couldn’t agree. That is crap. Not true. Far from any agreement, we didn’t even have a discussion. “I was called into the general manager’s office immediately after a Monday night program and told I was not wanted. “That was when 3AW management said they were taking the station in a different direction. And I said 'Well, we’re rating Number One so the only direction you can go is down'. “Still, I shouldn’t be surprised at any position taken by the mob that run Fairfax these days. “People like Hywood, the CEO, don’t know – or I suspect don’t care what happens in radio in Melbourne. “n defending the decision to sack me, he said my re-

Theatre Extra

Countdown Motion Pictures ■ Former Melbourne radio man Gavin Wood, now based in Hollywood, has formed Countdown Motion Pictures, reports Greg Newman of Jocks Journal. He has joined forces with Adam Howard who worked on ABC's Countdown TV program. Adam has now won four Emmys and is one of Hollywood’s major special effects experts with more than 150 films to his credit. Gavin said: "We have two horror movies in development and many more projects that are on the table. Life is good"

Dad and Dave ■ Episodes of one of Australia’s favourite radio serials, Dad And Dave, will be replayed in That’s Entertainment, 12 Noon-1.30pm Sundays, with Kevin Trask on 96.5 Inner FM from Sunday week, November 11. The final episode in the series of Biggles is scheduled to be broadcast on Kevin’s program just after 1pm this Sunday (Nov. 4).

● Dad and Dave

■ Inotrope and St Kilda Uniting Care Drop In Centre are excited to present their latest co-production and collaborative work, the re-imagining of Bertolt Brecht’s Caucasian Chalk Circle. Presented as Our Chalk Circle, the company is inspired by the poetry, music and dark comedy of Brecht’s writing and how it absolutely and urgently offers us a vision for humanity and peace. The production is devised and created by the company, directed by John Bolton, with musical direction by Bagryana Popov. This project has been supported by the City of Port Phillip through the Cultural Development Fund Date: November 6 - 11 Times: Tue to Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5.30pm Price: $36 full / $25 groups 8+ / $20 conc [plus booking fee] Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda www.theatreworks.org.au 0r 9534 3388

The mail subscription price for the Melbourne Observer rises to $228 from November 16. You can still buy a special 45-issue sub for $99. Hurry! Phone: 1-800 231 311

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Observer Showbiz

Bikini Island - Reality TV Amazing Investment Opportunity Now Available

We are currently engaged in pre-production of an exciting reality show that will change people's lives whilst offering huge entertainment value to the viewing public. The total investment balance still required is $ 550,000 and can be by one or more persons, (minimum single investment is $ 50.000.00) and you could also personally qualify to be one of the lucky contestants on the show - (Conditions Apply) This offer is open only to those Investors that qualify as "wholesale clients" under section 761G (7) of the corporations Act or "sophisticated investors" as defined under section 761A of the Corporations Act. Call 02 9990 2413 or email - karlppublicist@y7mail.com Advertising Link re up and coming show - http://www.theherald.com.au/story/ 365744/topics-get-ready-for-bikini-island-auditions/

Bikini Island - Reality TV - Coming in 2013 Bikini Island - Reality TV will be the largest and one of the most controversial Reality TV Shows ever produced in the world. Bikini Island-Reality TV is not about falling in love (although this is bound to happen) It's an exciting, full on 28 day Party Island culminating in a 7 day elimination process where the 150 contestants begin to eliminate each other down to the winning couple. This amazing once in a lifetime fantasy, takes place on a magnificent mysterious tropical island resort. The show is designed to tantalize the viewer's so much that each weekly episode will become compulsory viewing. We will keep them guessing right till the end as to which female and male contestant will become the winners of the $250,000.00 in cold hard cash. If you have ever had a dream of being on a tropical Island for 28 days with 100 International gorgeous bikini clad woman and 50 attractive and successful bachelors, you might be able to make it come true on the New 2013 Bikini Island Reality TV show. This 13 week series will be filmed on a secret international tropical island resort in 2013. Do you think you have what it takes to be one of only 100 Female contestants to be selected for this amazing and unpredictable Reality TV show? If your answer is yes, then soon you will be able to go to the female applicant's page on our new website to find out the details of what is required. The show will bring together 100 gorgeous handpicked single woman and 50 international successful bachelors from across the globe who are all looking for the excitement and interaction that only Bikini Island-Reality TV can bring to their lives. We will incorporate many exciting activities such as the recreation of Thailand's infamous full moon party and the non-stop party atmosphere of Ibiza at our full on 28 day nonstop party. We will bring international artists from across the globe that will perform live on Bikini Island Reality TV. We will create many surprises to keep you guessing right till the end. We advise you to be on your toes at all times, and to expect the unexpected on Bikini Island-Reality TV. The concept of the show is very simple; we put 2 women to every man. The women are in shared accommodation and the men are on their own, we then place spies on the island who are unknown to every person except for the producers. These spies are placed amongst the contestants to create conflicts and confusion. Then there are various daily activities, of scheduled partying, challenges and high-jinx planned as SUMMARY The investor/s can expect a minimum return of 30% on their unsecured funds. The production however will be protected by an international insurance policy which will be factored into the budget and potentially be part of an ongoing international franchise. Sponsorships and Product Placements will be officially made available internationally once the pre-production funds are secured. This is a highly sought after means of exposure for a multiplicity of brands covering a very wide demographics. A detailed spreadsheet of weekly/ monthly running expenses will be drawn up when we get closer to the establishment the base office and staffing requirements. LIVE THE DREAM The Male Host Charles Dupois The Male Host is International Recording Artist and World Peace Ambassador Charles Dupois. Charles's film clip and song titled "If We Can Dream" has been endorsed by the king and queen of Thailand and is the current International World Peace and Humanitarian Anthem which until recently was featured in cinemas throughout Australia and New Zealand. Dupois 40 comes from a very wealthy background and has just recently inherited over 10 million dollars. Not more than a handful of people qualify as larger than life characters, but Charles Dupois trumps them all. Physically commanding, intense, voluble and animated, this Egyptian born entertainer was raised by a French mother, who was born in Italy and an Egyptian father, making Charles's heritage truly multi-cultural. This Melbourne raised talented young Artist cut his teeth in the entertainment industry at the early age of nine.

the background for the courtship of the hapless singles. There will also be a number of women chosen who shall have an opportunity to live out one of their own personal fantasies whilst on the Island. We shall incorporate hidden cameras in the most unusual places!!!!!!!!!!!! The spies maybe a he or she, or both! Watch out for the betrayals that will occur in the affairs of the heart. By the way we have so many other surprises, but we just can't tell you at the moment because Bikini Islands - Reality TV's motto is to expect the unexpected on the most exciting and unpredictable reality TV show in the world. On the 28th day of filming on the Island one lucky female and male contestant who has been voted as achieving the most bonded and compatible relationship shall be the winners of $250,000.00 in cold hard cash as well as an international trip together for 7 nights to any destination in the world. Will you be one of the chosen few to live out your fantasy on Bikini Island-Reality TV? The girls shall be cast from Australia, Brazil, Spain, Scandinavian, Italy, and London, Germany, Los Angeles, Paris and Russia The male host is International Recording Artist and World Peace Ambassador Charles Dupois and the female host will be one of the girls from Sports Illustrated or one of the Victoria Secrets Models or a very well recognized celebrity such as Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan or the like. The age group for the female contestants shall be between 18 to 35 years old must be single have a great personality and of course look great in a bikini. The male contestants must be attractive, single between 25 to 45 years of age and have a great personality. Castings will begin early 2013. The artists that are planned to be invited to perform on the Island are the likes of Pink, U2, Maroon 5, Kings of Leon just to name a few. International record producer Peter Blyton will control all the music / audio technical requirements for the filming of the show and arrange the International Acts for the island. The show is being negotiated through an international agent to air in 120 countries on free to air and pay TV. The show is owned and will be produced by One World Music Film and TV in conjunction with If We Can Dream - Universal. www.oneworldmusicfilmandtv.com or www.ifwecandream.com Enquires can be sent to Karl Pederson Publicist - karlppublicist@y7mail.com

Charles has carved a CV that boasts highlights that are many and varied, including a 9 month stint in Las Vegas. Charles performed at the Mirage and Luxor Casinos working with the likes of George Benson, Diana Ross, the Stylistics and other showbiz luminaries, as well as offers of recording contracts and Film contracts in the UK, USA and Italy. Charles was managed by Tom Byron who also the Personal Manager of famous cricketer Dennis Lillie. This led to the association with Alex Leon, one of Elton John's band members, and Elton John's former manager John Reid. These are among the list of many other high profile music identities that Charles has been involved with. Charles has also recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, Hollywell Studios in Los Angeles and the world renowned Studios 301 in Sydney Australia. Charles has hosted various TV Shows and performed in a variety of musicals. Charles returned from Europe and New Zealand where he appeared on the Good Morning TV Show and on numerous radio stations including Classic Hits. Whilst In Thailand, Charles appeared as a special guest over 3 days on the renowned Thai - OZ Talk Show with Jaye Walton. Jaye Walton is also a Thai Consulate and in fact the person who arranged the official support and endorsement of the song "If We Can Dream" and Charles Dupois the Artist by Thailand's King and Queen. In July 2011, the If We Can Dream Music Film Clip performed by Charles Dupois hit the Movie Screens throughout Australia and New Zealand. In 2013, Charles will be the opening act for each of the two "If We Can Dream" - World Peace Concerts performing the current World Peace and Humanitarian Anthem titled If We Can Dream with an expected live audience of in excess of 100,000 people from around the globe. The concerts are planned to be televised around the world and

watched by over a hundred million viewers in 2013! www.oneworldmusicfilmandtv.com

â&#x2014;? Host Charles Dupois pictured with long term partner Kellie Ann Suna

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Healthy Living

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Observer TV, Radio, Theatre Showbiz Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour Veritas The Spoiler ‘SATISFYING THEATRE’

ShowBiz!

Full Moon hits Fairfax

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven. ■ Monday, November 5. Humiliated Summer returns home and, while Tash and Karl support her, she fears Susan’s reaction won’t be so kind; Karl’s blind date turns into a disaster. ■ Tuesday, November 6. Priya tries to work on her issues with Ajay but fails. ■ Wednesday, November 7. Andrew finally resolves to do the right thing and secretly books himself in for extensive medical tests to determine how to best manage his epilepsy; Kyle’s shown a way to cope with life after Jade. ■ Thursday, November 8. Concerned for his son, Paul takes Andrew’s dream away; Susan learns Karl has been online dating but assumes it’s nothing serious until she discovers he’s actually searching for a new life partner ■ Friday, November 9. Susan is surprised when her sister Carmel arrives. Recently separated, Carmel suggests they try speed dating; Paul realises he is developing feelings for Priya.

Home and Away ■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7. ■ Monday, November 5. Tensions are high at the Braxton household with the arrival of Kyle. Sasha tells Casey she thinks she is pregnant. John becomes injured while trying to be a handyman. ■ Tuesday, November 6. Casey says he will stand by Sasha if she's pregnant. Leah makes a decision about her relationship with Jamie. John moves back in with Jett and Gina. ■ Wednesday, November 7. Jamie acts out after Leah ends things with him and he trashes the diner. Liam tries to find evidence against Jamie. Romeo and Indi discuss starting a family. ■ Thursday, November 8. Sid convinces Lisa to take an AVO out against Neil, Dex is happy with his progress and Adam tells Leah he'll keep Jamie away. April is worried about Bianca at Adam's and Sid is knocked unconscious. ■ Friday, November 9. Sid sets Lisa up in a hotel, Sid accepts Sasha and Casey, and Tamara arrives in Summer Bay after Kyle revealed that she's real.

Gauge at Arts House ■ In the grand surrounds of Arts House, Meat Market between November 15 – 21, five artists: Madeleine Flynn, Tim Humphrey, Graeme Leak, Rosemary Joy and Cameron Robbins; and two scientists, Dr Michael Roderick and Dr Adrian Pearce, create Gauge – a curious space of exploration into a critical concern for our time. Gauge allows audiences to experience a handson encounter with a beguiling array of newly-created and historical apparatus – a collective artistic response to current debate about the water cycle and distribution of water resources. The result of this unique collaboration is at once an exhibition, an installation, a catalogue, a set of talks, a series of performances by both performers and audience, and a real-time-data-created work – all rebounding and resounding within Gauge’s carefully orchestrated space. Gauge also features as part of the inaugural event – Going Nowhere – presented by Arts House from November 23 – 25 at the Arts House Meat Market. Venue: Arts House, Meat Market Address: 5 Blackwood St, North Melbourne Season: Thursday, November 15 – Wednesday, November 21 Time: 12pm - 8pm featuring ‘Weather Broadcast’ short performances and guided interactions at 6pm. Opening night party: 6pm Thurs, November 15 Tickets: Free. Further information: artshouse.com.au or 9322 3713

● The cast of The Laramie Project: Maggie Chretién, Scott Middleton, Debra Low, Luke McKenzie, Tamara Donnellan, Adam Ward, Sarah Reuben and Christian Heath. Photo: Sarah Walker ■ Good theatre reports, reflects, en- the bare thoughts of Laramie residents gages, questions and alters. All of the as they survive the ripples of disbelief at above are clearly evidenced in Mock- the crime. ingbird Theatre’s launch production The The characterisations from Maggie Laramie Project at Chapel Off Chapel. Chretien, Tamara Donnellan, Christian This is intensely satisfying theatre. Heath, Debra Low, Luke McKenzie, The hideous kidnap and murder of 21- Scott Middleton, Sarah Reuben and year-old gay student Matt Shepard in Adam Ward are mesmeric, as they Laramie, Wyoming in 1998 prompted seamlessly transition from character to Moises Kaufman to travel to Laramie character, mood change to mood change, with Tectonic Theatre members to inter- slowly teasing out our responses. view a community where such hate This production does not yearn for could breed. false emotion. Music occasionally adds, From the results The Laramie Project almost dirge like, but no tears. In every was created. The audience meets the interviewers as well as the interviewees. It moment of this theatrical journey, our is dramatic collage rather than play or energies are led to absorb, and to deterdocumentary and so much more satis- mine to remember, and to effect changes. Via criticism, fear, guilt, revenge, love, fying because of that. Chris Baldock directs a superbly tal- two words emerge - ‘hate’ is replaced ented cast using a simple set of only by ‘hope’. There is a sad beauty about this proeight chairs. A backdrop of clouds, with subtly duction and every one should see it. At Chapel Off Chapel until Novemchanging light by Douglas Montgomery, underpins the choreographed simplicity ber 11 at 8.00pm. Tickets: $39/ $34 of moves to or from the front or sides of conc. Bookings: 8209 7000. the space, a space totally taken over by - Maggie Morrison

Ramona Koval talks ■ Former ABC commentator Ramona Koval will be introduced by storyteller Arnold Zable at a literary dinner to be held at Element Restaurant, Lower Plenty on Wednesday next week (Nov. 7). Eltham Bookshop is hosting the dinner which has a cost of $110 for couples ($70 for singles) which includes a welcome drink, a two-course dinner and a signed copy of Koval’s new publication, By the Book, “a love letter to books and writing”. Koval is the editor of Best Australian Essays and was the presenter of ABC Radio National’s The Book Show.

of the Year Award, which this year will be held in Melbourne. The judging panel of soprano Merlyn Quaife, cellist Howard Penny, pianist Kenji Fujimura and oboist Anne Gilby were unanimous in their acclaim for the young violinist. Aaron competed in the final against pianist Adoria Li, mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean, and flautist Lina Heeseung Park. Aaron was accompanied by Laura Breen and his program included works by Kabalevsky and Bach.

Smith vs Jones stir ■ Neil Mitchell’s Senior Producer, Justin Smith, has created a stir by penning an article for The Age about Sydney broadcaster Alan Jones. Smith’s report, headed ‘The Incredible Shrinking Man’ said Jones’s influence was falling away, and compared him to the Wizard of Oz, “an old bloke roaring and blustering”.

● Justin Smith

Sunday night mystery

$6000 FOR AARON

■ A Year 11 schoolboy is now $6000 richer due to his musical talent. Violinist and Scotch College student Aaron Ch'ng won the 2012 3MBS Young Performer Award, held at St John's Southgate on Sunday (Oct. 29). Aaron inspired the audience to roars of delight and cheers as he won both the $1000 Audience Prize, voted by those there on the day, and the main prize of $5000, awarded by the judging panel. Aaron now goes on to represent Victoria in November's National MBS Young Performer

● Simon Owens and Bruce Mansfield ■ Fairfax Radio is blaming computer problems in Sydney for Melbourne radio station 3AW being unavailable online on Sunday night. Listeners were unable to listen to Remember When, co-hosted by Simon Owens and Bruce Mansfield, through www. 3aw.com.au It came on the same evening that serious production problems were suffered by The Age at its Tullamarine plant.

But it was his final party piece of Franz Waxman's Carmen Fantasy with all the famous tunes from Bizet's opera Carmen that really set the audience on fire - it was a fitting finish to a fine afternoon of music making. The National MNS Young Performer of the Year Award will be held at St John's Southgate on Sunday, November 25 and will be hosted by Melbourne Observer arts writer Julie Houghton, who is also a 3MBS presenter. Tickets are free but must be booked by phoning 3MBS on 9416 1035.

■ Veritas is amsued by the Seven Network’s Sunday night pair: Border Security (7.30pm) and Air Ways (8pm). BS, hosted by Grant Dodwell, works on the triple theory: tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, tell them what you just told them. Travellers are filmed going through the border security process, with a number of them fined $200$300 if they try smuggling prohibited items into Australia. Sadly, the travellers are usually in for another bigger financial penalty if they head to the airport car park, and try to bail their car out ... sometimes at more than $200-$300. Perhaps Seven could consider a new series, Long Term. Then there is Air Ways, fronted by comedienne Corinne Grant. This is a weekly half-hour on the ups and downs of Tiger Airways, which in a fit of madness, allowed TV cameras into their terminals to film unhappy passengers frustrated by Tiger’s failures to either run on time, accommodate customers with minor glitches, or to show common sense. Vaguely like Australia’s Most Hated Airlines.

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Why should you pay whenitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not your fault?

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Observer Showbiz What’s Hot and What’s Not on Blu-Ray and DVD

● Chris Hemsworth as The Huntsman, Charlize Theron as The Evil Queen in the fantasy adventure Snow White and The Huntsman, an epic reimagining of the classic tale. FILM: SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN: Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart. Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy. Year: 2012. Rating: M. Running Time: 127 Minutes. Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: About as far removed as you could get from the classic Walt Disney version, in this new twist to the legendary fairy tale, a Huntsman is ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed and winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen. Impressively realized epic special effects extravaganza that is a fun ride brimming with thrills, excitement and a few surprises, most notably the cast of dwarfs. Charlize Theron is a standout as the Evil Queen. FILM: NANCY WAKE: Cast: Noni Hazlehurst, John Waters. Genre: War/Drama/True Story/TV. Year: 1987. Rating: M. Running Time: 195 Minutes. Format: DVD. Stars: **** Verdict: A young journalist is on assignment in France where she becomes involved with the French Resistance at the outbreak of WWII and helps establish an escape route for Allied airmen. Finally on DVD! The original mini-series on the wartime exploits of Nancy Wake, a fascinating and compelling look at the extraordinary achievements of the New Zealand born and Sydney raised heroine known and hunted by the Gestapo during WWII as the White Mouse. Highly recommended! FILM: THE TENANT: Cast: Roman Polanski, Isabelle Adjani, Shelley Winters. Genre: Thriller/Horror. Year: 1976. Rating: TBC. Running Time: 126 Minutes. Format: DVD. Stars: **** Verdict: Set in Paris, a lonely and shy businessman rents an old apartment where the previous tenant attempted suicide. Filmmaker Roman Polanski both directs and stars in this horror tale that is a chilling and compelling experience reminiscent of his 1968 classic Rosemary's Baby. This haunting, disturbing and superbly realized thriller was originally attacked by critics upon its original theatrical release but is now receiving the respect and acclaim it truly deserves. FILM: HAROLD AND MAUDE: Cast: Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon. Genre: Drama/Comedy/Romance. Year: 1971. Rating: M. Running Time: 91 Minutes. Format: DVD. Stars: **** Verdict: A delightfully quirky black comedy of a young, rich, 20 year old boy obsessed with death who finds himself changed forever when he meets lively 79 year old woman at a funeral. Then newcomer Bud Cort and veteran Oscar winner Ruth Gordon are a knockout in this off-centre one-of-a-kind experience that is uniquely original, hilariously funny and highly poignant, made all the more memorable by the score of now classic songs by Cat Stevens.

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Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

Director Larry Cohen : Q & A at Cinema Nova on Friday November 2 ■ One-of-a-kind film-maker Larry Cohen, who made a number of subversive, satirical, and flat-out entertaining films through the 1970s and 80s, arrives in Australia as a special guest of the Monster Fest Film Festival, which will screen his 1985 cult classic The Stuff, and also a slew of new movies that combine horror, humour, and a noticeably retro touch. The festival, nicely coinciding with Halloween, runs from today (Wed., Oct. 31) to November 9, and ticketing and scheduling details can be found at either monsterfest.com.au or cinemanova.com.au, or you can contact cinema Nova on 9347 5331. The Stuff will screen on Friday November 2 at 7.15pm, and will feature an introduction, Master Class, and Q & A with Larry Cohen, and should prove an insight into how a genuinely independent director can get an original, off-beat film off the ground, and to be able to maintain a distinctively personal vision. Tickets for this special event will be $35. The Stuff is one of Cohen's most entertaining films, about a mysterious white goo that bubbles to the earth's surface, and is quickly packaged and sold as a frozen yoghurt. But the substance is highly addictive, and seems to have a life of its own. This look at consumer hysteria and ruthless commercialism is still relevent today, and its blend of horror and satire makes for wild and totally satisfying viewing. Cohen regular Michael Moriarty (Q : The Winged Serpent/It's Alive 3: Island Of The Alive) is again in tune with Cohen's material, and is wellsupported by Garrett Morris (Saturday Night Live), Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), and Danny Aiello (Leon: The Professional/Once Around). Mr Cohen will also appear at the screening of Maniac Cop, which he scripted (alongside co-star and 80s bombshell Laurene Landon, who was memorable in the films The California Dolls - 1981, and I, The Jury - 1982), which will be shown after The Stuff at 9.45pm. Tickets for this session will be $22.

The Thieves ■ (MA). 135 minutes. Now showing at Hoyts Melbourne Central and Chadstone. Clever in construction, confident in execution, this smashing heist movie is definitely one of the best examples of the genre. With its glamourous settings and colourful characters, this may be compared by some to Steven Soderbergh's empty Ocean's Eleven trilogy, but The Thieves is far superior on every level, keeping the audience involved right to the very end. The story centres on five con-artists who, having just completed a daring swindle/robbery (and which gets the film off to a terrific start), receive a proposal that seems to good to refuse. The five, who have deliberately old-school, noir-style names (Popie, Pepsee, Chewingum, Yenicall and Zampano), only have one major hesitation about this offer, and that it has been made by Macao Park, who double-crossed two of their members years before. The item Park wants to steal is a 318-carat diamond worth $20 million, hidden in a heavily guarded casino. Arriving in Hong Kong, the group team up with four local thieves (Chen, Andrew, Jonny and Julie), equally experienced and ready to face the impossible task at hand. As Macao Park divulges his meticulous plan, it soon becomes apparent that everyone has their own agenda. Like the best heist pictures of the past, such as Rififi (1955), Topkapi (1964), Gambit (1966), Space Travellers (2000), and Inside Man (2006), The Thieves has plot and characters that are always changing and turning, and while some of the twists can be predicted, there are more than enough story entanglements to keep audiences guessing. This has been called The Avengers of international cinema, and one can't doubt that claim with what is an amazing cast, all of whom get suit-

● Director Larry Cohen able screen time to bring their roles to life, and everyone is in excellent form. Unlike The Avengers however, which had all its characters' foundations laid down in six other movies, the writers here create their characters from scratch, and it is an absolute joy to see these fascinating if untrustworthy people evolve as the story unfolds, and the 135 minute running time goes pretty quickly. Beautifully shot, edited, and scored, with some eye-popping action scenes (one which occurs on the side of a building is a jaw-dropping combination of The Good, The Bad, The Weird and Mission Impossible : Ghost Protocol), this is a supremely crafted, character-based thriller that is also filled with moments of perfectly-timed humour. The director seems to love the world of the con-artist, as displayed in his impressive earlier efforts The Big Swindle (2004) and Tazza: The High Rollers (2006), and The Thieves is his most accomplished film to date. With films disappearing from cinemas so quickly these days, catch this gem on the big screen before its gone, you won't be disappointed. RATING - ****½ - Aaron Rourke

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4. 2. TAKEN 2. 3. SAVAGES. 4. LOOPER. 5. LAWLESS. 6. TO ROME WITH LOVE. 7. MENTAL. 8. KILLING THEM SOFTLY. 9. HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA. 10. MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE'S MOST WANTED. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: OCTOBER 25: ARGO, DREDD, FRANKENWEENIE, HAIL, THE INTOUCHABLES, TAI CHI HERO. NOVEMBER 1: ANTON CORBIJN INSIDE OUT, BACHELORETTE, END OF WATCH, HOUSOS VS AUTHORITY, KATHMANDU LULLABY, LAST DANCE, THE GIANTS, LUV SHUV TEY CHICKEN KHURANA. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. PROMETHEUS [Science Fiction/Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender]. 2. ROCK OF AGES [Music/Comedy/Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Julianne Hough]. 3. THE THREE STOOGES [Comedy/Chris Diamantopoulos, Sean Hayes, Will Sasso]. 4. THE AVENGERS [Action/Adventure/Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner]. 5. THE DICTATOR [Comedy/Sacha Baron Cohen, Megan Fox]. 6. THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL [Comedy/Drama/Judi Dench, Bill Nighy]. 7. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS [Horror/Thriller/Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Connolly]. 8. THE RAVEN [Thriller/John Cusack, Brendan Gleeson, Luke Evans]. 9. DARK SHADOWS [Horror/Comedy/Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Michelle Pfeiffer]. 10. GET THE GRINGO [Action/Mel Gibson]. Also: WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING, THE HUNGER GAMES, PIRANHA DD, MEN IN BLACK 3, IRON SKY, THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT, AMERICAN PIE: REUNION, THE WOMAN IN BLACK, SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: TAKE THIS WALTZ [Drama/Seth Rogen, Michelle Williams, Sarah Silverman]. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: LAWRENCE OF ARABIA: 50th Anniversary Restored Director's Cut [Adventure/Peter O'Toole]. E. T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTIAL: 30th Anniversary [Adventure/ Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote]. THE TENANT [Drama/Thriller/Roman Polanski, Shelley Winters]. HAROLD AND MAUDE [Drama/ Comedy/Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon]. CITIZAN KANE [Drama/Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton, Agnes Moorehead]. ● Turn To Page 75

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Page 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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Page 66 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Observer Showbiz REVIEW

Dance Territories: Sense and Sensibility ■ To celebrate 20 years as an independent dance centre, Dancehouse’s artistic director and Chief Executive Angela Conquet has introduced a new biennial event. In association with Melbourne Arts Festival and for the inaugural season, she presented a program bringing together two internationally renowned Swiss choreographers, Cindy Van Acker and Perrine Valli representing choreographers who are developing and seeking the answers to ‘what is the most that can be achieved with the least?’ Their focus is in ‘the precision of the simplest choreographic movement’. Both choreographers are performing with Australian dancers, Matthew Day and Sandra Parker. In Fractie, Van Acker with Tamara Bacci, accompanied only by electronic sounds, presented a study in ‘the way our senses are stimulated tackling the triangular relation of sound, movement and rhythm’ and the relations and reactions of the body and spirit to sound and rhythm. In Thousands, ‘a study in stillness’, Australian choreographer and dancer Matthew Day, accompanied by electronic sounds and with minimal movement, presented his interpretation of his interest in ‘durational choreographic forms’. Dancers who have reached this level of performance are pushing the boundaries, experimenting and exploring dance of all mediums. This art form will not appeal to everyone and it is not advertised as ‘entertainment’. It is what it is, an “exploration of the statement on the future of dance and the power of minimalist dance”. Dancehouse: 150 Princes Street, Carlton North. Telephone: 9347 2860. - Rita Crispin

MUSIC HALL ● From photo on Page 10

Eltham Little Theatre ■ Eltham Little Theatre presents a generous serving of murder mystery, garnished with a touch of jazz and soul, in their end-of-year music hall, Murder At The Music Hall, running from November 15 to December 8 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd, Research. Written by Mary McMahon, ELT's show is directed by Lisa Inman. Lisa says when she read the script she found the cross-genre concept fascinating. "There is something really unique and curious about this show - and I'm not just talking about the fact it has 27 cast members." Musical director is Kent Ross and Adam Noviello is choreographer. A six-piece band accompanies performers, playing timeless hits such as Minnie The Moocher, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Ff Company B and the Gershwin classic, Let's Call The Whole Thing Off. Cabaret seating. BYO food and drink. Tickets: $20. Bookings: 9437 1574, eltboxoffice@gmail.com or book online at www.elthamlittle \theatre.org.au/book-a-ticket/

AUDITIONS ■ Hartwell Players: Tiny Thumbelina November 3. Roles for children aged 6+ plus adults. For further details please visit http://hartwellplayers.org.au ■ CLOC Musical Theatre: The Phantom of the Opera (World Amateur Premiere) November 9 -11 at CLOC Central, 32 Dane Rd., Moorabbin. Enquiries: 1300 362 547. ■ Aspect Inc: Hairspray Information Evening Wednesday November 14 at 7.30pm at the Aspendale Gardens Community Centre, Kearney Drive, Aspendale Gardens. Director: Lyn Laister; Musical Director: Emma McGeorge; Choreographer: Kim Annette. Auditions: November 22, 23, 24, 25. Enquiries and audition bookings: 9580 8415. ■ Babirra Music Theatre: Annie November 12, 15, 18 (adults) and November 18 (children) at the Highfield Road Uniting Church Hall, Highfield Road, Canterbury. Director: Alan Burrows; Musical Director: Danny Forward; Choreographer: Susan Lewis. Audition enquiries: 0400 820 786. ■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Female of the Species (by Joanna Murray-smith) November 18, 19 from 7.30pm at Brighton Theatre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Streets, Brighton. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Audition bookings: orbbaf@ozemail.com.au ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Steel Magnolias (by Robert Harding) November 17 from 1.30pm, November 19 from 7.30pm at 41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Lyn Carr. Audition bookings: 0422 441 489 or email lindacarr5@bigpond.com

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

AUDITIONS FOR 2013 SHOWS AUDITIONS

SHOWS

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Talking Heads (by Alan Bennett) November 17, 18 at 1.00pm at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2 Albert Street, Williamstown. Director: Shirley Sydenham. Three Monologues: Soldiering On, A Bed of Lentils, A Lady of Letters. Enquiries: 0402 231724. ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Merry Wives of Windsor (by William Shakespeare) November 24, 25, 26 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Corner Loeman and Napier Streets, Strathmore. Director: Drew Mason. Audition bookings: drew.mason@optusnet.com.au or 9382 6284. ■ Eltham Little Theatre: Katerina (by P.J. Armstrong) November 25 at 2.00pm and November 26 at 7.30pm, at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Road, Research. Director: Sam Chappel. Audition bookings and enquiries: 0434 413595.

■ Phoenix Theatre Company: Baby November 16 - 24 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Co-directors: Craig Maloney and Renee Maloney; Musical Director: Stewart Garrett; Choreographer: Renee Maloney. Tickets: $28 evening, $22 matinee. Bookings: 9012 5897 or www.phoenixtheatrecompany.org ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Hay Fever (by Noel Coward) November 22 - 24 at 8.00pm, November 28 December 1 at 8.00pm, November 25 at 2.00pm at the Strathmore Community Centre, Corner Loeman and Napier Streets, Strathmore. Director: Kris Weber. Tickets: $20 full price, $15 concession. Bookings: 9382 6284 or www.stagtheatre.org/reservations ■ Warrandyte 55 Plus Variety Group: Remembering 50 Golden Years Cabaret Friday, November 30 at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start at the Warrandyte Senior Citizens Club Hall, 1-3 Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte. Tickets: $10.00 donation. BYO food and drink. Tea/Coffee supplied. Bookings: Call Allan 9877 1077. - Cheryl Threadgold

SHOWS ■ 1812 Theatre: The Lonesome West (by Martin McDonagh) Until November 3 at 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Grant Lepan-Walker; www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Glazed Look (by Terence Journet) November 2 - 17 at 29 Burke Road, Malvern. Director: Richard Burman. Tickets: $20 (no conc.) Bookings: 1300 131552. Mountain District Music Society (MDMS) Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida November 2 - 10 at Maroondah Secondary College Theatre. Bookings: www.mdms.org.au ■ Nova Music Theatre: 42nd Street, Until November 11 at the Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading. Director: Tim Schwerdt; Choreographer: Lisa-Maree Callaghan; Musical Director: Phillip Osbourne. Tickets: $38/$33 Ch.15 and Under $28. Bookings: 1300 305 771 or www.novamusictheatre.com.au ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Calendar Girls (by Tim Firth) November 7 - 24 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 39 - 41 Castella Street, Lilydale. Director: Alan Burrows. Tickets: $25/ $22. Bookings: 9735 1777. ■ Southern Peninsula Players: Calendar Girls November 8 18 at the Rosebud Memorial Hall. Bookings: www.spptheatre.org or 5982 2777. ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Secret Bridesmaids' Business (by Elizabeth Coleman), November 7 - 24 at Brighton Theatre, Corner Carpenter and Wilson Streets, Brighton. Director: Annie Blood. Tickets: $20/$18. Bookings: 1300 752 126. ■ Fab Nobs Theatre: The Drowsy Chaperone November 9 - 24 at 44 Industry Place, Bayswater. Director: Karl McNamara; Musical Director: Vicki Quinn. Bookings: 0401 018 846. ■ The Basin Theatre Group: Over My Dead Body (by Derek Benfield) November 9 - December 1 at 8.00pm (2.00pm matinees on October 11, 18, 25) at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Joe Tuppenney. Bookings: 1300 784 668. www.thebasintheatre.org.au ■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Next to Normal November 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 at 8.00pm, November 11, 18 at 2.00pm at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute, Cnr. Melbourne Road and Electra Street, Williamstown. Director: Shaun Kingma; Musical Director: Tyson Legg; Movement: Nadia Gianinotti. Tickets: $32,$28, $35 Black tie gala night Nov 9, $28 flat rate Devonshire Tea special on Nov 11. Bookings: 9885 9678 or www.wlt.org.au ■ Peridot Theatre Company: Me and Jezebel, November 9 24 at Unicorn Theatre, Mount Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Helen Ellis. Tickets: $23/ $20. Bookings: 1300 138645 (landline) or 9898 9090 (mobiles). ■ Mornington CEF Players: Buddy - the Buddy Holly Story (by Alan Jane), November 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 at 8.00pm, November 11, 18, 25 at 2.00pm at Bellamy Hall, Albert Street, Mornington. Director: Natalie Pharaoh; Musical Director: Matt Charles and Joon Kim. Tickets: $22 Full Price, $18 Conc., $14 Child. Bookings: 5975 5904 or jandr@bigpond.net.au (Friday night performances are Cabaret - BYO drinks, nibbles). www.cefplayers.com.au ■ 1812 Theatre: The 39 Steps (by Patrick Barlow) November 15 - December 8 at 3 Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Doug Bennett. www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Frankston Theatre Group: Murdered to Death November 16 - December 2 (2.00pm matinees November 25, December 2) at the Mt Eliza Community Centre, Canadian Bay Road, Mt Eliza. Cabaret style. BYO drinks. Tickets: $26.50 full price, PSU $24.50, Groups 10 $24.50. Bookings: 1300 665 377. ■ Warrandyte 55 Plus Variety Group: Remembering 50 Golden Years Concert Saturday, November 17 at 1.00pm for 1.15pm start at the Warrandyte Senior Citizens Club Hall, 1-3 Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte. Tickets: $14.00 donation includes afternoon tea served after the performance. Bookings: Call Alan 9738 2216

OPERA

Opera Studio Melbourne ■ At four years of age, children are usually starting kindergarten and taking their first steps to independence. The Opera Studio Melbourne is also four years old, and in that short time has produced some impressive young talent who are now making their mark in the professional operatic field. The Opera Studio Melbourne's artistic director Linda Thompson has announced that audition applications are now open for the 2013 performance and foundation programs. If you have never heard of The Opera Studio Melbourne, it's not a training college, school or university. It's a hands-on training program that prepares highly qualified young classical singers for the professional opera world they are aiming to enter. Through its program of operatic performances and training, it equips them with the skills they need to get their feet on the first rungs of the professional opera ladder. From the first year of the program, handsome young baritone Hadleigh Adams has proved that he had the goods to make his mark on the opera world, as he has just been made and Adler Fellow at San Francisco's Merola opera company, which means he will have work in one of the world's most prestigious young artists program for several years. His colleague, soprano Stacey Alleaume followed up backto-back years as runner up in the Herald Sun Aria competition with a triumph by winning the 2012 McDonald's Aria competition in Sydney, worth over $40,000, and she is now travelling in Europe auditioning. Straight from her two years at the Opera Studio Melbourne she was accepted into the OzOpera Schools Company. Mezzo-soprano Sophie Yelland and baritone Cameron Lukey also found work with Ozopera, and at the time of writing, Sophie is now on a training program in England with English National Opera. Budding opera singers who would like to follow in these footsteps are encouraged to apply for the 2013 Opera Studio Melbourne program, which will include seasons of Massenet's Cinderella, a shortened version of Mozart's The Magic Flute and Britten's Curlew River. Auditions begin on November 19, so check it out at www.theoperastudio.com.au or call 9429 9006. - Julie Houghton

● Hadleigh Adams and Stacey Alleaume

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012 - Page 67

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PLaces To Go

Page 68 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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Places To Go

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012 - Page 69

Melbourne People

Surrey Music Cafe Photos: Malcolm Threadgold

● Volunteers Cynthia Hancke and Gai Woolhouse

■ Congratulations to founder and creator Jeffrey Woolhouse, his wife Gai and wonderful volunteers who last week presented the 100th performance of the Surrey Music Café. The first Surrey Music Café was presented on June 29, 2001 at the Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre. Since then, more than 80 musicians have performed and 11,575 patrons have attended, now presented at the Box Hill Community Arts Centre. Volunteer Carole McCormack is passionate about her involvement. She said the group of loyal helpers serving refreshments and greeting guests at monthly performances have been doing so for many years, and wouldn't miss it. Delighting the full-house audience on this special occasion was firstly the talented six member a capella group VoiceBox. After interval, Jeremy Woolhouse premiered his exciting new quartet Silverbeat, featuring Lachlan Davidson (woodwinds), George Andrews (drums), Georgia Weber (bass) and Jeremy on piano. The final 2012 Surrey Music Café is being held at 8 pm on November 30 and features Barry Wratten's The Crescent City Serenaders and the legendary Margaret RoadKnight. Tickets: 9262 ● 6555 P

● Greg Nicholas and Sue Younger

● Kerry Nicholas greets patrons

● Patrons Anne Gordon and Maxwell Glynn

● Volunteers Tim and Carole McCormick

● Dan Jackson and Tahlia Oliver.

● Talented a capella group VoiceBox. Back row from left: Austin Fowler, Al Evans and Simon Evans. Front row: Matthew Mills, David Hartney and Cameron Waters.

● Brothers Sharan and Varu Prakash

● Madeleine and Gerald De Haan.

● Agnes Morks (left) and Nance Williams per formed in the first Surrey Music Café in 2001 as part of the quartet The Jazz-A-Belles.

● Jeremy Woolhouse (at piano) premiered his new quartet Silverbeat . From left: George Andrews (drums), Georgia Weber (Bass) and Lachlan Davidson (woodwinds).

Page 70 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Lovatts Crossword No 18 Across

1. Blizzard 6. Wattle tree 11. Villain 15. Dried grass piles 20. Exclamation of pain 21. Genuine thing, the real ... 22. Numerous 23. Underground molten rock 25. Relaxation art (1'2,3) 26. Coral organisms 27. Dinners or lunches 29. Venice canal boat 32. Singer, ... Diamond 34. Famous British school 36. Type of spanner 39. Condemns to hell 41. Harnessed (oxen) 43. Rubs with emery 46. ... of Troy 48. Beneath 49. Dad 51. Hooter 52. Co-venture 55. Coarse file 56. Acorn bearers 59. Kills 61. Sit for portrait 62. Once again 63. Screw 64. Ripens 67. Halfway through pregnancy 68. Fortified wine 70. Culmination 71. Actress, ... Loren 72. Nag 73. Naked 74. Renovate (ship) 75. Rose-shaped award 77. Stop! (nautical) 78. Survives 79. Style 82. Mob 86. Jelly/sponge dessert 87. Eye lustfully 89. Belief in the supernatural 92. Pond plant 94. Capture 96. News 98. Floating log platform 100. Live coal 101. Computer input 103. Princess Royal 105. Resided 106. Press 108. Burn 111. Commoner 112. Very lazy (4,4) 114. Amaze 116. Spy, ... Hari 119. Bullets 120. German WWII fascist 121. Anticipated touchdown (1,1,1) 123. Freezes, ... over 124. As far as (2,2) 125. Omits (6,3) 126. New York borough 127. Blackberry shrub 130. The masses, ... polloi 131. Dawn to dusk 135. Alternate, every ... 138. Calf-length skirt 139. US astronaut, ... Shepard 141. Acute remorse 144. Unchanged, the ... 146. Cheerio! 147. Unfasten 148. Male swan 149. Young sheep 150. Uncle Sam (1,1,1) 151. Type of saxophone 152. Print with raised design 153. Taj Mahal city 155. Closing 157. Part of eye 158. Method 160. Braid 161. More ancient 162. Up to the time of 163. Overly cute 165. Less frequent 166. Snake, ... constrictor 167. Rowing aid

Across 168. Guitar sound 169. Servant 171. Accessory 172. Female title 175. In vain, to no ... 176. Light sleeps 179. Arid US state 180. Schoolgirl 182. Prison 184. Opens door to (4,2) 185. Balmy 186. Crooner, ... King Cole 188. Quiet 189. Pod vegetable 190. Dull 191. Snow-runner 193. Betting chances 194. Jogs 196. Match before final 197. Unreliable 198. Revolving tray, lazy ... 200. Modesty 205. AFL great, ... Barassi 207. Angrily 210. Impetuous 211. Concealing 212. Stupefy 213. Trading centre 214. Banned pesticide (1,1,1) 216. Irish sweater style 218. Actual 219. Ellipse 220. Repaints (vehicle) 224. Moodier 227. Depend 229. Space flight organisation 230. Tethers 231. Latin American dance 232. Nipple 233. Aware of 235. Prophetic signs 237. Go up 239. Printing error 241. Type of orange 244. Child's toy (2-2) 246. Pet's neck band (3,6) 249. Please reply (1,1,1,1) 252. Stingier 254. Former English cricket captain, ... Hussain 256. Outrageous 258. Arrange 259. Fuss, song & ... 260. Introducing in stages, ... in 263. Rest on knees 264. Outcome 265. Rot (of leather) 267. Paltry 270. Niece & ... 271. Avoided 272. Entertainer 273. Additional items 274. Welsh vegetables 277. Witnessed 279. Carpenter's spike 281. More rational 284. Hurry 286. Sum owed 288. Absorbed 292. Whisky ingredient 294. Kiss & cuddle 295. Fire remains 298. Smallest 300. Nominated 301. Mention, ... to 303. Monastery superior 306. Decorative shrub pot 308. Encounter 309. Concludes 311. Pink-eyed rabbits 314. Last Greek letter 315. Ketchup, ... sauce 316. Powerful 317. Fruit mash 318. After that 319. Deserve 320. Mafia, ... Nostra 321. Treats with drugs 322. Rewrite on keyboard 323. Unhappier 324. Muscle toning therapists

Down 1. Cosy 2. Furnace 3. Polynesian island group 4. Heart or lung 5. Complain 6. Movement 7. Blackboard marker 8. Drumming insects 9. Amongst 10. Fuel energy rating 11. Go around 12. Playful water mammal 13. Propel 14. Christian festival 15. Sacred song 16. Long (for) 17. Try out (food) 18. Cudgel 19. Obscene material 24. Charity offerings 28. Youths 30. Milky gem 31. June 6, 1944 (1-3) 33. Eagle nests 35. Equal (2,1,3) 37. Raven 38. Deer 40. Yelling 42. Geological division 44. Positive electrodes 45. Least moist 47. Fencing blades 48. Great disturbance 49. Prepared mentally, ... up 50. Sports ground buildings 53. Wed again 54. Impedes 57. Rescued by plane 58. Examines closely 60. Brighter 63. Temper fit 65. Hatchets 66. Settee 68. Cry weakly 69. Corrode 76. Outstanding 79. Fellows 80. Not anybody (2-3) 81. Lodge firmly 83. Boundary 84. Media tycoon, press ... 85. Pixie 88. Disadvantage 90. Team 91. Tiny amount 93. Skin irritation 95. Paradise garden 97. Flourish of trumpets 99. Friends star, Jennifer ... 100. Periods 102. Degrade 104. Kinder 107. From Italy's capital 109. Rectify 110. Arabian prince 111. Ode 113. Glancing 115. Summer footwear 117. Cousin's mother 118. Nuclear explosive, ... bomb 121. Morally sound 122. Friendly 127. Chest 128. Gave weapons to 129. Childbirth contractions (6,5) 132. In unison (3,8) 133. Relative by marriage (2-3) 134. Call up (feelings) 135. Vigilant 136. Magician's cry (3,6) 137. Idealists 138. Rissoles 140. Of course 141. Document summaries 142. Blameless

Down

143. Tent cover 145. Corrected (text) 151. Former IOC president, Juan ... Samaranch 154. Wanders 156. Fragrance 159. Reproductive cells 164. Sixth sense (1,1,1) 169. Imitative performer 170. Wood surface design 173. Hoped (to) 174. Versus 177. South American mountains 178. Effeminate 181. Facility 183. Commissioned soldier 187. Random 192. Hopping marsupials 195. Office workers 199. Usefulness 201. Chooses 202. Weather feature, El ... 203. Milan opera house, La ... 204. Bright signal light 206. Seductress, ... fatale 207. Map 208. Nimble 209. Executive jet 213. Car race city, Le ... 215. Small plums 217. Advertising sign 221. Jetties 222. Incidental comment 223. Complacent 224. Soccer net 225. Policy reversal (1-4) 226. Courtyard 228. Ambassadors' residences 234. Loud-hailer 236. Hypodermic syringes 238. Charged particle 240. Enquire intrusively 242. Showy flowers 243. Poetic name for Ireland, ... Isle 245. Apple groves 247. Parentless kids 248. Boost 250. Blood feud 251. Mesh 253. Rodents 255. Copied 257. Former Italian money unit 258. Fix 261. Respiratory ailment 262. Shoe lining 265. Rounded stone 266. Brainwaves 268. Put up with 269. The Queen's third son 275. Sitcom, My Name Is ... 276. Ruler, Genghis ... 278. Tidal river mouth 280. Carbonated 282. Opposed to 283. Resound 285. Throat-clearing noise 287. Wobble 289. Wage 290. Polluted 291. Assumes (attitude) 292. Guru 293. Ready, willing & ... 296. Impassive person 297. Upright 299. Make reparation 302. Wooden barrier 304. Farm sheds 305. Overly fat 306. Prudish 307. Elderly 308. Rugs 310. Luncheon meat 312. Bobs head 313. Timber cutters

Solution on Page 50

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012 - Page 71

MEGA

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Page 72 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Cobram: by a half-neck ■ Narrandera trainer Shaun Snudden loves crossing the border and landed a stable double at Cobram with Lombo Hot Gun and Our Usain Bolt. Lombo Hot Gun (Chris Alford) led throughout from the pole to capture the Katunga Lucerne Mill Pace for C0 class over 1670 metres in advance of One More Smile which trailed, going down by 1.2 metres in 1-57.9, with On Fire Within third after racing parked. Our Usain Bolt (Paul Diebert) led out from the pole before taking a trail on the favourite Cold Major in the Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital Pace for C3 & C4 class over 2170 metres, then easing to the outside on the home turn. Driven confidently after taking a concession, Our Usain Bolt bloused Cold Major by a half neck in 159.4, with Black Doug (three back the markers) third.

Surprises at Ararat ■ The Ararat Harness Racing Club meeting on Wednesday October 24 threw up some surprise results during the evening, one winner scoring his first victory at start number 38, another winning his second race in 109 outings and another registering her 2nd success at start number 71. Six year old Safely Kept/Franfrisco Franco gelding Trysomemagic trained and driven by Ballarat Trotting Club President Greg Moy at Smythes Creek (Ballarat), broke his maiden status at his 38th race appearance in taking the Choice Hotels Pace for C0 class over 1790 metres. Raced by Terry Cahill and family, Trysomemagic from the pole settled on the back of the leader Phils Grinning next door enjoying a sweet trip throughout. Easing away from the markers on the home turn, Trysomemagic ($6.40) finished best to defeat Red Amber Green off a three wide trail last lap from mid-field (four wide home turn), with Peters Ace out very wide coming from last to finish third. The mile rate 2-00.3.

Trapped from gate four ■ Keeper Of The Fire ($19.80), which has had 109 starts, scored his first victory since July 2008, when successful in the Ararat Advertiser Pace for C0 class over 2195 metres. A 8-Y-0 gelded son of Safe And Sound and Kalmana Lane trained at Terang by Damian Lenehan, Keeper Of The Fire driven by son Nick was trapped wide from gate four, before settling outside the polemark leader Tellmelucy who eventually handed over to the raging hot favourite Quadentate from Andy Gath's Long Forest barn who spent plenty of petrol. With the leader being kept honest by Lord Monaloo, Keeper Of The Fire possied one/one for most of the journey. When Lord Monaloo gained the upper hand approaching the final bend, Keeper Of The Fire peeled off his back to issue a challenge, running on best to score by 5.1 metres in a rate of 2-01.1 from Lord Monaloo and Atombob who was last at the bell.

This Week’s Meetings ■ Wednesday - Mildura, ■ Thursday - Shepparton, ■ Friday - Melton, ■ Saturday - Bendigo, ■ Sunday - Maryborough (Cup), ■ Monday - Geelong/Terang, ■ Tuesday - Yarra Valley/Nyah @ Swan Hill and Cobram (non TAB).

Horses To Follow ■ Art Wizard, Open Heart, Golden Photo, Bob Dilinger, Lord Monaloo, Find Time To Cruise, Desert Safari, Bettor Believe It, On Fire Within.

More on Page 78

WEBSTER LANDS QUINELLA ■ Astute Bannockburn (Geelong) trainer Geoff Webster landed the quinella in the Next Race Meet Monday 5th November Pace for C2 & C3 class over 2100 metres at the Geelong Harness Racing Club fixture held on Tuesday October 23 with classy 4-Y-0 Mach Three/ Lady Of My Life gelding Charlie Machsheen defeating Kotare Roland in a rate of 1-57.8. Taking over shortly after the start from gate four, Charlie Machsheen strode past the polemaker Wilwillwinsum to lead without exhausting any fuel and one at the head of affairs was never going to lose, coasting to the wire 1.2 metres in advance of Kotare Roland (one/one) in a rate of 1-57.8 (last half mile 56.6 - quarter 27.9), with Please Dont Talk a further 21.1 metres away in third place. It was Charlie Machsheen's sixth victory in 25 outings.

Twin wins ■ Up and coming 4-Y-0 Sierra Kosmos/On The Other Hand entire Eurasian Kosmos brought up two wins in succession and three overall when greeting the judge in the November Vicbred Trotters Handicap for T0 & T1 class over 2100 metres at Geelong. Raced and trained by Rockbank's Sam Chirciop, Eurasian Kosmos starting from the 10 metre mark settled at the rear of the field after avoiding several gallopers, with the roughie Ships Spur leading from barrier two. Set alight three wide racing for the bell by Daryl Douglas, Eurasian Kosmos zoomed to the front before hitting the back straight, winning by an untouched 4.3 metres from Regal Equation which faced the breeze and Candy Digger in a rate of 2-07.7.

Top drive ■ ‘Rocket’ Rod Petroff produced the ‘drive of the night’ at Geelong to capture The Keith Selvidge Pace for C4 & C5 class over 2100 metres aboard the Jaime Madruga (Parwan) trained 6-Y-0 D M Dilinger/Beaconsfield Gold gelding Balance Point. Starting from the extreme draw, Balance Point once the speed slackened let rip to lead after a couple of hundred metres and rated a treat, ran out a comfortable winner over Five Oclock Affair (one/two) and Le Rapide in a mile rate of 1-59.2.

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

Driven heard at Ararat

Melbourne

Observer

lenbaker@ bigpond.net.au

with Len Baker

Roughie ■ Tough staying 6-Y-0 Armbro Oliver/Waratah Belle gelding Darcy Tee was strong victor of the Regal Sulkies Pace for C1 class over 2100 metres at Geelong. Trained in Melton by Alison Chisholm and driven by Bob Butt taking a concession, Darcy Tee moved forward three wide from gate four to park outside the pacemaker Mums Little Terror which had crossed the pole marker The Concierge. Given full rein on the home turn, Darcy Tee was too strong at the finish for the roughie Goodtime Paul from mid-field and Cape N Cutter from a mile back in a rate of 2-01.8.

Good run ■ Elmore's Neville Welsh is having a good run of late and added another winner to the tally when 4-Y-0 Yankee Paco/Rainbow Maori gelding Rainbow Jay Jay on his best behaviour blitzed his rivals in the Cobram/ Barooga Apex Club Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2170 metres at Cobram on Monday October 22. Starting outside the front row, Rainbow Jay Jay began safely and was soon in front after crossing Dabbsey, with Welsh applying ‘catch me if you can’ tactics. Holding a handy margin throughout, Rainbow Jay Jay although shortening stride, scored by 7.1 metres from Honk Deville (four back the markers) and Dabbsey in a rate of 2-05.

On platter ■ Lemnos duo Russell and Nathan Jack snared the Hocking Trading Pace for C1 class over 1670 metres at Cobram with 4Y-0 Kiwi bred Western Terror/Ensign's Dream mare Manolo Raine.

■ Seven year old Fully Loaded/Truly Goldie mare Dance With Mia raced by Janine Pitt and mother Margaret Hucker greeted the judge at start number 71 in the Ararat Bakery Pace for C1 class over 2195 metres in a rate of 2-02.7. Trained at Allendale by Basil Dooley, Dance With Mia ($7.80) was driven hard by Nathan Jack from gate three to lead and despite appearing to be a spent force on the home turn, fought back gamely to defy a challenge by Shirley Beach which trailed, with Mosquito Flyer (one/one - three wide home turn) third after looking the winner on straightening when taking a slender lead.

Fought on bravely Pressing forward shortly after the start from gate two, Manolo Raine was handed the lead on a platter by Mark Pitt aboard Cheryl West another former Kiwi making her Australian debut, before leading for the rest of the journey in accounting for Cheryl West along the sprint lane by 1.3 metres, with Endorsement third after racing in the open. The mile rate 1-57.9.

Slogging ■ Kialla's Ray Long combined with Ardmona based Donna Castles taking a concession to land the Cobram Betta Electrical Pace for C1 class over 2170 metres with honest 7-Y-0 Parsons Den/Black Matilda gelding Scotts Den, paying Supertab odds of $28.20. Settling three back in the moving line from gate two on the second row, Scotts Den was eased three wide in the final circuit in an attempt to make ground on the leaders Smart Sista and favourite Bettor Warrior which he did. In a slogging finish, Scotts Den prevailed by 1.3 metres in 1-58.5 over Absolute Dream which flashed home out very wide after being buried four back the markers, with Dillon Daphne (one/ one) running her usual honest race for third.

Easy victor ■ Andy Gath's 4-Y-0 Mach Three/Falcon Black Beauty gelding Mach Beauty was an easy winner of the Sicilians Cafe Pace for C2 & C3 class over 1790 metres at Ararat. A prohibitive $1.30 favourite, Mach Beauty with wife Kate in the sulky led throughout from the pole, accounting for Absolootmagic which trailed from gate two, with Roman Way off a three wide trail from last finishing third. The mile rate 159.9.

■ Great Western trainer/driver Michelle Manning has 7-Y-0 Presidential Ball/Dontsayawordbut gelding Wheatsheaf Avaball going great guns at present, chalking up his 11th victory (3 this season) when successful in the Ararat Tyrepower Pace for C4 to C6 class over 2195 metres at Ararat. Taken off the gate from barrier four, Wheatsheaf Avaball settled three back in the moving line with Hellovaparty (gate five) crossing Ruffiano (gate two), then taking a trail on Astral Flight. Sent forward when the speed slackened, Wheatsheaf Avaball parked momentarily in the open, before sliding clear at the bell and despite being challenged strongly by Gosh Heza Rebel on the final bend, fought on bravely to score by 1.3 metres in two minutes even from Gosh Heza Rebel and Zurbaran (one/one).

Forward in final lap ■ Border hopper Flyin Fox trained and driven by Port MacDonnell's Mick Micallef was strong winner of the Spiller Family Sprint Series Final for C1 class which qualified in the heats held at Ararat on October 14. Spending most of the race mid-field in the moving line from gate two on the second row, Flyin Fox was sent forward three wide in the final lap to lead on the home turn, winning easily by 6.8 metres in 158.3 from Cyclades which trailed the weakening leader Lombo Blu Blood.

Home on winning note ■ Peter Manning went home from Ararat on a winning note when Wind Cries Maori/Millie Whiz 5-Y-0 gelding Heza Maori broke his maiden status at start number four by taking the Noel Higgins Trotters Mobile for T0 & T1 class over 2195 metres. Driven by Daryl Douglas, Heza Maori was given a sweet passage one/one from gate four and when eased three wide on the final bend to join the favourite Wicked Subwoofer in the open and Dee Two Hundred, raced clear in the shadows of the post to defeat Wicked Subwoofer by 3.8 metres, with Dee Two Hundred third. The mile rate 2-05.5.

Majestic finish ■ Seymour trainer John Green made a return to the winners list, when 6-Y-0 Grinfromeartoear/ Glory Lady mare Majestic Smile greeted the judge in the Victoria Hotel Pace for C0 class (mares) over 1670 metres at Cobram on Monday October 22. Driven by Nathan Jack, Majestic Smile from gate two was given an easy time trailing the pacemaker Modern Velocity which flew away from gate five. Easing away from the markers on turning, Majestic Smile finished best to defeat Modern Velocity by 1.3 metres in 1-58.8, with Hangi using inside runs from four and three back the markers for third.

Hard worker rewarded ■ Hard working Whittlesea harness trainer Mark Peace enjoyed a rewarding night at Lord's Raceway Bendigo on Thursday, chalking up a stable double with a pair of ex-New Zealanders - Master Metallica in the Worlds Best Hoof Oil Pace for C2 & C3 class over 2150 metres and Fusion in the Anniversary Cup 3rd November Pace for C0 class over the same journey.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012 - Page 73

Page 74 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012 - Page 75

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

WHAT A WEEK AHEAD!

■ Top New South Wales three year-old, It's A Dundeel, will be sent out a short priced favourite for the Victoria Derby to be run next Saturday. The Sydneysider is certainly the one to beat especially after the Hawkes camp decided not to accept with their top three year-old, All Too Hard. It's understandable as the half-brother to champion Black Caviar, would have had only a week between runs from the Cox Plate. This has left It's A Dundeel around an even money favourite with Betstar. On the second line is the Peter Gelagotis trained youngster, Hvasstan, an impressive winner of the Norma Robinson at Caulfield, is quoted at $8, while runner-up in that event Electric Fusion is at $ 11.00. Electric Fusion is being brought along nicely by leading trainer, Robert Smerdon, and is on the same line of betting with the David Hayes galloper, Honorius. Then out the gate a bit to the Tony Mc Evoy, three year-old Jimando and Subiaso under the care of Robbie Laing. It appears in my opinion that It's A Dundeel has a mortgage on the event, though I would love Hvasstan to win for Peter Gelagotis in memory of his father, Mick, who died recently. Peter was hoping he could hang on to see his colt run in the Derby on the first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The movers in the Victoria Derby market with Betstar are It's A Dundeel in from $ 2.80 to even money, Hvasstan from $13 into $ 8, Electric Fusion in from $17 to $11 The biggest move was for Subiaso; backed in from $101 into $17.

Crown Oaks

■ The Crown Oaks to be run on the Thursday of the Cup Carnival attracted some very smart fillies when first acceptances were taken. Betstar has the An-

Ted Ryan

Observer Racing

Demi, Summer Bliss and Zydeco, who is also bred on staying lines being by Zabeel. Early markets from Betstar include Dear Demi, a little easier when the money came fro Zydeco, Alzora under the care of David Hayes at Euroa, was backed right in from $51 into $ 9. Transonic with John Thompson for Nathan Tinkler was well supported in from $26 into $15. Gondokoro with Pat Carey was backed from $34, now $21. Ireland's Teardrop; who ran a great fourth at Caulfield, has been sensationally backed in from $151 into only $ 26\. She is in the strong camp of Anthony Cummings.

● Solemn Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

Great day at Geelong ■ The Geelong Racing Club were very happy with the number of racegoers who attended their Cup meeting last week with more than16,000 in attendance. The Club's Chief Executive, Paul Carroll, said the crowd was well behaved and everyone had a good time. I hosted the Dayana Marquee and it was one of my best days, tipping eight of the nine winners in my three selections. Although the Centrebet Geelong Cup was down in numbers, seven in all, it provided an exciting

■ From Page 63

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thony Freedman prepared filly, Zydeco, as favourite after her fast finishing third behind Commanding Jewel in the One Thousand Guineas. She is being quoted in early markets as $4 favourite just in front of the Sydney filly, Dear Demi, second to Commanding Jewel at Caulfield. Dear Demi's run was terrific after drawing out in the car park in barrier 17, with Jim Cassidy aboard. Somehow he got her across to the rails at the 200 metre mark and she flew home, but couldn't have beaten the winner. Dear Demi is being quoted at $5 and she is the one I like; who will get the trip of 2500 metres come Thursday. You have got to remember these fillies, or most of them are stepping up from the 1600 metres of the One Thousand Guineas and the Edward Manifold of 100 and 1610 metres. It is a hell of a jump, especially up the long straight on the spacious track at Flemington. Another with a top chance is Summer Bliss, under the acre of Mick Kent was an impressive winner at Ballarat, and then came out and finished at a hundred miles an hour at Caulfield to run a great second. She certainly impresses as the one that will stay the trip of 2500 metres. For my mine Dear

Showbiz Extra

finish, but a couple of the fancies failed to flatter after the slow pace over the 2400 metre trip. Of these Gatewood just outstayed them, while Brigantin, backed for a fortune could have been a little bit unlucky copping a fair bit of interference. His rider protested unsuccessfully, but

● Gatewood Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 was not at all happy. Exceptionally, with Malucky Day, who Terry O'Sullivan I thought could win, down at Stawell, missed the kick wouldn't settle, and slightly, but wouldn't was beaten a long way settle down and with out. the slow pace was She is now in dannever a chance. ger of missing a run in He will be a differ- the big one come the ent horse come Mel- first Tuesday in Nobourne Cup time. vember. Plus she Cast your mind badly needs a wet back to 2010, when an track. unlucky second to On-course tote figAmericain in the ures at the Geelong Melbourne Cup. Cup were nearly one The smart mare million dollars.

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● Nancy Wake starring Noni Hazlehurst and John Waters.

Page 76 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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Real Estate News

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Real Estate News

Page 78 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

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Victorian Sport

TREAD CAREFULLY ON ‘RESTRAINT’

■ The dominant story has been and remains the Tippett saga. My comment to AFL bosses Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and CEO Andrew Demetriou is to tread carefully on legal threats on ‘Restraint of Trade’ by players or their Association. My memory recalls 1983 when player Silvio Foschini took the VFL to court on his ‘restraint of trade’ case and won. This ruling is still a veiled threat but has not been challenged at AFL level since, although it is at times vaguely threatened. AFL Media department articles have quoted legal advice/opinions on the Tippett case. The player’s lawyer is the highly respected David Galbally well known in football and QC Paul Ehrlich who has appeared at the Tribunal for high profile players. We should work this through domestically – stay away from the courts. I am thrilled ‘Dynamo Dave’ Matthews has agreed to continue as CEO at GWS Giants for three years. He is a goer! I hope he takes on board what NSW Cricket Board Chairman, Dr Harry Harinath is doing with India IPL and China’s developing interest in the 20/ 20 games in Western Sydney with these country migrants. And the recent boost to Soccer with the Western Wanderers and other ‘boutique import players’ with local crowd attendances.

AFL 2013

■ Victoria will host the first competitive AFL football to be played for the 2013 year when the NAB Cup begins with a triple-header match up involving Collingwood, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Friday February 15 next year. AFL General Manager Broadcasting, Scheduling and Legal Affairs Simon Lethlean has announced the fixture for the opening three rounds of the 2013 competition, including the six divisions of three teams apiece for round one, that was introduced in 2011. Round One has been split across two weekends, Mr Lethlean said, to ensure that all six match-ups of three teams apiece were played in twilight / night conditions in the late summer period, for the opening shortened games. All clubs then play two full-scale matches across the weekends of March 1-3 and March 8-9, with the leading two teams to contest the final on either March 15 or March 16. All Round One match-ups will be broadcast on Fox Footy and, following the opening night at Etihad Stadium, the Geelong Cats will travel to WA to join West Coast and Fremantle at Patersons Stadium on Saturday February 16 while St Kilda will travel to SA to join Port Adelaide and defending champions the Adelaide Crows at AAMI Stadium on Sunday February 17. In the second week, teams will be grouped at Etihad Stadium on Friday February 22 (Richmond, Melbourne and North Melbourne), Metricon Stadium on Saturday February 23 (Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn) and Blacktown International Sports Park on Sunday February 24 (Sydney Swans, GWS Giants and Carlton). "The shortened format enables clubs to use their senior players as they see fit for the opening to the season, as well as offering the flexibility to provide opportunities for new players and rookies that is such a key fea-

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel ture of the NAB Cup,” Mr Lethlean said. "As we introduced for the 2012 competition, we have now fixtured each club's matches for both rounds two and three of the NAB Cup, so clubs are aware of their travel schedule and can fully plan their preparation and training workload as they build up to the start of the premiership season. “In rounds two and three, we will mix matches across both regional venues and our major AFL venues, so that we continue to promote our game into areas that don't normally host AFL football,” he said. NAB Cup matches will be taken to Townsville (Qld), Wagga (NSW), Wangaratta (Victoria) and Renmark (SA) across the weekend of March 13 with matches to be played at Manuka Oval (ACT), Casey Fields (Victoria), Aurora Stadium (Tas), Alice Springs (NT) and Northam (WA) on March 8-9. National Australia Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kevin Ramsdale, said NAB was pleased the NAB Cup would again extend to reach many Australian communities. “The great thing about the NAB Cup is that it allows us to take the AFL to thousands of people around the country who don’t often get a chance to experience footy at this level. I know our employees and customers in regional towns such as Wangaratta, Townsville and Wagga will be pleased to see the game heading their way," Mr Ramsdale said. "The NAB Cup also provides an opportunity to sample what is ahead for the premiership season: coaches such as Mick Malthouse and Ken Hinkley taking the reins at new clubs, recent NAB AFL Draftees such as Joe Daniher and Jack Viney debuting on the big stage and established players, such as Brendon Goddard taking the field for a new club. It really is an exciting time of year," he continued. The shortened matches in round one will again comprise two 20minute halves (approximately) across a three-hour window for the three matches. Clubs will then play full-scale matches in weeks two and three of the NAB Cup. All matches across the three rounds (two shortened games and two full games) will count equally for four points and percentage, with the two best-performed teams over the opening three rounds to compete in the NAB Cup Grand Final. Mr Lethlean said Fox Footy would

exclusively cover all of the matches in round 1 of the NAB Cup live, six matches live in round two and five matches live in round three, while the NAB Cup Grand Final would be broadcast live by both Fox Footy and the Seven Network. Melbourne

Observer

● Brian Hickey interviewed Mick Malthouse and Christi Malthouse at Werribee Plaza this week for the launch of Christi’s book about her father. Christi told of being raised in Perth, and said bthat eing a young Malthouse at school in Perth was tough after a loss. Her brothers scored even more bullying. She said that on the plus side they had many uncles and still have many great friends in Perth. Christi said the book took just on two years toresearch. She has two young children under 3. She said nothing was off limits with her Dad. Brian Hickey has been in show business for more than 40 years. He has conducted interviews from Graham Kennedy to Michael Parkinson, and worked with Don Lane and Bert Newton. He says that after hosting four signings with Mick Malthouse, hBrian has concluded that Mick is one of the nicest people he has ever met.

Harness Racing Extra

By Len Baker

WRITING ON THE WALL

■ Huntly based trainer Dennis MacDonald was successful with 5Y-0 Earl/Millburn Segil gelding Amos in the Worlds Best Hoof Oil Trotters Handicap for T0 class over 2150 metres. Driven by Anthony Crossland, Amos who put the writing on the wall with a handy second to Maoris Pocket at Charlton in record time on October 15, led throughout from barrier six, accounting for Golden Photo which trailed and Maori Cloud who followed the pair in a rate of 2-07.5.

Kept on giving ■ Junortoun based partners Scott Dyer (trainer) and Ellen Tormey (driver) scored a surprise victory with 6-Y-0 Grinfromeartoear/Rock Me gelding Grinnersawinner in the Yorkshire Park Pace for C4 & C5 class over 2150 metres in a rate of two minutes even. Starting from inside the second row, Ellen was able to extricate Grinnersawinner away from the markers within a lap and possie three back in the moving line. Moving three wide solo in the final circuit, Grinnersawinner kept on giving and giving on straightening to record a strong victory over Shandon Village out very wide off a three wide double trail last lap, with Peaces Of You using the sprint lane after trailing the weakening leader Its Dutch Courage to finish third.

Out of the water ■ Dunnstown (Ballarat) trainer/ driver David Murphy blew most punters ‘out of the water’, when 5-Y-0 Village Jasper/Medarlinone mare One Track Mind scored in the 3rd November Pace for C0 class over 1650 metres at Supertab odds of $38.80, recording her first victory in 38 outings. Beginning brilliantly from gate four, One Track Mind had little difficulty in leading and after an easy time at the head of affairs, defied all challengers to gain the day in advance of Shakas Magic along the sprint lane from three back the markers, with Art Wizard a tough third after racing three wide uncovered for the entire journey. The mile rate 2-00.3.

Two from two ■ At Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday, Doreen's Craig Turnbull combined with Chris Alford to land the Kilmore Cup Sunday Pace for C1 class (mares) over 2240 metres with Charlotte Two, a daughter of Live Or Die and Polly's Atom, making it two from two this time in. Taken off the gate from barrier five, Charlotte Two possied five back in the moving line, with rank outsider Matilastar leading from the pole. Easing three wide at the bell, Char-

lotte Two proved too strong at the finish for a game Zoomba which faced the breeze for the last half of the journey, with Find Time To Cruise third after following the winner home. The mile rate 2-00.8..

Started outside ■ Mernda trainer/driver Ian Dornauf's quality 5-Y-0 Dawn Ofa New Day/Sister Dancer entire Royal Verdict chalked up his 14th victory at start number 30 in taking out the Goodform Pace for C3 & C4 class over 2240 metres at Melton. Starting outside the front line, Royal Verdict was restrained to the rear as the sensationally supported pole marker Artoc retained the lead with Gavin Lang aboard. Enjoying a sweet ride home on the back of Did It Alone in the last lap, Royal Verdict produced his renowned sprint out wide on straightening to score by a head only over Did It Alone in a rate of 2-00.7, with Bob Dilinger third after following the pair from last.

Bendigo big time ■ Team Douglas enjoyed a profitable night at Bendigo, with Johnny Tee (Falcon Seelster/Don't Tempt Me) taking the Bertocchi Smallgoods Pace for C1 class over 1650 metres and On The Lure (The Big Dog/Tight's Sight) the Eaglehawk Bakery Pacers Handicap for C1 or better class over 2150 metres, both driven by Daryl.

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Page 80 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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