By Peter Kemp
Lilydale Athenaum Theatre’s choice of play for June/July season was Joanna Murray-Smith’s Switzerland.
Quoting from the director’s notes Helen Ellis’s original intention was to to direct Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr Ripley. Unfortunately the world wide rights were not available so the LATC’S president, Alan Burrows suggested Joanna Murray-Smith’s Switzerland.
A fictional story about Patricia Highsmith living as a recluse in Switzerland when a representative from her publisher arrives with a request that she writes one more Tom Ripley story. She initially refuses and this is the context of the play.
LATC did a wonderful job with sets, an apartment overlooking the Swiss Alps, a lounge come workroom decorated with items from her stores, guns, swords and knives. Patricia is a mystery writer. To the rear of the stage was a wall consisting of upright poles with a view of the stairs leading to the bedrooms. Above the rear wall was fantastic view of the Alps.
Off centre stage was Patricia’s writing desk, audience right was a reclining chair and the walls were decorated as afore mentioned.
Playing Patricia Highsmint was Angela Glennie and as Edward was Travis Handcock.
Angela gave a sterling performance as Patricia Highsmith with the extremes of acting form a really nasty person who has no time for a young man from America to an understanding of is problems
Tavis Handcock caught the character of Edward with professionalism giving an outstanding performance. The pair had a great rapport which enhanced the production.
It shows that one need not go to Melbourne when one has a show like this in the outer suburbs. Amateur theatre is coming into its own and the standard overall is really professional. Also reasonably priced seats, no parking problems, close to home and some theatres have an arrangement with local restaurants where if you produce your theatre ticket you receive a discount.
Lilydale Athenaeum/theatre put on a great production and your correspondent recommends that this should be in your diary.
Burrinja Theatre
Garry Starr Performs Everything
Theatre is dying. Garry is our only hope.
Theatre is on the brink of extinction but there’s one man who stands tall, defying all odds to save the performing arts. Get ready to witness the extraordinary talent of Garry Starr as he takes the stage by storm challenging the boundaries of every theatrical style known to human kind.
Session: Friday July 14 at 7.30pm Lyre Room
Live in the Lyre – Shane Nicholson
Shane Nicholson is a rare talent who has bridged the gap between a all-country and the mainstream. With three ARIA awards, 15 Golden Guitars and a new album taking out Album of the Year, Alt. Country Album of the Year, APRA Song of the Year and Single of the Year, Shane Nicholson’s creative hunger appears more present than ever.
Session: Thursday July 20 at 8pm. Lyre Room.
