1 minute read
Black comedy coming
By Yvonne Gardiner
TWEED THEATRE Company has chosen a comedy written by Brisbane-based Len Randall for its current season.
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The world premiere of Armed and Dangerous runs from Friday, June 23, to Sunday, July 9.
Director and foundation president Coral Kelly says the black comedy, essentially a “whodunit”, will be performed by 10 talented actors.
“When Ray Crandell is chief steward on board a pleasure ship, he masterminds a robbery and retains most of the proceeds to share at a later
“After his companions escape ashore, he betrays their whereabouts to the police.
“He then marries Hazel, one of the passengers he met on board ship, and becomes the manager of her father’s motel at Surfers Paradise.”
One of the robbers, Walker, escapes the police net and comes looking for revenge.
“Marriage holds no bars for ladies’ man Ray and his love affairs, so when he is murdered, Detective Sergeant Hope has a lot of avenues to investigate,” Ms Kelly said.
“Playwright Len Randall’s contribution to Australian live theatre is as important as it is sincere and theatrically effective.”
Mr Randall was born and raised on a dairy farm in Lawnton, Queensland.
He retired from Australia Post after 36 years as postman and overseer.
In November 1999, Tweed Theatre Company’s first production, The Promotion, was written by Mr Randall and directed by Ms Kelly.
Fifteen of Mr Randall’s 50 plays have been premiered and performed by TTC since then, including Walk This Way, and The Certainty.
“We found him 24 years ago and he writes lovely Australian family comedies,” Ms Kelly said.
“This is the first murder-mystery of his we’ve done. It’s still light and fun.
“Len’s 96 years old now. He calls Tweed Theatre Company his greatest fans.”
Armed and Dangerous will be performed at Tweed Heads Civic and Cultural Centre auditorium, cnr Wharf and Brett streets, on Fridays at 7.30pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. Please visit www.tweedtheatre.com.au for details and bookings, or buy tickets at the door.
Tickets at $20 for adults and $18 each for a table of six are also available from the Murwillumbah Information Centre or call 1800 674 414.
Cabaret seating will be in place, with BYO drinks and snacks.
