'When Hedy Met George'... my new play for SOOT Productions

Christine Davey, artistic director of SOOT (Skin of Our Teeth Productions) has invited me to come on board again with the company for a production to be staged in August.At last I get to pursue my Hedy Lamarr project that has been on my 'to do' list for few years.  I'm so enjoying researching and getting stuck into the writing of 

When Hedy Met George: The Beautiful Nerd and the Gland Music Man.

It's mostly set in the early 1940s. Glamorous Hollywood screen legend, Hedy Lamarr, is considered the most beautiful girl in the world. Composer George Antheil calls himself the Bad Boy of Music. Together these amateur inventors develop a jam-proof radio guidance system for torpedoes. Their incredible invention is used today for our mobile phones, wifi and most military communications.  'When Hedy Met George' tells the story of this surprising collaboration. More details soon!

The Hope Song.... more news

On Sunday night APA (Anglesea Performing Arts) was presented with the inaugural Geelong Theatre Ensemble Award 2018 for their recent October season of The Hope Song. I am delighted that I was at the ceremony and invited to join this wonderful team for their photos. It is great to see them all recognised for their beautiful work. 

Front l to r: (Director) Iris Walshe-Howling, Lina Libroaperto, Stacey Carmichael, (director) Janine McKenzie. Back l to r:  me, Libby Stapleton, (musician/singer) Tim Hulsman, Philip Besancon, Stuart Errey, Nikki Watson, (absent) Simon Finch.

Congratulations APA.... 'The Hope Song' in Geelong

 Anglesea Performing Arts ensemble went to Geelong Courthouse Theatre for their third season of my play  'The Hope Song' in October, and  again impressed new audiences. 

Musician Tim Hulsman added his soulful, exhilarating voice and slide guitar to the show and gave it another new dynamic. 

Sincere thanks to Jacqui Pierce and Deb Haygarth from Women With Disabilities Victoria - Barwon Hub - for partnering with APA for this memorable season. It was great to have Jack Heath CEO SANE Australia at opening night with his continued support.

The wonderful APA team: 

L-R: Philip Besancon, Janine McKenzie, Nikki Watson, Lina Libroaperto, Iris Walshe-Howling, Stacey Carmichael, Libby Stapleton, Simon Finch, Stewart Errey, Tim Hulsman.

Director Iris Walshe Howling, Jacqui Pierce and Janet

 Actor Nikki Watson, Jack Heath CEO SANE Australia and  Iris Walshe Howling

Three great reviews: 

https://freelocalnews.com.au/bellarinetimes/news/hope-song-hard-to-forget/   (Bellarine Times, Gail Chrisfield)

https://entertainmentgeelong.com/reviews-2018    (Colin Mockett)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/geelongtheatrepeople/permalink/2654457724579997/   (Ellie Gardner-Leigh)

The Hope Song.... coming to Geelong in October

Anglesea Performing Arts  (APA) ensemble is bringing their beautiful production of The Hope Song to Geelong's lovely Courthouse Theatre in October for three shows during Mental Health Week.

This time their production is in partnership with Women With Disabilities Victoria (WWD) Barwon Hub and supported by genU, SANE Australia and Bellarine Community Health.  For more  information and tickets:
https://www.courthouse.org.au/ticket/thehopesong

Co directors Janine McKenzie and Iris Walshe-Howling accepting their Best Director Award for the APA production of The Hope Song at the  2017 Geelong Entertainment Theatre Awards.

The Hope Song: script now published!

I'm so pleased to announce that the script of The Hope Song has been published by Australian Plays. 

It is available online. You can read an extract or purchase the script at https://australianplays.org/script/ASC-1902

Cover photo by Rebecca Hosking

Under The Influence of Words #4

Please pop this date in your diary - 22 July. It will be a great afternoon again for writers, readers and listeners at the Aireys Inlet Pub.

 I'm so looking forward to hosting it for the fourth year as part of the Love Winter in Aireys Festival. We'll enjoy meeting our special guest writer Enza Gandolfo who will talk to us about her brand new novel 'The Bridge'. FREE EVENT Sponsored by Surf Coast Arts.

APA's The Hope Song: FULL HOUSES at La Mama Courthouse

What a blast! Take a bow Anglesea Performing Arts (APA). The La Mama Courthouse season in February 2018 sold out in advance of opening night.

The audiences appreciated the show as much as Surfcoast audiences did in October. 

For this special season, SANE Australia partnered with APA.
Music performed by Kieran Tobin., a wonderful singer and musician.

Jack Heath, CEO SANE Australia, with actor Libby Stapleton