Archive for category News
“Who Knows” goes to Launceston
This is the poster for the Hobart Run. Sorry, I don't have a poster for the new run in Launceston.
In Februrary 2009 Old Nick presented a new play by Paul McIntyre. Well, it’s been picked up by Centr Stage and is being performed at the Annexe Theatre, Centre of Performing Arts in Launceston from 10-13 March. Book online here, or phone Theatre North on 6323 3666.
The show is directed by David Quin. Here are the program notes:
Paul McIntyre – Bio
Paul McIntyre graduated from the Centre for Performing Arts at the University of Tasmania in 1994. The same year Paul co-wrote the play ‘That Guy’ with fellow CPA graduate James Haslem, which went on to be named ‘Best Tasmanian Play of 1994’ by theatre critic Wal Eastman. In 1995 Paul began working for the ABC in Hobart, writing scripts for radio and TV. Despite his full time commitments with the National Broadcaster, Paul continued writing for theatre (‘Shooting Cupid’, Mainstage Theatre Company, 1999) and directing, (‘Amadeus’, Mainstage Theatre Company, 2000, ‘Fools’ Old Nick Theatre Company, 2001, ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ Hobart Rep 2002). Paul began writing his third full length play, ‘Who Knows’, in the winter of 2006. Nine drafts and five public readings later ‘Who Knows’ premiered at the Peacock Theatre in February 2009 and was also featured at the 2009 National Play Conference.
Paul McIntyre – Writers notes
When I first had the idea for ‘Who Knows’ it was little more than the image of a fan dressed as an Ice Warrior sweltering in the heat of a Hobart summer. It wasn’t much to go on which is probably why it took me a number of years to actually put pen to paper. Eventually, in the winter of 2006, I was hit by inspiration in a second hand clothes shop in Auckland listening to ‘I’m Too Sexy’ by Right Said Fred on the radio. Looking back, the original draft seems embryonic and somewhat niave but thanks to a dedicated band of Hobart’s best performers (you know who you are) the script developed into the glistening and shiny creature you see before you. My heartfelt thanks goes to the BBC for their constant support and trust. Also I would like to pay tribute to all the writers quoted in this evening’s performance – without them this play would never have been possible – no, really!
Also, there is a vague rumour that the play may also get a production run in Canberra.
Comments on Keating!
Our current production Keating! seems to be drawing some interesting comments, some beyond the strictly theatrical. Although there hasn’t been a review in the local paper yet (hello, anyone home?), there has been some interesting talk on-line.
This one in the Tasmanian Times makes some interesting points.
Scott Farrow talking to Michael Veitch on ABC Local Radio (thanks ABC).
Here is the Australian Stage review.
I’ll add more when I get the time (the show keeps me rather busy).
“Keating! The musical we had to have.” … now on ABC Local Radio
Thanks to the ABC for taking the high ground and now allowing Keating! to be mentioned on local radio.
Scott Farrow will be on ABC Local Radio 936 tomorrow (Monday, 1st March) at 2:30 talking to Michael Veitch!
Excellent result!
Also, Craig will be interviewed tonight (Sunday, 28th February) at 9:50pm on Joy, the Melbourne Gay and Lesbian radio station. You can listen on-line by clicking here, and you can find out more here.
And if you feel passionate about how some Senators have abused their power, you can always write to the Mercury.
And a quick message to the ABC saying how much we appreciate them wouldn’t hurt.
“Keating! The musical we had to have.” … but not on local ABC radio
Evening
I won’t mince words here. I’m pissed off. And this is not some publicity stunt to promote the show. I really wish we and the ABC had been left to do what we normally do.
Because of some ill-informed, incorrect allegations by two Tasmanian senators while under parliamentary privilege at a senate estimates committee meeting, our current production, Keating!, will now not be mentioned on the ABC.
We will not get the normal coverage that local theatre productions get.
We will not get the chance the perform a song or two on Tim Cox’s Live At The Centre segment.
We will not be mentioned on the ABC at all.
And Craig Wellington may never be asked to work at the ABC again.
Why is this? Because some parliamentarians feel that parliamentary privilege gives them the right to say anything they like, true or untrue, for any reason, without fear of consequences. Basically, they abuse this privilege for their own gain.
See the attached PDF document for all the details.
And these same parliamentarians will wonder why they are held in such low esteem by the community.
Edit: Here are links to the story in The Mercury and Tasmanian Times.
Edit edit: Here is a link to the Crikey article. You need to be a subscriber to see the whole thing, but you can get a free 21 day trial 
Keating! – Bookings now open
Bookings are now open for Keating! You can book at the Theatre Royal in person, by phone on 03 6233 2299, or online by clicking here!
You can check out all the details, including cast, here.
Letitia St Cleanup Mark II
Hope everybody had a great Christmas and New Year.
We have found a more reliable provider of skip bins, so we are going to try to cleanup Letitia St again! Hooray!
This will happen on the Saturday, January 30 starting at 10am. It will also incorporate a cleanup of the wardrobe area, so any help for that and general cleanup duties would be welcome.
There will be a BBQ as well, presided over by our President, Graeme Paine OAM.
If you can help, please email me.
And we still have some items being stored for other theatre companies (yes, Casey, I’m looking at you) so these need to go on or before that saturday, or you know what will happen…
X and Cassie get married!
Old Nick congratulates John X and Cassie Le Fevre, two Old Nick life members, on their marriage on Saturday 12 December 2009.
Finally!
However, I’m not sure about the name “Cassie X”….
Theatre Royal Open Day
Old Nick was asked to participate in the 175th Anniversary Open day at the Theatre Royal on Sunday 8th November. Old Nick was given one of the large dressing rooms, and filled it with artifacts, videos and photos. Many people visited, with some interesting revelations around Old Nick members from the past.
…and Tony Manley singing songs from past revues!
Some pictures can be seen here.
From Don Hopkins, the Theatre Royal operational manager:
“Just a short note to thank you, in particular and Old Nick in general, for your support on our open day. It was a great success for us, we think about 1,000 people through the doors on the day, your contribution was appreciated greatly by all of us at the Theatre Royal.
Cheers
Don”
Thanks to everybody who helped to setup the room or man it during the day.
Local actors meeting
Thought I would pass this message from Sara Cooper on to people. Note that this is not an Old Nick activity, but worth your time if you are interested:
Dear Actors
Nathan Spencer, Jane Longhurst and I would like to invite you to attend a meeting of local actors. The meeting is an open meeting for actors from across all circles and all levels of experience.
The aim of this meeting is to hear your views on being an actor in Tasmania, the things you enjoy, the things you find difficult, and your ideas for the future. There are many exciting opportunities in the pipeline locally, especially in the screen industry, and we believe a forum where actors can share and learn from each other will be invaluable at this time.
Keating! audition application
Posted by johnd in Audition call, News, Shows on November 7th, 2009
Just a quick post with a link to the Keating! audition application.
Keating! The musical we had to have – Audition notice
Posted by johnd in Audition call, News, Shows on November 6th, 2009
"Get a job. Do some work like the rest of us."
The Old Nick Company calls auditions for
Keating!
The musical we had to have
Written by Casey Bennetto
2007 Helpmann Awards BEST MUSICAL
Directed by Craig Wellington
Required: singer-performers with maturity and experience, 5 male, 1 female
Auditions: Saturday 21 November or by appointment
Season: 3 – 6 March 2010, Theatre Royal, Hobart
Comprehensive information kits available by emailing keating@oldnick.org.au
Theatre Royal expansion
How should this expand?
The Theatre Royal is considering extending into the vacant block on the corner of Collins St and Campbell St, and is asking for people’s initial reaction to the idea. You can fill out a (very) brief survey here, and leave your opinions on the idea. There isn’t much in the way of details, and the survey is hardly an in-depth attempt to capture your opinions, but it is a start.
I think the idea to expand the Theatre in some way is a good idea (does anyone like standing on the street waiting to get into the foyer for shows like the Uni Revue or Miss Saigon?) so here’s a start to have your say.
Photos from the 2009 Old Nick dinner
It was a hard night....
Just a quick post to say some photos from the 2009 dinner have been posted. You can see them here.
Thanks to all who attended. There were some fantastic Halloween outfits.
Deloraine Drama Festival news
Old Nick, thanks to the hard work of Ben Paine, had some success at the 2009 Deloraine Drama festival.
Ben won Best Director for the one-act piece Star Crossed, while the production itself came runner-up for Best Production.
Congratulations Ben, and we are looking forward to seeing what he does with the 2010 Uni Revue.
Theatre Royal open day
The Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal is 175 years old, and part of the celebration is an open day on Sunday 8th November. Old Nick, as the state’s premiere amateur theatre company and long-time client and supporter of the theatre, will be having a display in one of the dressing rooms. This means two things:
First off, come and have a look, not just at our display, but everything else that will be there. Lots of companies will be represented, as well as a chance to see all the other stuff that goes into a working theatre.
Secondly, we need to have members there to man the display. If you can help, contact our President.
-
You are currently browsing the archives for the News category.
A Random Old Nick Photo