MOSMAN PARK SPRING FESTIVAL October 2009

5th - 11th OCTOBER 2009

A fantastic community event for all ages!

2009 events included:

ALICE - Total Theatre Family Theatre Production

GAMES OF THE WORLD - Interactive exhibition with free daily activities

CHILDREN'S ARTWORK DISPLAY - by local Primary Schools

YOUTH WORKSHOPS (Capoeira and Swing Dance)

FAMILY FILM MATINEE (E.T.)

SENIORS TEA DANCE (for aged care homes)

COMMUNITY CONCERT - a concert for the community, by the community

YOUTH OPEN MIC NIGHT - presented by the local youth commitee

FAMILY FAIR DAY - a super fun family day not to be missed!

CAMELOT STOMP SWING DANCE - festival finale, back by popular demand!

BIG THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE WITH SPRING FESTIVAL 2009

'CARRY ON ALADDIN!' NOV/DEC 2008

Directed by Annie Stainer

A Supper-Club Pantomime celebrating Australian Vaudeville

With special guest performer George Shevtsov and Total Theatre graduates Ruth Battle, Rebecca Jones and Mira Schaal.

Celebrating the glory days of the 1940’s wartime concert parties, a group of feisty girls from the Australian Land-Army decide to put on their own Christmas pantomime with hilarious results.

Come and follow Aladdin as he sets out on his fabulous adventures through the exotic cities of China and the desert lands of Arabia. Here are all the old-time favourites: Widow Twankee, The Wicked Wizard, Wishee and Washee, Prince Pekoe, Princess Sushi and of course that incorrigible rascal, the Genie of the Lamp. But how can Aladdin outwit the wicked sorcerer, and dare to live his incredible dream? If you want to find out, come and join us on a fantastic journey into a world of magic and enchantment, with singing, dancing, tumbling flying, juggling and lots of laughter.

BIG THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE WITH SPRING FESTIVAL 2007

MOSMAN PARK SPRING FESTIVAL October 2008

Celebrating childhood both past and present.

"Oh we do love to be, between the river and the sea!"

Events included:

Toy and Doll Exhibition

Teddy Bears Picnic with Mother Goose and friends (in their yellow submarine)

Toy-Making Workshops

Circus Skills Workshops with Suitcase Circus

Mary Poppins Film Night

Community Concert (with performers aged 9yrs to 87yrs)

The Magic Toy Shop - Children's Theatre Show

Family Fair Day

Family Bush Dance

BIG THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE WITH SPRING FESTIVAL 2007

THE HOUSE OF FORGOTTEN DOLLS July 2008

Mid-year showcase (first year students) with guest appearances by graduates

Directed by Annie Stainer

Welcome one and all to the enchanting Museum of Toys.

Come and be delighted by the amazing mechanical dolls and their marching band.

But what lies behind that closed door - beyond the key hole?

That's the room of forgotten dolls. Nobody wants them. Torn, broken and lonely.

But when night falls, something magical happens in that room. Shhhhh...

NOAH'S LUCK A street show for the Fremantle Street Arts Festival (March 2008)

Directed by Annie Stainer

Noah's Arc has landed in Fremantle! How lucky is that!

And just wait until you see the boat - it's incredible! Did you ever wonder how all those scurrying, gnawing, bellowing, leaping, galloping creatures plus an assortment of sons and wives were able to fit into one small boat? Well you're about to find out!

Don't miss the hilarious adventures of Noah and his madcap family as they set foot on terra firma and attempt to come to grips with our crazy world.

It's one thing getting everyone onto the boat, but how do you get them all off again?

Proud Sponsors: Town of Mosman Park, Mosman Park Arts Foundation, Metropolis Fremantle and Alf Barbagallo Marine.

CINDERELLA A Supper-club Pantomime Nov/Dec 2007

Directed by Annie Stainer

From its earliest recorded version in China (850AD), the story of ‘Cinderella’ has travelled throughout Germany, France and the British Isles, as well as turning up in an opera by Rossini, a classic animation by Walt Disney, and various Hollywood feature films such as ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘Ever After’. The first pantomime version of ‘Cinderella’ was performed in 1820 at Covent Garden, complete with its own harlequinade. Since that time it has continued to thrill’ audiences at Christmas time all over the world.

Everyone knows the story of Cinderella; how she was mistreated by her step mother, and the ugly sisters because she was so clever and beautiful and was forced to work in the kitchen, and of how she wanted so much to go to the ball and… Ah! But you know this rags to riches, happy ever after story already. What you may not realise is that the Prince was not everything he was cracked up to be. No Prince could be that perfect, not in the real world anyway. And did you know that Cinderella’s godmother, although she was a real fairy, and a really marvellous godmother, was really bad at magic.

So how, might you ask, did she manage to get to the ball and meet her Price Charming?

A fantastic journey into a world of magic and enchantment, with singing, dancing, tumbling, flying, juggling and a lot of laughter. They’re all here, all your favourites; the beautiful Cinderella, the ugly sisters, that ghastly step-mother, the lovable fairy-godmother, Dandini, Buttons, that unrelenting clock, a rodent or two and even a talking cat!

Proud Sponsors: Mosman Video, Mosman Park Arts Foundation and Metropolis Fremantle.

MOSMAN PARK SPRING FESTIVAL October 2007

Celebrating the lives and times of Mosman Park (1940's style!)

"Oh we do love to be, between the river and the sea!"

Community Workshops in: Singing, Circus Skills, Ballroom Dancing, Swing Dancing, Tai Chi, Hula-Hoop Making, Flower Arranging, Feldenkrais & Relaxation...

GUIDED TOURS OF MEMORIAL HALL (1940's style)

Step back into the 1940s and join our home-guard girls & boys on a tour of Memorial Hall (1 hour).
View the exhibition, play some old-fashioned games, be thoroughly entertained, find out what it was like to live in Mosman Park in the 1940s, then join us for a cup of tea at the Camelot Café.
Tues 9th - Sun 14th October
11am and 2pm daily (Thurs 11am only & no tours on Saturday)
Gold coin donation, Meet in the front foyer of Memorial Hall 5min prior to beginning of tour.

PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION

Presented by MosArts (Mosman Park Arts Foundation) A unique collection of Mosman Park photographs, articles and objects from the 1940s, along with live sound recordings of stories & memories from people who lived through that time. Open Tues 9th- Sun 14th October, 10am - 4pm daily, Camelot Reception Room, Free entry

SENIORS TEA DANCEENIORS TEA DANCE

With a good old-fashioned sing-along, entertainment from Total Theatre performers, a live pianist and a lovely afternoon tea. A special event for seniors. Contact us for more details

"CARRY ON MR. CRAB!"

Total Theatre Childrens' Show
Circus tricks, singing, acrobatics, dancing and the story of a zany family of crabs trying to save their little circus from the villainous clutches of the infamous Mr Cray.
Don't miss this exciting show for the whole family.
Tues 9th - Fri 12th, 4pm / Sat 13th, 7pm
Camelot Indoor Theatre. (1hr 15min) Bookings: 9385 4211. Limited seating.
$15 adults $10 children or Family Pass $40 (2 x adults and 2 x children)

CLASSIC FILM NIGHT

Join us on a trip down memory lane and enjoy a good old-fashioned night out at the Camelot Indoor Cinema, with exciting footage of early life in Mosman Park, and some great classic silent films with live piano accompaniment.
Wed 10th October, 7pm, Camelot Indoor Theatre. Gold coin donation.

COMMUNITY CONCERT

Come and see the hidden talents of people in your community! Including singing, dancing, skits, tricks, circus and more, performed by people of all ages! A concert for the community, by the community.
Fri 12th October, 7pm - 9pm Camelot Indoor Theatre. Gold coin donation. Camelot Bar will be open.

FAMILY FAIR DAY

This is a day not to be missed! A wonderful day for the whole family with all the fun of the fair including: Old-fashioned games, stalls, raffles, the Claremont Concert Band, pony rides, kids fancy dress competition, egg and spoon races, and more!
Sat 13th October, 12noon - 4pm
Camelot Picture Gardens. Free entry.
Don't forget to dress up for the childrens' fancy dress competition and why not come back after tea to see "Carry On Mr. Crab!" at 7pm.

CAMELOT GALA BALL

A wonderful festival finale and your last chance to dress up! Come dressed in your 1940's style clothes as we dance the evening away with the 'Swing Shift Big Band'! With performances by Total Theatre, prizes for best dressed, door prize, and a whole lot of dancing!
Ticket price includes light snacks.
Camelot Bar will be open to purchase drinks.
Sun 14th October, 6.30pm - 10.30pm Band starts 7pm. Tickets: $20/$15/$10
Bookings required: 9385 4211

BIG THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE WITH SPRING FESTIVAL 2007

GASLIGHT AND GARTERS A Victorian Supper-club Murder Mystery June/July 2007

Directed by Annie Stainer

A thrilling new murder mystery set in the turbulent topsy-turvy times of Victorian London at the turn of the 19th Century. It is the golden age of steam engines, pleasure gardens, fair-grounds, travelling side-shows, menageries, circuses and that most wondrous of entertainment, the famous Music Hall. Come and enjoy the spontaneous and convivial atmosphere of the Camelot Music Hall, where you can enjoy your supper to the accompaniment of music, song, dance, jugglers, trapeze artists, comedians, magicians and tumblers, amidst the whirl of top-hats, flounces and petticoats. And who knows, maybe a glimpse of an ankle!

Can Mr James Arbuthnot save his beloved Music Hall from being sold? Or will the dastardly, intractable Mr Lloyd win the dare and have it closed down?
Who is the mysterious masked phantom that lurks in the upper gallery? And what dark secret lies hidden behind the theatre walls?
Can the amateur twin sleuths Finch and Mavis save the day and prevent another murder?

If you want to know the answers, you will have to come
and find out for yourselves.

So hurry up. Book your tickets. Bring your supper.
Bring your family, or someone else's and we will do the rest.
And we guarantee that you will be amazed, thrilled, scared, astonished and above all thoroughly entertained. But remember to book early to avoid disappointment.

Proud Sponsors: Mosman Video, Mosman Park Arts Foundation, Metropolis Fremantle and Mosman Park Rotary Club.

JACK & THE BEANSTALK A Supper-club Pantomime Nov/Dec 2006

Directed by Annie Stainer

Everyone loves a fairy tale and this year Total Theatre revived the ever-popular Art of Pantomime with their 2006 supper-club show 'Jack & The Beanstalk'

The villagers of Little Wishford are busy putting the finishing touches to their annual Christmas Pageant. Of course Rudolph has lost his nose again, the fairy's nowhere to be seen, and Santa's little helpers just cannot get the hang of that dance. All is well. That is, until a mysterious stranger walks in and turns their little world upside down. Excitement soon hits fever pitch as the villagers now prepare to put on 'Jack and The Beanstalk'.

An enchanting tale for all the family to enjoy, complete with hilarious pantomime dames, gigantic fierce giants, a hoola-hooping fairy godmother who has lost her magic, a crafty swindling bean-seller, a reluctant hen who only lays golden eggs, and of course the irrepressible dancing cow - Daisy.

So step right up, bring a lovely supper and come and see foolish Jack attempt the impossible as he climbs the enormous beanstalk and enters a world of magic, melody, mirth, laughter, jocularity, brilliance, beauty, gorgeousness, vivacity and fun to enchant the whole family.

"We'll do the show, you can bring the supper"
Seating will be in cabaret style with doors open from 7pm when the audience is invited to bring an indoor picnic supper to enjoy before the show begins at 8pm
The venue is fully licensed with no BYO

For further information about Total Theatre, contact (08) 9385 4211 or visit www.totaltheatre.com.au

Proud Sponsors: Mosman Park Arts Foundation, Metropolis Fremantle and Mosman Park Rotary Club.

HEART TO HEARTTheatre-In-Education show

September 2006 A show for Primary Schools

Dedicated to Reg Bolton

It's not a good school day: Steven hasn't done his homework, Sam is
terrified of singing, and Gemma's hula-hoop just won't spin! Even the
ever-strict Miss Kirk would rather be reading her book. No-one is in the
mood to hear about "being healthy": it's all about boring food and playing
sport, right? But one by one Miss Roberts and the children drift into
daydreams, and suddenly they are in for the most exciting school day yet! As
their fantasies mysteriously come to life, they enter a world of strange
creatures, circuses, rock-stars and super-heroes, where they learn how to
stay active and healthy just by having fun…

'Recipe for a Happy & Healthy Life'

Half a cup of sunshine
30 minutes of fun, energetic games
A tablespoon of giggles
Your daily serve of fresh fruits & vegetables
A pinch of something sweet
Mix with plenty of water
Set aside to cool in the shade while you read your favourite book
Then share with a table full of friends.

By Sam, Steven and Gemma

YOUNG AT HEART Theatre-In-Education show

September 2006 A show for Aged Care Centres

Dedicated to Reg Bolton

Albert and Stanley Tivoli are two ex-vaudeville performers living in a nursing home. Nurse Alice is their friendly resident nurse. These two cheeky brothers never cease playing up and having a 'bit of a lark' to entertain themselves and nurse Alice. It is a happy life until....the nursing home starts changing their routine! Tea is to be served at a different time, TV viewing is to be restricted and new morning exercises are to be introduced! Albert and Stanley confuse all these new changes by dressing up as tea ladies and serving it themselves at a time that suits them. And as for the morning exercises, well, with a little Tivoli magic and Nurse Alices' newly discovered sweet singing voice they all take a trip down memory lane to the grand old days of vaudeville, and put on a show for the rest of the residents with singing, dancing, hooping, juggling and acrobatics. And what a show it is!

Supported by Healthway and The National Heart Foundation, promoting the message 'BE ACTIVE & HAVE FUN!'

THE FORBIDDEN TOWER July 2006

Mid-year showcase

Directed by Annie Stainer

Welcome to Radcliffe Hall - a 19th century,
crumbling, haunted mansion.
But what is the secret of Radcliffe Hall?
Who is the strange unexpected guest?
What have the children found in the tower?

Come and be thrilled, frightened, enchanted and thoroughly entertained by this gothic extravaganza.

"There are places you can go into,
and places you can go out of;
but the one place, if you do but find it,
where you may go out and in both, is home.'
'Lilith' George MacDonald

"Ah! Bear in mind this garden was enchanted…"
Edgar Alan Poe

We would like to acknowledge the
following authors:

E.T.A. Hoffmann, J.S. Lefanu, G. MacDonald,
J. Keats, E.A. Poe, A. Carter, C. Dickens,
H. James, C.P. Estes and M.R. James.

The Good Companions Nov/Dec 2005

Directed by Annie Stainer

Meet the Honeybones. A nice, normal family living a quiet life – somewhere in the North of England. It’s 1946, the War is over, it’s Christmas, time to celebrate.
“Put your feet up Mother and I’ll make you nice cup of tea.” Peace at last.
That is until the arrival of Aunt Mabel and ‘Uncle’ Harry, both on the same day!
Now everyone can say goodbye to peace and quiet.

A hilarious domestic nightmare; with flying crockery, slamming doors, dark secrets, naughty memories and skeletons tumbling out of every closet. A crazy collection of people who just don’t seem to get on very well at all until they hit upon the perfect solution. The one thing they love to do is perform. And when they perform they stop arguing – so why not perform all the time?

Come and join the Good Companions as they sing and dance their way through a crazy evening of great entertainment, with acrobatics, illusions, and other circus tricks for the whole family to enjoy.

The show will be presented in cabaret style at the Camelot Theatre.

Proud Sponsors: Mosman Park Arts Foundation, Metropolis Fremantle and Mosman Park Rotary Club.

"WOW!" Theatre-In-Education show

September 2005 A show for Primary Schools

Supported by Healthway and The National Heart Foundation, promoting the message 'BE ACTIVE & HAVE FUN!'

'WOW!' is a story about a group of kids and their role models. Through their interactions and their meetings with the adults in their life, some of them learn the importance of physical activity, and some don't. Join Billy, Francesca and chorus-line Caroline as they take a trip back to their school days. Watch as they discover the joys of being active, happy and healthy.

Some comments:

" Such a positive, fun and vibrant presentation of a very important message. We'll have you back anytime!"

"Even now, months after the programme, my students still talk about the performers and their fantastic show."

THE GOOD LIFE Theatre-In-Education show

September 2005 A show for Aged Care Centres

Supported by Healthway and The National Heart Foundation, promoting the message 'BE ACTIVE & HAVE FUN!'

Aggie is worried about her grandson. He seems to spend so much time on his computer games and listening to his strange music. But he has concerns about her too. She spends so much time just sitting. Together they remember what life was like in the old days, and how much fun they can have by being more active.

Some comments:

"Excellent entertainment – music, movement & laughter.”

“Excellent, some of our residents didn’t stop laughing.”

"OH WHAT A LOVELY CRUISE!" August 2005

Directed by Annie Stainer

Fancy joining us on a luxury cruise?
The holiday of a lifetime?

We'll do the show, you can bring the supper

The brochures promise first class cabins, impeccable service, gourmet cuisine and spectacular entertainment, with sun bleached beaches, turquoise water and endless blue skies once you arrive at your final destination. Who said anything about snowstorms, blizzards, ice flows, Russian submarines and espionage?

Set amongst secret assignations, jewellery thefts, espionage and storms at sea, this promises to be a night to remember!
Add a disinherited Russian countess, an excentric, old lady, a mad sea captain, a cunning KGB agent, a beautiful spy, a few intensely annoying passengers and an amateur sleuth or two and what do you have? A recipe for murder!

Come on board the good ship SS Vladistock, and help us solve this Siberian murder mystery where nothing is, as it seems in this world of strange characters, artful disguises, subterfuge and villainy, where above all the show must go on!

Seating is in Caberet style and we invite you to bring an indoor picnic to enjoy whilst being waited on by our wonderful Russian cruise ship staff.

Proud Sponsors: Mosman Park Arts Foundation and Mosman Video.

The Wrong Side Of The Tracks June 2005

A Total Theatre Double Bill

Directed by Annie Stainer with Total Theatre students. Showcasing 1st years, 2nd years and graduates.

Friday 24th and Saturday 25th June 2005

Parallel Dreams

A collection of stories, fragments and dreams from the edge of sleep and the edge of time. Showcasing Total Theatre 1st year students.

Bad Girls

A celebration of the wild, disdained, rejected, loathed, insulted, disorderly, manic, exotic, breathtakingly beautiful and ultimately redemptive quality of the lives of women throughout time.

Dedicated to all our sisters: Past, Present & Future.

The Canterbury Tales November /December 2004

Directed by Annie Stainer

17th November – 5th December 2004
(Wednesdays - Sundays)

We invite you to witness the creative work of students from both the first and second year of training at Total Theatre, as they combine a multitude of elements to recreate Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous Canterbury Tales. Come with us on a fantastic journey through time, back to the excitement, danger and thrills of medieval England. Join the pilgrims of the Canterbury tales as they take you on an utterly unpredictable and marvellous adventure.
Here you will find French romances full of chivalry and noble deeds, passion plays, maypole dances, battles, tournaments and fabulous fables. Spring is in the air and there’s great company from every walk of life - heroes, villains and loveable rogues.
A medieval romp that will enchant the whole family.

Proud Sponsors: Mosman Park Arts Foundation, Luna Palace Cinemas, Metropolis Fremantle and Wok & Roll.

Lost in Western Australia Theatre-In-Education show

September 2004 A show for the elderly

Every West Australian child remebers when the circus came to town - names like Ashtons, Soles, Bullens, Wirths and Hylands bring back memories of horses, elephants, showgirls and clowns.

This play for senior citizens' is about a group of unlikely strangers who arrive at Fremantle Port and find themselves lost and lonely. Together they overcome their troubles and create a spectacular old-time tent show with their newly made friends.

Some comments:

"Fantastic - please come back to visit soon."

"All the residents throroughly enjoyed the performance. The singing, dancing and humour was wonderful."

The Circus Mystery Theatre-In-Education show

September 2004 A show for Primary Schools

An unlikely mob have run away to join the circus. Little do they know of the villenous plans of Mr. Big. Can you help them save the circus from his evil clutches? Join us for a spectacular feast of magic, madness, music and Mayhem.

Some comments:

"Outstanding. Students, staff and parents were totally engaged 100% of the time"

"Very professional"

"That was cool man"

Golden Valley

July 2004

Written by Dorothy Hewitt and Directed by George Shevtsov

Camelot Theatre

A Tale of Myth and Magic

The beautiful Golden Valley is threatened by the evil Jackie Swannell. Will old Di, Nee, Em and Jane lose thier beloved home or will Marigold save the farm from Jackie's evil clutches? Is Tib really a cat or a witch? and why is Nim Green?

Join these mysterious creatures of the night and magical shape changers for a musical feast of enchantment and laughter as Total Theatre First years present thier mid-year showcase.

"Kindly Leave The Stage"

June 2004

Directed by Annie Stainer

"We'll do the show, you can bring the supper"

The team that brought you the sell out ‘Lost Empires’ Vaudeville show last year, returns with “Kindly Leave the Stage”. With a cast of 21 and accompanied by a live quartet and pianist, this next Vaudeville show is set to be another special evening of music, madness and mayhem.

The show will begin at 8pm, but doors are open from 7pm, and we invite you to bring an indoor picnic to enjoy whilst listening to music of the vaudeville era.
The line up includes: Neptunia The singing Mermaid, Lieut. Rupert Cumquat & the Art of Manipulation, Abu Bakir The Great Wizard of Araby, The New Wilson and Keppel, Mr. Escapo the Great Escapologist, Les Apache avec Pierre et Cossette, The Great Croissant and his assistant, Crepe Suzette, and much, much, more. Proud Sponsors: Mosman Park Arts Foundation, and Metropolis Fremantle

Il Milione - The Travels of Marco Polo

November 2003

Directed by Annie Stainer

A Theatrical Extravaganza with Eneksis Vocal Ensemble and Cottage Children's Choir

Come travel the legendary Silk Road, and follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps. Be enchanted by the romantic songs of gondoliers and the strange throat songs of Tibetan Monks, the delicate forms of Chinese Classical dance and sword tai chi, exotic middle Eastern dance, fierce Mongolian Combat and the hilarious masked street performers of Venice.
Come and enjoy this unique colourful, sensuous extravaganza, and in the interval enjoy tasty treats and beverages from Persia and China.

Camelot Theatre

Proud Sponsors: Mosman Park Arts Foundation, Luna Palace Cinemas and Metropolis Fremantle

'Today I Witnessed the Most Extraordinary Incident'

Foundation Students 2003

Directed by Boris Radmilovich

Total Theatres' first Foundation Students (17/18 year olds) present a cocktail of classic and contemporary scenes from renowned European and Australian playwrights, commenting on humanity, society and love.

Including Scenes from: 'The Caucasian Chalk Circle' Brecht, 'A Doll's House' Ibsen, 'Sunrise' Louis Nowra, 'Uncle Vanya' Anton Chekhov, 'Tempest' Shakespeare,'Bald Prima Donna' Eugene Ionesco.

I

'Hands Up!' Theatre-In-Education show 2003

A show for Primary Schools, Directed by Reg Bolton

5 characters represent five fingers, each suggesting a different personality. ‘Thumbo’ is tough and chunky, and always ready to join in, ‘Pointy’ is a show off, ‘Pinky’ is small shy and on the edge – you get the picture?

We will examine all the amazing things that hands do,
from reading Braille to punching, from juggling to playing the saxaphone.
We look at how most tools and weapons are extensions of the hand;
how the hand can make music, tell stories and do tricks.
We’ll look at “adapted hands” - bat’s wings, seal’s fins and cat’s paws.

Children will be fascinated by the wonder and complexity of their hands, and we hope for great improvement in “Handwriting, Handiwork and Handstands!”

'My Biggest Mistake' Theatre-In-Education show 2003

A show for High Schools, Directed by Reg Bolton

“My biggest mistake was missing year 12”
“My biggest mistake was doing year 12”

“My biggest mistake was coming to this school,”
“Mine was wearing the wrong shoes”
“Mine was trusting my mate”

When something awful happens – and it feels like it’s your fault,
What can you do?
Does your mistake stay with you for life – or is it just the nudge you need to make a difference.
The 5 young actors in this play have looked at their own lives, and talked to others, looking for answers.
This is a fast-paced presentation of drama, comedy, acrobatics, slapstick and serious debate

'Lost Empires' Mid-year showcase 2003

A celebration of Vaudeville, Directed by Annie Stainer

It's 1939 and all over Europe, America and Australia, Vaudeville has been flourishing. Empire Theatres both at home and abroad have been doing a roaring trade.

And then on the 3rd of September 1939, Germany invades Poland and people everywhere crowd around homemade wireless sets to hear Chamberlain’s fateful announcement of World War II, and the whole dazzling era of Vaudeville is brought abruptly to an untimely end.

But…all over Britain, Australia, and forgotten islands of the British Empire, as troops of the allied forces are gathering and preparing for the shocking reality of war, something just as important is happening.
Crooners, acrobats, singers, hypnotists, sand-dancers, ventriloquists and magicians are preparing to put on a show so that the troops can be entertained.

In every nook and cranny, in church halls and barracks alike, makeshift theatres are being set up all over the world. And all through the madness, mayhem and misery of war, soldiers, sailors and airmen are putting on concerts, singing and dancing and bringing hope and laughter to the hearts of everyone, everywhere.

'Labyrinth - A Cosmic Comedy'

Directed by Annie Stainer

Nov. 26th to Dec. 1st 2002

Daedalus designed it,
King Minos built it,
Asterion the Minotaur guarded it,
Ariadne unravelled it,
Theseus solved it.
Or, did he?

Do you dare enter the labyrinth and make a journey into the unknown?

What do a murder mystery thriller, a 1940’s ballroom extravaganza, a Greek epic drama, Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’, a thirteenth century pilgrimage and the parallel universe theory have to do with each other?

Like an incredible journey through the Arabian Nights, the audience wanders through a rich tapestry of inter-related tales, outrageous adventures, ludicrous plots and veiled mysteries. They will be captivated by the sounds of the CAMELOT SWING BAND, enchanted by the ENEKSIS VOCAL ENSEMBLE and the COTTAGE CHILDREN’S CHOIR, wooed by the incredible magic of BUBBLE INFINITY, and enjoy tasty treats during the intermission.

What more could you want?

"...enchanting Alice in Wonderland-style production." The West Australian

"...a liberating theatrical experience for all ages..." The West Australian

'Pastimes of Past Times' Theatre-In-Education show
Directed by Reg Bolton
September 2002
Devised with and for older citizens, Grandma Audrey sorts through an old trunk, evoking memories of parties, sports, beach-life, cinema and romance.

Circus With a Purpose' Theatre-In-Education show
Directed by Reg Bolton
September 2002
A show designed for Primary Schools, introducing 6 heroes from the history of circus - their challenges, their courage and their values.