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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026
Police Beat Shop firebomb bid ■ Police are investigating after a vehicle was driven into a closed grocery shop in Werribee. Investigators have been told an unknown male was seen reversing a vehicle into the closed shop and attempting to set it alight on Watton St about 11.20pm on Tuesday (Oct,. 6). There was nobody inside at the time and the offender failed to set the vehicle or store on fire. He was seen fleeing in a second vehicle and at this stage no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.
Suspicious fire ■ Police are investigating a suspicious fire in North Balwyn on Wednesday morning (Oct. 7). Emergency services were called to reports two cars had been set alight, which spread to a residence on Greythorn Rd about 1am. The sole occupant of the property escaped uninjured. A crime scene has been established and the investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
AUTHORITIES CLOSE 61 ILLICIT CIGS OUTLETS
■ VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria have closed 61 stores linked to organised crime caught selling illicit tobacco. TLV and Victoria Police issue 90-day closure notices to any store found to be selling illicit tobacco. Over four weeks, the two agencies have closed 61 stores linked to organised crime and seized over two million illicit cigarettes, over 40,000 vapes, over 120kg of loose tobacco and over $500,000 cash. VIPER and TLV have visited stores in Deer Park, Geelong, South Geelong, Corio, Thomson, Werribee, Colac, Forrest, Footscray and Lalor so far. The deployments will continue across the state in the coming weeks. The VIPER Taskforce is specifically targeting illicit tobacco stores linked to organised crime, including syndicates with offshore leaders.then operate the closed business. Detective Inspector Anthony Gasparini, VIPER Taskforce, said: “Organised criminals are driven only by greed and have no regard for the harm they reap on individuals, families and our community.
● Blitz on illegal cigarettes.
Crime Watch Burglary arrests ■ Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged five people following an alleged aggravated burglary in Brighton East and pursuit that ended on the Monash Fwy. It is alleged that a Nissan Patrol and an Audi SQ5 were stolen from a property on Clonaig St about 5.30am Tuesday (Oct. 6). The vehicles were allegedly involved in another home invasion in Hampton Park about 7.45am before fleeing. Officers spotted the Nissan Patrol being driven erratically in Doveton about 8am, before engaging in a pursuit. With the assistance of the Air Wing, the vehicle was followed through multiple eastern and south-eastern suburbs on the Eastlink and Monash Fwy. Three 16-year-old boys, a 17-year-old boy, and a 19-year-old and 20-year-old man were arrested at the scene. A 16-year-old from the Casey area has been charged with intentional aggravated exposure of emergency worker to risk by driving, reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, theft of motor vehicle and unlicenced driving. Also charged were a 16-year-old from Cardinia, 6-year-old from the Whitehorse, and a 17-year-old from the Casey area.
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The Local Paper - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - Page 0
BACK TO ME ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.2.5.8. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.21.30.25.40 Be mindful not to upset others with a blunt or abrupt manner. Your social life looks promising and could bring valuable opportunities for your career or business. Be especially cautious when lending or spending money, and investigate every detail carefully before signing important documents. TAURUS (April 21 - May 20) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1-8-6-4 Lotto Numbers: 1-8-18-6-24-5 A new friendship could blossom into a rewarding romance. Good deeds from the past may now be repaid, and a new venture has the potential to bring handsome rewards. Keep an open mind and embrace fresh opportunities. GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) Lucky Colour: Brown Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 8-4-5-2 Lotto Numbers: 15-19-27-32-31-43 Trust your instincts, as quick decisions made now are likely to work in your favour. Set aside some quiet time for yourself or enjoy a meaningful conversation with a close friend. Avoid worrying unnecessarily about domestic matters, as they should resolve themselves. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8-4-2-1 Lotto Numbers: 1-9-24-32-33-11 Numerous invitations could come your way, bringing exciting social opportunities and the possibility of romance. New ventures are also strongly favoured and may prove both challenging and highly successful. LEO (July 23 - August 22) Lucky Colour: Dark Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7-4-2-1 Lotto Numbers: 7-4-18-34-41-22 An opportunity to improve your financial position is likely to arise. Stay grounded and avoid overspending or becoming carried away by unrealistic ideas. At home, give your loved ones the attention they deserve and avoid unnecessary arguments or legal disputes where possible. VIRGO (August 23 - September 23) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7-4-2-1 Lotto Numbers: 8-4-45-34-32-41 Romance is looking especially favourable. If you have been wanting to move on from an unsatisfactory situation, this is the ideal time to do so. Be cautious with financial matters, avoid becoming involved in questionable dealings, and take care not to overdo things physically. LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Lucky Colour: Lilac Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 7-4-5-2 Lotto Numbers: 1-6-18-24-33-31 The changes taking place around you may occasionally feel overwhelming. This is the time to draw upon your inner courage and approach challenges with confidence. Your resilience will help you adapt successfully to your changing circumstances. SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 7-8-4-5 Lotto Numbers: 16-19-24-25-34-45 Heavy work commitments may place pressure on your home life. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance when you need it. Sharing responsibilities will allow you to complete tasks more efficiently while reducing unnecessary stress. SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20) Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1-8-5-3 Lotto Numbers: 17-27-34-41-22-6 Romance is strongly highlighted, although you may find yourself daydreaming a little too much. Keep your attention on practical matters as well, especially when confirming bookings, travel plans or important arrangements. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7-4-5-2 Lotto Numbers: 1-7-3-45-43-21 When pleasing everyone becomes impossible, it is time to focus on your own happiness. Others are likely to understand your point of view eventually. A Taurus person may bring an unexpected stroke of good fortune. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19) Lucky Colour: Mauve Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7-5-3-2 Lotto Numbers: 1-8-23-27-45-33 There is plenty to accomplish and very little time, which may leave you feeling frustrated. Make time to relax, catch your breath and enjoy quality moments with your family. A balanced approach will help restore your energy. PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Lucky Colour: Grey Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7-8-5-6 Lotto Numbers: 8-5-32-22-18-1 Financial matters are well supported during this period, and good fortune is indicated. However, avoid impulsive spending. Keep a close eye on your budget and make sure every bargain genuinely offers good value before making a purchase.
■ Domestic violence is a delicate subject to address, but Penelope Swales embodies the role of a woman surviving from day to day living in her car. Written by Jules De Cinque and Swales, this is a show that is both touching and intimidating, given the prevalence of inappropriate aggression in our society. Self-composed songs provide an insight into the challenges facing homeless women, but there is also opportunity for Swales to react to more commercial tunes. Each and all provide a window to delve into an aspect of the violence, isolation, fear and trauma many women have to face. For all that, there is a fine thread of humour that still pervades the routine. Director Margie Mackay has utilised simple visuals projected onto the back wall to add atmosphere, and the one car seat on stage is ample to suggest the confining isolation and discomfort of living in a car. Whilst the songs evoke different moments and stages in the character’s journey seeking support and understanding, it is the nursery rhyme scene where we discover just how perfidious are the attitudes about women. This is a telling show and the moments of discomfort create an awareness about an issue that is all too prevalent in today’s society. A counselor is also on hand lest the need arise for those in need of support.
Review by David McLean
Koreaboo ■ Koreaboo , by playwright and actor Michelle Lim Davidson, is a personal and surprisingly humorous exploration of identity, family and belonging. Drawing on her own experience of being adopted by an Australian family, the production follows Lim Davidson's journey to uncover the truth of her origins and reconnect with her birth mother in South Korea. When Hannah (Lim Davidson) arrives unexpectedly in Seoul a week early due to a misunderstanding, eager to reconnect with her birth mother, Umma (Heather Jeong), she is met with a reception far removed from the one she had imagined. Busy running her 24-hour convenience store, superbly imagined by set designer Mel Page, Umma is initially reluctant to embrace this unexpected reunion. But as time passes and the two become more familiar with one another and find common interests – a love of K-pop - her guarded exterior gradually softens. The communication and language barriers between them serve as a constant reminder of their cultural differences, while also providing some of the production’s funniest moments, mostly delivered by Umma. A poignant expression of Hannah’s cultural crisis comes when she declares, “I’m too Australian to be Korean and too Korean to be Australian.” Jeong is marvellously quirky and delightfully prickly as Umma. Her delivery, complete with a charming Korean accent, is a particular highlight. Proud of her English, much of which she has learnt from watching the American comedy drama Sex and the City, she brings a wonderful comic energy to the role, while never losing sight of the character’s underlying vulnerability. Davidson also gives a convincing and emotionally engaging performance, capturing the vulnerability, frustration and determination of a woman searching not only for her birth mother, but also for a better understanding of herself. Skilfully directed by Jessica Arthur, Koreaboo is about more than an adopted daughter finding her birth mother. It explores the complicated territory between biological connection and emotional attachment, and the sometimes uncomfortable reality that finding the person you have spent a lifetime searching for does not necessarily provide all the answers. Performance dates: Until October 10 Venue: Beckett Theatre, Malthouse, 113 Sturt St, Southbank Bookings: malthousetheatre.com.au/ whats-on/season-2026/koreaboo
Review by Beth Klein
British Film Festival ■ Some of Britain's finest actors will star
75 Years Ago From Our Files ● 1951
● Penelope Swales. Photo: John Spira
in this year's British Film Festival. Presented by Palace, this year's festival includes a line up of dramas, diverse and illuminating documentaries, romantic comedies and more, all screening at Palace Cinemas, Palace Nova and Luna Palace Cinemas from October 28. One of the most recent talked about films to hit the festival is romantic comedy Wicker. Starring British actress Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård, this hilarious, raunchy and irresistible fable tells the tale of an ostracised fisherwoman and the sexy husband she wishes for. Visceral historical drama The Uprising stars Andrew Garfield as a grief-stricken labourer in the 14th century who ignites a peasant's revolt. The film also stars Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane and Katherine Waterston. Documentary Parky is an intimate portrait of 'the king of the chat show' Sir Michael Parkinson. Over a career spanning five decades, Britain's greatest interviewer was beloved by millions and knighted by the Queen. His legendary interview subjects ranged from Muhammad Ali to Billy Connolly, Kylie Minogue, Bob Hawke, Madonna and Sir David Attenborough, many of whom feature in this revealing documentary. Richard E. Grant and Claire Foy lead the cast of Savage House, a darkly comedic, cautionary tale of greed, ambition and power. Two desperate social climbers in 18th century England sacrifice everything to host the aspirational dinner party of their dreams, in this sumptuously crafted period piece. Bill Nighy stars in the poignant drama 500 Miles which follows a broken family that must come together as two young brothers embark on an epic journey to reunite with their estranged grandfather. Set across breathtaking landscapes of Ireland, from iconic locations in Dublin to the sweeping Dingle Peninsula, 500 Miles artfully explores the complexities of families and the forces that pull them apart and reunite them. Writer-director Nick Moorcraft returns with Mother's Pride, a moing and heartfelt comedy. Jonno Davies stars as Cal, a man rediscovering purpose and connection as he returns to his small country hometown. After a series of misfortunes, he works to re-invigorate his family's pub which is on the brink of closure. The Russell Hobbs British Film Festival opens on Wednesday October 28 in Melbourne, Ballarat and other states. The Festival screens in these locations: Melbourne: Oct. 28-Nov 29, The Astor Theatre, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema, Palace Church St. Ballarat: Oct. 28–Nov 29. Nov 29, Palace Regent Ballarat www.britishfilmfestival.com.au
Cheryl Threadgold
Little Shop of Horrors
● Little Shop of Horrors will play Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from May 2027. It is equal parts hilarious, camp, and sci-fi horror, this high-octane spectacle blends Bmovie mayhem, outrageous comedy, and jaw-dropping puppetry.
● The Argus. Sat., Oct. 6, 1951.
Mystery retreat ■ The battered Communist armies suddenly gave up their death stand in Western Korea today and fell back under the attack by 100,000 United Nations troops. The sudden Communist withdrawal came as a surprise after they had halted the Allied offensive with the stiffest resistance of the war and fierce counter-attacks.
Upper House poll ■ Victorian central executive of the A.L.P. wants a referendum on abolition of the Legislative Council. It decided last night lo ask the State Parliamentary Labor Party to press for a referendum next year. The executive made no decision on whether it, should force a State election over the Greater Melbourne Council Bill.
Atomic bombs ■ As production of tactical atom bombs had begun, Mr. Gordon Dean, chairman of the United States Atomic Energy Commission disclosed today. He hinted that they might provide a way to end the Korean war. For the first time, Mr. Dean said, atomic weapons offered "a means of halting aggressors without the risk of destroying large parts of the world in the process."
City hold-up ■ An armed youth held up the cashier at the Plazaa Theatre. Collins st, city, last night and escaped with a cashbag containing £16.
‘Gives up fagging’ ■ Geoffrey Le Gair, 15-year-old American school boy, today gave up smoking. He threw away his last cigarette as he entered the gates of Scots College to be enrolled. When he left the college later Geoff said: "A Yank just has to get used to no smoking. It may be hard for a while; but, well ... he just has to get used to it. "I've got no cigarettes now. I gave them all to the head." Scots definitely forbids cigarettes. Geoff travelled to school from a King's Cross hotel with his mother. He wore American sports clothes - split, check sports coat, and brown, peg-bottom trousers.
The Local Paper - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - Page 0
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What’s On Ode To A Grape
Local Theatre Nosebleeds
BRIEFS: THE WORKS
● Mario Hannah, Holly Bohmer and Taylor Griffiths in Nosebleeds.
■ Nosebleeds is an indulgent mix of absurd situations and scenarios with extreme and ridiculous characters. Holly Bohmer, Mario Hannah and Taylor Griffiths play multiple characters with associated voices and actions, by simply changing a hat or cape or scarf. A séance is where the show begins and ends but in between, we come across the best of gothic nonsense; werewolves, Edwardian governesses, the Titanic and even fundamentalist Christians. Each and every time the genre is distorted and corrupted leaving the audience wondering where things will head next. Lanterns, smoke and the ubiquitous doorway allow for a change of atmosphere or focus. This was fundamentally a trio having fun with the characters they created and the perverting of expectation. Blood and raspberry jam will never be the same again. Until October 18 at the Improv Conspiracy, 1/19 Meyers Pl., Melbourne Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au/ whats-on/events/nosebleeds
Review by David McLean
Opening Night ■ Most people who have been involved in the world of theatre would recognise the challenges faced by actors when trying to stage a production; cast members dropping out, an uncoordinated technical crew, and a desperate need for funding. Lucy Rees plays the director, producer and, ultimately, the only actor in a rehearsal that has gone wrong. Her only associate seems to be a technician in the dark at the back of the auditorium who is less than cooperative. Written by Lucy Rees and James Collopy, the subject matter is identifiable, but the premise falters a little. The subsequent monologues that make up the show are indicative of different forms of writing – there’s even a parody of Tim Winton’s Cloudstreet – but this makes one wonder if the purpose is the parody of form or the absurdity of just getting a show on stage. The audience are treated as the writers of these monologues but remain at a distance from the action. The final request for audience members to read lines on a screen is more tutelage than engagement. There is a character arc of a performer attempting to remain positive despite the unending travails of production. Taking this to its extreme end might provide a more even continuity.
Review by David McLean
Art Prize finalists ■ Geelong Contemporary Art Prize finalists are The 2026 finalists are: Matthew Asling, Colleen Ahem, Natasha Bieniek, Seth Birchall, Elisabeth Bodey, Mairin Briody, Kirsty Budge, Stephen Bush, Ellie Chalmers-Robinson, Samuel Rush Condon, Jonathan Crowther, Hop Dac, Anh Do, Chelsea Gustafsson, Katherine Hattam, Euan Heng, Madeline Kidd, Tony Lloyd, William Mackinnon, Tania Major, Moya McKenna, Jennifer Mills, Tully Moore, Jan Murray, Grant Nimmo, Rose Nolan, Jack Nicholls Paterson, Stieg Persson, Kenny Pittock, Adam Pyett, Victoria Reichelt, Steven Rendall, Anthony Romagnano, Sally Ross, Darren Wardle, and Alice Wormald.
Contributed
■ The creatives behind Briefs: The Works nailed the title because it delivers exactly that - the works! While the full-frontal nudity certainly commands attention, it's far from the show's defining feature. What truly sets this cabaret, burlesque, drag and circus spectacular apart is its extraordinary artistry, razor-sharp humour and jaw-dropping talent. These drag performers don't just lipsync and strut across the stage. They produce flowers from improbable places, launch into splits and gravity-defying flips, and do it all in heels that seem to challenge both logic and physics. Every act stretches the boundaries of skill, spectacle and showmanship, leaving the audience equally amazed and delighted. As part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, the Spiegel Haus provides the perfect backdrop, with its vibrant carnival atmosphere amplified by dazzling sound and lighting that transforms the evening into a fully immersive experience. Hosted by bearded drag queen Shivannah, the alter ego of Fez Faanana, Artistic Director and one of the creative forces behind Briefs Factory, the show blends seduction, comedy and breathtaking physicality. Expect soaring aerials, elegant acrobatics and plenty of unapologetic teasing. Every performer deserves recognition, but several acts stood out. Dylan Rodriguez and Benjamin Butterly's aerials were visually stunning, while Nastia showcased remarkable circus artistry. Rowan Thomas delivered one of the evening's most memorable moments with a striptease performed on a Roue Cyr (acrobatic wheel), a combination you certainly don't encounter every day. The production also features rotating guest artists. On this particular night, audiences were treated to Diesel Darling's breathtaking fire and sword swallowing, alongside a hilarious and highly skilled hoop performance by Amy Lee. With almost 20 years of boundary-pushing performances behind them, the Briefs Factory are masters of their craft. Every act is delivered with infectious energy, impeccable timing and unmistakable flair, creating a bold, exhilarating spectacle that's impossible to look away from and well worth experiencing for yourself. Performance dates: until October 18 Venue: Spiegel Haus, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Bookings: spiegelhausmelb.com/briefs theworks
Reviewed by Beth Klein
The Ex Files ■ The city of Melbourne becomes the grandest set imaginable for Matt Bell in one of the queerest criminal investigations of all time. The audience become voyeurs in the journey craftily linked by headsets that allow us to hear Bell over the city’s din. Each location on the trail enables Bell to reveal the details of the felony that is ultimately revealed at the end of the journey. But everything is a deception. Bell is both the victim and the investigator. He is a gay man who has been spurned and
● Diesel Darling in Briefs: The Works. Photo: Benjamin Cross.
wants to find out why. This results in him digitally stalking his former partner. Bell’s delivery is quirky and genuine. The rapid-fire delivery is full of innuendo, spontaneity, asides, allusions and associations. More importantly, the nature of the humour is self-deprecating and completely identifiable. And the set, if such it can be called, is cleverly crafted building in intensity until the final climax where the evidence is produced on an iPad. This is a true crime story and life, itself, is the perfect fodder for comedy. The ease and artlessness of the delivery belies the work that must have gone into producing the show in association with director, Suzy Thresh. The insights into human behaviour are priceless and the performance platform ingenious. Melbourne is made marvellous as this Fringe production takes centre stage. Until October 11.
Review by David McLean
Age of Reason ■ Jayda D’Agostino’s cabaret contribution to the Melbourne Fringe Festival is a tribute to the works of John Farnham. She has the vocal range to meet the demands of the pieces she has chosen to sing and she is backed by very competent musicians, but it is in the narrative between songs that the show suffers a little. Farnham was an icon in the Australian music scene for well on six decades, defining and representing Australia with his unassuming and unpretentious ‘everyman’ attitude complemented by an astonishing vocal range. Being born in England didn’t prevent him from becoming Australian of the Year in 1987. D’Agostino’s home spun advice about her life’s journey now that she has reached the ripe old age of 23 and given on a seat in the middle of the stage when not singing perhaps doesn’t do Farnham’s contribution justice. A true tribute to Farnham could have included transcending the confining nature of the music industry or his charity work or even entertaining Australian troops in East Timor. Farnham’s self-effacing attitude was but one of the features that made him great. The tribute to Farnham on September 20 at the Rod Laver Arena where Barnes, Arena and Mauboy – to name but a few – performed and where all the proceeds went to charity also means that D’Agostino’s timing might be worth addressing.
Review by David McLean
Trumpet of the Swan
● Matt Bell presents The Ex Files: A Comedy True Crime Tour.
■ Opera Australia has announced the cast of The Trumpet of the Swan , a family friendly, live storytelling concert that will premiere at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from November 20-22. Helpmann Award-winning actor Bert Labonté, as Sam the Storyteller, will guide audiences through this enchanting musical journey, adapted from E. B. White’s charming children’s classic for the stage by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Marsha Norman (The Secret Garden, The Colour Purple), and with music by Tony Awardwinning composer Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Parade).
■ Poor Johann is a failure as a poet which is just as well for the audience at this Fringe Festival diversion because laughter and amusement was the consequence. Em Barrett had her alter ego toying with the audience soliciting input for the next poem only to reject offerings out of hand. That ability to play with the house whatever they say added an extra frisson keeping everyone engaged. Her style and technique – the looks and gestures – were well timed and well sustained. The technical touches of audio and lighting were simple but used well with Johann’s inner demon and saint providing character layers. Suitably absurd, some of the poetry was actually catchy; the simplicity of rhyming couplets diverting. Poetry, according to Johann, was meant to be suffering but laughter kept getting in the way. Hooray I say.
Review by David McLean
Circus The Show ■ Circus the Show is a terrific, fun filled hour of entertainment. As well as amazing acts what set this show apart is the storytelling. This circus show is not just awe inspiring acts it is full of heart. The Ringmaster, played eloquently by Jack Wilde shares stories with the audience with passion, sincerity, humour, tying everything together to create a full theatre experience rather than a series of isolated ‘acts’. As well as being the Ringmaster Wilde did his own balancing/ juggling routine, again setting this show apart from other circus’s where the ringmaster is usually only the MC. All three ’guest’ performers were talented artists. Riki Morgan wowed us with hula hoops, Juggler Richard Sullivan, Aerialist Amy May are all seasoned performers, whilst only short their acts were polished, engaging throughout. These artists perform worldwide, it was a privilege to see them up close. The highlight of the show was ‘Clown’. George Le Couteur was fabulous in this role. Even before the official show began the audience was entertained as he interacted in silence. Clown remained a constant character throughout assisting with the props/ equipment, providing much visual humour. With the traditional large clown feet, plus red nose he was recognisable immediately. His ‘slapstick play was beautifully timed, his rapport with Ringmaster evident. Clown’s balloon act was a perfect finale having everyone in laughter with this unique comedy /physical routine. The Spiegeltent at Speiegel Haus was a perfect venue for this world class circus show. My guest summed the show up in one word- ‘fabulous’, this I would have to agree.
Review by Elizabeth Semmel
Legend of Zelda ■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will present The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert, showcasing nostalgic tunes and modern melodies from the Legend of Zelda series in May 2027 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. It will be conducted by Nicholas Buc. The MSO joins some of the finest orchestras from around the world for this global Nintendo project, including the London Symphony Orchestra, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony. “It’s a real privilege to lead the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for this extraordinary program. The music of The Legend of Zelda is remarkable for its imagination, richness and emotional range, and it is a privilege to conduct the extraordinary scores created by the composers who have shaped the sound of this beloved series over four decades,” said Nicholas Buc. Dates: Thursday May 13- Saturday May 15, 7.30pm, Sunday 16 May, 1pm. Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall.
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Observations Ash’s memoir
● Ash Williams
■ All love the stories behind Australians making it big in the huge artistic pond that is Hollywood. But for every Hemsworth and Kidman, there is a Williams. Ash Williams, that is, a Melbourne comedian who did indeed make it in Hollywood, but fame came at a price. Ash’s memoir (Almost) Killing It In Hollywood takes us behind the scenes to witness the dodgy jobs and struggles that often accompany the road to success and fame. The adage to say yes to every offer led Ash to some strange scenarios, from modelling for the cover of romance novels, to working topless in a gay bar, and posing as a fake boyfriend. But it doesn’t stop there – Ash attempted to get into the Guinness Book of Records for an attempt at running in high heels. He topped that by becoming the star of online tickling videos. Yes, it was fame, but more in the underbelly of Hollywood. Ash felt as if he were leading a double life, chasing the Hollywood Dream, but feeling he had to sacrifice his integrity, his dignity and even occasionally his body, in pursuit of The Dream. Ash has written a raw and funny book, lifting the lid on what people sometimes must do to make it in America. As a comedian, he did perform at the world-famous LA Comedy Store, and he had roles on American TV hit shows. And of course, the whole experience gave him excellent material to write this very funny, unvarnished look at the pursuit of fame. (Almost) Killing It In Hollywood by Ash Williams is published by Echo Publishing and available online and at Readings and other major book outlets.
Julie Houghton
Auditions ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Soldier Boy (by Anthony Hill) October 11 at 2pm; October 12 at 7pm at Malvern Theatre, 29a Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicholas Opolski. Audition enquiries: nopolski@hotmail.com ■ Eltham Little Theatre: Mr Bennet’s Bride (by Emma Wood) October 18 and 20 at 7pm at Eltham Little Theatre’s Rehearsal Room, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Steve Saul. Bookings: trybooking.com/au/event/1657581 ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Home and Beauty (by W. Somerset Maughan) October 25 at 2pm, October 26 at 7pm at Brighton Theatre, Carpenter St., Brighton. Director: Desiree Munro. Audition enquiries: munrode@hotmail. com ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Anna K (by Suzie Miller) November 4, 9 at 7pm or 8.15pm at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Natasha Boyd. Audition enquiries: natashaboyd74@ gmail.com
Cheryl Threadgold
Frozen, Broadway musical ■ Babirra Music Theatre presents Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical until October 11 at The Round, Nunawading. Theatrical artistry merges with state-ofthe-art technology, achieving a visually spectacular interpretation. Under the visionary direction of Joel Batalha, the creative team includes musical director Peter Verhagen, choreographer Kim Adam, US based set designer Eric Luchen, costume designer Leonie Campbell, co-lighting designers Jason Bovaird and Tristan Mildenhall, co-sound designers Marcello Lo Ricco and Patrick Edwards, and digital production/animation designer, Chris Anderson. Stage Manager is Katy Roose. The audience is instantly transported to the magical Scandinavian kingdom of Arendelle to follow the adventures of royal princesses Anna and Elsa. Elsa’s uncontrolled hidden ice powers cause adversity, but the sisters’ shared love eventually triumphs and summer returns to the kingdom. The cast includes a strong, versatile ensemble, with the dancers executing Kim Adams’s fabulous choreography in polished style. I particularly loved the uplifting ‘summer’ tap. Talented youth performers Anthea Ellis (Young Anna) and Khaleesi Martin (Young Elsa) are terrific in their roles, well-capturing their adult characters’ contrasting personalities. Olivia Hanslow (Young Elsa) and Evie Alexander (Young Anna) alternate in these roles. Using their first-class musical theatre skills to bring this fairytale alive are Elise Stevens (Queen Iduna), Jack Lear (King Agnaar), Josh Pratt (endearing Kristoff), William Murton (Weselton), Jet Spicer (Oaken), Lorraine Salvador (Bulda) and David Vien (Pabbie). Darcy Harriss entertains as lovable snowman Olaf and hats off to Andy McDougall’s work as Kristoff’s pet reindeer Sven. Mitch Sanfilippo (Hans) with his imposing princely storybook presence, skilfully transitions his character's personality change. Lead performers Marina Martin (Elsa) and Lisa Capon (Anna) are splendid in their roles. Marina’s elegant, poignant portrayal of Elsa evoked audience cheer at her freedom. Lisa’s cheerful, vivacious performance as Anna is a joy throughout. Frozen features impressive vocals, harmonies and orchestral accompaniment. The set design is superb, visually complemented by stunning lighting and immersive visual/sound effects, and beautiful costumes. A memorable theatre experience. This show elevates community theatre to another level. Performance Details: Until October 11 Venue: The Round, Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading Bookings: babirra.org.au
Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Malthouse 2027 Season Launch ■ Seasons come and go but 2027 promises to be one of significance for Malthouse Theatre, for in just having its 60th year Anniversary from starting back in 1976, its recently appointed Co-CEO, and Artistic Director Dean Bryant is responsible for the assembly of bold new Australian works for the 2027 Malthouse season. Award-winning Bryant brings with him decades of theatrical diversity, as a performer, as a writer, as a musician and as a director throughout Australia and overseas. The launch was presented to a packed Merlyn Theatre with Dean Bryant as host, interviewing the writers, actors and directors of their work throughout the 2027 season. Seven of the seasons are all new Australian works that will be world premieres, all to the credit of Bryant securing. Such will be the opening of the season with Eddie Perfect’s premiere of The Tartuffe, an AIpowered hairdressing robot. Then a Victorian premiere of Swim by Mununiali poet Ellen van Neervan following events on a sizzling summer’s day at a public pool.
● Marina Martin (Elsa) in Disney's Frozen the Broadway Musical. Photo: James Oorloof Early June 2027, the Merlyn Theatre will be transformed into a world of immersive sound and luminous imagery with the premiere of Stone Yard Devotional with acclaimed actors Lisa McCune and Catherine McClements. Another premiere and directed by Dean Bryant will be Jackpot, with two sisters in a dark comedy, on a sleepless night and sharing a bottle of whiskey while negotiating who will care for their elderly mother. Moving into the Beckett Theatre will be Keziah Warner’s one-person adaption of Henry James 1898 gothic horror The Turn of the Screw, a governess caring for two orphaned children at an isolated English country estate. There is a lot more such as, Lucy where Sam and Lucy fall for each other fast and forever, while vintage film buffs will not be disappointed with the premiere of an adaption of Margaret Mitchell’s timeless Gone with the Wind. Also be prepared for the return of Malthouse Comedy where the entire venue is taken over as part of the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Become a season subscriber now for healthy discounts. Details: malthouse theatre.com.au
Review by Graeme McCoubrie
More Shows ■ The 1812 Theatre: A Murder is Announced (Agatha Christie) November 12 – December 5 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Steve Saul. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au ■ Frankston Theatre Group: Jimmie the Beatle (Written and Directed by Tim Byron) November 20-December 6 at the Mt Eliza Community Hall, 90-100 Canadian Bay Rd, Mount Eliza. Bookings: frankstontheatregroup.org.au/events/ jimmie-the-beatle ■ The Basin Theatre Group: The Railway Children (Adapted by Jason Triggs based on the novel by Edith Nesbit) November 26 to December 6 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Jason Triggs. Bookings: thebasintheatre.au ■ OSMaD: Titanic the Musical December 3–12 at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College, Hawthorn. Director: Penn Valk; Musical Director: Simon D’Aquino; Choreographer; Cassie Pennecuik. Bookings: osmad.com.au ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Breaking Down All the Walls (Written and directed by Nicholas Bufalo) December 3-12 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale.
Cheryl Threadgold
Sculpture Biennale ■ The Melbourne Sculpture Biennale was launched on on Monday (Oct. 5) at Billilla Mansion with Directors and Curators Adam Stone and Laura Couttie. This exhibition has been reimagined for Billilla Mansion, Brighton, and offers an expanded free program that encourages audiences of all ages to experience, engage with and respond to sculpture in new ways.
Contributed
Local Theatre Shows ■ Geelong Lyric Theatre Society: The Addams Family Until October 11 at the Geelong Arts Centre. Bookings: geelonglyric.com/whats-on-geelong/ addams-family ■ Mornington Peninsula Theatre Company: Pygmalion (George Bernard Shaw) Until October 11 at the Bellamy Hall Theatre, Albert St., Mornington. Bookings: rybooking.com/au/event/ eventlist/mptc ■ The 1812 Theatre: Switzerland (by Joanna Murray-Smith) Until October 24 at 3 Rose St., Ferntree Gully. Director: Andrew Ferguson. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au ■ Babirra Music Theatre: Disney’s Frozen – the Broadway Musical. Until October 11 at the Round Theatre, Nunawading. Director: Joel Batalha; Musical Director: Peter Verhagen; Choreographer: Kim Adam. Bookings: babirra.org.au ■ The Basin Theatre Group: You’re Only Young Twice (by Ron Aldridge) Until October 11 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Bob Bramble. Bookings: Email: tickets@ thebasintheatre.au ■ Encore Theatre: Steel Magnolias (by Robert Harling) October 9-18 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: encoretheatre.com.au ■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Come From Away October 9 – 24 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Co-Directors: Rob Robson and Tailem Tynan; Musical Director: Malcom Huddle. Bookings: cloc.org.au ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Cock (by Mike Bartlett) October 21 – 31 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Travis Handcock. Bookings: mordialloctheatrecompany. com.au ■ Warragul Theatre Company: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime (Adapted by Simon Stephens, based on the novel by Mark Haddon) October 15-18 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. Bookings: warragultheatre company.org/ ■ SLAMS Musical Theatre Company: Into the Woods, October 16-24 at the Knox Community Arts Centre. Director: Mitchell E Roberts: Vocal Musical Director: Brodie Sainsbury-King; Orchestral Musical Director: Shannessy Danswan; Choreographer: Molly Daley. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/1614725 ■ LOTS Theatre (Legends of the Skies): Series 14, Meeting Females in Aviation. October 22-25 at the Moorabbin Air Museum, Casey Hangar, 12 First St., Moorabbin. Artistic Director: Maggie Morrison. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/1637640 Fab Nobs Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar October 24 – November 7 at 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Enquiries: fabnobstheatre.com.au ■ Avid Theatre at 1812 Theatre: Closer (by Patrick Marber) October 28 – November 7 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Michael Fenemore. Bookings:1812theatre.com.au ■ Moonshoes Productions: The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee November 6-14 at the TLC Church, Bayswater. Director: Liv Mcilfatrick; Musical Director: Zac Jones. Bookings: Trybooking. ■ Brighton Theatre Company: A Simple Act of Kindness (by Ross Mueller) November 6 - 21 at Brighton Theatre, Carpenter St., Brighton. Director: Blake Stringer. Bookings: brightontheatre company.com.au ■ Williamstown Musical Theatre: & Juliet November 6-21 at Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Pde., Altona. Director: Joel Anderson; Musical Director: Jem Sherwill; Choreographer: Dylan Henry. Bookings: wmtc.org.au ■ Beaumaris Theatre: Georgy Girl the Musical. November 6 – 21 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt; Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreographer: Camilla Klesman. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): 39 Steps (by Patrick Barlow and John Buchan) November 12 – 21 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: George Benca. Bookings: stagtheatre. Cheryl Threadgold org
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ZOE’S KILLER INSTINCT
■ New Melbourne theatre collective Primitive Streak presents Zoe's Killer Instinct at the Motley Wherehaus, Melbourne, from October 5-11. Zoë Jensen returns to the Australian stage from Germany for the first show from Primitive Streak, which showcases a one-woman performance in the Melbourne Fringe Festival. This 'unhinged, razor-sharp satire' features original music inspired by vaudeville and Weimar. The origin of this surreal story began in 2020, when Zoë inexplicably found a random bag of knives in a park at night. As a woman of limited stature (five-foot-one (and-a-half)), she felt, for the first time in her life, that she could defend herself if threatened. With a valuable cultural distance from 'Australia’s pervasive epidemic of male-on-female violence', the idea of Zoe’s Killer Instinct was born. The show follows a fictionalised Zoë, a disillusioned, down-on-herluck desperado with dreams of stardom. Fed up with failure and Australia’s endless cycle of femicide, Zoë flips the script and starts to murder strange men, stealing their inherited power to become a showbiz success. So begins a story that asks what you would sacrifice for your dreams. A story about victims who victimise. A story about the shadowy voices of authority that direct our fate from the wings. Fresh from its debut, sold-out season at Sydney’s renowned Old Fitz Theatre and Tasmania’s Junction Arts Festival, this is the Melbourne debut of Zoe’s Killer Instinct. Primitive Streak is a theatre collective based in Melbourne. Formed in 2026 by wife-and-husband duo Zoë Jensen and Michael McStay, who first met as NIDA Acting students (class of 2013), the collective is driven by a desire to create original Australian work that is intellectually rigorous, philosophically eclectic, epic in theme, and deeply human, imagining theatre and cabaret as a liminal space both sacred and profane. Performance Dates: October 511 at 7.45pm Venue: The Salon, Motley Wherehaus Duration: 60 mins Tickets: melbournefringe. com.au/zoeskillerinstinct
Cheryl Threadgold
● Aaron Rourke
Monster Fest
● Zoë Jensen in Zoe's Killer Instinct
neurodivergent people.' Performance Details: October 15, 16 (Sensory-Friendly Performance), 17, 20, 21 (Masked Night), 22 (Post-show Q and A), 23 at 7.30pm; October 24 at 5pm. Venue: The MUST Space, Grnd Flr Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Monash University, Clayton Bookings: msa.monash.edu/MUST
Cheryl Threadgold
Filmmaking workshop
The Heart Beats In ■ MAV (Multicultural Arts and ACMI present a rare Counts of Eight Victoria) opportunity to experience the
■ Monash University Theatre (MUST) presents The Heart Beats in Counts of Eight by Madeleine Willshire from October 15-24 at Monash University, Clayton. Directed by Esmé Stripp, Assisted by Ava Toon, The Heart Beats in Counts of Eight is set in the not too distant future. After a synthetic revolution, Lou, Jamie and Taxon scavenge to survive. They are functionally indistinguishable from humans, except for the restrictions written into their software. When someone tries to break in, their fragile peace fractures. Elsewhere, rogue Organic Engineer Calida runs a laboratory, determined to remake herself at any cost. 'Heart Beats’ is described as 'An exploration of what it means to be human, and what it is to exist in a society not built for you. It’s an allegory for the diversity of experiences of neurodivergence, and the many challenges faced by
Rourke’s Reviews
work of one of Southeast Asia's most celebrated contemporary artists through a two-day workshop, short film screening program and presentation of his award-winning feature film Monisme. Rizaldi has exhibited and screened work at some of the world's leading cultural institutions and festivals, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) New York, the Whitney Biennial, Centre Pompidou Paris, the Venice Architecture Biennale, Istanbul Biennial, Singapore Biennale and the Berlinale, Locarno and Rotterdam international film festivals. This unique Melbourne program offers audiences a rare opportunity to engage directly with Rizaldi's creative practice through multiple formats, from hands-on learning to cinematic presentation. The program includes a two-day workshop (October 24-25), a curated short film screening (October 26) and a screening of his
award-winning feature film Monisme (October 27). Rizaldi's work is renowned for its distinctive blending of documentary, speculative fiction and experimental cinema. Through his films and installations, he examines contemporary questions surrounding natural resources, technological development, spirituality and human relationships with the environment, creating thought-provoking works that challenge how audiences understand the world around them. "Riar Rizaldi is one of the most interesting artists working internationally today," said MAV’s Chief Executive Officer, Kristi Monfries. "His work resonates deeply with contemporary global conversations about technology, ecology and culture from a Global Majority perspective. We are thrilled to collaborate with ACMI to bring this exceptional program to Melbourne and create opportunities for artists, emerging multicultural filmmakers and audiences to engage with his practice firsthand." Designed for emerging creative practitioners, filmmakers, artists and curious audiences alike, the program offers a unique insight into contemporary moving image practice and the creative methodologies behind Rizaldi's internationally recognised work. Program Dates: Saturday, October 24 and Sunday October 25 1pm5pm; Short Film Screening Program: October 26, Feature Film Screening: October 27 Venue: Gandel Lab 2, Level 1 ACMI, Fed Square Bookings: tickets.acmi.net.au/0/ 62712
■ The festival began on October 2, and like previous years, has proven a hit with horror fans. There are still some treats coming up over the final days, including a number of terrific documentaries, as well as films such as Ing K’s bizarre 1997 Thai shocker, DogGod and the early 80’s splatterfest Parasite (with a young Demi Moore), in glorious 3-D. Check full details, films and session times at monsterfest.com.au The following are films I have seen at the festival. ★ I Love Paris (MA). 110 minutes. Using vampirism to show how social media, and in this case the music industry, preys on people looking for stardom at any cost, this fitfully amusing film eventually frustrates, with overlength muting its impact. A mix of the 2010 Belgian mockumentary Vampires and the funny 2009 black comedy, Suck . Despite its flaws, is worth a look, with some good performances. ★ Devil’s Disciple: The Night Stalker (MA). 106 minutes. Chad Ferrin ( Easter Bunny, Kill! Kill! ) returns with a look at the brutal serial killings committed by Richard Ramirez (a physically convincing Peter Mendoza), who terrorised Los Angeles during the summer of 1985, and became known as The Night Stalker. Concentrates on visceral madness rather than character detail. Well shot, using low lighting, interesting framing and colour palettes in a way that is reminiscent of Michael Mann’s iconic Manhunter (1986). The specific structure needed a shorter run time, especially once the body count really starts piling up. ★ Bloody Tennis (MA). 91 minutes. A fun horror/comedy influenced by Dario Argento’s classic Suspiria (1977), with nods to Him (2025) and even Full Metal Jacket (1987), we see young American Sophie arrive at a remote Spanish Academy to perfect her tennis skills. She soon finds out that the coach, mentor and fellow students will take ‘win at all costs’ to a whole new level. The casting of Zlatko Buric, and especially Elina Lowensohn (Nadja) is brilliant. From the director of the
superior The Bunker (2015). ★ Godmother (MA). 85 minutes. John Veron’s entertaining horror/comedy may not reinvent the wheel, but it offers a decent mix of blood and humour. Imagine an Air B&B version of Rosemary’s Baby (1968). Well crafted, efficiently paced and contains solid performances. ★ Boorman And The Devil (MA). 112 minutes. David Kittredge’s fascinating documentary looks at one of the most hated sequels of all-time, Exorcist II: The Heretic. A thorough, matter-of-fact examination of the much maligned flop makes for extremely compelling viewing. This isn’t a fan-service doco that blindly champions a classic, but puts forward the case, through various interviews (views remain polarised), that there was something genuinely ambitious and artistic in the endeavour, and asking us to maybe take a second look. Both films screen on October 9. ★ The Glorious Dead (MA). 81 minutes. The talented Adams Family continue to impress with their micro -budget, minimal-ist projects, and this quiet, slow burn horror which chronicles a possible end of the world (laced with humour and heart), continues their success rate after The Deeper You Dig, Hellbender and Mother Of Flies.
Digger ■ (MA). 128 minutes. This strained, obvious, and headache-inducingly overthe-top satire can’t compete with actual, insane current events engulfing the world today, so tries to by going louder, but the relentlessly in-yourface approach wears thin fairly quickly, hitting audience over the head with its message in an increasingly redundant manner. Performances from a game cast, including Tom Cruise, are committed if incredibly broad, and there are plenty of clues to let you figure out what is happening, but it is best to go in knowing as little as possible. Technically, the film is outstanding. Director Alejandro G. Inarritu (The Revenant, Birdman) seemingly wants to create a mixture of Dr Strangelove (1964) and There Will Be Blood (2007), but falls well short of both. A real loveit-or-hate-it film. RATING - **½
Aaron Rourke
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■ When I was a lot younger, I went to the pictures to see Fred Astaire in many films - I was not a fan of his dancing but I loved to see him onscreen. As I grew older my tastes changed and I began to appreciate that this man was a brilliant dancer and I became a huge fan. My big regret was that I did not get to see him when he was in Melbourne to film On The Beach in 1959. These days I love to watch the old films with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – that was when we had real family films. Frederick Austerlitz was born in , in 1899. His mother was born in America and his father emigrated from Austria. Fred was six years old when his father lost his job and the family moved to New York to concentrate on establishing Fred and his sister Adele as a juvenile vaudeville singing and dancing team. The youngsters were successful and changed their surnames to Astaire. By the time Fred was 18 they were appearing in Broadway shows and on London’s West End. When Adele married in 1932 the team broke up and Fred began working with a new stage partner, Claire Luce. Fred auditioned for RKO Pictures and after his screen test the famous comments were noted, “Can’t act, slightly bald, also dances.” Despite these comments RKO cast Fred opposite Joan Crawford in his first on
Whatever Happened to ... Fred Astaire
and their own two children Fred Jnr and Ava. Fred was devastated when Phyllis passed away in 1954 at the age of 46. In his later years he continued to make television and film appearances. When he was in Melbourne in 1959, he played golf with Tony Charlton and joined Bruce Skeggs in the commentary box at the trots at Moonee Valley. Tony Perkins recalled happy times playing piano at the Showgrounds whilst Fred sang along during the filming breaks and my friend the late Bill Bennett appears in a scene with Fred in On the Beach. His final musical film was Finian’s Rainbow in 1968. Fred married Robyn Smith, who was a jockey, in 1980 and they were very happy in his final years. Fred Astaire died from pneumonia on June 22, 1987. His last request was to thank his fans for their years of support. In a final quote from Frank Sinatra - “I have only one thing to say about Fred: He could have been the classiest performer I have ever known in all my years in showbusiness.”
By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM
screen appearance in the film Dancing Lady. He got fifth billing in Flying Down to Rio in 1933 - but it was the film that launched his career. The public loved Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and wanted to see more of them dancing onscreen. Over the following 16 years Fred and Ginger made another nine films together which included Carefree, Follow the Fleet, The Gay Divorcee, Roberta, Shall We Dance , The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, Swing Time, Top Hat and The Barkleys of Broadway. He worked with his personal choreographer Hermes Pan and they developed original dancing routines for his films. Fred was a perfectionist and insisted on working for long hours to get it right.
● Fred Astaire
He also liked to film the routines in one shot wherever possible. His classic films include Holiday Inn, Blue Skies, Easter Parade, Three Little Words and Royal Wedding. He married Phyllis Potter in 1933 and they had three children, Peter his stepson
Kevin can be heard on 3AW The Time Tunnel - Remember When Sundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au
BUILT ON GOLD: BENDIGO ART GALLERY Theatre Extra The Homecoming
● Cast of The Homecoming: Kate Kendall, Richard Piper, Ben Geurens, Peter Houghton, David Field, and Eddie Orton.
■ Harold Pinter who died on Christmas Eve in 2008, aged 78, was not just the writer of some 29 plays and 15 dramatic sketches, but also an actor, a director, a screenwriter of 27 scripts for cinema and television and a composer of poetry. Award-winning Best Play, The Homecoming in 1967 stands as one of his most provocative productions, where the work explores power struggles, contriving dominance in a dysfunctional family. The House is shared by the father, his two sons and the father's brother. A third son, a philosophy professor in America, visits the house in London with his wife after a nine year absence. While there is no welcome with father Max (Richard Piper) wanting Teddy (Peter Houghton) and wife Ruth (Kate Kendall) out of the house immediately, “throw them out”. Here the household is cast into social upheaval and disturbing male dominance. Son Lenny (Ben Geurens) appears to be charming. but becomes sordid, creating an air of discomfort. The men talk incessantly of their own affairs and life events, many times being cut short by others with just as great an ego. During all of this Ruth, looks to be docile and a lady of decorum but as she settles, becomes a controlling influence as son Joey (Eddie Orton) becomes her toy while husband Teddy pays little attention as he embraces his philosophy and attempts at coercive conversation with his wife. Although Max is in control most of the time it is his brother Sam (David Field) that shows more moral fibre than the rest. With an unpredictable ending, Teddy returns to America, Ruth stays put and someone dies. Impressive performances by Piper and Field well supported by a team of seasoned actors that easily met the diversity of their demanding characters. It is Pinter at his best, complexity, innuendos aplenty, and a touch of infidelity. What more could you ask for? A fine production presented by the Australian Shakespeare Company, well-directed and designed by Greg Carroll and his team of operatives.
Graeme McCoubrie
■ Considered one of the city’s most significant architectural achievements, Bendigo Town Hall s a shining reflection of a city built on gold. While closed for a major refurbishment, the equally celebrated Bendigo Art Gallery team will present a series of exhibitions and new commissions in this much-loved heritage building The Gallery will present two distinct programs, the first from Thursday October 1 through to Sunday December 13. Further details of the second program will be announced soon. The Gallery will present works not seen before in Bendigo, and experiences designed to complement the classical architectural environment. Rosie Deacon’s colourful, immersive installation Thrifty Swiftly, created from items collected from op shop and art disposal centres, reference to Bendigo’s endangered Swift Parrots and is a new commission specially created for Bendigo Town Hall. Historic artworks and from the City’s Civic Collection will also be presented throughout the building, illuminating some interesting stories and personalities from Bendigo’s history to begin a new residency at Bendigo’s spectacular Town Hall. Exhibition opens October 1 then closes December 13. Open Thursdays – Sundays 10am-4pm. Bendigo Art Gallery 189-193 Hargraves St, Bendigo
Queenscliff Beneath the Blue brings together artists Andrew Hopgood and Graeme Pebbles whose diverse practice shares a longstanding fascination with the sea, marine life and coastal environment. The exhibition explores how two artists can respond to the dame environment through distinctly different artistic processes. Across the works, marine creatures, coastal landscapes, sentimental change and the impact of changing climate change provide recurring themes. From observation to interpretation, the exhibition considers how encounters with marine environment are transformed through personal experience, memory and imagination Exhibition closes October 25. Salt Contemporary Art Hesse St, Queenscliff
Hawthorn Quiet Corners –- The Art of AME Bale AME Bale (1875 – 1955) was one of Australia’s most accomplished painter of flowers celebrated for her Tonalist mastery and precise control of light, tone and composition. Her evocative floral still life combine careful observation with a poetic sensivity transforming roses, tulips and zenanas into works of subtle beauty and balance. Exhibition closes October 18. Town Hall Gallery 369 Burwood Hwy. Hawthorn
The Arts With Peter Kemp
Mornington
National Works on Paper For more than 50 years National Works on Paper has presented a survey of contemporary art and celebrated the medium of paper in all its forms NWOP is one of the leading art awards ansd exhibitions on the country, attracting Australia’s foremost contemporary artists working with paper. Through this nationality significant award, MPRG has proudly acquired 14 winning works, a further 91 through its precursor, the Spring Festival of Drawing and many more purchased for the gallery by Friends of Drawing and many more purchased for the Gallery by the Friends off MPRG – building one of Australia’s most significant collections of works on paper with a $20,000 major acquisitive prize. Exhibition closes November 22. MPRG, Civic Reserve Dunns Rd, Mornington
Peter Kemp
Outlander ■ Fresh from a 75-city tour across the United States and Europe, Spiritworks and Technomancers will present the Australian premiere of Outlander in Concert: Echoes Through the Highlands at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, on April 10, with performances at 3 pm and 7.30 pm. Bringing together music and specially curated scenes from all eight seasons of the global phenomenon Outlander, the live concert experience features cinematic visuals presented on a large HD screen alongside the acclaimed Celtic score of Emmy Award-winning composer Bear McCreary. A live ensemble of musicians and vocalists will perform McCreary’s music using traditional Scottish instruments including bagpipes, fiddles and hurdy-gurdy, creating an immersive journey through the world of Claire and Jamie Fraser. The global success of Outlander has also spawned the prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood, which premiered in 2025 and is set to return for a second season.
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The Enormous Radio, at Newport Simon Pearlman ■ A Man Called Son is the new release for Melbourne singer-songwriter Simon Pearlman. The song is grounded in a particular brand of Australian isolationism, evoking long summer days and small town tales of misfortune. Furthermore, his media kit points out, the song has received critical acclaim and made radio playlists around the country.
Pop Choir ■ Australia’s largest community choir will release a powerful new charity single on Friday (Oct. 9) at Melbourne’s Federation Square to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of connection. In one of Australia’s biggest-ever recording gatherings, 550 members of Pop Choir lent their voices to Love Vs Fear, an original song inspired in part by the personal mental health journey of Pop Choir co-founder and vocal coach Darryl Moulton. The choir is now calling on people to donate to the initiative with funds raised supporting leading mental health charity Beyond Blue.
Il Profeta ■ Little River Band founding member and drummer Derek Pellicci has dropped his new album IL Profeta . Derek’s son Joel has played an important part of the album release with creative input into the song selection, art work and overall direction. Available on streaming platforms.
Rob Foenander
■ This performance is actually by radios, not humans. They take a back seat as we found out during the opening VIP night at Chamber Made’s The Enormous Radio by Roslyn Oades and Bob Scott hitting the airwaves to a throng of humans at The Substation in Newport. To understand, best I use a piece from their explanatory notes before my overview. “This documentary-inspired experience explores the possibility of communicating with the non-human world. “Drawing on Australian wildlife field recordings, spatialised sound, translation software and techno—spiritualism, it imagines an interconnected machine capable of seeking, receiving, translating and transmitting messages from wild animals.” There are two groups of humans who would benefit from this installation - those who are ardent collectors of Vintage Radios and those who are dedicated animal lovers with concern of the endangerment of our wildlife, but let us not exclude the general community. How was it done? With an installation of some 80 and more radio sets, all sizes and shapes, mantle-top models, larger cabinet style units with casings made of wood, metal, bakelite and plastic in all colours. Models dating back to the 40s 50s and 60s like that illustrated, arranged on an industrial-style shelving in a circle
● The Enormous Radio Creative Development, Kevan Atkins and Roslyn Oades. Image by Sarah Walker.
with the radios facing inwards, and some seating in the centre core of the circle for humans to sit and listen to the 45 minutes of six wildlife sound transmissions. Let me say it was engaging and well-coordinated as all dials of the radios lit at the same time, fluctuating in intensity, to the level of music and animal sounds.
Without revealing all, we had sounds of the calls of the Tasmanian Devils, the Pobblebonk Frogs, Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, Blue Whales, Dingoes and the ever popular Boobook Owl. There was a lot more to the installation and as it is unique you should make time to be part of the experience. The Substation has done it
again with a great theatrical experience but this time without a human on stage. Venue: The Substation, 1 Market St, Newport Season: Until October 10 Information and Bookings: thesubstation.org.au
Review by Graeme McCoubrie
● Raymond Charles ‘Joff’ Ellen. ‘Joffa Boy’. GTV-9. With Norman Swain.
CURTAIN UP ON CUP CARNIVAL ■ The three-day Caulfield Cup Carnival commences this Saturday (Oct. 10) and continues next week on Wednesday and Saturday. Traditionally known as Caulfield Guineas Day, the first day features three Group 1 events. The supporting program is also full of quality, as it includes the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes for the sprinters and Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes for the stayers. However, it is Group 1 racing which brings out the very best thoroughbreds in training, and on Saturday it will be at Caulfield threefold. Might And Power This weight-for-age contest often attracts the most interest on the day. Run over 2000 metres, the Might And Power Stakes can be the final hit out for horses preparing to compete in the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate. Previously known as the Caulfield Stakes, it has been named after Might And Power since 2021. Might And Power won the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup double in 1997 and took out the Caulfield Stakes and Cox Plate the following year. In 2026, all eyes will most likely be focused on the following horse: Sheza Alibi Top class mare who has been an oddson favourite to win this race since early markets were opened. She was a dominant winner of the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington over 1600 metres last time. This will be her first attempt at 2000 metres, although all the signs suggest it won’t pose a problem. She is also a twotime winner on the track.
ments of European racehorses to Melbourne for the Cup, allows some extra time for them to acclimatise, and potentially compete on the track ahead of their main mission. Seven horses were in this consignment and are currently at the Werribee International Horse Centre, a dedicated quarantine and training base. The second shipment is scheduled to arrive next week. While less fancied in Melbourne Cup betting than many of his counterparts, one horse now here may come into calculations during the next 27 days: Point Of Law Lightly raced northern hemisphere three-year-old who won the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket last time at just his fourth start. That race has been won in past years by former Melbourne Cup placegetters Persian Punch, Hartnell and Spanish Mission. Two previous Cup winners also bred in the UK, Rekindling (2017) and Cross Counter (2018), were the same age as Point Of Law when they won. He has only been given 51 kgs, which will make it difficult for him to gain a start in the Cup. Therefore, he is expected to run in a race like the Geelong Cup in order to qualify.
● Sheza Alibi. Racing Photos.
Rod Basto
Toorak Handicap ■ As a handicap race run over 1600 metres, this Group 1 usually attracts a full field with plenty of chances. These two gallopers were placed in an established key lead-up event recently: Regal Award Won by seven and a half lengths over this track and trip around this time last year. When resuming from a spell in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, he attempted to lead all the way over 1400 metres and held on well for third. With that run under his belt, he should prove much harder to beat this time around. Sepals His overall record at Caulfield is good, including a first-up second in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, although he is yet to be placed at this distance. Following some big backing, he has been at the top of early markets for this race for a number of weeks. So, currently his odds appear to be a little on the skinny side. He’ll also carry his fair share of weight.
While both of the following horses could continue on a path to achieving greater racetrack success, only one is a stallion with a stud career in the offing: Blind Raise Could not have been more impressive, winning the Caulfield Guineas Prelude over 1400 metres last time. The extra 200 metres here should suit this gelding ideally. Warwoven Sydneysider, who was a brilliant winner of the Group 1 Golden Rose at Rosehill over 1400 metres last start. Comes to Caulfield for the first time and this will also be his first attempt at 1600 metres.
Cup Countown
Horses To Follow ■ Concord Connie ■ Aroused ■ Full Confidence ■ Crocodile
Racing Calendar ■ Wednesday, Oct. 7: Geelong ■ Thursday, Oct. 8: Kyneton ■ Friday, Oct. 9: Ballarat, Cranbourne ■ Saturday, Oct. 10: Caulfield, Hamilton, Manangatang ■ Sunday, Oct 11: Seymour ■ Monday, Oct 12: Bairnsdale ■ Tuesday, Oct 13: Kilmore
■ The recent arrival of the first of two ship-
Caulfield Guineas ■ The Group 1 this day is named after has been held since 1881. For three-year-old colts and geldings and run over 1600 metres at set weights, it has been known over the years to not only produce champion racehorses and sires, but also its share of upsets.
feekracing.com.au
● Blind Raise. Racing Photos.
Rod Basto
The Local Paper - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - Page 0
www.LocalPaper.com.au
C’MON SKY, TIME TO LIFT YOUR GAME
■ Wha are Sky Channel doing to Victorian harness racing? For the second time within a week a race which was running late due to gear problems wasn’t shown at all with no apology given. This was on top of several races being shafted to Sky 2 which happens on a regular basis, plus no dividends or results being shown after a close finish. Even on Friday (Oct. 2) the biggest race on the night at Addington in New Zealand, only half the field graphic (tote odds etc) was shown until just before the start. For the last few weeks the coverage has been nothing short of appalling – this needs an urgent look at by Sky. As everybody is well aware, the bias towards New South Wales in all three codes always takes preference – no wonder the Victorian pools have diminished in recent times. Come on Sky – lify your game – the racing industry (three codes) pays for the service which doesn’t always appear.
Comment by Len Baker
Terang
■ Western District racing at Terang kicked off the week with a nine race program and what an exciting race the first event – the Terang Co Op Rural Store Pace over 1680 metres was with the action on from the outset – the victor being Camperdown duo Gary and Darryl Lawlor’s very smart 5Y0 Sweet Lou-Lagertha mare Sweet Ideal. Starting from inside the second line Sweet Ideal was quickly away from the markers to settle three back in the moving line as Telemachus (gate two) led from multiple cups winner of last season Jilliby Nitro quickly following him through from gate two on the second line to be outside him and the heavily supported Road-master caught three wide outside the pair from outside the front line which after being eased was able to drop into a one/one spot. Not bustled, Sweet Ideal possied three back in the running line as Jilliby Nitro continued to apply pressure and eventually crossed on turning to lead into the straight with Sweet Ideal challenging and Roadmaster three wide outside the pair. Giving plenty in the straight, Sweet Ideal drew clear to register a 7.3 metre margin over Roadmaster, with Telemachus using the sprint lane third 2 metres back and Ultimate Vinnie (extreme draw – four back in the moving lane – three wide last lap) fourth 1.8 metres away. Jilliby Nitro after a torrid passage was fifth 12.1 metres from the winner. The mile rate 1-52.7. ■ Ellimintyt trainer Ian Stanley combined with Charlton based Luke Dunne to land the Palmerbet Pace over 1680 metres with Imagination Oro an in-form 6Y0 daughter of Huntsville and Ocean Oro, leading most of the way from gate five to score by 5.5 metres in a 1-56.3 mile rate from Jilliby Zucchini (gate six – one/one) and Magellan (extreme draw – three wide late from the rear) 1.4 metres back. ■ Bannockburn trainer Tom Rundle provided 4Y0 Yankee Rockstar Sunrain mare Yankee Rain to land the 2180 metre Ule Hoof Oil Pace. Driven by Jason Lee, Yankee Rain showed plenty of speed from gate four to lead throughout, accounting for Torque In Heaven (inside second line – one/ three) by 4.3 metres. Eastbro Mica (gate three – one/one) was third 2.1 metres back in a 1-58.7 mile rate. ■ The South West Equine Podiatry Mustad Farrier Clinic 2Y0 and 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 2180 metres saw Marg and Paddy Lee victorious with 3Y0 Bold Eagle Kinvara Sue colt Keayang Hustler in a 200.1 mile rate on debut. Driven by Jason Lee, Keayang Hustler was immediately eased away from inside the second line and had luck on his side as the two in front of him Ideal High (gate two – Glen Craven and polemarker Wicked Torque (Jason Ainsworth) broke at the start as Ideal High galloped almost falling and veered in on top of Wicket Torque putting them both out of business. This allowed Keayang Hustler to go forward and cross Vincent Oriley (gate six) easily, making the race a procession and winning by 7.5 metres untouched from Dispersion (gate three - four pegs – one/one last lap which (outside front line) making plenty of ground out wide last lap from well back in the field for third albeit 24.6 metres back.
■ The Terang Co Op IGA Plus Liquor Trotters Handicap was taken out by Percydale trainer/driver John Hurrell’s 8Y0 Dejarmbro-Skye Rocket gelding Off Your Faceski. Having start number 80, Off Your Faceski a 14 start winner coming from 30 metres with Ewa Justice in the sulky began brilliantly to trail the leader Caithness Lady (barrier two) enjoying a sweet passage until easing away from the markers at the post on the final occasion to lead for the last lap. Going strongly on the home turn, Off Your Faceski scored comfortably by 4.9 metres from Solotrekk (30m – five pegs three wide last lap), with 60 metre backmarker Keayang Lavita (six pegs – three wide trail last lap) third q half head away. The mile rate 2-04.9. ■ Hamilton’s Jackie Barker has a great record at Terang and was victorious aboard grandfather Jim’s trained 7Y0 Bettors Delight-Elle M Aye gelding Doctor Go Joh in the Terang Co Op Mitre 10 Garden Centre Pace over 1680 metres. Flying away from gate four to lead, Doctor Go Joh was rated to perfection and never looked like losing, scoring by 1.9 metres from Mick Bellman’s Miss Malachite (gate six) which stuck on gamely after racing exposed. Polemarker The Mountain was third 4.6 metres away after trailing the winner. The mile rate 1-59.3.
Shepparton ■ Girgarre co-trainers Lisa and Marl Pitt snared a double at Shepparton’s regular Tuesday meeting – DownbytheseasideTreasure Me colt Indulgme easily taking the Chris Smith and Associates 2Y0 Pace over 1690 metres and Stay Hungry-Corbie Abbey gelding Corbie Laidir the Hygain Pace over the same trip, both horses driven by Mark. Indulgeme making his third race appearance was able to cross and lead from gate five, streeting his rivals to register an 18 metre margin over Daysofwinen Roses (gate two) which trailed in a 1-58.4 mile rate. Polemarker Ozzie Bull after following the pair was third 9.5 metres away. Corbie Laidir after a first up second to Muddy on September 15 also led throughout from gate two to reach the juge 15 metres clear of Wheres Wood Wood (one/one from gate three on the second line), with Know The Score (gate four) third 1.7 metres back after trailing the winner. The mile rate 1-54.7. ■ Local Kialla trainer Isabelle Walsh combined with James Herbertson to land the Shepparton Showcase Podcast Preview Pace over 1690 metres in a 1-55.6 mile rate with Dembe, a three year old colt by Lochinvar Art from Somedaylady. Enjoying a saloon passage from the pole trailing the pacemaker Ronnie The Hammer (gate four), Dembre sailed home along the sprint lane to score by 2.4 metres from King Saint (outside front line) which after being restrained went forward to race exposed and battled on extremely well. Ronnie The Hammer held third a nose away. ■ Moorilim trainer Greg Fleming was successful with 3Y0 Captaintreacherous-Arctic Fire filly Maurlen Compass in the 2190 metre Casablanca Pizza Pace giving reinsman Mark Pitt the middle leg of a treble. Settling three back in the moving line from gate two on the second line and one/
one for the last lap, Maurlen Compass after making the final bend three wide outside the leaders Im Dustee (gate four) and Floppa (gate two) raced clear in the straight to score by 6.7 metres from Metro Memory along the sprint lane from three pegs, with Floppa third 1.2 metres back. The mile rate 1-57.5. ■ Another Kialla winner was Bec Bartley after 4Y0 For A Reason-Lucilla Franco entire My Mate Ace snared the 2190 metre Willowood Farm Pace in a 1-57.8 rate. Driven by Liam Older, My Mate Ace was taken back to the rear from outside the front line as polemarker Tobys Shout led. Finishing hard out wide on turning, My Mate Ace swamped his rivals to blouse Krissy (one/four from inside the second line – three wide last lap) which dashed clear running into the final bend, with Aussie Jay Mac (extreme draw – one three) after trailing Krissy home looking a major chance only for breaking and getting going again late for third . The margins a head by 6.3 metres.
Kilmore ■ Kilmore was Wednesday’s fixture with an even program of seven races with favourites taking out five of them. Very honest 4Y0 Soho Tribeca-Meghan Suits Her mare Soho Playgirl now trained at Tatura by Craig Turnbull following the recent passing of former trainer and partowner Ted Jepson scored a big victory in the JC Windows Pace over 2180 metres. Taken back to the rear from outside the front line by Abbey Turnbull, Soho Playgirl ($1.80) was set alight prior to the bell with a rush to cross the poleline pacemaker Hurrikane Dusty at the winning post and lead for the final circuit. Although Popcornfriday (extreme draw) three pegs and four pegs on the final bend finished fast, Soho Playgirl had too bigger break and hit the wire 7.4 metres in advance of Popcornfriday. Anakin (gate three – one/two) after switching to the sprint lane was third 2.4 metres back. ■ Very heavily supported two year old Always B Miki-Shes Magnetic filly Melican who boasted a victory in Hobart on July 12 at her first race start snared the 2180 metre O’Briens Electrical Mares Pace. Trained by Bec Bartley at Kialla, Melican ($1.35) driven by former Tasmanian Liam Older led from gate three as the starter released the field before being restrained to allow Ozzie Tart outside her to assume control momentarily before easing around her to again pilot the field. Given full rein on turning, Melican coasted to the wire recording a 19.7 metre margin over Ozzie Tart, with polemarker Forever A Star (three pegs) holding third albeit 16.9 metres back. The mile rate 1-56.6. ■ The C&M Build Group Trotter Mobile over 2180 metres saw Avenel part-owner/ trainer/driver Juanita Breen victorious with smart Skyvalley-Golden Spurs 4Y0 mare Little Miss Morgan in a 2-04 mile rate. Dropping back in grade after competing in the APG Super Series, Little Miss Morgan ($1.50) began quickly from gate two joining the speedy Straight To The Top (gate four) which began like a rocket as he usually does before striding clear shortly after. Always in control, Little Miss Morgan wasn’t pushed out to record a soft 4.4 metre margin over Straight To The Top which easily held second with Abbie (outside the front line) one/four-one three – three wide last lap) third 4.1 metres away third. ■ The 2180 metre MC Labour Trotters Mobile went the way of Kyabram owner/ trainer/driver Paul Railton’s 6Y0 Cardigan Boko-Soh Filthy Rich gelding Money Talks. Taken back at the start from outside the front row to settle at the rear as Charlie Walker (gate six) crossed Betsy Anne (gate four), Money Talks ($2.40) set off three wide solo in the last lap before racing clear running into the final bend. Sonnyboy (solo second line) which followed him home tried hard in the straight but Money Talks held him at bay to record a strong 8.7 metre margin, with Betsy Anne third after being held up prior to the home turn using the sprint lane for third 1.2 metres away. The mile rate 2-04.7. ■ Myrniong based trainer Denis Grieve returned to the winners list when ex-
This Week ■ Wednesday – Ballarat, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Melton, Saturday – Melton, Monday – Maryborough, Tuesday – Shepparton. Queenslander Ahundredplus, a 5Y0 Centurion Atm-Our Maple Tart mare scored in the Picklebet ‘Get Your Pickle On’ Mares Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres. With Blake Pace in the sulky, Ahundredplus settle five back along the markers as expected leader Silent Reverie did so from gate five. After a shuffle up Ahundredplus ($7.00) had moved be one/two at the bell and despite being four wide on the final bend, finished off her race well to gain a last stride decision by a nose over the pacemaker in a finish which tricked many. Im Miss Royalty (six wide home turn) from the rear was third 7.7 metres away. The mile rate 2-04.
Ballarat ■ Patrons at Ballarat on Thursday would have heard the familiar deafening cries coming from Ross Creek trainer Katrina Fitzpatrick cheering on her 4Y0 Aldebaran Eagle-Jannys Dream gelding Night Flight going to the wire in the VHRC /Benstud Standardbreds Pace over 1710 metres. Raced by Katrina and husband Darren, Night Flight driven by Ewa Justice led out from gate two before taking a trail on Life On The Hill (outside the front line) who pressed forward to take over racing for the bell. Easing away from the markers on the home turn, Night Life raced clear over the concluding stages to register a 1.2 metres margin from Miss Muscle (extreme draw) which made up many yards from near last in the straight, with Life On The Hill holding third 5.1 metres back after having every chance. The mile rate 1-58.8. ■ Shelbourne (Bendigo) trainer Col Latter always come up with a handy horse each season and 3Y0 What The Hill-A Jewel In The Crown filly Jilliby Radiance appears to be another one. Raced by Col and the Latter family, Jilliby Radiance driven by Jason Lee after being trapped wide showed exceptional speed from gate six in the 1710 metre VHRC/Del Re National Foods Trotters Mobile to cross Big Rain (gate four) and lead running into the first turn and after bowling along at her leisure held a margin all the way up the running to score by 3.4 metres from Truscotts Elegance (outside front line – one/one) in a 2-00.2 mile rate. Polemarker Cartacalah (three pegs) was third 1.4 metres back. ■ Daylesford owners Mick Barby and Anne-Maree Conroy’s consistent 7Y0 Betting Line-Glenlyon Glad gelding Glenline notched up his 6th success in 69 outings when taking the 2200 metre Palmerbet Pace. Settling four back in the running line from the extreme draw as Atomic Glory led from gate three, Glenline gained a lovely three wide trail home in the last lap following Normandy Nugget (outside front line) ahead of him. Asked to run on turning Glenline ran home nicely to greet the judge by 11 metres from perennial placegetter Icanmotor (gate five – 20 wins and 45 placings which trailed Atomic Glory, with Normandy Nugget a courageous third 3.2 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.2. ■ Great Western part-owner/trainer/driver Michelle Wight landed the Izuzu Ute Ballarat Trotters Mobile over 1710 metres with Chillhoneybunny, a 4Y0 daughter of Aldebaran Eagle and Aldebaran Crumpet. Easing from gate five to settle three pegs as Nedza Thriller (gate six led), Chillihoneybunny came off the inside at the bell to race uncovered for the last lap, proving too strong at the finish for the pacemaker, with Snickers Express (gate two second line – one/one at the bell) third. The margins 4.5 by 6.9 metres in a 2-01.2 mile Len Baker rate.