http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYvJ95FY6OM

That’s right, wanking… not winking, this acclaimed one man show by Irishman, Neil Watkins is a searing, honest and devastatingly brave tale of internet porn addiction, Catholic guilt and the journey to happiness. The strongest thing to come of the Emerald Isle since Guinness, The Year of Magical Wanking is theatre like you have never seen but immediately connect to. Highlight of the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival and supported by Cultural Ireland. From February 1 to 11, 8.30pm Book 24/7 online www.fingeworld.com.au.

CAMPARI KID &

SIREN OF THE SQUEEZEBOX

THE BAKERY ● THURSDAY FEB 9 ● 8pm

Tangos, tarantellas + twisted tales of romance infused with gypsy airs + dark wit, underpinned by electronic esoterica, distinguished by superb playing.

Cathie Travers’ accordion is the perfect foil for singer-songwriter !an L!lburne’s Spanish guitar.  With Phil Bailey (bass), Peter Smith (percussion) + Pete Grandison (frets), they present an evening of original music―L!lburne’s classically crafted, haunting yet playful songs + Travers’ expressive gypsy + jazz-inspired instrumentals.

Sad songs to make you laugh. Funny songs to make you cry. Evocative melodies to make your soul shiver.

Cathie Travers

Award-winning composer + performer Cathie Travers has spent her life breaking musical boundaries. Her playing ranges from Celtic folk through tango, jazz + experimental chamber music to classical.

As The Sydney Morning Herald put it:

Travers’ music embraces the gamut of hard-edged contemporary pungency to sweetness, nostalgia, and up-beat extrovert wit.

She leads tango, gypsy + fusion ensembles + performs with an array of folk, blues, rock, jazz + new music artists. In demand as a session musician, she has appeared on CD’s by Australian artists such as Bernard Carney, David Hyams, Snakefish + Brenda Chapman.

!an L!lburne

!an L!lburne has a portfolio of more than seventy original songs stretching back thirty-five years. A passionate singer + guitarist, his debut album Ghosts + its companion piece, the EP Against the Odds, were produced by Pete Grandison of Shanghai Twang Studios, Fremantle + launched at Kulcha in South Tce in July 2011. Naturally retiring by nature, L!lburne did not readily move onto the stage, preferring more private domains to hone his songwriting skills while pursuing a successful career in arts management, production + promotion. From 1986 to 1993 he was the Executive Officer + inaugural Director of Perth’s Artrage Festival.

The show runs for 120 minutes plus intervals.

Tickets online from www.Fringeworld.com.au :  $25 (full), $20 (groups of six)

For more information see  ianlilburne.com + cathietravers.com

Told predominantly through song, DRAG is an emotive story, full of energy, which unmasks the artist behind the drag persona. The cast will be out to astound you with their female impersonations and tributes to some of the greatest divas of all time, while revealing more of the emotional spectrum than you would have thought possible in one short hour.

Producer/performer Ryan Schulz (aka Panache) explains: ”The idea you have of a drag queen may be a bloke dressed in a frock who lip syncs to the campest music out. However, this show will take you behind that bloke, into his realm, and show you someone else, something else, something more So expect more than Britney’s latest track plonked on stage”.

If you are yet to experience the artform of drag live, this show will provide an introduction as it allows you to glimpse the lives of the artists who inhabit the late night boozy cabaret and club scenes. If you’re a visitor to such places yourself, you’ll feel right at home being up close to DRAG’s colourful characters.

“For people outside the GLBTQ community this is a chance to find out what drag is all about while having a great night out, or expand what you might think of a drag queen as,” said Schulz. “DRAG has also been created for people who do go to gay clubs to admire drag shows, who’d rather not be jostled by sweaty, drunk people.

With John Aitken as narrator, DRAG will take shape as a series of performances by local artists alongside Melbourne’s Swish Eveready and Ash Baroque from London, whose workshopping with the cast has guided the show from concept to world premiere production.

All tickets through the Blue Room on 9227 7005 and www.blueroom.org.au.

All media enquiries to JMS Public Relations 0414 743 418 pr@johnmichael.com.au

DRAG
5 – 23 July
7pm Tue – Sat @ The Blue Room Theatre
53 James St, Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge
Meet the Artists Wednesday 13 July
Bookings / info: www.blueroom.org.au / 08 9227 7005

From an historical and hysterical perspective, A Germ of an Idea explores our obsessive relationship with germs through characters such as The Doctor, The Cleaner, and The Housewife – all played by Main, whose family background of scientists has informed her self-devised work exploring evolution, navigation and exploration.

Main, a Victorian College of the Arts graduate based in WA, said she’s excited to be exploring a serious subject that applies to everyone everyday.

“We have become an army of obsessive germinators but it’s a war of paranoia that is impossible to win and which props up a gazillion dollar cleaning product industry,” she said. “The reality is we need bugs as much as the little buggers need us. Our irrational and frankly schizoidal behaviour towards bacteria is perfect for comic examination.”

Directed by Helen Doig, A Germ of an Idea uses comedy in a variety of theatrical ways as Main swiftly transforms between characters, adding in spoof 60s TV advertisements, crazy medical power-point lectures, the odd bit of drag, and an insane range of headscarves.

All tickets through the Blue Room on 9227 7005 and www.blueroom.org.au.

All media enquiries to JMS Public Relations 0414 743 418 pr@johnmichael.com.au

“The characters – appealingly domineering and nutty about eradicating germs – are polished with witty lines.” – Sydney Morning Herald

“Most impressive is Main’s transformation – unrecognisable and pitched perfectly … her delivery was confident and amusing … the show rewards a pun-loving audience so much…” – Drum Media

THE BLUE ROOM THEATRE &
PROFESSIONAL COLLECTIVE THEATRE COMPANY SA

Appalling Behaviour

There is something disturbingly honest about living on the streets and wondering why…

Join AWGIE award winning playwright and actor Stephen House on an unforgettable journey into the darkest corners of the seedy Parisian underworld. Written while living on the streets of Paris, this acclaimed work will have its WA premiere 14 March – 9 April 2011 as part of The Blue Room Theatre’s Up Close season.

From the banks of The Seine River to the tucked away all-night sleazy clubs, this poetic solo performance about a man living on the very edge will keep you thinking long after you leave the theatre…

Creator Stephen House has had 18 plays, 4 short films and 4 solo exhibitions produced and toured both nationally and internationally. Appalling Behaviour debuted in Adelaide in August 2010. In 2011 it will tour to Perth, Melbourne, Queensland and India.

House’s work is commissioned often and has been awarded by the Adelaide Fringe, The Australian Writer’s Guild (twice AWGIE recipient), and has been shortlisted for The Patrick White and Queensland Premier’s Drama awards.

Currently working on three new commissions, House is excited to be bringing Appalling Behaviour to Western Australia for the very first time.

“Weird and wonderful, Appalling behaviour knocks your socks off” – Advertiser

“A work of intense beauty and insight” – DB Magazine

“A compelling in your face drama… Brutally honest, devastatingly real” – Sunday Mail

“An extraordinary piece of art” – Independent Weekly

“House cleverly and brilliantly poses disturbing honest questions” – Australian Stage Online

Images, interviews and competition prizes available.

All media enquiries to JMS Public Relations 0414 743 418 pr@johnmichael.com.au

Written & Performed by Stephen House

Directed by Justin Mc Guinness

Original Sound by Peter Neilson

APALLING BEHAVIOUR

14 March – 9 April

8:30pm Tue – Sat @ The Blue Room Theatre

53 James Street, Perth Cultural Centre, Northbridge

Bookings / info: www.blueroom.org.au / 08 9227 7005

Summer puppetry magic returns to Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s air conditioned venue at Fremantle when The Night Zoo resumes its summer season from January 12 to 25, prior to leaving for a national tour in April, 2011 – the company’s anniversary year.

Celebrating the remarkable friendship between animals and children, The Night Zoo is about a little girl, Jamie who can only dream of owning pet because her parents don’t think there’s enough room in their apartment. One night, as Jamie falls asleep, something magical happens when the animals of the city zoo come out to find her and invite her for a night of dancing in the park – as the sun comes up, the dream is fading fast, but there is one more surprise in store.

Written and directed by Michael Barlow, the production features a colourful cast of animal characters, designed by Iona McAuley, including Elephant, Giraffe, Penguin, Orangutan, Cranes, Thorny Devils, and the dancing Meerkats brought to life by performers, Jacob Lehrer and Katya Shevtsov through puppetry, dance, animation, masks – and a light sprinkling of manure! Lighting designer, Romi Poonoosamy transports the action from the city at midnight to the dreamscape of the zoo and composer, Lee Buddle’s atmospheric score captures the different characteristics and antics of the animals.

Barlow said that The Night Zoo was created to express the joy that can come from making friends with animals. “We’re part of the natural world. Developing friendships with animals is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this connection,” he said. “And the benefits of looking after a pet are immeasurable as children discover in themselves feelings of care, kinship and the sheer pleasure of being alive.”

The Night Zoo summer holiday season is the second in the series since upgrades to the auditorium, including air-conditioning and refurbished seating has allowed the company to present quality entertainment options during the summer.

“We have always dreamt of being able to present a season for the public in the summer holidays and with the upgrades to

The Night Zoo is suitable for anyone who’s “a bit of an animal”, but perfect for 4-10! Book with company’s own 24/7 ticket online service at www.sppt.asn.au or by phone on 9335 5044.

Spare Parts is Australia’s leading puppetry company creating entertaining and inspirational theatre for young people and their families. In 2011, the company will celebrates its 30^th anniversary of creating quality new Australian puppetry works that excite the way we view our world through image, illusion and entertainment.

Excellent image, photo and interview opportunities are available.

Please contact John Michael at JMS PUBLIC RELATIONS 0414 743 418 pr@johnmichael.com.au

LISTINGS: The Night Zoo – celebrating the remarkable friendship between animals and children, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s smash hit returns for the summer holidays with its glorious cast of animals from orang-utans to elephants, giraffes to penguins and the hilarious meerkats. Suits anyone who’s “a bit of an animal”, but perfect for 4-10! Summer Holidays Season until January 25. Bookings online www.sppt.asn.au or 9335 5044.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia is delighted to announce that it will present another annual theatrical offering for Perth families when it produces its first traditional pantomime, Puss in Boots at The Playhouse Theatre in December 2010.

The pantomime season builds on the MS Society’s reputation as a producer of musical theatre at the Regal Theatre, with its forthcoming October season of The Sound of Music being the seventh production in its successful history.

Directed and written by John Senczuk from the original 17^th Century fairy tale by Charles Perrault, Puss in Boots tells the tale of Colin, a poor miller’s son who inherits a cat upon his father’s death. However, this cat is spectacularly clever, wittily magical and has a particular fondness for fancy boots! As quick as he can pull them on, the frisky feline comes up with plans for Colin to not only get rich quick but to marry the princess of his dreams!

MSWA’s production features live music with Tim Cunniffe as Musical Director and Perth veteran Michael Loney as the pantomime dame, Queen Cupcake, with highly experienced performers, Jenny McNae, Thomas Papathanassiou and Ian Toyne, and introducing, Michael Bingaman and Charlotte Devenport as Colin and his Princess!

MS Society of Western Australia Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Stafford, said that this new initiative was an exciting step in the Society’s development as theatrical producer. “This is an exciting addition to our annual MS Musical in providing quality entertainment for families in Perth,” he said. “Our theatrical productions offer a unique point of difference for our charitable organisation as well as a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community, which supports our aims so generously.”

Puss in Boots will be presented from December 16 to 22 with two shows a day at 11am and 1pm daily (except Sunday), with a 6pm show on December 16. Tickets are available from all BOCS outlets or on 9484 1133 and www.bocsticketing.com.au

Photo and interview opportunities are available.

Please contact John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418 jm@johnmichael.com.au

LISTINGS: Puss In Boots – the return of traditional family pantomime with the classic tale of a talking cat who hatches a ‘get rich quick’ plan so his young master, Colin can marry the princess of his dreams. Starring Michael Bingaman, Charlotte Devenport, Jenny McNae, Ian Toyne and Michael Loney as Queen Cupcake. From December 16 to 22, 11am and 1pm daily. Bookings on BOCS 9484 113 www.bocsticketing.com.au

About MS and The MS Society of Western Australia

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that has been providing support and care to the thousands of Western Australians living with MS for 37 years. MS is a chronic degenerative and often disabling neurological disease. Each month sixteen West Australians are diagnosed with MS and there is currently no known cause or cure. For further information, visit www.mswa.org.au

The smash hit puppet show, The Night Zoo will return for the second annual Summer Holiday Season at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s home theatre in Fremantle from December 8 to 23 and in the New Year from January 12 to 25, prior to leaving for a national tour in April, 2011 – the company’s anniversary year.

Celebrating the remarkable friendship between animals and children, The Night Zoo is about a little girl, Jamie who can only dream of owning pet because her parents don’t think there’s enough room in their apartment. One night, as Jamie falls asleep, something magical happens when the animals of the city zoo come out to find her and invite her for a night of dancing in the park – as the sun comes up, the dream is fading fast, but there is one more surprise in store.

Written and directed by Michael Barlow, the production features a colourful cast of animal characters, designed by Iona McAuley, including Elephant, Giraffe, Penguin, Orangutan, Cranes, Thorny Devils, and the dancing Meerkats brought to life by performers, Jacob Lehrer and Katya Shevtsov through puppetry, dance, animation, masks – and a light sprinkling of manure! Lighting designer, Romi Poonoosamy transports the action from the city at midnight to the dreamscape of the zoo and composer, Lee Buddle’s atmospheric score captures the different characteristics and antics of the animals.

Barlow said that The Night Zoo was created to express the joy that can come from making friends with animals. “We’re part of the natural world. Developing friendships with animals is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this connection,” he said. “And the benefits of looking after a pet are immeasurable as children discover in themselves feelings of care, kinship and the sheer pleasure of being alive.”

General Manager of Spare Parts, Cathcart Weatherly said that the Summer Holiday Season had proved a popular addition to the company’s public seasons, following the success of the inaugural season in 2009/2010, which saw attendances reach nearly 90% of capacity of the company’s 188- seat air-conditioned theatre.

“We have always dreamt of being able to present a season for the public in the summer holidays and with the upgrades to the auditorium, including air-conditioning and refurbished seating, it has all come true,” he said. “It allows us to provide quality entertainment options for Western Australian children and their families during the summer and is perfect start to our 30^th Anniversary year.”

The Night Zoo is suitable for anyone who’s “a bit of an animal”, but perfect for 4-10! Book with company’s own 24/7 ticket online service at www.sppt.asn.au or by phone on 9335 5044.

Spare Parts is Australia’s leading puppetry company creating entertaining and inspirational theatre for young people and their families. In 2011, the company will celebrates its 30^th anniversary of creating quality new Australian puppetry works that excite the way we view our world through image, illusion and entertainment.

Excellent image, photo and interview opportunities are available.

Please contact John Michael Swinbank 0414 743 418 jm@johnmichael.com.au

LISTINGS: The Night Zoo – celebrating the remarkable friendship between animals and children, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s smash hit returns for the summer holidays with its glorious cast of animals from orang-utans to elephants, giraffes to penguins and the hilarious meerkats. Suits anyone who’s “a bit of an animal”, but perfect for 4-10! Summer Holidays Season from December 8 to January 25. Bookings online www.sppt.asn.au or 9335 5044.

Media Release

Bon Voyage, Your Majesty!

Edgar Metcalfe departs Western Australia this week for his old home town of Blackpool, England.

Fellow actor, John Michael Swinbank who appeared with Metcalfe in the musical comedy, Two Old Queens said that he was saddened to see his old friend and colleague leave Perth and its professional theatre community, which Metcalfe had laid the foundations in the 1960s when he arrived to take up the helm of the company at The Playhouse.

“He leaves behind a rich legacy of superb performances in the hearts and minds of a vast audience,” he said. “I am proud to say that I worked with him on perhaps his greatest acting challenge, to become Her Majesty, The Queen Mother in Two Old Queens.

“His creation of character was brilliantly technical and instinctive. It was a joy and instructional to work with him. Needless to say we had a lot of fun and it will always be a highlight in my career. Bon voyage, your majesty!”

In 2007 and 2008, Edgar and John Michael played in Two Old Queens, a witty concoction that celebrated the friendship of HM The Queen Mother and Sir Noël Coward. Produced by Mirage Makers, Two Old Queens toured to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

Initially planned as a workshop production, Two Old Queens premiered at The Blue Room in October 2007 to a sold out four week season and transferred to the Subiaco Arts Centre.

It won Most Popular Production at the 2008 Blue Room Awards.

Edgar’s performance of The Queen Mother was nominated for a 2008 Equity Award as Best Actor and won an Horatio Award (The Sunday Mail Adelaide 2007) for Best Character Study.

Its clever script and moving interpretation transcended the mere biopic and took the piece to a moving meditation about the very nature of friendship.

For further information and archival photos, visit www.miragecorporation.com