Why are lawyers so pompous and easy to make fun of? Sydney solicitor and comedic playwright Tony Laumberg offers another hilarious poke at the legal profession when the BONDI THEATRE COMPANY presents MY FAIR LAWYER at the Bondi Pavilion, from Saturday June 20. Is that a legal suit approaching???
“Legal laughs without precedent… will tickle the most earnest funny bone” – The Brag
Following the critical and popular success of Laumberg’s Bondi Legal in 2019, the BTC is back with his seventh play – an even more cutting satire featuring a pompous lawyer, his smart but inebriated wife, his illegitimate daughter… and a wacky Indian shrink!
Henry and Margaret Crowley have endured a childless marriage in peaceful uber-white St Ives for over 25 years. Henry, an outspoken lawyer, is too busy leading his prominent Sydney law firm worry about romance. Hence Margaret turning to a stiff drink or two…
But when Cheryl, a young law graduate from Cessnock, arrives on their doorstep – claiming to be Henry’s illegitimate daughter and wanting a job at this law firm – their quiet conservative lives go into a tailspin. To make matters worse, Henry and Margaret are secretly seeing the same psychiatrist, noted Indian shrink, Rahmish J Punjab. And to say his methods are unusual would be an understatement!
Starring Martin Portus as Henry, Deirdre Campbell as Margaret, Jade Michailidis as Cheryl and Gantanter Singh Gill as Dr Punjab. Directed by Richard Cotter, produced by David Spicer.
Laumberg says he loves torturing his popular, returning character Henry Crowley. “His trials and tribulations are comedy gold! Plus, I want to explore the humour arising from the clash of ‘old-time Australian values’ and the modern-day ambition of entrepreneurial immigrants.”
With set design by Tom Tafy and lighting design by Cian Byrne – the season includes two great Q+A sessions: one featuring the cast, the other with the playwright (with a foot in both camps) on what it is about lawyers that inspires so much laughter! Staged in repertory with Uked! The Play-Along Ukulele musical.
My Fair Lawyer, by Tony Laumberg: Bondi Pavilion Theatre – Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach 20-28 June SAT June 20th 5pm | SUN June 21st 6pm TUE June 23rd 7:30pm plus Playwright Q+A: “Making Fun of Lawyers!” WED June 24th 7:30pm plus Cast Q+A | SAT June 27th 4:30pm | SUN June 28th 6:30pm Bookings: www.bonditheatrecompany.com.au Playing time 75 mins (no interval)
Tickets are on sale now as Mount Eliza’s beloved community pantomime returns for a spectacular new production across the weekend of 5 – 7 June
South East Melbourne audiences are in for a June long weekend of hilarity, fairytale characters, and plenty of joy, when the much-loved Mount Eliza community pantomime presents its latest production of “Alice in Wonderland.” As a cast and crew of more than 30 locals head into final rehearsals, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the group’s most entertaining shows yet. Now a firm annual tradition in its 6th year, the Mount Eliza pantomime regularly sells out, drawing audiences of all ages to its signature mix of comedy, music and interactive fun.
For those new to the tradition, pantomime is a playful style of originally British theatre filled with humour, familiar songs and plenty of audience participation – expect cheers, boos and “look behind you!” moments along the way.
This year’s production puts a fresh twist on the classic tale. While audiences might think they know Alice’s adventures in Wonderland, this version is anything but ordinary…
When Alice (Colette Cordes) follows a thieving White Rabbit (Paris Biggs) and Gardener Jack (Max Stockton) into a topsy-turvy Wonderland, she quickly discovers things aren’t quite as whimsical as they seem. With a fiery Queen of Hearts (Mandy Mannion) barking “Off with their heads!” and a world where nonsense rules, Alice must rely on her wits to retrieve her stolen belongings. Along the way, she meets the mischievous Cheshire Cat (Gemma Vowles), the unpredictable Mad Hatter (Archie Vaughn) and a host of delightfully peculiar personalities.
With her loyal friends not far behind, whether they help or hinder is another matter, Alice’s journey becomes a whirlwind of chaos, comedy and surprises. Will she escape Wonderland in one piece, or will everything descend into complete and utter madness?
Director Robyn Walker said the production is a true celebration of community spirit both on and off the stage:
“This show is all about bringing people together for the love of theatre. Our cast includes performers of all ages and experience levels, from first-timers to seasoned performers, and that mix creates such a special energy.”
“Everything you see on stage has been created by our local community, from the props and set design to the costumes and live music performed by a full local band. It’s a real team effort, and that sense of camaraderie shines through in every moment.”
“We can’t wait to share the show with audiences and hope they have as much fun watching it as we’ve had creating it.”
Perfect for the whole family, this is one very important date you won’t want to be late for.
Tickets are on sale now HERE or find out more at the Mt Eliza Community Pantomime Facebook page HERE.
Monkey Baa’s hit stage adaptation of the much-loved book comes to Western Sydney and the spectacular Coliseum in Rooty Hill in the July school holidays.
Monkey Baa Theatre Company has toured the show all over Australia with sell out performances wherever it has gone. Now they are bringing Where is the Green Sheep? to families in Sydney’s West on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July.
Where is the Green Sheep? is an immersive visual theatre experience based on the beloved book by Mem Fox & Judy Horacek, adapted for the stage and directed by Eva Di Cesare.
Audiences meet Blue Sheep who loves blue flowers and Red Sheep who cartwheels in the fields, Bath Sheep who loves bubbles and Bed Sheep who loves to bounce.
But where is that Green Sheep???
Directed and adapted by Monkey Baa’s Artistic Director Eva Di Cesare, and blending puppetry and animation, the production invites young audiences to join three farmers on a playful and surprising quest to find the elusive green sheep.
Co-created with students from Bankstown West Public School, the show integrates their voices as narrators so the world they know is reflected on stage. As families think more about time online, many parents are seeking real-life moments that help young people feel present and connected. This production creates that space. Young people sit with their families, watch characters appear in front of them, listen to real voices and respond in the moment. It offers an experience that cannot be replicated on a screen and creates shared memories that last.
And it’s coming to the West!
Judy Horacek, co-creator of the original book and member of the creative team, says: “From the first tiny green sheep I drew years ago, to making the book with Mem with its beloved flock of quirky sheep, to me being part of the team bringing the book to the stage, has been an incredible experience. We’ve created a play that is very true to the book, but at the same time full of wonderful new surprises – it’s impossible not to adore it!”
Mem Fox, co-creator of the original book, says: “Where is the Green Sheep? It’s travelling around Australia! This play is the crowning glory of its long and glorious career. It’s been loved by millions of children for over twenty years, but now I love it even more!”
Eva Di Cesare, writer, director and Artistic Director of Monkey Baa, says: “So many young people know this book by heart. Seeing it come alive on stage lets families share a special moment together. It’s playful, full of big feelings and discovery – in the spirit of the original story.”
Richard Errington, CEO, West HQ, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Where is the Green Sheep? to the Coliseum Theatre in partnership with Monkey Baa. This much-loved Australian story is a wonderful experience for young audiences and families in Western Sydney and we’re proud to present it on our stage.”
Where is the Green Sheep? Friday 17 July at 10am and 12.30pm | Saturday 18 July at 11am Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill Bookings and info: www.monkeybaa.com.au/shows/where-is-the-green-sheep
Joshua Robson Productions and their team behind the sell-out success of The Producers returns to conjure up another deliciously dark delight, bringing the Tony Award®-nominated global smash The Addams Family to Hayes Theatre Co from 11 July. Tickets are on sale now via www.hayestheatre.com.au.
At the heart of this gloriously gothic household stands Morticia Addams, embodied by double Helpmann Award–nominated triple threat Erika Heynatz (Legally Blonde, Menopause the Musical), whose elegance is as sharp as her wit. Opposite her, the ardently devoted Gomez Addams finds his match in acclaimed Filipino-Australian performer Marcus Rivera (Miss Saigon, City of Angels), promising a romance that burns as brightly as it does bizarrely. Emerging from the shadows, Wednesday Addams—the ultimate princess of darkness—will be brought chillingly to life by recent NIDA graduate Jenny Guigayoma (Nine, Peter Pan). Meanwhile, her delightfully devious younger brother Pugsley takes mischievous form in Georgia Oom (Werkaholics, Footloose), whose penchant for chaos keeps the household on edge. Hovering somewhere between the strange and the sublime, Uncle Fester will be ignited by the electrifying Evan Lever (The Normal Heart, Muriel’s Wedding), guiding the story with peculiar charm. Adding fuel to the family fire, Deborah Galanos (The Boomkak Panto, Stop Girl) unleashes her comic prowess as the unapologetically anarchic Grandmama. Towering—both in stature and presence—Elliot Aitken makes his professional debut as the ever-loyal, ever-lurking Lurch.
In a delicious twist of fate, Teagan Wouters (Bonnie & Clyde, The Wedding Singer), who originated the role of Wednesday in the original Australian production, returns to the Addams universe as Alice Beineke—a woman on the brink of polite society collapse. Her tightly wound husband Mal Beineke will be played by Rory O’Keeffe (HMS Pinafore, Playing Beatie Bow), while their seemingly “normal” son Lucas—harbouring a secret of his own—comes to life through First Nations performer Alexander Tye (Once on This Island, Footloose The Musical). Completing this cryptic clan are the Addams ancestors, rising from beyond in the forms of Mae Li Cowell, Nathan Fernandez, Jayden Prelc and Paloma Renouf, with Kayla Ingle-Olson and Joey Phyland lurking in the wings as swings.
When Wednesday Addams, the ultimate gothic outsider, falls for a perfectly “normal” boy, everything the Addams family holds dear is turned upside down. As the two families meet for one fateful evening, secrets are revealed, boundaries are tested, and chaos is delightfully unleashed. With an extraordinary original score and a story to die for, The Addams Family promises a wickedly entertaining night for audiences of all persuasions.
Directed by Julia Robertson (The Producers, Metropolis), with musical supervision by Zara Stanton (Dear Evan Hansen, In The Heights) and choreography by Shannon Burns (Gutenberg! The Musical, The Producers), this bold new production will push boundaries and breathe new (after)life into a beloved classic.
Director Julia Robertson said “Our version of The Addams Family will dive headfirst into why these characters have captivated us for decades, celebrating their boundless passion for life (and death), their wildly creative and expressive ways of communicating, and their fearless embrace of all things unique and darkly fascinating. We’re allowing the subconscious to take centre stage as emotion overrides logic and the ordinary transforms into something poetic, playful, and deeply human. The Addams don’t just live outside societal norms, they inhabit a reality entirely of their own making, shaped by ritual, instinct, and imagination. Inspired by the original artist, Charles Addams himself, our production will lean into striking composition; stylised, surprising, yet unmistakably Addams!”
“I am so excited to unveil this extraordinary cast; an honest, dark, deliciously funny, and fiercely talented ensemble of storytellers ready to revel in the weird and wonderful world of The Addams Family. Each performer brings a thrilling breadth of experience and a bold individuality to these iconic roles, infusing them with fresh energy, unexpected nuance, and their own wickedly delightful flair. Audiences are in for something truly special!”
The unsettlingly enchanting musical comedy from Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, writers of the multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, will haunt you in the most delightfully spooky way.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY Producer Joshua Robson Productions (JRP) Director Julia Robertson Music Supervisor Zara Stanton Choreographer Shannon Burns Music Director Alexander Gaal Assistant Director/Choreographer Grace Stamnas Production Designer Dann Barber Associate Production Designer Meg Anderson Lighting Designer Jasmine Rizk Sound Designer Chaii Ki Chapman
SEASON DETAILS Venue: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point Season: 11 July – 9 August Times: Tues 6.30pm, Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm & Sunday 1pm Price: Preview tickets from $85, In season prices Adult $95, Concession $89, Groups/Previews from $85 Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au | (02) 8065 7337
BIOGRAPHIES Erika Heynatz (she/her) – Morticia Addams Marcus Rivera (he/him) – Gomez Addams Jenny Guigayoma (she/her) – Wednesday Addams Georgia Oom (she/her) – Pugsley Addams Evan Lever (he/him) – Uncle Fester Deb Galanos (she/her) – Grandmama Elliot Aitken (he/him) – Lurch/Ancestor Alexander Tye (he/him) – Lucas Beineke Teagan Wouters (she/her) – Alice Beineke Rory O’Keeffe (he/him) – Mal Beineke
