The Local Paper. Eastern Suburbs Edition. Wed., Oct. 26, 2022

■ Collingwood football great Thorold Merrett, 89, might have officially hung up his boots more than 60 years ago, but he still dreams each night about playing at the MCG

The former Pies superstar, who now lives at Allity’s Templestowe Manor residential aged care home, still maintains a keen interest in the sport, these days watching matches on TV as opposed to playing as a mid-fielder.

“I love a tall ruckman who can fly like a bird in the sky and mark the ball,” he said.

“I watch them on TV now because I’m a 100 per cent a supporter and do the footy tipping every week.”

The Victorian Football League player and winner of two Copeland Trophies realised his dream to be-

come a club champion when he was inspired to play at four, then never looked back.

“My father taught me how to kick a ball suspended in a tree from a young boy and I became very good at it,” he said.

Thorold also mastered kicking stab passes through a suspended tyre in the Victorian country town of Cobden.

Flash forward to being drafted to play professionally for Collingwood in 1950 when it was whispered in country circles that he “could kick a grain of wheat down a chook’s throat at 30 yards.”

“I played very well, and they invited me to permanently join them as a recruit player as number 17,” he said.

“A good footballer needs speed

and courage and I had both. I didn’t expect it to happen, but I made a marked impression on the people who counted.

“I loved it very much wearing the black and white colours.

“I was fortunate to have the full support of the club behind me.

“It was a beautiful occupation.

“My wife Doreen passed away five years ago, and I have 11 grandchildren plus two great grandchildren.”

Thorold recently celebrated his 89th birthday at Allity (now a part of Bolton Clarke Group) surrounded by family and friends.

“The people here are so kind and caring,” he said. “I play carpet bowls; we go on bus trips hotels and go out to clubs for lunch.”

DAVID ELLISON

Merrett,

Where to pick up your free copy of The Local Paper

■ ■ ■ ■ ASHBURTON. Ashburton Newsagency. 168 High St.

■ ■ ■ ■ BALWYN. Balwyn Newsagency. 413 Whitehorse Rd.

■ ■ BALWYN. Coles Express. 449 Whitehorse Rd (Cnr Imaroo St).

■ ■ BALWYN. United Petroleum. 99 Balwyn Rd.

■ ■ BAYSWATER. 7-Eleven. Cnr Scoresby Rd and High St.

■ ■ BAYSWATER. Cellarbrations. 717 Mountain Hwy.

■ ■ BAYSWATER. Coles Express. 768 Mountain Hwy.

■ ■ BORONIA. Metro Boronia Cinemas. Dorset Square.

■ ■ BORONIA. Tatts/Cignall. Shop 5, 123 Boronia Rd.

■ ■ BOX HILL. 7-Eleven. Cnr Elgar Rd and Whitehorse Rd.

■ ■ BLACKBURN. BP. Cnr Whitehorse Rd and Goodwin St

■ ■ BLACKBURN. Tatts/Newsagency. 116 South Pde.

■ ■ BLACKBURN SOUTH. 7-Eleven. Cnr Canterbury Rd and Middleborough Rd.

■ ■ BLACKBURN SOUTH. Duncan’s Licensed Grocers. Blackburn Rd.

■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Box Hill Licensed Grocery. Middleborough Rd.

■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Hyper Star Convenience Store. 941 Station St.

■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Kerrimuir Post Office. 527 Middleborough Rd.

■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Milk Bar/ Newsagency. 515 Middleborough Rd.

■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. United Petroleum. 604 Elgar Rd.

■ ■ BOX HILL SOUTH. Box Hill South Newsagency. 870 Canterbury Rd.

■ ■ BOX HILL SOUTH. BP. Cnr Canterbury Rd and Station St.

■ ■ BRANDON PARK. 7-Eleven. 602-606 Ferntree Gully Rd.

■ ■ BULLEEN. Duncan’s Bulleen Cellars. 190 Bulleen Rd.

■ ■ BULLEEN. Thompsons Road News and Lotto. 123a Thompsons Rd.

■ ■ BURWOOD. Burwood Authorised Newsagency. 1394 Toorak Rd

■ ■ CANTERBURY. Buckley’s Licensed Supermarket. 92 Maling Rd.

■ ■ CANTERBURY. Canterbury Newsagency/Tatts/Post Office. 104 Maling Rd.

■ ■ CANTERBURY. Coles Express. Cnr 260 Canterbury Rd and Redvers St.

■ ■ CLAYTON. Clayton Newsagency. 345 Clayton Rd.

■ ■ CROYDON. Coles Express. 168172 Mt Dandenong Rd.

■ ■ CROYDON. Croydon Lotto. 118 Main St.

■ ■ CROYDON. Milk Bar. Cnr Old Lilydale Rd and Everard Rd.

■ ■ CROYDON. Newsagency. 166 Main St.

■ ■ CROYDON SOUTH. Eastfield Milk Bar. 11 The Mall. Eastfield Rd

■ ■ CROYDON SOUTH. Eastfield Newsagency. 7 The Mall. Eastfield Rd

■ ■ CROYDON SOUTH. IGA Supermarket. 13 The Mall. Eastfield Rd.

■ ■ DONCASTER. Budget-Rite Licensed Supermarket. Cnr High St and Village Ave.

■ ■ DONCASTER. Coles Express. 551-557 Doncaster Rd.

■ ■ EAST BURWOOD. BP. Cnr Burwood Hwy and Blackburn Rd

■ ■ EAST DONCASTER. BP Service Station. 880-882 Doncaster Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ EAST DONCASTER. Caltex. 987 Doncaster Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ EAST DONCASTER. Dunburn Deli/Milk Bar. 262 Blackburn Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ EAST DONCASTER. Jackson Court News and Lotto. 74 Jackson Ct.

■ ■ ■ ■ EAST OAKLEIGH. East Oakleigh Newsagency. 190 Huntingdale Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ FERNTREE GULLY. 7-Eleven. Cnr Station St and Burwood Hwy.

■ ■ ■ ■ FERNTREE GULLY. Ferntree Gully Newsagency. 69 Station St.

■ ■ ■ ■ FERNTREE GULLY. Ferntree Gully Supermarket. 9-13 Alpine St.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ DONVALE. 7-Eleven. 95 Mitcham Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ DONVALE. Lucky Corner (Fish and Chips). Cnr Springvale Rd and Doncaster Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ GLEN WAVERLEY. BP. Cnr Blackburn Rd and Highbury Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ GLEN WAVERLEY. Coles Express. Cnr Springvale Rd and Ferntree Gully Rd (north-west corner)

■ ■ ■ ■ GLEN WAVERLEY. Glen Waverley Newsagency/The Loott. 4/39 Kingsway

■ ■ ■ ■ HEATHMONT. Heathmont News/ Tatts. 150 Canterbury Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ HEATHMONT. IGA Supermarket. 116-120 Canterbury Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ HEATHMONT. Sunrise Convenience Store. 30 Canterbury Rd.

■ ■ HOLMESGLEN. The Lott/Holmesglen Newsagency. 637 Warrigal Rd.

■ ■ HUNTINGDALE. Huntingdale Newsagency. 290 Huntingdale Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ KEW. Cotham Road Newsagency. 97 Cotham Rd.

■ ■ KEW. Kew Newsagency. 175 High St.

■ ■ KEW EAST. Kew East Supermarket. 653 High St (near Westbrook St).

■ ■ MITCHAM. Mitcham Newsagency. 503 Whitehorse Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ MITCHAM. United Petroleum. Cnr Whitehorse Rd and Alexander St.

■ ■ ■ ■ MONT ALBERT. 42 Hamilton St.

■ ■ MONT ALBERT. Post Office. 1a Hamilton St.

■ ■ MOUNT WAVERLEY. Newsagency. 63 Blackburn Rd.

■ ■ MOUNBT WAVERLEY. NexsXpress. 71 Hamilton Place.

■ ■ MOUNT WAVERLEY. Tally Ho Cellars. 65 Blackburn Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ MOUNTAIN GATE. 7-Eleven. 844 Burwood Hwy.

■ ■ MOUNTAIN GATE. Mountain Gate Newsagency and Lotto. Shop 3, 1880 Burwood Hwy.

■ ■ MULGRAVE. BP. Cnr 682-688 Wellington Rd and Springvale Rd.

■ ■ MURRUMBEENA. Murrumbeena Newsagency. 456 Nerrim Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ NORTH BALWYN. Bellevue Milk Bar. 113 Bulleen Rd - Service Road.

■ ■ NORTH BALWYN. The Lott/ Newsagency. 77 Doncaster Rd.

■ ■ NORTH BLACKBURN. 7-Eleven. Cnr Springfield Rd and Williams Rd.

■ ■ NORTH BLACKBURN. Coles Express. Cnr Springfield Rd and Middleborough Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ NORTH MITCHAM. BP. Mitcham Rd (near cnr Andover Ave)

■ ■ ■ ■ NORTH MITCHAM. Licensed Post Office. 228 Mitcham Rd.

■ ■ NORTH MITCHAM. United Petroleum. 208 Mitcham Rd.

■ ■ NUNAWADING. Mountain View Newsagency. 293 Springfield Rd.

■ ■ OAKLEIGH. The Lott. 28 Atherton Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ OAKLEIGH. Oakleigh Central Lotto. 48 Portman St.

■ ■ OAKLEIGH EAST. BP. 229 Ferntree Gully Rd (Cnr Stephensons Rd)

■ ■ RINGWOOD. 7-Eleven. Cnr Loughnans Rd and Warrandyte Rd.

■ ■ RINGWOOD. BP. Cnr Carcoola Rd/ Old Lilydale Rd and Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ RINGWOOD. Coles Express. Cnr Oban Rd and Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ ■ ■ RINGWOOD. Loughnans Rd Milk Bar. 83 Loughnans Rd.

■ ■ RINGWOOD NORTH. 7-Eleven. Cnr Warrandyte Rd and Oban Rd.

■ ■ RINGWOOD NORTH. North Ringwood Newsagency. 182 Warrandyte Rd.

■ ■ ROWVILLE. Caltex. 940 Stud Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ ROWVILLE. Stud Park Lotto. K03 Stud rd and Fulham Rd

■ ■ ■ ■ SCORESBY. Coles Express. Cnr Stud Rd and Ferntree Guilly Rd.

■ ■ SURREY HILLS. Post Office. 100 Union Rd.

■ ■ SYNDAL. Syndal Newsagency. Cnr Blackburn Rd and Matthew St.

■ ■ TEMPLESTOWE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Anderson St and Wood St.

■ ■ ■ ■ TEMPLESTOWE. Macedon Square Newsagency. 25 Macedon Rd.

■ ■ TEMPLESTOWE. Templestowe Newsagncy. 122 James St.

■ ■ TUNSTALL SQUARE. Caltex. Cnr Tunstall Square and Doncaster Rd.

■ ■ TUNSTALL SQUARE. Tunstall Square Bottle Mart. 17 Tunstall Square.

■ ■ ■ ■ TUNSTALL SQUARE. Tunstall Square Newsagency. 4 Tunstall Square.

■ ■ ■ ■ VERMONT SOUTH. Coles Express. 602-604 Burwood Hwy.

■ ■ WANTIRNA. IGA Supermarket. Wantirna Mall.

■ ■ WANTIRNA. Tatts/Manfre’s Hairdressing. Wantirna Mall.

■ ■ WANTIRNA. Wantirna Newsagency. Wantirna Mall.

■ ■ ■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Cellarbrations. 4/249 Stud Rd.

■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Coles Express. 435 Stud Rd (cnr High St Rd)

■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Foodmax. 1/ 249 Stud Rd.

■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Studfield IGA. 191-195 Stud Rd.

■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Studfield Newsagency. 1/223 Stud Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ WATTLE PARK. Wattle Park Licensed Post Office. 190 Elgar Rd

■ ■ WHEELERS HILL. Wheelers Hill Hotel. Cnr Ferntree Guilly Rd and Jells Rd.

Melbournewide History award wins

■ A book recounting the lives of 200 convicts transported to Port Phillip in the 1800s has won the top prize at the 2022 Victorian Community History Awards, helping to shine a light on Australia’s complex colonial past.

Janet McCalman was awarded the Victorian Premier’s History Award for her book Vandemonians: The Repressed History of Colonial Victoria at a ceremony at the Arts Centre Melbourne.

The judges praised the book for telling “poignant and personal stories with wit and irony” and for its demonstration of excellent research and writing to uncover the collective biographies of the prisoners.

The Premier’s History Award carries $5000 prize money, with 11 category winners sharing a further

Court Lists

Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court Plaintiff / Informant / Applicant vs Defendant / Accused / Respondent. Information Division.

Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, October 26 3 Point Motors Abdullahi, Sacid Andersen, Dorothy Asaad, Youssef Asanoski, Emrah Azzopardi, Troy Baade, Jye Banks, Alexander Blow, Djarrin Briggs, Cody Eric Cageorgis, Elizabeth Carpenter, Damian Castro, Mark Challa, Natneal Defaru Charlton, Guy Chokker, Ritik Cohn, James Collard, Stefan Comparini, Andre Cossai, Steven Crankshaw, Bradley Demetriou, Kyriakos Dimopoulos, Angela Elder, Celeste Foulidis, Louise Gibbs, Graham Gittus, Dwayne Patrick Goli, Ashwin Kumar Greenaway, Jennifer Grundy, Belinda Gubroail, Aaron Guglielmi, Lara Hayek, Rouba Hopkinson, Marcus Hussein, Abdulrahim Iglic, Leopold Ioannidis, Nadia Ion, George Claudiu Irwin, Timothy Iyer, Umesh Venktesh Jabbour, William Kalamouni, Maddie Kanyuchi, Tatenda Keay, Samantha Kingsland, Mark Anthony Kiriwendala, Lakshitha Koukeris, George Krincevski, Stefce Kruger, Lynda Krusic, Lucas Charles Kunda, Sany Kyriazis, Vasilios Lafaele, Jaracz Lean, Robin Lee, Mirae Loh, Yun King Madeley, Ezekiel Manning, Zaki Marchione, Carlo Martone, Andrew Masoka, Jason Mcintosh, Heath

$16,000 in recognition of their excellence.

Other projects honoured at the awards include projects on the histories of Greater Geelong, Red Cliffs, Moreland, Melton, La Trobe Valley, Melbourne’s Little Lonsdale Street, Women’s Walking Club, as well as the stories of Australian women artists and extinct wildlife.

Projects reflecting LGBTIQA+ histories of Melbourne, including the Queer-ways self-guided tour of Fitzroy and Collingwood and an article about gender non-conformity in historical records, were celebrated.

The Victorian Community History Awards are presented by Public Record Office Victoria in partnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

The Whip

Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Local Paper shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt, innocence or liability should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

Mcleod, Eliza Michailidis, Lazorous Millway, Craig Mirazic, Vlastimir Mohamed, Ammar Najib Morrison, Joshua Ngo, Nicholas Novello, Sebastian O'brien, Beau O'connor, Dustin Ortuso, Alexandra Parisi, Frank Robert Pascoe, Kiera Penington, Lionel John Pennisi, Ralph Petrollini, Ariel Ransingh, Virat Reid, Rose Rivas, Justin Roberts, Christopher Robertson, Corey Roe, Wendy Rose, Jeffrey Runge-Hill, Kristie Runge-Rawady, Kristie Sharp, Julia Sheard, Jacqueline Singh, Amarpreet Southurst, Brodie Stavropoulos, John Stojkovski, Sonia Strawbridge, Tanya Suckling, Renae Sultan, Talal Sun, Qinyong Taylor, Andrew Thomas, Wayne Toledo, Rodny Tolson, Darren Torzillo, Giuseppe Tuckerman, Gary Tupuola, Atalenna Tweedie, Joel Vanbeek, Theo Voukelatos, Vicky Warr, Deanna Warren, Stuart Yu, Sheng Zaidi, Syed Qayam

■ It is one calendar month to go before the November 26 State Election, and the Liberal-Nationals are putting in a shocker of a campaign.

Most Lib-Nats candidates are failing the basics of getting themselves known through local newspaper ouitlets, in print and online.

Even in the marginal seats where the conservatives think they have a chance to wrestle the place from a Labor incumbent, the blue candidates are failing to register on the public recognition meter.

Libs belt Teals

■ The Liberals issued a media release last Friday (Oct. 21), having a whack at the ‘Teal Party’, with the claim that the teals are waning.

“The Teal Party has sent identical begging letters to former supporters in Kew and Hawthorn as their campaign support wanes,” said the unsigned media statement at the Liberal Party website.

“The letters beg people to re-engage as the number of supporters continue to drop off.

“Both letters are signed by Rob Baillieu In the Kew letter he claims to be Chief of Staff to Sophie Torney, while in the Hawthorn letter he claims to be a Senior Advisor to Melissa Lowe

“The letters are further proof that the Teals are a political party with a centralised structure running the campaigns, support from Climate 200 in the form of funding and polling and three key policy positions across the campaign as dictated by Climate 200.

“Adopting two different titles can’t disguise the centralised nature of their campaigns or their sliding support,” said the anonymous Liberal statement.

SEC comeback

■ Premier Dan Andrews late last week announced a comeback for the State Electricity Commission.

The Electrical Trades Union Victorian Branch, representing 20,000 electrical workers, welcomed the announcement that there will be a revival of government ownership of energy generation.

“The commitment to reforming the SEC, investing in government-owned energy, partnering with industry superfunds and massive targets for renewable energy is a fantastic development for our state,” said a Union statement.

“Since the Kennett Government privatised publicly-owned power assets, Victorians have had higher power prices and a less reliable grid.”

ETU Secretary Troy Gray said: “"Bringing back the SEC is a fantastic commitment from a re-elected Andrews Labor Government. Our power assets should never have been privatised, and Victorians have been worse-off ever since."

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Ash on Wednesday Yarra still has challenges

■ The City of Yarra still has many challenges including financial sustainability, organisational structure, planning and community engagement processes, according to Municipal Monitor Yehudi Blacher.

Mr Blacher was appointed by the State Government to be Monitor over the innercity local government body, and he recommended that his term be extended by three months, from JulySeptember.

Mr Blacher said that during his term the Council amended its Code of Conduct proscribing personal criticism on social media by one Councillor of another

“This was a sensible addition to the previous approved Code of Conduct

“Criticism by Councillors of the policy positions of their fellow Councillors are a reasonable expression of freedom of speech.

“However, personal criticisms are not, and this change clarified that boundary,” Mr Blacher said.

Mr Blacher spoke of relationships between the Council and the community.

“It is regretful that such a policy was needed. The vast majority of people presenting at public meetings of the Council do so respectfully and courteously.

“However, it is also evident that some meetings of the Council have, at times, been disrupted by abuse from a small number of community members which reflects poorly on those concerned.”

“As I indicated in my previous report the City of Yarra is an organisation needing major reform and revitalisation.

“One consequence of the pandemic was that it highlighted the fractures in the fabric of the Council both in relation to staff morale and the quality of services delivered by parts of the organisation.

“The latter has for a long time generated considerable and understandable community concern which hitherto has not been addressed.

“The COVID related reduction in revenue papered over structural problems relating to the Council’s financial sustainability which had been developing over a long period.

“The challenges the CEO faces should not be under-estimated. They will require significant changes in the service mix provided by the Council, a restructuring of the organisation both in lines of accountability and culture, major investments in IT to improve the quality and efficiency of internal business processes, the implementation of a contemporary asset management system and improved processes for community interactions with Council.

“In short, significant reform is required to create a modern service-orientated organisation,” Mr Blacher said.

Sue Wilkinson has been appointed as the news CEO of the City of Yarra. She was previously at the City of Darebin.

Parking at UFTG

■ The State Government is providing hundreds of new and upgraded station car parks.

There will be 55 new spaces at Yarraman Station (near Noble Park), 50 new and upgraded at Nar Nar Goon Station, and 40 new spaces at Drouin Station, with 30 more new and upgraded spaces to be opened in coming weeks at Upper Ferntree Gully Station.

New secure Parkiteer bike facilities are set to become available at Upper Ferntree Gully and Yarraman stations.

The projects are planting more than 14,000 new trees, shrubs and grasses across five sites.

Rowville arrest

Police have arrested a man in Rowville after a vehicle attempted to evade officers across the southern suburbs on Friday morning (Oct. 21).

Officers located the silver Nissan Pulsar, believed to be connected to recent attempted armed robbery in the Dandenong North area, on the Westernport Hwy at Hastings about 10.25am.

Police attempted to intercept the Nissan but it sped off and was followed by the Air Wing as it drove erratically through Cranbourne and Dandenong.

Stop sticks were successfully deployed at the South Gippsland Hwy and Pound Rd in Dandenong but the vehicle continued on.

The vehicle eventually stopped at the intersection of Wellington Rd and Stud Rd in Rowville.

The driver of the vehicle attempted to flee on foot but was arrested nearby a short time later.

A 19-year-old Dandenong man was assisting investigators with their enquiries.

Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

Coalition formed

■ A coalition of Melbourne’s metropolitan councils has joined forces to advocate for meaningful policy reforms ahead of the November State Election.

The Inner South Metropolitan Mayor’s Forum - which includes Bayside, Boroondara, Glen Eira and Kingston City Councils - has called on the major parties to work with them to address the common challenges faced by the region’s 614,577 residents.

Representing one in eight Melburnians and spanning 13 state electorates, the Councils are presenting a united front to call for planning reforms, a pipeline of new open space opportunities, more social and affordable housing, and sustainable maternal and child health services.

Dog area boost

■ Boroondara Council will be completing maintenance and improvement works in the fenced dog play area at Gordon Barnard Reserve. These minor upgrades will help ensure that everyone continues to enjoy using the space.

Works were expected to start on Monday (Oct. 24) and take around one week to complete. During this time, the fenced dog play area will be closed to ensure community safety.

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(FebruaryChristmas)

Mornington Peninsula,

The Melbourne Observer is

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A partial closure of the fenced dog play was considered, but it was determined that a full closure was required to ensure dogs and their owners are safely separated from the works.

The improvement works include:

■ an upgrade and extend the size of the central concrete seating area in the middle of the park

■ adding a gravel section connecting the central seating area with the gravel circuit path around the facility (we are keeping the existing seating)

■ laying new mulch near the central seating area between the existing trees to improve the worn grass surface

■ plant ing two new trees either side of the central seating area to provide more summer shade and enjoyment.

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment

James Sherlock, Movies Aaron Rourke, Film Mike McColl Jones, Comedy

Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing Gavin Wood, Stateside

●

Yehudi Blacher

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

OPENING AT ARTS CENTRE

■ Opera Australia and the Really Useful Group present Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera at Arts Centre Melbourne from October 30.

With new staging and scenic design, Maria Björnson’s iconic original costumes and many special effects including a new realisation of the show’s chandelier, this production includes a 37-strong cast and 27-piece orchestra, making it one of the largest musical productions ever in Australia.

The Australian cast is led by Josh Piterman in the coveted lead role of the Phantom, while Amy Manford is the ingénue Christine Daaé and Blake Bowden plays Raoul Vicomte de Chagny.

Directed by Laurence Connor with choreography by Scott Ambler, set design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Paule Constable and sound design by Mick Potter, The Phantom of the Opera has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe), book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

This new production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh.

Performance Details: From October 30

Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne Bookings:phantomoftheopera.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

■ GWB Entertainment presents A Christmas Carol opening in Melbourne at the Comedy Theatre from November 12 to December 29.

Starring David Wenham as Ebenezer Scrooge, the production will feature Bernard Curry (Savage River, Wentworth) as Bob Cratchit, Debra Lawrance (Please Like Me, Five Bedrooms, Home and Away) as The Ghost of Christmas Past and Samantha Morley (Girl

Wenham as Ebenezer

in A Christmas Carol.

From The North Country, Billy Elliot) as The Ghost of Christmas Present. The cast also includes Emily Nkomo (Jagged Little Pill) as Little Fan, Anthony Harkin (Kinky Boots, The Sound of Music, Next to Normal) as Jacob Marley, Sarah Morrison (Come From Away, Ladies in Black, Mamma Mia!) as Belle, Nicholas Kong (Spring Awakening, Anything Goes) as Fezziwig, Andrew Coshan (A View From The Bridge, Merrily We Roll Along) as Fred and Stephanie Lambourn (Broadway cast of A Christmas Carol) as Mrs Cratchit, and is completed by Cameron Taylor, Melanie Bird, Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward, Benjamin Colley, Jan Di Pietro and Embla Bishop.

Australian producer Torben Brookman for GWB Entertainment said: “We are thrilled to announce this incredible Australian cast to join David Wenham in bringing this classic tale of community, hope and redemption to the stage. A Christmas Carol is the perfect production for the entire family to see this Christmas season in Melbourne.”

Two visionary Tony Award winners — director Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical) and playwright Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) – have created a magical new interpretation of Charles Dickens’s timeless story, A Christmas Carol and Melbourne audiences can immerse themselves in a bighearted, smash hit production that brims with Christmas spirit.

Rehearsals commence this month ahead of the Australian premiere on November 12.

Comedy Theatre, Melbourne November 12 – December29

Tickets from $49.50 (plus booking fee)

christmascarolaustralia.com.au

Josh Piterman as The Phantom and Amy Manford as Christine.

Sal and Friends

Confidential

Chicago

■ The Festival Hub at Trades Hall, home to the Melbourne Fringe Festival, was abuzz with people meeting up with friends, catching a drink at the bar or pouring in and out of the many theatre spaces to take in a Fringe show. A real sense of excitement: the Melbourne arts scene is back and fired up.

2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Golden Gibbo winner, Nat Harris, is a talented writer who has handed us her latest character, Sal, in Sal + Friends.

Sal is a 55 year-old retired P.E. teacher with an unhealthy obsession with her son Brendan who is living in London with his partner, Cartier.

In the throes of over-organising the minutiae of her husband’s 60th, Sal is juggling the toxic advice of her best friend, Lynne, while maniacally adhering to her new personal trainer’s regime.

Her cutting remarks cruelly portray her husband as gormless and unable to keep up: she believes he is not in sync with her enthusiasm and outmoded in his dress sense.

When her husband drops a bombshell about their son, Sal falls apart.

Nat’s written script delivers many sides and changes in the two characters as they negotiate transformation and challenges in their long-standing relationship. Clever dialogue leaves plenty more room to develop these characters.

Her use of audience participation was a bit laboured and perhaps didn’t achieve as much as she’d hoped for on the night.

I hope Nat explores more of Sal, her friends and her family dynamics as an ongoing series in the future: it would also be suited to other forms of media.

- Review by Sherryn Danaher

More performances

■ Due to public demand for tickets to The United Ukrainian Ballet’s production of Swan Lake, there wereadditional final performance for Melbourne last Sunday, October 23 at 6pm at the Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Entertainment Centre.

The United Ukrainian Ballet brought together award-winning dancers from Ukraine’s finest ballet houses including The National Opera of Ukraine, Kharkiv Opera Theatre and Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre

Each member of the Company has their own story of how they escaped the devastating war in their homeland to reach safety and join the Company.

Under the artistic direction of Igone de Jonge, former prima ballerina of the Dutch National Ballet, the Company have been living and rehearsing together since fleeing Ukraine

Of Russian and Ukrainian descent, Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky composed Swan Lake in 1875-76.

During the Soviet era, the ballet’s televising was often associated with political instability and upheaval.

In more recent times its symbolism has become inextricably defined as a protest work by many Russians ardently opposed to the occupation of Ukraine.

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents the Neil Simon comedy Barefoot in the Park from November 4-19 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna.

Directed by Llaaneath Poor , newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter begin their new life together in an unfinished Manhattan apartment.

Paul is a straight-laced lawyer and Corie a romantic free spirit. When Corie’s mother visits, they introduce her to eccentric neighbour-inthe-attic Velasco

A wild night ensues, one that highlights just how different Corie and Paul are. The young couple soon realise that marriage is no easy walk in the park.

Performance Dates: November 4 – 19, Wed. to Sat. at 8pm; Matinees Nov 6, 12, 13 at 2pm

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna

Bookings: 9457 4117 or send an email to htc@htc.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

JSMR

■ In JSMR, Jessica Stanley invites the audience to experience the weird and wonderfully stimulating world of ASMR, otherwise known as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.

As the curtain parts on an old-fashioned fortune-telling booth set in an old-style carnival tent, we don headphones and blankets and settle in for an auditory experience.

“Your fate has been decided,” Stanley tells us. Intriguingly, we are warned that through the innocuous, neutral sounds of tapping, crinkling and whispering that is ASMR, we might experience a “brain-gasm”.

“Feel free to regress to a safer time”, Stanley instructs before indulging in a story of her childhood, and the pleasure gained sharing her stationery with her primary school friends.

All the while, Stanley strokes the microphone with a creepy skeleton hand.

Stanley gently ribs the audience with a passive-aggressive diatribe presented so sweetly that you almost miss the gist.

The presentation’s soothing, restful and comforting nature makes you miss the sting in the dialogue.

We are instructed to write down “words we love to hear” on individual whiteboards hidden under our seats.

Stanley repeats words such as holiday, porridge, and pillow, soon pivoting into interest rates, mortgage, and Optus, all breathily transmitted via a microphone with ear-shaped cups to our earphones.

Apparently, ASMR is triggered by personal attention, such as when having a haircut or having your nails painted.

Stanley gives us an imaginary makeover, accompanied by almost missed, subtle digs.

“Did you know you have large pores?”

“I’ll just add a bit of colour; you have a sallow complexion.”

Feeling disturbed but relaxed, and with our auras positively cleansed, we head off into the night.

JSMR was staged until October 21 at the Festival Hub, Victorian Trades Hall Council, Carlton.

- Review by Kathryn Keeble Memoir of a Tired Carer

■ The healthcare industry and those tirelessly working in it were under stress long before the pandemic and are, now, even more so.

Oliver Bailey, playwright and performer of this one man show, outlines the challenges of dealing with those who lose bodily function, their minds and their identity within the aged care system simultaneously revealing the impact this has on those charged with caring for the elderly without adequate staffing and support.

Bailey provides a series of scenarios moving through examples of dementia, cancer and incontinence. The challenge in providing a sense

of development and continuity remains when providing this oversight of case studies. The emotional strain imposed on workers when faced with the stress of dealing with patients’ needs while meeting deadlines is suggested in the carer imagining wolves circling.

Unfortunately, the presence of these imaginary creatures is never quite explained as a psychological phenomenon of the carer’s stress. Bailey has also made attempts at staging conversations with others by voicing their comments.

Much more could be made of this to provide the dramatic variety this monologue needs to give it a greater degree of vitality. There is a little too much of the carer ‘telling’ what takes place.

The failings, flaws and sense of inadequacy felt by carers and the administrative indifference they face impinges on their ability to do the job asked of them.

Bailey’s concern is heartfelt and the honesty of the instances he details confronting. There are moments of humour which one has to find to simply be able to continue in the profession.

Bailey has provided an insight into the industry and the emotional toll faced on both staff and patients. He manages to sustain his performance over the hour but there needed to be a little more dramatic light and shade and crafting of the carer’s character in order for the audience to be able to follow the arc of emotional and psychological development.

Melbourne Fringe Festival - Review by David McLean

Arts Collection

■ Historically significant performing arts costumes and objects, ranging from Kylie Minogue’s gold lame hot pants to Dame Nellie Melba’s La Traviata bodice, will be made available to the public to view in 2023 through a $2.2 million project to upgrade and expand Arts Centre Melbourne’s Australian Performing Arts Collection.

Unveiled by Steve Dimoipoulos, Minister for Creative Industries, the Collections’ Reveal project will provide public access to some neverbefore-seen objects and costumes through a first of its kind behind-the-scenes visitor experience.

The new space designed by Melbourne based Williams Ross Architects is set to open in June 2023 and will feature an upgraded and expanded storage to increase capacity for the Collection’s more than 780,000 items, ranging from costumes and accessories, designs and set models, props, photographs and scrapbooks, posters, programs, archives and audio and visual material.

It will feature the Collection’s first ever conservation lab to preserve items onsite, and an enhanced photographic studio to continue digitisation and build on the development of online exhibitions.

■ Chicago, the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, has a new look in CLOC Musical Theatre's fabulous, reimagined interpretation which played at the National Theatre, St Kilda until October 22.

CLOC's powerhouse husband and wife creative team Lynette White (Co-Director/ Choreographer) and Chris White (Co-Director/Set Designer) have triumphed in achieving a unique version of this oft-staged show.

Billy Flynn's reference to life resembling a three-ring circus links appropriately to the colourful circus-like environment, inspiring vaudevillian style performances while still capturing the seediness of 1920s lower class Chicago, Illinois.

Based on the book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Chicago tells of death-row murderesses Roxie Hart and vaudeville star Velma Kelly seeking celebrity fame for freedom while dubiously mentored by ever-smiling, conniving lawyer Billy Flynn.

Musical Director Malcom Huddle's orchestra renders the show’s terrific score with gusto, and Lynette White's innovative choreography exudes a wow factor, obviously enjoyed by the dancers.

Brad Alcock's vibrant lighting design adds mood and atmosphere and effective sound design is from Marcello Lo Ricco.

Excellent triple threat performances are delivered by Emily McKenzie (Roxie), and Melanie Ott (Velma). Will Hanley excels as Billy, as does Elise Stevens as Mama Morton.

Yann Tixhon and Thomas O’Reilly add stylish pizzaz as the Emcees, Thomas KittThompson is a naturalistic Amos Hart, and great work from Elijah Ziegeler as Mary Sunshine.

The versatile ensemble of dancers and singers make a wonderful contribution to the show’s success.

Special mention must be made of the dynamic performances of Murderesses Lucinda Barratt (Annie), Sarah Kate Hanley (Liz), Jessica Mohi (June), Tyler-Rose Shattock (Mona) and Jodie Webber (Hunyak).

Sharing star-billing with the cast are Victoria Horne’s bold, adventurous, sometimes spectacular costumes, complemented by David Wisken’s hair and make-up design. Congratulations to CLOC Musical Theatre for supporting their production team, cast and crew to achieve this exciting new creative vision for Chicago

A splendid production.

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Media Flashes

■ Kate Ritchie has surprised fans with an unexpected announcement about her future on Nova’s Kate, Tim and Joel Drive Show and has told fans she had decided to take a break to allow “more time for myself and my family to re-energise”.

■ After seven years on air, Chrissie, Sam and Browny have decided that 2022 will be their last year as Nova 100’s breakfast show, with their final show on Friday, December 2.

■ Lucy Durack is a fan of rom-coms and their soundtracks. With mates Rob Mills and Bert LaBonté, Lucy is planning a concert to celebrate these delightful ballads. Titled Lucy Durack's Rom-Concert, this event will tour Australia in November.

■ Madeleine Swain has joined the ArtsHub team in the new role of Managing Editor. She also sits on the board of Joy Media.

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless Barefoot In The Park

● ● ● ● Heidelberg Theatre Company’s Barefoot In The Park.

● ● Yann Tixhon (Emcee) and Thomas O'Reilly (Emcee) in Chicago at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Photo: Ben Fon

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ Encore Theatre: When Dad Married Fury (by David Williamson) Until October 29 at the Clayton Community Centre. Director: Damien Jones. Bookings: www.encoretheatre.com.au or Trybooking

■ The 1812 Theatre: The History Boys (by Alan Bennett) Until October 29 at the 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Dexter Bourke. Bookings: www.1812theatre.com.au

■ Theatre of the Winged Unicorn: Blithe Spirit (by Noel Coward) Until November 6 at the Ceres Temperance Hall, 40 McCann St., Ceres (near Geelong. Director: Amelia McBride Baker. Producer: Elaine Mitchell. Bookings: trybooking.com/CAEDC

■ Torquay Theatre Troupe Inc: Harp on the Willow (by John Mistro) Until October 29 at the Shoestring Playhouse @ the MAC, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay. Director: Gay Bell. Bookings: trybooking.com.au

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Lady in the Van (by Alan Bennett) October 28 –November 12 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Nick Opolski. Bookings: 1300 131 552, or online via our website: ttps://www.malverntheatre.com.au/ book-

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Sweeney Todd November 4 – 19 at the Centenary Theatre, Williamstown. Director: Nicholas Kong. Musical Director: Daniel Heskett. Bookings: wmtc.org.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Barefoot in the Park (by Neil Simon) November 4 – 19 at Heidelberg Theatre, Turner Ave., Rosanna. Director: Llaaneath Poor. Bookings: 9457 4117 or email boxoffice@htc.org.au

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): The Other Cinderella (by Nicholas Stuaet Grey) November 10-19 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Michele Haywood. Bookings: stagtheatre.org

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Round and Round the Garden (by Alan Ayckbourn) November 11 – 26 at Brighton Theatre, Cnr. Carpenter and Wilson Sts., Brighton. Director: Tim Scott. Bookings: www.brightontheatre company.com.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Get Smart (adapted by Christopher Sergel) November 11-26 at Eltham Theatre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Cabaret style. BYO refreshments. Bookings: info@elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Vicar of Dibley (by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer) November 11 – 26 at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Annie Laurenson. Bookings: trybooking.com.au

■ The Mount Players: Madagascar (by J T Rogers) November 4 – 20 at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Vicki Smith. Bookings: themoounplayers.com

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria: Thespis or The Gods Grow Old. November 17-20 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Diana Burleigh. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/826958/ sessions

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Around the World in 80 Days (by Jules Verne) November 16-December 3 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Peter Newling. Bookings: www.wlt.org.au

■ OSMaD: The Scarlet Pimpernel December 8 (Preview) – December 17 at Geoffrey McComas Theatre, 1 Morrison St., Hawthorn. Director: Penn Valk; Musical Director: Matthew Nutley; Choreographer: Joel Anderson. Bookings: trybooking.com.au

Auditions

■ Gemco in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing (by William Shakespeare) November 6, 2.00pm- 6.00pm, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Director: Sharon Maine. www.gemcoplayers.org

■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Revlon Girls (by Neil Anthony Docking) November 13 at 6.00pm. November 14 at 6.30pm at Brighton Theatre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Natasha Boyd. Enquiries: Natasha Boyd via tashmark@yourmail.net.au

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Deathtrap (by Ira Levin) November 27 at 8pm, November 28 at 7pm at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Keith Hutton. Enquiries: keithhutton55@gmail.com, 0430 032 332

Get Smart at Research

■ Eltham Little Theatre presents the comedy satire Get Smart from November 11-26 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research.

Adapted by Christopher Sergel and based on the series created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, Eltham Little Theatre’s production is directed by Isabella Preston and Luisa Romeo and will be presented in cabaret style seating.

“Would you believe that seven police boats are closing in on us right now?” asks Maxwell Smart of the head of KAOS who now holds him captive.

When the master criminal finds this a little hard to accept, the straight-faced Smart asks, “Would you believe six?”

Smart is off on a bizarre new case in which he must stop the sinister organisation known as KAOS from their most shameful plot, blowing up the Statue of Liberty.

Performance Details: November 11-26 (incl. two matinees)

Venue: Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research Bookings: www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au Please note: Cabaret seating. BYO refreshments.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Low

■ Victorian Theatre Company returns to Theatre Works with Low – a thriller from playwright Daniel Keene, from November 8-12. After a cancelled season in May due to COVID, this keenly anticipated production is finally about to open.

Emma and Jay are lovers, isolated and outcast from society. Money is scarce and Melbourne’s streets are dark and unforgiving. Desperate to prove themselves and change their fortunes, they take the law into their own hands. Written in 1990, Low travels through time and grabs us by the heart.

Matthew Connell (The Darkening Sky, King Lear) and Veronica Thomas (When The Light Leaves, Thigh Gap) are cast as the two star crossed lovers. Melbourne director Jennifer Sarah Dean (Moulin Rouge) will be at the helm of this new production.

“It’s a story that comes from and belongs to our streets,” Dean explains. ‘The play is firmly set in 1991 Melbourne – a hard period in Australian history with recession gripping the country.’

Low will be scored by composer and sound designer Thomas Kunz (Hamlet), anchoring the piece to the time period and bringing out the heightened poetry for which Keene is best known.

Chelsea Neate’s set and costume design will bring Melbourne’s dark alleyways to life in Theatre Works’ new warehouse space The Explosives Factory in St Kilda.

Kris Chainey’s lighting design evokes noir punk and neon cityscape to submerse the audience.

Performance Details: November 8 – 12

Venue: Explosives Factory, Rear Laneway 67 Inkerman St, St Kilda

Bookings: https://www.eventfinda.com.au/ 2022/low-by-daniel-keene2/melbourne/st-kilda/ tickets

- Cheryl Threadgold Queer Film Festival

■ Melbourne Queer Film Festival launches on Thursday, November 10 for a 12-day program of local and international drama, comedy, documentary, and everything in between; from boundary-pushing filmmakers across the globe. The Melbourne Queer Film Festival is the biggest and longest-running queer film festival in Australia.

Running November 10-21, the 32nd MQFF features a Spotlight on Brazil, 49 feature films and documentaries, 12 short film packages, 35 Australian premieres and four Melbourne premieres.

This year, MQFF welcomes new collaborative partner, the Victorian Pride Centre to host eight open-air rooftop screenings.

David Harris, MQFF CEO said: “We’re excited to be back in full swing to share an inter-

national survey of queer narratives to audiences. This jam-packed program invites the community to come together to laugh, to be moved, to connect, and to celebrate queer lives and stories.”

VicScreen CEO, Caroline Pitcher said: “VicScreen is proud to have supported MQFF since its inception, celebrating inclusivity, diversity and the best of queer cinema.

“The festival also plays an integral role in championing new Australian voices, providing meaningful opportunities for our homegrown talent. We can’t wait to see Melbourne come to life this November for 12 jam-packed days of curated excellence.”

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said: “The City of Melbourne prides itself on being a welcoming, inclusive municipality that celebrates our individuality.

“The Melbourne Queer Film Festival is a spectacular offering of talent and creativity, and I can’t wait to see some of the exciting and thought-provoking films that come out of this year’s selection. This festival is an integral part of Melbourne’s film scene.”

The full MQFF program is available at mqff.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Secret Expedition

■ Cracked Actors Theatre presents Secret Expedition from October 26 - 29 at Power House on the Lake, Level 1, 34 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park, as part of their program to take new Australian works from page to stage successfully from December 2019.

Secret Expedition by Eddy Burger is set in a private club where five spies meet, incognito, without knowing who is comrade and who is foe. A secret operation. Mind games. Word plays. Deaths?

Playwright and Director Eddy Burger says: “On the surface, the play is a comedy, full of silly gags and classic cliches, but within, it is concerned with the relationships between humour, violent drama, realism and artifice.”

Production designer and Company Manager Sarah Yeung explains: “It’s an absolute delight for us to continue to provide and fund writers like Eddy the opportunity to realise their vision in a theatrical context. It is also delightful to produce something that teenagers will find so entertaining and worthwhile.”

Venue: Cracked Actors Theatre, Power House on the Lake, Level 1, 34 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park Dates and Times: Oct. 26 - Oct. 29 at 7.30pm, Oct. 29 at 1pm and 3.30pm

Tickets: $27.5 Full, $22.5 Concession, $100 Group of 4 Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/ eventlist/cat or call 9521 2571 Door sales available

Duration: 75mins | Disabled access is not available for this venue at present.

Minding Your Mind

■ October is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it is a perfect time to think about how people handle stress in their lives.

Psychiatrist Professor Ian Hickie and author and ABC radio identity James O’Loughlin (pictured) have just released a book to give some tips on this tricky issue.

Called Minding Your Mind, it is based on the popular podcast of the same name presented by Hickie and O’Loughlin, the book examines everything people have always wanted to know about how minds work, and the thought and emotions that steer lives.

Readers are in for a pleasant surprise, as its warm, humorous and compassionate, as well as informative.

The book is split into three parts, with the first section exploring how minds work, the importance of social connection, body clock, the subconscious and self-esteem.

Then it tackles the problem of when things go wrong, and anxiety, depression and many related conditions take hold of minds.

The final part explains how people can improve mental health, deal better with crises, how to change, therapy, love, religion and spirituality, forgiveness, and the all-important seven secrets of happiness.

Readers can learn about cognitive strategies that can help prevent burnout and improv body clocks and of course improve mental health.

Minding Your Mind by Prof. Ian Hickie and James O’Loughlin is published by Penguin Random House and available now at favourite book suppliers.

- Julie Houghton

Auditions

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: All My Sons (by Arthur Miller) November 27 at 1.00pm; November 28 at 7.30pm at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Loretta Bishop. Bookings: ljbishop@iinet.net.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Melb. Passion Play

■ After a three-year break due to COVID19, the Melbourne Passion Play will again resume in 2023 for its 24th performance.

Recruiting for the Annual Melbourne Passion Play is now under way. Two performances only, Palm Sunday April 2, at 1:30pm and Good Friday April 7, at 10am. No acting experience is necessary. Only five rehearsals. These will take place at the Holy Cross Centre, 207 Serpells Rd, Templestowe commencing at 1.30pm on Sunday Feb. 26.

Men and women are required to fill the various roles as; Roman Soldiers, Pharisees, Towns People, Disciples.

Crew members are also needed to assist with Costumes, Props and Sound equipment. To be part of this epic production, contact the Director, Robert Durai on 0422 130 014

email: robertodurai@yahoo.com or call the Manager, Gino Gammaldi on 0422 662 451. Visit www.passionplay.info

Get Smart cast at rehearsals

- Cheryl Threadgold

●

● ● James O’Loughlin

●

● ● Bethany Simmons, Richard Mealey, Nicola De Rosbo-Davies, Conagh Punch, Joanna Bakker and Richard James Pengelly (on floor) rehearse Secret Expedition.

Photo: Joshua Lee.

Magazine Magazine

Funny Things Happen

■ The stage of the Karralyka Centre, Ringwood was transformed into ancient Rome during Babirra Music Theatre's rollicking, entertaining production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, based on Burt Shevelove’s book, Pseudolus, an artful slave, connives to win the hand of beautiful courtesan Philia for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom.

Babirra Music Theatre President Jaison Hoernel aptly describes the show in the program as "a 'who's who' of Ancient Rome: eunichs, courtesans, a house-slave, a warrior and even a pimp - all farcically intertwined in a tightly woven plot."

Ashley Weidner's sharp direction ensured impressive, precise timing of hilarious situations, including mistaken identity, twists and turns, comings and goings through doors and farcical slap-stick.

Mal Fawcett's 15-piece orchestra rendered Sondheim's score in splendid style, and Natasha Harvey's visually interesting choreography was quirky and well-rehearsed.

This show's strong cast of performers re-affirmed the high standard of talent in Victorian local theatre.

Charismatic Tony Burge generated infectious fun as Pseudolus, complemented by happy-faced Proteans (Steven Edwards, James Kaiser, Aaron Kelly) , and Dean Mitchelmore’s (Hysterium) lively performance.

Darren Mort was terrific as lustful, lovable Senex, as was Natasha Bassett’s (Domina) commanding performance.

Michael Syme (Hero) and Greta Wilkinson (Philia), an exquisite young couple with storybook looks, presented delightful singing and acting.

David Torr (Marcus Lycus) was great as the Courtesans’ rascally keeper, and Steven Saxton (Miles Gloriosus) showcased his fabulous voice in Bring Me My Bride.

David Bean (Erronius) added another entertaining dimension, as did the surprise appearance of Owen Davies.

The exotic Courtesans did lovely work presenting their characters: Tiffany Pickthall-Torr (Tintinabula), Cassie Pennicuik (Panacea), Maddie Psaila and Hayley Wootten (Geminae), Karina Aston (Vibrata) and Maria Roitman (Gymnasia)

Melissa Campolongo, Sam Ironside and Paul Santzaridis completed the strong ensemble.

Emma Sheard’s colourful costumes were stunning. Jason Bovaird’s atmospheric lighting enhanced visuals.

Bravo Babirra Music Theatre. A wonderful show that filled the theatre with laughter.

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

When Dad Married Fury

■ Encore Theatre presents When Dad Married Fury by David Williamson until October 29 at the Clayton Community Centre.

Directed by Damian Jones, this social satire tells of no-nonsense 'filthy rich' businessman Alan who has made no apologies about stepping over the little people to get there.

His two sons Ian and Ben, and their wives Sue and Laura, have all come together to celebrate Alan’s 70th birthday.

But of course, things are never as simple as they seem.

When Alan’s new wife, young American beauty Fury , enters the scene, the fun and games start.

Money may be the root of all evil, but the love of it can make for a fastpaced, modern comedy that explores greed, envy, generosity and family ties – in fact all the flaws that make us human.

When Dad Married Fury is said 'to make you laugh, bring a tear to your eye and definitely make you think.'

Performance Details: Until October 29

Venue: Clayton Community Centre, Cooke St., Clayton Tickets: $25 or $23 for concession. Groups of 10+ are $21 each. Tickets include sherry, tea and coffee.

Everyman And His Dog

■ It is said that you never act with animals and maybe children but this show has to be an exception. Written by Ron Elisha, a prolific Australian playwright, Everyman and His Dog has credentialed actor Dennis Coard sharing the stage with Dog , a well

trained 12yo golden retriever known off stage as Zita, who sat and lay patiently on stage throughout the whole monologue.

As part of the Victorian Seniors Festival and the Melbourne Fringe Festival, Theatre Works in collaboration with Denny Lawrence as Director/Producer, presented this short season at the upstairs Explosive Factory in St Kilda.

The work is loosely based on Elisha’s unhappy personal experiences with canines in the past as he brings his main character Dr John Everyman, a retired GP living a quiet and orderly life in his empty house, who is suddenly faced and landed with Dog, an unexpected gift from his daughter.

Having lost his beloved wife Sofia, he is totally unprepared for such companionship and being able to cope with the intrusion of a canine, taking him well outside of his comfort zone. He relates to us his childhood experience, of a feisty neighbouring Boxer who often bailed him up and drew blood from his ankle. Then there was the forced cleaning of his father’s boots, having stepped into street dog droppings.

The demands of caring and owning Dog were well canvassed as was Everyman’s character as he struggles through the highs and lows of life.

Much is all a matter of fact, anger, humour and pathos and gripping the need to walk, feed and care for something or rather someone else, not a human but a canine that he freely admits never having a liking for dogs.

Well staged, acted and directed this thought provoking work will have you looking your canine directly into their eyes as their tails wag – and you thinking, how can I manage without you?

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Halloween Recommendations: Relic

■ (M). 89 minutes. Now streaming on Stan.

Again showing that genre filmmaking can provide the ideal framework to explore real-world social and personal issues, Relic is an immensely focused, smartly executed piece whose topic will resonate with many viewers who have had to deal with its overwhelming ramifications.

Kay (Emily Mortimer) and her grown daughter Sam (Bella Heathcote) arrive at the former’s country family home when she receives a call saying that her mother, Edna (Robyn Nevin) , has gone missing.

A police search ensues, and while all Kay and Sam can do is wait and hope, they see that Edna’s house is falling into disrepair, but also notice that the doors have newly added locks on them.

When Edna suddenly reappears, Kay dismisses her behaviour as the onset of dementia, but as their stay lengthens, it appears there is something else in the house.

Co-writer/director Natalie Erika James makes an extraordinary feature film debut, intelligently mixing horror and drama (filled with symbolism) to often riveting effect. James creates an oppressive atmosphere (at times reminiscent of films such as Hideo Nakata’s Dark Water and Tony Scott’s The Hunger), but never forgets the human anguish behind it, and has been blessed with three perfectly cast actors, all of whom deliver firstclass work.

Technically the film is also impressive. Relic is a real shot-in-thearm for the Australian film industry (and is a more sustained effort than Jennifer Kent’s acclaimed The Babadook), and I can’t wait to see what James does next.

RATING - ****

Hellbound

■ (MA). Six episodes. Now streaming on Netflix.

Korean TV has certainly made a high profile impression on western audiences over the past few years.

With series such as All Of Us Are Dead, Strangers From Hell, Taxi Driver, My Name, Dr Brain and Squid Game enthralling viewers, the latest to hit our screens is Hellbound.

Again based on a successful webtoon, and from director Yeon Sang-ho (The King Of Pigs, Seoul Station, Train To Busan, Psychokinesis), this immensely entertaining series uses a supernatural premise

to explore some dark aspects of human nature. Detective Jin Kyeong-hoon (Yang Ik-june, from Wilderness), along with his fellow colleagues, are baffled when they have to investigate a bizarre incident where it appears three imposing demons have brutally murdered a seemingly innocent man. The plentiful mobile footage has gone viral, but many refuse to believe what they are watching, as the general public are constantly bombarded with fake, disingenuous posts and videos on social media. Jeong Jin-soo (Yoo Ah-in, from #Alive, Voice Of Silence and Burning), the leader of a decade-old religious cult called The New Truth, has been warning everyone of these occurrences for years, stating that it is God dispensing justice on those who have sinned. Following a particularly public killing (or ‘demonstration’, as it will end up being known), the world believes, and Jeong is seen by all as a messiah of sorts, and suddenly has incredible power at his fingertips. Jin has a troubled relationship with his teenage daughter Hee-jeong (Lee Re), mainly due to the murder of his wife years earlier. Also finding it difficult to accept what is happening is lawyer Min Hye-jin (Kim Hyunjoo) , who truly wants to represent those who are vilified and persecuted without any reasonable evidence being presented. More characters will be introduced as the story takes a number of twists and turns.

In a current climate where people are plagued by uncertainty and insecurity, overwhelmed by a nonstop stream of information, trying to discern what is true and what are outright lies, and seeing dangerous fringe groups attain a destructive, growingly louder voice while a once-in-a-century pandemic has battered society, Hellbound couldn’t arrive at a better time. Yeon could be seen as the Korean George A. Romero (Dawn Of The Dead), using a genre framework to deliver biting social commentary, and that is again on show here, and could be a companion piece with his savage animated drama, The Fake (2013). Setting the story over the next five years is a clever move, as Yeon wants to show us a world that could come to fruition, one of our own making. Elements are reminiscent of the classic Death Note films and anime, and even Takashi Miike’s 2003 horror/thriller One Missed Call. The acting is superb, with everyone making the most of their roles. Production values are exceptional, on par with what’s seen on the big screen. After Peninsula, the film-maker’s disappointing follow-up to Train To Busan, Yeon Sang-ho returns to form in a big way with Hellbound, which is wild, riveting, imaginative, and thought-provoking.

● ● David Torr (Marcus Lycus) with Courtesans Karina Aston (left), Hayley Wotten, Maria Roitman, Tiffany Pickthall, Maddie Psaila (back) and Cassie Pennicuik (front) in A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum. Photo: Gavin D. Andrew

■ Whenever you mention the name Alan Jones these days people immediately think of the Australian radio broadcaster on 2GB

But there was a famous American singer and film star during the Golden Days of Hollywood who had a hit with a song called The Donkey Serenade in 1937.

Allan Jones was born Theodore Allen Jones in Pennsylvania in 1907.

He worked with his father in the coal mines until the age of 26 when he won a University Scholarship to study music.

Allan received classical training and got sing in several Broadway musicals before breaking into films with a small singing role in the Jean Harlow MGM film Reckless in 1935.

Allan was noticed by the studio and cast in the Marx Brothers film A Night at the Opera where he sang two songs Alone and Cosi - Cosa

In the 1936 version of Showboat, Allan Jones played ‘Gaylord Ravenal’ opposite the beautiful Irene Dunne. I think this black-and-white classic is the best film version of Showboat

During the making of The Great Ziegfeld, Dennis Morgan mimed the voice of Allan Jones singing A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody in a big musical production number as he walked down a huge wedding cake.

In 1937 Allan was cast in another Marx Broth ers film A Day at the Races . He had a small role as the opera singer in Rosemarie and loved working with Jeanette McDonald

Magazine

Whatever Happened To ... Allan Jones

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

His next film with MGM was Everybody Sing and Allan coached a very young Judy Garland in some of her scenes.

In The Firefly, Allan was once again cast opposite Jeanette McDonald and sang Rudolf Friml's composition The Donkey Serenade which was to become his signature tune.

Allan played the leading role in The Boys from Syracuse in 1940. His next film was A Night in the Tropics and this film had a disastrous effect on his film career. Allan and Robert Cummings were the two leads but the director was keen to introduce two new comedians called Abbott and Costello

The comedy team were only supposed to do one sketch in the film but they were so good

their roles were increased and Allan's role was reduced. Although Allan still appeared in films his career waned over the next five years.

During the war years Allan was one of the first entertainers to volunteer to sing for the troops overseas. He returned to the stage in Great Britain and then toured the US with several offBroadway musicals.

Over the next 20 years Allan worked the nightclub circuit. In the early 1950s he appeared at the Tivoli Theatre in Melbourne and was a guest star on radio shows such as Australia's Hour of Song

Allan was married four times and had two children. His son Jack Jones became a very successful singer and sings the theme song for the television series The Love Boat

Allan Jones was a guest star in television shows such as 77 Sunset Strip and The Love Boat

During the 1970s Allan played the role of Don Quixote in stage productions of Man of La Mancha.

I met Allan Jones and recorded several radio interviews with him when he was here in Melbourne in 1991 for a concert at the Melbourne Town Hall.

Shortly after the Melbourne visit Allan Jones passed away of lung cancer at the age of 84. After all these years I still enjoy listening to his version of The Donkey Serenade. Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Philip Brady and Simon Owens. And on 96.5 FM

Kevin can be heard on radioThe Time Tunnel - on Remember WhenSundays at 9.10pm on 3AW

That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au

Melbourne Now at Ian Potter Centre

Melbourne Now – History making Exhibition Returns in 2023 with 200+ Victorian based artists.

The second edition of the groundbreaking exhibition, Melbourne Now will be presented at The Ian Potter Centre NGV Australia from March 2023.

Bold in scope and scale, the exhibition highlights the extraordinary work of more than 200 Victorian based artists, designers, studios and firms whose practices are shaping the cultural landscape of Melbourne and Victoria.

With more than 200 ambitious and thought-provoking projects on display, including More than 60 world-premiere works commissioned especially by the NGV for this major presentation, the exhibition highlights the vibrant creativity of local emerging, mid-career and senior practitioners and collectives – including many who are presenting at the NGV for the first time.

The large-scale exhibition traverses all levels of The Ian Potter Centre NGV Australia including contemporary interventions across the Australian Art permanent displays, and highlights a diverse range of contemporary disciples across fashion, jewellery, painting, sculpture, architecture, ceramics, video, virtual reality, performance, photography, printmaking, product design, and publishing.

The exhibition also includes focused displays that offer an in-depth exploration of particular themes, media and technical innovations. The hugely popular Design Wall returns with a large-scale installation celebrating consumer products designed in Melbourne over the past decade, including guitars, ladders, pillows, luggage, motorbikes and more.

Exhibition opens March 24 and closes August 20. 2023.

Ian Potter Centre NGV Gallery Federation Square , Melbourne

Tamara Dean

Leave Only Footprints –Tamara Dean.

Emerging from the depths of nature Tamara Dean’s practice examines the human condition. Leave Only Footprints is the first survey of the

The Arts

Exhibited for the first time since their acquisition in 2020 though a generous gift if the artist, this selection of printed works by Brook Andrew reflects his longstanding practice of combining diverse images and tend to reclaim indigenous language as a counter to, and examination of dominant cultural narratives that often relate to colonialism, modern art histories, and post-colonial cultural activism.

Exhibition closes October 23. A Tale of Two Cities – Prints from the Colin Holden Collection. This exhibition is drawn from the extensive Colin Holden Collection of prints held at Geelong Gallery. It presents a selection of early-20h century depictions of Melbourne and Sydney by key members of Australian Painter-Etchers’ Sydney.

Moving on after 13 years

critically acclaimed photo media artist and spans more than 20 years of her photographic practice. This immersive exhibition incorporates scent. photography, installation and the moving image to create an environment that engages the senses.

Exhibition opens November 25 and closes February 19. 2023.

Lovers and misfits – Peter Milne Love and misfits is an exhibition of portraits by Peter Milne taken during the formative years of is artistic practice taken during the formative years of artistic practice.

Milne first began taking photographs friends, family and the Melbourne punk scene in the 1970s and over subsequent decades captured a flow of figures including Nick Cave,Anita Lane, Rowland X Howard and Polly Borland. These iconic and warm portraits document Milne’s friends before they would go on to play pivotal toles in Australia’s music and art scene. This exhibition captures the transitory moments of the first wave of punk in Melbourne.

Exhibition opens November 25 and closes January 16. 2023.

Monash Gallery of Art 860 Ferntree Gully Rd. Wheelers Hill

Brook Andrew

Hope, Peace and Paradise –Brook Andrew

The Australian Painters-Etchers Society was established un 1920 by artists committed to the practice and promotion of etching in Australia. Exhibition closes Monday March 13. 2023

The Gertrude Editions

The Gertrude Editions is a series of limited edition works released annually by Gertrude Contemporary since 2002. The Gertrude Editions promotes the connections between leading Australian artists and new studio artists at what is widely acknowledged as the primary incubator for visual artists in Australia.

Geelong Gallery received the gift of 15 Gertrude Editions from local collectors Robert and Gail Bett and family who had collected works since the release of the first exhibition by Ricky Swallow. The Gertrude Editions exhibition provides an unique and valuable overview of Australian contemporary art from 2002 to 2019.

Exhibition closes Monday March 13. 2023.

A Persistent Vision –Mandy Martin

Mandy Martin (1952 – 2021) was a critically acclaimed Australian artist. An early reputation for political and socially progressive imagery established an ideological framework for a European and industrial colonisation of Australia. Exhibition opens Sunday November 5 and closes Sunday February 6. 2023.

Geelong Gallery, 60 Little Malop St.

■ There is no such thing as sentiment in show business, particularly in TV when a star resigns. Logie winner Carrie Bickmore resigned from Ten and the very next morning her star photo was removed from the front reception area leaving a gaping space. How petty can some Ten execs get?

It’s all over for Liam

■ Youthful looking TV and radio presenter Liam Bartlett has quit his posts as presenter on 60 Minutes. as well as daily gig as breakfast host 6PR, Perth. Liam has been active in national and Perth media for30 years including 16 years covering international hot spots for 60 Minutes. Failing radio ratings could have lots to with the departure.

‘Living Room’ takes a breather

■ Ten has announced that the gang from The Living Room will be missing in 2023 quoting that they will be back2024 with a new, zany look. Viewer reaction to their Friday format for this year’s shows got mixed reviews, hence a year off. Out of mind, out of sight is a dangerous strategy in TV land, all we can do is wait and see.

Peppers add concerts

■ Two additional live concerts have been added to the already tight as a drum national schedule of shows for Red Hot Chilli Pepers, and supporting act, Post Malone. New dates are Melbourne , February 4, and in Sydney February 9.

Property value jumps

■ In 1989 pop icon Cher lashed out and purchased a seven bedroom , Italian inspired house for $2.95m in Malibu. Well, Cher has decided to move on and her house is for sale to fist bidder able to stump up $85 million. Interested parties please line up to the left of the front gates of the 1.7 acres mansion overlooking Pacific Ocean

- John O’Keefe

with Peter Kemp

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● ● ● Allan Jones

● ● Carrie Bickmore beside her poster space.

Magazine Magazine

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

Ruby the Kangaroo says G’Day

■ Hi everyone, remotely from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites in West Hollywood comes this week’s news.

Major tourism push

■ Tourism Australia has announced a new brand ambassador, Ruby, a souvenir kangaroo brought to life with CGI animation, as the face of a new global tourism campaign that will invite the world to Come and Say G’day.

The next instalment of Tourism Australia’s There’s Nothing Like Australia global brand platform will star Australian actress and Tourism Australia ambassador Rose Byrne, who will be the English voice of Ruby

The campaign will also be localised in non-English markets, with Japanese actress Maryjun Takahashi to be the voice of Ruby in Japan.

In Japan, Senator Don Farrell, the Minister for Trade and Tourism, unveiled Ruby to the world on a major digital billboard in Tokyo, kick-starting a world tour which will take Australia’s new Brand Ambassador onto billboards around the globe.

Farrell said: “From today Ruby will hop onto billboards in Singapore, London and New York building anticipation ahead of the launch of the new campaign, which will invite international travellers to Come and Say G’day.

“Ruby will resonate with international audiences as the campaign is rolled out across key international markets to remind the world why There’s Nothing Like Australia.”

Pictured at the tourism launch is Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites Managing Director Alan Johnson with Craig Bennett who turned 60 this month and is the entertainment reporter on Network 10.

Drug game changed

■ Nigeria’s anti-drug agency seized a record 1.8 tons of cocaine valued at $278 million at a Lagos warehouse in what it described as likely the country’s largest bust ever.

Five people, the warehouse manager and four “drug barons” including one profiled as a Jamaican were arrested in connection with the drugs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said. ‘

It said the suspects were members of an international drug syndicate the agency has been trailing since 2018. The agency said the drugs were found in a secluded estate in the Ikorodu area of Lagos on Sunday at a time when “the cartel was trying to sell them to buyers in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.”

The drugs were stored in 10 travel bags and 13 drums, the agency said in a statement published along with photos of the suspects and the drugs.

The agency said describing the arrests and seizure were “a historical blow to the drug cartels and a strong warning that they’ll all go down if they fail to realise that the game has changed.”

Drug seizures have been rising in West Africa in the last year, indicating that traffickers have made the continent a hub to move their illegal products between South America and Europe

Men struggling

■ Mortgage rates surged to a 15-year high of 6.7 per cent this week, while the S&P 500 plunged to its lowest level since 2020.

Thank God we have the Inflation Reduction Act (which, uh, won’t reduce inflation).

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assured reporters that the stock market is “just one measure of the economy,” adding that “it’s also important to look at what’s happening on Main Street.”

Meanwhile, on Main Street, if you’ve been paying attention to the social trends, you probably have some inkling that boys and men are struggling, in the US and across the globe.

They are struggling in the classroom. American girls are 14 percentage points more likely to be “school ready” than boys at age 5, controlling for parental characteristics.

By high school two-thirds of the students in the top 10 per cent of the class, ranked by GPA, are girls, while roughly two-thirds of the students are boys.

In 2020, at the 16 top American law schools, not a single one of the flagship law reviews had a man as editor in chief.

Come and visit us

Out and About Defect to Finland

■ Putin has problems: It’s safe to say that the war in Ukraine isn’t going the way Putin imagined when he hatched his plans for invasion while sitting at a comically large table. Ukrainian troops have retaken crucial territory in the east, as many as 80,000 of Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded, and Putin just called up another 300,000 troops, a move that Russian citizens are not happy about. The sense that Putin is in over his head and losing ground is also emboldening more Russians to speak openly against the war, including pop star Alla Pugacheva, who condemned “the death of our boys for illusory goals” in an Instagram post. Obviously, nobody is going to win this war anytime soon, but Ukraine has to be feeling good about the general direction of things. And while rumours began swirling about a chaotic mass exodus from Russia after the conscription announcement, according to Finland’s border guards, they’re handling it. C’mon, Russians! Don’t you want to defect to the land of lingonberries, reindeer jerky, and a hot prime minister who loves to party?

Panic in the ranks

■ Stunning audio intercepted by Ukrainian law enforcement of Russian soldiers calling home reveals potential evidence of war crimes and the rank and file’s pure contempt for Vladimir Putin. In the shocking audio obtained by The New York Times, the soldiers paint a truly dire picture of their circumstance and rage against the man responsible for putting them there. “ Putin is a fool,” a soldier identified as Aleksandr said on one call. “He wants to take Kyiv, but there’s no way we can do it.” “I’ve never seen so many corpses in my life,” added a soldier named Sergey. “It’s just completely messed up.” In one call to his girlfriend, Sergey said that he’d been given an order to kill civilians. “They told us that, where we’re going, there’s a lot of civilians walking around,” he said. “And they gave us the order to kill everyone we see they might give away our positions. That’s what we’re going to do, it seems. Kill any civilian that walks by and drag them into the forest. I’ve already become a murderer. That’s why I don’t want to kill any more people, especially ones I will have to look in the eyes.” On top of their contempt for Putin, the soldiers also blasted their commanding officers. “The higher-ups can’t do anything,” a soldier identified as Roman said. “Turns out, they don’t really know anything. They can only talk big in their uniforms.”

Better pay Walmart

■ Walmart comes across looking good in two new accounts. A book being released in November, “Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation and the Limits of Socially Conscious Capitalism,” by Rick Wartzman , praises the company’s increase in its starting wage, to $12 an hour from $7.25, and improved benefits without completely taking Walmart’s side. And a working paper released this month by the National Bureau of Economic Research concludes that Walmart has not offset its better pay and benefits by reducing the dignity of jobs. The authors of the paper measure dignity by “autonomy on the job, co-worker relationships and the quality of supervision.”

“Just because a Walmart wage is particularly good in places like Louisiana or Mississippi does not mean that other important job attributes (including how workers are treated) are worse there,” one of the authors, Arindrajit Dube of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, wrote in an email. His co-authors are Suresh Naidu and Adam Reich of Columbia University.

$31 trillion in debt

■ If you are considering coming over to California for a holiday, then I have got a special deal for you. We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood I have secured a terrific holiday deal for readers of the Melbourne Observer and The Local Paper. Please mention ‘Melbourne Observer’ when you book to receive the ‘Special Rate of the Day’ for your advance bookings.

Please contact: Jennifer at info@ramadaweho.com

■ America’s gross national debt exceeded $31 trillion for the first time, a grim financial milestone that arrived just as the nation’s long-term fiscal picture has darkened amid rising interest rates. The breach of the threshold, which was revealed in a Treasury Department report, comes at an inopportune moment, as historically low interest rates are being replaced with higher borrowing costs as the Federal Reserve tries to combat rapid inflation. While record levels of government borrowing to fight the pandemic and finance tax cuts were once seen by some policymakers as affordable, those higher rates are making America’s debts costlier over time.

Gavin Wood From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood

● ● Alan Johnson and Craig Bennett.

Across Across Down Down

Right on target (4-2)

Dr Jekyll's alter ego (2,4)

Ark builder

Moves (towards)

Recognise

Peru beasts

Battery segment

Gibson

mother

of

force

guide

monkey

Norwegian port

Rounded roof

Ponder

Freedom from guilt

Bare

Rocket ship crew

Talks keenly

Mountaineer's tool (3,3)

Oppress

Judi Dench stars in ... Henderson

Aviator, ... Johnson

Vigilantly

Admission

Old photo colour

Open sore

Dessert, ... caramel

Kenya & Tanzania region (4,6)

Letter jumbles

Italian city

Come together

Daunted

Prince Edward, ... of Wessex

Biblical garden

Auction

Containing nothing

Upwardly mobile young people

Ripped apart, torn ...

Naked models

Group loyalty (6,2,5)

Nimble-fingered

Helps

Piercingly

Flowered

Requested from menu

US cotton state

Betrayal crime

Cavalryman

Codswallop

Accomplish

US motorbike stuntman, Evel ...

Extract (metal)

In the Arctic Circle

Specifically (2,3)

Sacred song

Astern

131. Weight unit 132. Record label (1,1,1) 133. Droop 141. Pseudonyms 142. US Rhode Island resort 145. Lengthy (4-6) 146. Droll plays 148. Totally preoccupies 149. Unable to read and write 152. Behaved 153. Louts 154. Finish 155. Great Bear constellation, ... Major 156. Jockey 160. Congers or morays 161. Native American tribespeople 163. Stitched garment edges 165. Cain & ... 166. Vending machine 167. Hitler book, ... Kampf 170. Vile act 171. Largest Turkish city 175. Leaves out 176. Praise highly 178. Panic 179. Current (permit) 182. Prison occupant 185. Progressed (4,2) 188. Names used wrongly 189. Most easily offended 190. Cigar dust 192. Almond biscuit 193. Most corroded 194. Flightless bird 195. Trite remark 196. Band 199. Induces 201. Made amends 204. Rowing aids 207. In present condition (2,2) 210. Companies 211. Samples (wine) 213. Coral bank 214. Safari 216. Large yacht 217. Scavenge 218. Tardiest 219. Your school, ... mater 221. Slip up

German or Greek

Eastern veils

In the past, long ...

Russian space station

Putrefy

Four score

Toughen (steel)

Liqueur, crème de ...

Afternoon nap

Most senior

Enfold

Urges on,

Scouts

Notion

Windmill

Magazine Magazine

Crossroads Awards for Creative Partnerships

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads com.au

New for Kerrigan

■ Live Laugh Love is the new single release for Gethsemane Church Cranbourne Pastor Kerrigan Labrooy. It coincides with the release of Kerrigan’s ninth and 10th albums, Live Laugh and Love, and Goodness Of God. As always 25 per cent of all sales goes directly into charitable work, feeding, clothing and showering the community says Kerrigan. More info at kerriganlabrooy@ bigpond.com or phone 0404 875 647

Dainosaurus Rex

■ Dainosaurus-Rex is the new album release from Yarrawonga singer songwriter Daine Runnalls and is the fourth in his collection of recordings to date. The popular entertainer, who has been performing for over 20 years predominantly in regional Victoria, also teaches music and writes jingles. His albums are available on Spotify www.dainerunnalls.com

United We Stand

■ Local singer-songwriter and multi instrumentalist Mark Gardner is a busy man these days with numerous music projects on the go. His new album United We Stand is available to stream and download and was written in response to actions of the Australian Government. The 12-track project was also a collaborative effort that featured local artists. Mark’s Brass Oz and Indie Radio show can be heard on Wednesday nights 10pm on Southern FM 88.3. For a list of upcoming performances and more info visit https:/ /www.facebook.com/MarkGardner1

■ The 2022 Creative Partnerships Awards have been announced; they recognise remarkable people who generously provide support to enhance the Australian arts and culture sector.

This year, the Awards celebrate and acknowledge nine exemplary leaders in private giving, philanthropy and business partnerships with the arts:

■ Arts Visionary Award – Ulrike Klein

■ Philanthropy Leadership Award

– Neilson Foundation

■ Philanthropy Leadership Award

– Paul Taylor

■ Business Leadership Award –John Albrecht

■ Emerging Philanthropy Leadership Award – Helen and Melissa Macfarlane

■ Arts Leadership Award – Barbara Moore

Creative Partnerships Australia CEO said: “The partnerships and relationships formed between this year’s recipients and the arts organisations they support are characterised by a mutual understanding of the value of the arts and culture in the Australian community.”

With more than500 campaigns on the Australian Cultural Fund platform in the past 12 months, Creative Partnerships Australia saw an increase in donor support for the arts sector like never before.

Last year, the Australian Cultural Fund received donations

from 9192 art lovers and philanthropists, of which 8201 were first-time donors. The fund achieved its highest result of over $9.5 million, which was bolstered by contributions of multi-million-dollar gifts from philanthropic foundations through the new Amplify program.

Ulrike Klein is passionate about the arts, particularly music, and in 2009 founded Ngeringa Arts, now known as UKARIA. Together with her family she funded the construction of a state-of-the-art and environmentally sustainable cultural centre with a 220-seat concert hall at its heart. Her vision is to build a legacy for future generations and to enrich Australian culture.

The Neilson Foundation has been a significant supporter of almost every performing arts organisation in Sydney and many more elsewhere in Australia.

Led by Kerr Neilson and his daughters Paris and Beau, the Foundation has gifted more than $140 million in the past 15 years, with a particular focus on helping to build the capacity of the organisations it supports.

Paul Taylor is a generous donor to arts organisations across Australia, including Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane Festival, National Gallery of Australia and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.

Paul’s commitment to the arts extends to all levels, from small to medium organisations as well as the work of contemporary artists, whose work he collects and has helped commission.

John Albrecht is the Chairman and Head of Important Collections at Leonard Joel. In 2009, he initiated a partnership with Arts Projects Australia that has included hosting high profile art auctions and creating a traineeship program. John has also introduced new policies regarding the consignment of Australian indigenous art and a cessation of trade in rhinoceros horn and elephant ivory.

Helen and Melissa Macfarlane established The Macfarlane Fund in memory of Don Macfarlane , philanthropist and former CEO of Amcor, and a life-long arts enthusiast. The fund is designed to support and champion Australian artists, through a program of residencies, exhibitions, commissions and awards.

Barbara Moore is Chief Executive Officer of the Biennale of Sydney and a passionate advocate for the arts.

With over 20 years in the in the arts, her experience includes the private, public and not for profit sectors. Barbara was recently a member of the Australian Federal Government’s Creative Economy Taskforce and is currently a Board Member of the International Biennale Association.

with Matt Bissett-Johnsonwith Matt Bissett-Johnson

● ● Fiona Menzies, CEO, Creative Partnerships Australia

Freddy Spiteri features at Melton

■ Tabcorp Park Melton commenced the week on Monday October 17 and it was great to see Rockbank part-owner/trainer Freddy Spiteri in the winners circle following the victory of 4Y0

Used To Me-Bella Cheval gelding Champagne Charley following the running of the ID22 Comes To Melbourne Trotters Mobile over 2240 metres.

Driven by Jack Laugher, Champage Charlie starting from the extreme draw was very cautious in the score up giving his rivals a start eventually settling at the tail of the field as Whos Countn (gate five) led for Jack McKinnon.

Commencing a move four wide on the final bend to give chase to Carnera (one/one) which had dashed away, Champage Charley finished strongly to score by 3.8 metres, with Kyvalley Surfrider third after trailing the weakening leader. The mile rate 2-01.3.

■ Derrinal (Heathcote) trainer Glenn Bull has a habit of winning races at big odds and 5Y0 Western Terror-Paris Highlights mare Favouritehighlight at $15.00 snared the Download The 2240 metre TAB App Today Pace.

Raced by the Bull family, Favouritehighlight (gate two) driven by George Chamouras used the sprint lane off the back of the leader Southern GNP inside her to register a neck victory over Ashford Secret which moved to race exposed, returning a mile rate of 2-04.6. Really Campbell (three pegs) was third 1.8 metres back.

■ Toolern Vale trainer Tayla Nicholson combined with fiancée Zac Phillips aboard Kiwi bred 4Y0 Art Major-Ceebee gelding Conspirator to land the Mimosa Homes Pace over 1720 metres. Given an easy time one/one from gate six trailing Seaside Sister (gate five) which raced exposed as River Patrol (gate two) led, Conspirator ran home best to score by a half head over a game Seaside Sister. Mister Rebel which trailed the pacemaker was third 3.3 metres back. The mile rate 1-58.5.

■ Parwan trainer/driver Jodi Quinlan’s Betting Line-Parfait Amour gelding Eye See Amour (gate six) was another to utilize the sprint lane to victory. Trailing Pappa Leo (gate two), Eye See Amour ran home to blouse Pappa Leo by a head, with Trirockin (one/two) third 3.7 metres back.

■ Bet Bet part-owner/trainer Ray Cross snared the quinella in the 2240 Hygain Trot Final with Countess Chiron defeating Jessicas Story in a rate of 2-04.4.

Driven by Anthony Butt, Countress Chiron, a 5Y0 daughter of Imperial Count and Kumbya came from an almost impossible position off the back of Majestic Speed three wide in the last lap to register a runaway victory from Jessicas Story (gate two) which led, with Aldebaran Stevie a brave third 2.6 metres away after racing uncovered from gate four). Both horses had won their heats.

Father-and-son

■ Lexton freelance reinsman James (Herbie) Herbertson along with father Ashleigh, Ararat trainer Michael Bellman and Cardigan based Allan McDonough took the honours at a gigantic ten event race card at Swan Hill Trots on Tuesday.

■ Herbie (Jnr) started off the night by winning the Toshiba Air Conditioning Pace over 2240 metres aboard 4Y0 Bettors Delight-Courageous Annie gelding Montana Pride trained by father Ashleigh.

Going forward from gate five to cross polemarker Whereyagoinbabe, Montana Pride rated well was never headed, scoring by 8.1 metres from Rocks Can Roll (one/two – three wide to raced parked from the bell). Whereyagoinbabe held third 2.3 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.3.

Next to arrive was Bettors Delight-Pole Dancer 4Y0 gelding Exclusive Dancer in the 2240 metre Braemar Air Conditioning Pace (first heat). Sent forward three wide as the start was effected, Exclusive Dancer was trapped outside polemarker Tropical Storm and Rockybomba (gate three) before striding clear in the back straight on the first occasion.

Travelling on a tight rein at the straight entrance, Exclusive Dancer greeted the judge a neck clear of local area trainer Reece Moore’s White Star Village (four pegs – four wide home straight) which flashed late, with Tropical Storm third a half head back third after using the sprint

Harness Racing

1750 metres attracted only a field of four after scratchings and Dunnstown duo David and Declan Murphy were successful with 6Y0 Shadyshark Hanover-Dance With Mia gelding Atego Shades.

Taken back at the start from gate three to possie three pegs as Terror To Rock led for Irymple’s Boris Devcic, Atego Shades moved to a one/one trail when the hot favourite Okinawa Beach was taken from the tail to lead up the outside division at the bell.

Easing three wide on the home turn, Atego Shades raced to the front over the concluding stages and scored by a metre from Lilbitahenrytee along the sprint lane off the back of the leader which had dashed clear on turning. Okinawa Beach was a disappointing third a half head back. The mile rate 1-59.8.

Mixed results

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Melton/Shepparton, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Maryborough/Swan Hill (Cup), Saturday – Melton, Sunday –Maryborough (Redwood & Vic Derby), Monday – Cobram/Geelong, Tuesday – Yarra Valley/Mildura.

weakening leader.

lane. The mile rate 1-59.7. Six year old Well Said-Ay Tee Em gelding Gottahaveahobbie gave the father/son combination the treble by taking the DNR Logistics Pace over 1750 metres in 157.9.

Settling three back along the markers from inside the second line as polemarker Tic Tact led before handing over to Joe Costa’s (Woorinen) trained Bettor Star (one/one).

Sprouting wings along the sprint lane on turning as did Tic Tact, Gottahaveahobby finished at a great rate to register a 1.4 metre margin at odds of $31.00 over Tic Tact returning a mile rate of 1-57.9. Bettor Star held third 1.5 metres away.

■ Michael Bellman trained and reined Flightpath-Chelsea Hanover gelding Mavericks Jet to land the Solarhart 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1750 metres and ultra consistent 5Y0 Pegasus Spur-Fleetwood Blue mare Jazspur to land the 2240 metre Laser Electrical Trotters Handicap.

Mavericks Jet settled three back in the moving line from gate five and although four wide on the final bend, finished full of running to account for Mildura hope Whodat Boodat along the sprint lane off the back of the poleline leader Arklow, returning a mile rate of 1-56.7. Jay Miller (gate two on the second line) came from last off a four wide trail on the back of the winner for third 1.1 metres away.

Jazspur despite a slow start from 20 metres settled four pegs as Jay Bee Flex starting from the pole led easily. One the speed slowed, Jazspur was off and running with a great surge to assume control relegating Show Me The Moolah to three back the markers.

When David Murphy eased Show Me The Moolah off the inside to challenge strongly in the final circuit, Bellman was only kidding and Jazspur scored a comfortable 1.2 metre margin over the seven year old, with Jay Bee Flex third 6.4 metres back. The rate 2-03.5.

■ Allan McDonough who started his career off in Mt Gambier many moons back was victorious aboard 5Y0 Bonavista Bay-Innocuous gelding Crompton Bay in the 2240 metre Braemar Air Conditioning Pace (second heat) for Barkers Hill (Ballarat) trainer Ricky Ryan and his own 4Y0 Western Terror-Blitzsuzy entire Blitzern who was too classy in the Laser Electrical Pace over 2240 metres.

■ Crompton Bay who was a winner last time at Swan Hill in September, settled three back in the moving line from the extreme draw as All Good led from gate two.

Going forward three wide solo in the final circuit, Crompton Bay sustained the run to lead on the home turn and register an impressive 16.6 metre margin in advance of Dougs Cino (one/ three) and Be The One (four pegs – four wide home straight) who was a nose away third. The mile rate 1-57.8.

Blitzern a winner of eleven races prior wasn’t bustled from gate three on the second line settling four back in the running line as Final Peace retained the front running from the pole for David Murphy.

Following up Charlton hope Sahara Tiger ahead of him mid-race to face the open, Blitzem cruised to the front on the final bend to easily account for him by 11.7 metres, returning a 156.1 mile rate. Hugo Rocks (three pegs) used the sprint lane late for third 3.8 metres away.

■ The Laser Electrical Swan Hill Pace overxx

■ Maryborough hosted the Charlton meeting on Wednesday where mixed results were the order of the day, while Kilmore held a neat nine race card.

■ Terang part-owner/trainer Kelly StuartMitchell’s 4Y0 Yankee Spider-Eagles Image gelding Six Nation improved on his second at Geelong on September 30th by taking the North West AG Services Trotters Mobile over 2100 metres.

Driven once again by Jason Lee, Six Nations speared to the lead from gate five and was never headed, reaching the judge by 5 metres from Dealers Knock (three pegs) and Wish Upona Dream who was 2.9 metres back in third place after racing exposed. The mile rate 2-03.

■ Another Terang winner was ex-Kiwi Bolramski, a gelded son of Art Major and Mumsie in the 21100 metre O’Connors 2Y0 Pace in a 2-00.5 rate.

Driven by brother Glen, Bolramski led throughout from gate two, accounting for Keayang Santiago (one/one at bell) by 1.6 metres, with Rumble Stride (three pegs last lap) third 1.7 metres away.

■ Moorilim trainer Greg Fleming and stable foreman David Moran snared the Elders 3Y0 Pace over 2100 metres with Four Starzzz SharkElectrical Storm filly Letsgobro, leading all of the way from gate four to defeat Pesci which raced uncovered for the last half of the distance. Goodtime Bravo (one/one) was third. The margins a half head by 3.2 metres in a mile rate of 1-59.7.

■ At Kilmore, local trainer Rita Burnett combined with son in law Josh Duggan to capture the Grays Bendigo Pace over 1690 metres with 6Y0 Grinfromeartoear-Mademoiselle Gigi gelding Gigis Grinner at last Wednesday’s nine event harness fixture.

Starting solo on the second line, Gigis Grinner bred and raced by long time stable clients Tom and Jean O’Donnell possied beautifully one/one as Betterthanflyinghigh led from gate three for Glenn Bull before being eased to take a trail on Boak which had left a one/one spot to take over at the bell.

Rhyflective (gate six) raced exposed for another local George Schembri. When the favourite Righteously from the tail latched to the back of Gigis Grinner which had eased three wide in the final circuit, she looked all over a winner taking a slender lead on the final bend with Gigis Grinner inside her.

Rallying under vigorous driving by Duggan on turning, Gigis Grinner refused to give in and outstayed Righteously which headed towards the outside fence in the straight to score by 6.3 metres in a mile rate of 1-59.6. Betterthanflyhigh was third 4.2 metres away.

■ Carlsruhe trainer/driver Jack Sullivan’s 4Y0 Majestic Son-Nicky Newky gelding Major Max was an impressive victor of the 2180 metre Momentum Gaming Trotters Mobile in a rate of 2-03.3.

Racing outside Billy Milner’s Astro (gate two) which led for the majority of the trip, Major Max careered away in the back straight on the final occasion to turn by a huge margin.

Although getting a little tired halfway up the running and he was entitled to do so, Major Max greeted the judge by 7.1 metres in advance of Roll With Rosco (one/two) and Aldebaran Gwen who was 2.8 metres away third after trailing the

■ A very nice ex-Kiwi by the name of Caster Semenya was victorious in the Hanson Cleaning Services 3Y0 Pace over 2180 metres when making his Australian debut.

Trained in partnership by Josh Dickie and partner Sammy Kilgour in Melton, Caster Semenya a daughter of American Ideal and Victors Delight driven by Josh trailed Cocora which flew the gate from barrier four.

Bottled up racing for the bell by Just Miki outside the pacemaker, Caster Semenya used the sprint lane on turning to record a 2.3 metre margin in advance of Rainbowsend (one/one last lap), with Tooby Gold coming from the tail for third. The mile rate 2-01.2.

Two meetings

■ Two meetings Thursday – Cranbourne and Bendigo.

At Cranbourne, Local Pearcedale owner/ breeders Lorraine and Hugh Cathels have a lovely 3Y0 gelding by the name of Commander Buzz who was victorious in the Become A Member Today Pace over 2080 metres.

Trained by Hugh a veterinary surgeon, Commander Buzz driven by regular reinsman Glenn Hunter enjoyed a sweet passage from inside the second line on the back of the poleline pacemaker Ghost Of Time.

Angling to be outside the leader on turning, Commander Buzz raced clear to score by a half neck only from Machane Said (three pegs) which flashed late, while Ghost Of Time held down third 1-6 metres away. The mile rate 158.5.

■ Melton’s Joe Borg was in the winners stall following the victory of Lucky Chucky-I Dream It filly Inmydreams in the VHRC/Aldebaran Park Benefiting Our Members 3Y0 & older Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2080 metres.

Coming off an eye catching second at Melton on October 12, Inmydreams raced by Joe and long time partner Donna Love was given the run of the race from the pole trailing Imasocialbutterfly which flew away from gate five.

Slightly held up coming to the home turn, Inmydreams was extricated three wide on turning and ran home best to register a 3 metre margin over No Surprises (one/two) and Mista Walker (one/one). The mile rate 2-04.1.

■ Old timer Modern Bliss, a 10Y0 gelded son of Modern Art and Ata Vee Jay raced and trained at Drysdale by Ash Warton, proved that age is no bar when he led most of the way from gate six in the APG – The Industry’s Not For Profit Saled Co. Pace over 2080 metres, returning a mile rate of 2-00.1.

Driven by former Bathurst reinswoman Ellen Rixon taking a concession, Modern Bliss never looked like losing when greeting the judge 6.8 metres clear of Captain Maastricht which trailed, with The Falcon Prince (one/one) third 9.9 metres away. It was Modern Bliss’ 12th victory in 118 outings.

■ At Bendigo, the J & A Mazzetti Painting Trotters Handicap was the highlight of the night taken out by impressive 6Y0 Majestic Son-Coruscating gelding Overandout who was making only his sixth race appearance. Driven by Craig Demmler for part-owner/trainer Robert Evans from Kooweerup in Gippsland, Overandout began quickly from a 20 metre handicap to spent the race one/one after Builder Bob.

with Len Baker

len-baker@ bigpond.com

Sport Ted’s tips for Cup Carnival

■ The Melbourne Cup Carnival will swing into action this Saturday (Oct. 29) with the running of the Victoria Derby over 2500 at Flemington

Bookmakers have put up the good New Zealand three -year-old, Mr Maestro, as the one to beat, and rightly so.

The son of a former Cox Plate winner, Savabeel, is taking all before him, winning four of his eight starts in superb fashion.

He made it three on end with a strong win over 2000 metres in the Neds Classic on a soft track at Caulfield on Cup Day, winning easily.

He is trained by New Zealander, Andrew Forsman, originally with fellow trainer Murray Baker, who has since retired.

They coupled together to win the 2015 Caulfield Cup with another brilliant galloper in Mongolian Khan.

Mr Maestro was never going to get beaten at Caulfield and deserves favourtism.

On the second line, is another good youngster in Berkeley Square, who was unlucky in the Caulfield Guineas over 1600 metres on October 8.

In the care of popular Ballarat trainer, Dan O’Sullivan, he was unlucky in the Guineas after being held up several times and came from a long way back, to just miss the place.

He has only had the five starts, winning three of those with a second.

The distance of 2500 metres will suit him admirably, if he has a bit of luck going his way.

The spacious areas at Flemington will suit him with more galloping room.

He was engaged at Moonee Valley on October 22.

The Trent Busuttin-Donna Douglas trained three-year-old, Muramusa, ran an improved race when finishing a good second behind Mr Maestro at Caulfield and looks a nice type.

He’s only had the two starts winning at his first start narrowly over 1427 metres, then followed that up stepping up in distance at Moonee Valley, running seventh behind Tijuana

I feel he would have to improve on that run, then there is the extra distance.

One to keep your eye on is one I really like and that is Elliptical, in the strong camp of Anthony and Sam Freedman, who ran a great race to finish a good second in the Caulfield Guineas

He flashed home behind the winner, Golden Mile, who is smart, from the powerful team of James Cummings, to go down narrowly.

He has only had the three runs for an unlucky fourth first up and then the second in the Guineas

Prior to that he was impressive winning first up at Sandown. Will be right in this; he looks the likely type.

Then we have Osipenko, one of the Chris Waller team, who ran a good third in the Guineas coming for a fair way back.

He has only had the four runs for a win, a second and now a third.

He is nicely bred behind one of the best from yesteryear champion, Pierro.

In my opinion, I feel the three main chances in the Derby are Mr Maestro, Berkeley Square, and Elliptical.

Ted Ryan

The Cup

Deauville Legend in the care of young English trainer, James Ferguson, is the one to beat, say the bookies.

The top galloper has a bit on the field and is being quoted at around six dollars to win the coveted Cup

Rightly so, there are number of things in his favor mainly his outstanding form.

Having his last start in England, he bolted in winning the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes in mid-August.

Second favourite is a horse called Loft , in the care of Marcel Weiss.

Now the interesting point here is this: Glenn Boss, who rode the mighty mare, Makybe Diva,to three consecutive Melbourne Cups in 2003-04-and 05, likes Loft.

Bossy says he has a tip for everybody who likes a bet.

The good Sydney mare, Montefilia, ran a great fourth in the Caulfield Cup in a slowly run race but I am a bit worried that she won’t get the 3200 metres..

I fancy Deauville Legend, Loft, Hoo Ya Mal, and Durston.

Australasia’s top jockey, James McDonald, was searching for a amount in the classic, and Bossy straight away advised to grab the ride on the classy galloper.

Loft will be hard to beat, showed that the trip won’t worry him, winning the Breeder’s Cup over two miles in the United States.

He is Bossy’s tip to win the coveted event. Then we have Without A Fight, prepared by Simon and Ed Crisford, who are both aiming to become the 10th Internationally-trained Melbourne Cup champion.

500 at luncheon

■ The Thoroughbred Club Luncheon held on Caulfield Cup Eve each year, attracted a gathering of 500 members and their guests on Cup Eve.

Returning after two years due to the pandemic, it attracted racing people from all around the world. It was the 53rd Annual Caulfield Cup Eve Luncheon.

Presentations were made to the connections of Incentivise, who won last year’s Caulfield Cup, while The Henry Harrison Club Trophy to the Club’s leading owner, was won by Adam Sangster.

The entertainment was spot on, with comedian Titus O’Reilly, the food was great, and the atmosphere was first class.

I had the privilege of calling my 19th Phantom Call of the Caulfield Cup

A big pat on the back to the Secretary of the Thoroughbred Club, Roger Jennings, who as usual put together a great day.

- Ted Ryan

● ● Loft.Racing Photos.

■ The champion English stayer, Deauville Legend, heads favourtism for the Melbourne Cup at just over each way odds.

ALARM PENDANT. Live life brand. Works anywhere. Still in box. Retail: $500. Sell for $300. Can post. Alexandra. 0419 445 697.RR-XX

ALUMINIUM WINDOW. App. 4’ x 4’. With flyscreen. $10. Alexandra. 0409 470 107.RR-XX

ANTIQUE Dressing Table. EC. $100. Flemington. 0408 539 391. RR-XX

BOAT. 3.6M Savage Kestral, three seats, 15HP OB Suzuki 40 hrs, safety gear, 4 pfd’s, Sunbier trailer. Reg., spare wheel, boat not reg. Boat and motor covers two fuel tanks 12L and 25L. Has not bee used for 3 years. $2900. Flowerdale. 0411 577 050.RR-XX

BEDROOM SUITE. Near new. QS. Sleigh bed. Quality mattress, 2 bedside tables, large dressing table, 8 drawers. Large mirrors. $150. Toorak. 0412 728 133.RR-XX

BOOKS AND MAGAZINES on the Queen and Royal Family. 15 books, 31 magazines. $50. Mernda. 0402 546 639. RR-XX

COUCH. 3 seater. Leather. Mid navy blue in colour. No rips, tears or stains. VGC. $200. Epping. 0408 331 699. RR-XX

CARAVAN CORONAL compact 402, 2010 model. Length 5 metres. Rear back door. Sleeps 2. New awning, solar panels, 3 way fridge 12/240 volt, TV, many extras, always garaged. EC. $17,900. Carrum Downs. 0407 829 700.RR-XX

CONCERT AND CUSTOM CLOTHING. Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, KISS, U2, Eminem, Pink, Katy Perry, ACDC, Guns and Roses, Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, Bardot, Calvin Klein, Kookai, DKBY, Forever New, Chanel, Country Road, Zara, Hugo Boss, Playboy, Pretty Little Thing, Billabong. VGC. $20$200. Cheltenham. 0401 623 388.RR-XX

COUCH. Gun metal grey, faux leather. Two seater divan double bed with mattress. Cost: $900. As new. Sell for $500 ONO. Wantirna South. Gloria, 0412 913 860.RR-XX

CRUSHING SHREDDER. Ryobi electric. As new. $200. Epping. 0447 492 587.RR-XX

DINNER SET for 10. Made in Japan, pre19675, white with pattern incluides tea pot, coffee pot, sugar bowl, milk jug. EC. $100. Wesburn. 0407 314 246.RR-XX

DINING TABLE. Solid timber with chunky legs with 8 chunky chairs. Leather, dark brown. GC. $290. Donvale. 0418 380 095. RR-XX

ENCYCLOPAEDFIA

BRITTANICA. Complete, full set with 24 volumes of 1965 edition. Maroon ‘leathette’ covers. Original wooden shelving unit. GC. $100. Ashburton. 9885 2203.RR-XX

EXERCISE BIKE. York C720 Platinum Series with manual. As new. VGC. $30. Epping. 0408 331 699. RR-XX

FORD FAIRLANE GHIA. 205 6.4 V8. Immaculate Cond. White leather seats. 188,000 jms. Garaged. Reg: IWJ-1nQ. RWC. $12,000. Wandong. 0418 399 261. RR-XX

FORD TERRITORY. 209. 4L. 6-speed auto. 4WD. Lightning strike. EC. RWC. XAH-924. $10,500. Nunawading. 0400 932 050.RR-XX

FRIDGE. Hauer. 137cm h, 53cm w, 56cm depth. VGC. $200. Reservoir. 9460 8585.RR-XX

GARAGE DOOR opener. Electric. New in box. $300. Hastings. 0418 103 834.RR-XX

GAS COOK TOP. 86 x 60. Underneath 82 x 47. 4 burners and wok burner. Never used, wrong size. Paid $488, sell $400. Brunswick West. 0414 245 680.RR-XX

GOLDEN BOOKS. 10 available. GC. $40. Wesburn. 0407 314 246. RR-XX

GOLF CART. Parmaker Explorer Ghia with new batteries. Serviced. EC. $2000. Epping. 0447 492 587.RR-XX

GRAB NICOLLS Boys’ white cricket helmet, med. size, 57-58cm. EC. $30. Box Hill North. 0401 494 336.RR-XX

HOLDEN BARINA. 2door hatch, auto, tidy, runs well. RWC. Six moths reg. Good tyres. 2009 first registered 209 manufactured. Original mags. KL35A086 19B315545 VIN No. VGC $5000. Seymour. 0419 881 573.RR-XX

HP INK. 950XL Black, 951XL Yellow, 951XL Magenta, 951XL Cyan. Sell as package. Never used. $75. Mornington. 0493 121 302.RR-XX

LOUNGE SUITE. 6 seater, white L shaped. EC. $50. Mahogany queen bedroom suite, bedhead, base with 4 drawers, 2 side tables and dresser. EC. $400. Glass round kitchen suite with four black chrome legs, GC, $20. Glass rectangular table, with 4 white chairs, GC, $200. Timber TV stand, 3 metres long with DVD space and 3 drawers on each side, EC. $20. East Melbourne. 0438 550 849.RR-XX

MAGAZINES. UK publication History Of War. 33 copies. Quality publication featuring editorial photos and art including new information. Ideal for libraries. EC. $210. Mornington. 5973 4342.RR-XX

The Local PaperThe Local Paper

PART-TIME DELIVERY DRIVERS

Ever expanding, The Local Paper has immediate vacancies for Contractor Drivers to deliver bundles of newspapers to retail outlets.

Run A. Southern Cross Weekly. Yarra, Stonnington, Boroondara, Glen Eira, Kingston, Bayside, Port Phillip. Sunday night-Monday morning. $400.

Run B. Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia, Frankston, Western Port, Mornington Peninsula, Bayside. Monday night-Tuesday morning. $500.

Run C. Merri-bek, Hume, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, Melton, Moorabool, Brimbank. Tuesday nightWednesday morning. $600.

Pick-up bundles late afternoon from our printers at Fitzroy. Use your own vehicle, you are responsible for fuel, insurances, etc. Medium size car suitable.

We publish February-December. We are currently on a print schedule that averages fortnightly. You deliver bundles to a set list of (approx. 100) newsagents, milk bars, convenience stories, petrol stations, etc.

You must be responsible, fit, tidy and punctual.

You send invoice as contractor with ABN. You will be paid within 7-10 business days direct to your bank account.

Interested? Email your CV, pronto, to editor@localpaper.com.au

MOBILITY SCOOTER. Akikim. 6 months new, hard top, weather cover, walker frame, storage pod and baskets, seat belts, under guarantee. Will include medi alarm pendant. $3500 ONO. Alexandra. 0419 445 697. RR-XX

NBA BASKETBALL CARDS. Series 11. Skybox Premium. GC. $100. Wesburn. 0407 314 246.RR-XX

NUMBER PLATE. Los Angeles. GC. $10. Wesburn. 0407 314 246. RR-XX

SKI WEAR. Tops. Coat size ‘M’. Won in competition. Value $1000 new. Sale price $300. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. RR-XX

SOFT TOYS, BOOKS, CLOTHES for kids. Suit single mums, struggling families. Bikes, school bags, caps, hats, posters, stickers, cars, calendarts, cosmetics, car wheel covers, magazines, towels, spare wheels, sunglasses, containers, jars, bottles, glasses, kitchenware,boxes, Goanna fridge magnets. GC. Free. Cheltenham. 0401 623 388.RR-XX

‘ORCHID’ ROCK flowering in wheelbarrow. $50 ONO. Preston West. 0434 085 414.RR-XX STAG HORN. 20 years old. GC. $50 ONO. Preston West. 0434 085 414. RR-XX POT PLANTS. Various, cacti all big. GC. $10-$20 each. Preston West. 0434 085 414.RR-XX

POULTRY CRATES, two. Wire. One: 860 x 680mm. Second: 600 x 540mm. GC. $15each. Macleod. 9459 6714.RR-XX

REGISTRATION PLATES. ‘MISUBI’. Slimline BW. Great gift for Subaru owner. EC. $1500. Frankston. 9789 9634. RR-XX

RIPPER. 3PL. Heavy duty. GC. $40. Arthurs Creek. 0412 104 100.RR-XX

SEWING CABINET. Horn. Length 96cm, width 44 cm, height 30cm. Blackwood timber. Blonde wood chair. GC. $250 ONO. Somerville. 5916 1516.RR-XX

STOCK CRATE. Suit trailer. 8’ x 5’6”. Light weight. Repainted. GC. $600. Arthurs Creek. 0412 104 100.RR-XX

SURFBOARD, used, Trigger Bros. 6’2” long, 20.5” wide. Approx. 41 litres, 5 fin boxes, comes with4 fins and leash. Ideal for all levels of surfer choice, quad or thruster fin arrangement. VGC. $475 ONO. Langwarrin. 9776 6769. RR-XX

TALLBOY. Eagle Remac, five drawers, with two bedside two drawers tables, chocolate with chrome handles, needs varnish touch up, some scrapes. GC. $400 ONO. Moonee Ponds. 0438 762 996. RR-XX

FOR SALE

TENSION WRENCH. Dual signal Warren & Brown model 3220. VGC. $30. Rye. 0400 908 813. RR-XX

UNIT. One bedroom. In Alexandra Tourist Park (permanent). Patio (private) (7a). VGC. $45,000. Alexandra. Ellie 5772 1222. Claudia 0409 470 107.RR-XX

WHAT’S ON

BADGER CREEK COMMUNITY GRARAGE SALE. Sat. Nov. 12. 9am1pm. Stallholders either inside Hall or outside Car Boot style in car park. Book your space through Kathy, 5962 3639.RR-TT

ELWOOD CRICKET CLUB 50th anniversary celebration. At Olympic Dining Room and Betty Cuthbert Lounge atMelbourne Cricket Ground. Saturday evening , Novem-ber 19. Tickets: $150, with three course sit-down meal and beverage package (excl. spirits). Smart casual, no jeans or runners. 0431 190 270.RR-SS WINE. One dozen, cintage 1956 Penfolds Club Port. One pint six fluid ounce bottles. GC. $1200. Wandong. 0418 399 261.RR-XX

VACUUM POULTRY MANUAL. 1945 edition with aerial photo of Carters Poultry Farm at Werribee. GC. $45. Macleod. 9459 6714. RR-XX

GARAGE SALE

GARAGE SALE. 2 households. 26 Bayley St, Alexabdra. Saturday, October 29, 8am-4pm. Old trailer with winch, disability scooter, furniture, BBQ, plants and lots more. Varied items. No early callers please.0419 445 697. RR

WANTED TO BUY

ACCORDION. GC. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. RR-XX

SOLOMON ISLANDS Postal items, ephemera and postcards, photos, etc. GC. $20. Mill Park. 9436 8935.RR-XX

MORNINGTON Dutch Australian Seniors Club. Meets weekly in Tyabb Community Hall, Frankston-Flinders Rd, Tyabb on Mondays, 10am2pm. Morning coffee, games of Klkaverjas and Rummicub. New members welcome. Nel, 0414 997 161. Paula, 5779 8291.

5.30pm Mondays. Moonee Ponds Baptist Church, 45 Eglinton St, supports those from Moonee Valley in a tough place. All welcome for a free hot meal from 5.30pm on Mondays. If you have food handling, listening or cleaning skills, then contact us to help out. 0466 075 820. UFN

SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING. Lessons and practice, 7.30pm -10pm Wed. Scots Church Hall, Yea. $5. Dance: 1st Saturday of month. 7.30pm11pm. 0490 425 234UFN

■ The Bennet family is poor and Mrs Bennet knows only too well that her five daughters must make good marriages.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,” is Mama Bennet’s mantra and she is on the hunt for husbands.

Picked Last for Sport presented a hectic one-hour summary of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at the Butterfly Club. An easel and butcher’s paper marked the scenes, with accompaniment skilfully provided by Sean Sully on keyboard and Freya Long on guitar.

The ‘sisters’ were portrayed beautifully and comprised Freya Long as a dark ringleted Jane, Sarah Edgar as the smart, proud Elizabeth (Lizzie), Ryan Smith as a petulant Kitty, Sean Sully as a delightfully creepy Mary and Mel Viola as blonde, flirtatious Lydia.

The sisters literally tried on different hats to play other roles. Most played the melodramatic mother – by donning pendulous ‘breasts’ and the ‘sisters’ all gave excellent performances as the many different characters. Noone could compare to the gorgeous Colin Firth, so Mr D’Arcy was wheeled out as a full-size cardboard cut-out with voice-over effects.

The songs were terrific. Sisters was sung at the beginning and end. Caroline Bingley sang Look in the Mirror, a brooding piece, to demonstrate her disapproval of brother Charles’s courting of Jane.

All songs were accompanied by effective dance moves from the cast. When Lizzie visits magnificent Pembroke, D’Arcy’s property, Coming over the hill hilariously depicts her growing ardour for D’Arcy, as our hero strides up the hill, his wet shirt clinging to his frame. Lizzie’s bosom fairly heaves with sexual desire.

Finally, Lydia and Wickham, D’Arcy and Lizzie and Bingley and Jane happily wed. Which leaves Kitty pouting and Mary fiercely pounding the piano.

This was a pacy production and as an adorer of Pride and Prejudice, I was thrilled with this manic version of my favourite book.

- Review by Juliet Charles

Mrs Harris Goes To Paris

■ Set in 1957, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is a cheery Cinderella story where the fairy godmother plays Cinders.

Leslie Manville is perfect as the chirpy war widow, a Mrs Mopps ‘doing’ for rich folk in London. Manville’s Mrs Harris is touching without being mawkish.

When she comes upon ‘the most beautiful thing she has ever seen,’ a haute couture Dior ‘frock’ in her client’s wardrobe, she hatches a plan to save the £500 to buy one.

Setbacks and serendipity follow until, as in all good Cinderella stories, Mrs Harris finds herself on a plane looking over the Eiffel Tower.

Poignant moments in the film address ideas of ageism, sexism and class that pull it out of pure saccharine escapism. Nevertheless, this is a feel-good film that owes its success to Manville’s combination of style and confidence, infecting the role with élan.

Entertainment Extra

Ignis powerfully crafted

Nellor carefully delves into aspects of life such as class, sex, obsession, betrayal and the disturbing reality the characters in this play find themselves in.

This is a powerfully crafted work and Nellor does not hide the fact that he has freely adapted it from Schnitzler’s Reigen (La Ronde), a controversial 1897 play that explores sexual morality and class ideology.

The subject matter Schnitzler was exploring in 1897 still somewhat needs exploration today for acceptance.

The performance took place in the gracious 19th century Victorian Toorak Mansion Hotel, presented by the Anthropocene Play Company. The company boasts a cast of well-seasoned and emerging actors who delivered a consistently high standard and at times gripping performance.

However, at times the diction of some actors was unbalanced, and at times the use of 'sotto voce' was inadequate because parts of the dialogue could not be understood or heard.

The audience, an intimate group of 12, were greeted with an offer of a glass of wine. They were then instructed to pick up a chair to take with them during the performance, moving from one bedroom to another during some scene changes. The audience then felt an integral part of the unfolding drama.

The setting is a surreal one, intimate, and at times uncomfortably confronting, disturbing and dramatic as the characters unpack their sexual encounters, their passion and anxieties whilst their city is encompassed by fire.

Ignis is a form of theatrical experience directed by the internationally accredited actor teacher Bronwen Coleman, who sensitively allows her actors the opportunity to put their stamp on each character.

What emerges are characters with whom the audience can empathise, have compassion for, and most of all relate to.

Performance Details: Until October 23 at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm

Venue: Toorak Manor Hotel, 220 Williams Rd., Toorak

Duration: 100 minutes

Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au

- Review by Mary Downie

Club Kabarett

■ Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is salacious, saucy and scintillating. Dieter’s phenomenal vocal range and control underpins the entire evening; the risqué lyrics, the backing songs for some artist, the torch song and the rousing finale.

She controls both the stage and the audience, incorporating them into her act.

The other artists are equally thrilling. What seems so simple – the pole dance, the aerialists and hoops – are not just seductive but true dis-

plays of physical dexterity. There is a strength and control behind some of these performances that is breathtaking. What is conventionally labelled crude is given credence because of the performer’s skill.

The wickedness of Sugar de Joure eviscerating the audience with her wit makes you wish for abuse. The grace of Reed Kelly and Jack Dawson performing an aerial pas de deux would have Newton redefining gravity.

The physical power of Blue Phoenix on the pole stretches our imaginations when we consider what the body is capable of achieving and the nude is elevated, literally, beyond any sense of prudery as Fancy Chance flies above the audience tethered by her hair.

As with all cabarets, the performance lineup can change during the season. There being no program, there are two performers whose names I haven’t been able to find. One breathed fire while the other mesmerised with his control of simple hoops. Again, the juxtaposition of grace, skill, beauty and raw power astonished.

Behind them all was a band that maintained the atmosphere that effortlessly built as the audience arrived, rose to a crescendo when needed, never distracted, but filled out the evening.

The Spiegeltent setting is a perfect forum with private booths, ringside seats and a stage thrusting out into the audience.

Club Kabarett not only features at this year’s Melbourne Fringe but will be remembered.

Performance Details: Until October 30

Dates and Times: Oct 26, 27 at 7.30pm; Oct 28, 29 at 7.15pm; Oct 30 at 7.30pm.

Venue: Spiegeltent, Queen Victoria Market, Queen St., Melbourne

Duration: 1hr. 40 mins.

From $50 to $100

Bookings :9660 9600 or https:// melbournefringe.com.au

- Review by David McLean

Pendulum

■ The collaboration of the percussive genius of Matthias Schack-Arnott and renowned choreographer Lucy Guerin has resulted in the Melbourne Fringe Festival production of Pendulum, staged at the open-air space of Shed 21 in Docklands, under the Bolte Bridge.

Matthias’s sound design and pendulum design by Rob Larsen are the stars of this installation. The 39 pendulums which illuminate and give off acoustic sounds, are of varying sizes and create an organic field of swinging suspensions. This unique concept is mesmerizing and calming for the audience.

Lucy Guerin’s intriguing choreography sees dancers, Deanne Butterworth, Tra Mi Dinh, Alice Dixon, Stephanie Halyburton, Helen Herbertson, Amber McCartney and Caitlin Mewett, move in unison and create a steady rhythm by catching, releasing and pushing the pendulums at will.

Costume designer, Harriet Oxley, has dressed the troupe in practical gold tracksuits which blend seamlessly with the pendulums. Lighting designer, Bosco Shaw, is at his best in this installation.

Haunting bell chimes and sound effects enthral throughout this production. The pendulum's natural metronomic motion is the focus and can become hypnotic.

At times the dancers seemed to be controlling the motion, but also the pendulums seemed to control the dancers. This inimitable production continued until October 23.

- Review by Lyn Hurst

■ Mention the name Paul Newman to most mature women and it’s likely their eyes will glaze over with a look of nostalgia and romance.

For decades, this actor with the original bedroom eyes made successful films and generated millions of followers who flocked to the cinemas whenever a new Paul Newman film was showing.

While he had his share of hell raising, he maintained a happy and fulfilling 50-year marriageto fellow actor Joanne Woodward, before Newman’s death in 2008 at the age of 83.

Now a new book has been released that delves into the story behind the famous actor titled Paul Newman – The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man.

It’s the outcome of an idea Newman had in 1986, when he asked his closest friend, screenwriter Stewart Stern to compile an oral history or Newman’s life, asking friends and family to be totally honest about how they saw Newman’s life.

Then he worked with Stern to give his own views about his long life. The result is this new book, which features a foreword by Newman’s daughter Melissa Newman

Melissa makes it clear that the book doesn’t pull its punches, when she writes “To suddenly have at our fingertips this encyclopaedia of his thoughts and motivations, his conflicts … his contest, has been, shale we say, deep. That he speaks about wanting us to know everything is beyond moving.”

Published by Penguin Random House, this is a fascinating book that will interest anyone who followed Newman’s long career, and could solve many Christmas present dilemmas for the movie buffs in their lives.

Julie Houghton

Godz

■ Devised by the multi-award-winning team at Head First Acrobats, this fabulous show begins with Zeus calling on us, the mere mortals in the audience, to put our hands together to welcome four Greek gods to the stage.

Each god poses and twirls to reveal Apollo, the God of the Sun (Thomas Gorham), Cupid, the God of Love (Liam Dummer), Hercules, the God of Strength (Callan Harris) and Dionysus, the God of Wine (Jordan Twartz)

What follows is a madcap whirl of acrobatics, circus skills and hilarious slapstick comedy.

Dionysus executes a frantic, fast-paced diabolo routine, complete with tumbling, pratfalls and much consuming of wine.

Cupid performs a daredevil act, treacherously balancing on a table piled high with five chairs. Cupid then performs an “accidental” but side-splitting spin on the aerial straps.

Apollo performs a daring, death-defying feat on the trapeze, plummeting to the stage before catching a grip with his feet at the last minute to gasps from the audience.

The gods pull out their comedy chops between these fantastic acrobatic feats.

In one memorable scene among many, Zeus banishes Hercules to the Underworld.

But first, we wait interminably to enter, accompanied by tinny elevator music.

A crazy comic routine follows, ushered in by ‘Uncle’ Hades and demonic nuns.

The show culminates in a rib-tickling routine with the four gods posing as Greek statues, all nude but with only three brass plates between them to cover their modesty.

Complemented by great music, lighting, and a clever script, this show is bold, fearless, and sassy, starring Greek gods, circus and comedy – what’s not to like?

Performance Details: Until October 23 Venue: Runaway Festival Park (The Vault)

– Testing Grounds Market Sq, Queen Victoria Market (391 Queen St, Melbourne)

Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

● ● ● ● Sophie Muckart and Jordan FraserTrumble in Ignis. Photo: Greg Elms

■ Daniel Nellor’s play Ignis, Latin for 'fire', critiques and probes the intimate aspects of human adult sexual desires and experiences, challenges and disappointments.

● ● Bernie Dieter in Club Kabarett.

● ● Melissa Viola in 2 Proud 2 Prejudiced - An Austen-tatious Cabaret. Photo: Matthew Howat

● ● ● ● Paul Newman