Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 1, 2011 - Page 57
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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer
Radio Confidential: Henry Gay returns ......... Page 60 Veritas: Peter Van back at Magic 1278 ............ Page 61 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 61 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 62 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 63 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD
CELTIC FESTIVAL AT PORTARLINGTON Di Rolle’s column ● From Page 8
● Bon Scott Bon Scott is still hailed today as the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll frontman, idol and rebel. “The story of the rise of AC-DC is in everyone’s memory as if we were all there: riding high through the middle of Melbourne in the 1970s, singing the story of life on the road, of dreams and broken promises, of the long way to the top. “At the centre of the band stands a man with bagpipes and a wicked grin – Bon Scott,” says Barker.
Opens on July 14 ■ Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be - The Story Of Bon Scott will open on Thursday, July 14 at 8pm. The season runs from July 12-24. See www.hellaintabadplacetobe.com.au for tickets and times.
Richard joins Vic. Opera ■ I always like hearing about new appointments. One of Australia’s most outstanding composers and music directors, Richard Mills, has been appointed to the position of Artistic Director of Victorian Opera. He succeeds Richard Gill who announced last year that he will leave the company at the end of the 2012 season . Mr Mills said he is committed to continuing the distinct identity Victorian Opera has established of being flexible and surprising. - Di Rolle
Tribute to Bill Hunter by Aaron Rourke. P62
By Rochelle Smith ■ The countdown is on for the biggest craic in the southern hemisphere as the National Celtic Festival gets set to take over the coastal town of Portarlington on the June 10-13 long-weekend. Now in its ninth year at the beautiful seaside village on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, the National Celtic Festival is proudly the largest and most diverse celebration of Celtic music and culture this side of the equator. Organisers have pulled out all stops, gathering together a lineup of acts of unprecedented calibre, and assembling some of the most interesting elements of Celtic culture to tickle the fancy of the thousands who flock to this family-friendly event. One of the unusual inclusions this year is ‘The Coming of the Quaich’. This traditional Scottish communal drinking vessel, used to share a “wee dram” among friends, will make a special stop at Portarlington as part of its two-year-long world tour. Those who partake of the Quaich are invited to sign the accompanying logbook, post a photo online and view the map showing the Quaich’s extensive travels. Practitioners from The Glen Lachlann Estate College of Arms. Celtic branch of Western Martial Arts, will be displaying its historical fencing techniques and holding competitions at the festival, including longsword, short sword, sabre, rapier and dual weapons. Young maidens beware! The ‘Obby ‘Oss will be appearing over the weekend trying to catch you as it goes by adorned with gruesome mask and black cloak. This ancient tradition originated in Padstow, Cornwall where the ‘Obby ‘Oss (Cornish dialect for ‘Hobby Horse’) Festival is held annually to celebrate the coming of Spring. Festival director Una McAlinden said this year’s program was by far the festival’s best yet: “The calibre of bands, both internationally and nationally, is the best ever, and the sheer diversity of cultural experiences available is incredible.” Ms McAlinden said. Transportation to the National Celtic Festival also gets interesting this year, with the historic replica tall ship Enterprize providing unique seafaring passage to and from the festival and even overnight accommodation onboard ship (details at www.enterprize.org.au ). The Enterprize is also one of the many atmospheric venues at the festival from which to enjoy worldclass Celtic music. Searoad Ferries has a special offer for those coming across the bay from the Mornington Peninsula to nearby Queenscliff – passengers in a car will travel free when they present their National Celtic Festival ticket (details at www.searoad.com.au ). The music really drives this festival, and whether you’re a hard-core traditionalist, partygoer, or just a family looking for a fun weekend, this year’s program truly has something to suit all ages and music tastes. The international line-up includes arguably the world’s most popular Celtic-folk band, Solas (US), performing in Australia exclusively at the National Celtic Festival; the “pure dead brilliant” Scottish fiddle of Hanneke Cassel Trio (US); edgy contemporary singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy (Ireland); Scottish Gaelic songstress Christine Primrose (Isle of Skye); and two cultures unite with hot young duo Sophie and Fiachra (Canada/Ireland). The Australian contingent will be well-represented by loads of festival favourites and fresh new faces including The Bushwackers; Sunas; Maria Forde; McAlpine’s Fusiliers; Jimmy Moore and Claddagh; Catherine Fraser and Friends; Highlander; Oriel Glennen; George Jackson Band; Siobhan Owen and Riogh. “This festival’s profile has grown to the point that it now attracts a great number of people from interstate and overseas,” Ms McAlinden said. Among the many highlights on this year’s program will be the Celtic Pipes and Drums spectacular featuring hundreds of pipers and drummers gathered from across the country. Also the festival’s own National Golden Fiddle Awards; Celtic comedy shows; a huge singing program; and a treat for fans. All festival venues are cosily heated and located within easy walking distance around the town centre. The undercover Celtic market will house more than 80 stalls bursting with Celtic treasures, delicious food and local produce to take home. For a full festival program and to book tickets, visit www.nationalcelticfestival.com or phone Geelong Performing Arts Centre on (03) 5225 1200. ● See advertisement on Page 72
Much Ado About Nothing
● Much Ado About Nothing ■ Bell Shakespeare presents William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing from June 9 - 25 at the Arts Centre Playhouse. Directed by John Bell, this exuberant comedy is set against the backdrop of Sicily in the 1950s. Here we witness the sweet, forthright love of Hero and Claudio, alongside Benedick and Beatrice's sizzling battle of wits. There is Don Pedro's gleeful plotting to spark a romance between Beatrice and Benedick, a cruel hoax by Don John and a surprising reversal as Beatrice and Benedick are compelled to join forces with a vengeance. Director John Bell says: “Each of Shakespeare’s comedies has a unique charm; to my mind Much Ado About Nothing is the most earthy and warm-hearted. “Here there are no enchanted forests or amazing coincidences, just the hammer and tongs of gender politics with all their attendant rages and hilarity.” Melbourne Season: June 9 - 25 Venue: The Arts Centre Playhouse Bookings: 1300 182 183 theartscentre.com.au or 1-300 723 038 ticketmaster.com.au
Red Stitch Theatre ● Red Stitch Actors Theatre presents Elfriede Jelinek's Princess Dramas from June 10 to July 2 (not Monday or Tuesday) at the Red Stitch Actors Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St., St Kilda.This collection of three fascinating shorter works (Part I, Snow White; Part II, Sleeping Beauty; Part III, Jackie) explores the notion of "The Princess". Are the heroines of these stories forever cursed to wait patiently for a hero on horseback? Or can they break free of the high romantic tropes that render them helpless and, quite literally, unconscious? Jelinek’s Princess Dramas are variations on one of her common themes - the difficulty of selfrealisation in a world where women are painted over with stereotypical images. The plays present a radical dissection of iconic romantic fairytales and the symbolism of popular culture with its mendacious presentation of the good life. Turn To Page 61