By Peter Kemp
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
Haunted:
Aspiring playwright Nigel Burke is neurotic, agoraphobic and hasn’t written a word for three months, to the chagrin of his if his wife, who is at the end of her tether.
His agent is desperate for him to start writing again.
A mysterious man who knows of Nigel’s in Lord Byron, gives him a goblet used by the poet.
Nigel drinks from it and there is a change in his confidence and manner.
Then Byron himself appears.
Part ghost story, part thriller, part battle-of-the sexes comedy.
Season: 24 April – 4 May.
Gemco theatre
Open Stage:
Welcome one and all to Gemco’s ongoing Open Stage Night.
Hosted by Carol and Dalys, Gemco’s popular open stage has been running for many decades.
Held in the cosy hall, you are welcome to perform anything you like or just come for the lovely entertainment.
Enjoy music, poetry, singing, monologues or anything you wish to see.
Running the first Saturday every month from 8pm,
If you’d like to perform just turn up and register your interest when you arrive with Carol McCoy.
Licence bar available.
No BYP bring a late to share.
This session is at 5 April 8pm – 11pm.
Karralyka Theatre
Melbourne Celtic Festival on Tour:
Join Karralyka for an unforgettable production featuring the best of Celtic music with recently crowned Folk Band of the year winners Austral, international sensation, special guest artist Chloe and Matharu direct from Scotland and traditional Irish trio Bhan Tre.
Season Sunday 30 March 4pm and 7pm.
The Round – Nova.
The Music Manaa
An amazing production by NOVA.
Although technically an amateur company its standard was really professional.
A story about a conman who sells the town of River City a boy’s brass band.
The stage production opened with a scene in a train carriage where commercial travellers are bewiling the fact that a Professor Hill is giving them all a bad name.
Then the train came to a stop in River City and a quiet commercial traveller got off and on hiss suitcase were the words Professor Hill.
The Professor was played by Brenton Van Vliet.
A wonderful performer and what a conman.
His projection was excellent, and he excelled in the role.
His nemesis.
The local librarian Marian Paroo was given an excellent performance by Lauren McCormack.
A good opposite to Brenton and they performed well together.
Her voice was very good, and her performance was superb.
The Mayor, George Shinn was played by John Leahy.
Another outstanding performer who as Mayor was in great doubt about Professor Harold Hill’s experiences as a musician.
Harold Hill’s friend and ex commercial traveller, Marcellus Washburn played by Matt Jakowenko.
Another great performer giving a portrait of Harold’s friend not quite sure of Harold’s future.
The sets were amazing, and the cast numbered 553 and they were all superb.
The singing and dancing were spot on and the timing was excellent.
A must see show which closes 30 March.
Bookings: 9262 6555.
