Podcast appearances and mentions of seymour centre

Alana joins Regina Botros to talk about her new work for the stage Nucleus at the Seymour Centre as part of the Griffin season. Alana Valentine is a librettist, playwright and director. Photo (c) Brett Boardman Gabriel is a nuclear engineer. Cassie is an anti-nuclear campaigner. For nearly thirty years their lives have collided and entwined, with Cassie's cause dominating public opinion across the decades. But with political change rumbling underfoot, Cassie's life's work could yet be undone—and it's all led to this explosive night.

Andrea James, a Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai theatre maker and Griffin Theatre Company's Associate Artistic Director joins NITV Radio to talk about her latest project, Nucleus, written by celebrated playwright Alana Valentine.

This week Kate Jinx is joined by comedian & film lover/critic/chameleon Alexei Toliopoulos to talk about Gillian Armstrong's 1982 film with that "little something extra" – Starstruck! A musical extravaganza that is So Sydney, complete with a pub under a Harbour Bridge pylon, a talent show at the Sydney Opera House (or is it the Seymour Centre) and a gig at the Lizard Lounge aka the Bondi Pavillion. A breakout role for Jo Kennedy, it's still way too underseen but Jinx and Alexei are on a mission to make everyone watch it as many times as they have.Join the Hogg Hive on Patreon to hear Alexei's Also Alsos coming soon!See Alsos:Alexei's interview with Gillian Armstrong for the Sunburnt Screens podcastJo Kennedy in Tender Hooks (dir. Mary Callaghan, 1989) on YouTubeThe incredible Starstruck costumes at NFSA:Kate's Rediscovering Starstruck piece by Kate (as seen on Wikipedia!): https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/aug/01/rediscovering-starstruck-gillian-armstrongs-80s-rock-musical-extravaganzaThe Coca–Cola Kid (dir. Dušan Makavejev, 1985) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phillip Scott has joyfully been puncturing the inflated egos of this country's elite for four decades. He does it all – a writer, composer, actor, singer, and musician – skills which come together for satirical comedy shows beginning in the early 1980s with The Gillies Report, morphing into their current guise as The Wharf Revue for the past 25 years. All good things must come to an end, and he and his fellow satirists are presenting their final iteration of the show – The End of the Wharf as We Know It. Phillip also has a connection with 2MBS Fine Music Sydney. As the first Director of Programming back in 1975, Phillip shares some of the stories of the chaotic early days of the station, as it approaches its 50th anniversary. We also find out how his professional life has been shaped and get a peek into how his acclaimed shows come together. There are some guest appearances from a couple of his well known characters, too! The End of the Wharf as We Know It runs at The Seymour Centre until 23 December, and tours regionally during 2025.

Di Smith & Katrina Foster join Regina Botros to talk about Seventeen on at the Seymour Centre.  Joyful and profound, Matthew Whittet's Seventeen tells the story of a group of high school students, experiencing something we all remember well, the last day of school – for ever. Through a fog of stolen alcohol, six teenagers gather in a playground late at night to share the moment in their lives when the past gives way to an uncertain future, and where secrets are spilled, and friendships are changed. But in a revelatory theatrical twist, all roles are performed by older actors who were seventeen many years ago, bringing the experience of age to the dreams of hopeful youths.

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir is thrilled to present one of its biggest performances, Back to the 80s, a jukebox concert of beloved 80s hits at the Seymour Centre this June long weekend, Saturday, 8th June.  @sydneygaylesbianchoir-sglc5138  @sglcvideo   https://tinyurl.com/5n7febp4Support the Show.Check out more content on www.lotl.com

It's Tony season on Broadway and this week we have two major figures of American theatre who have won nine Tony Awards between them: Audra McDonald and Jason Robert Brown.Performer Audra McDonald is currently on a concert tour of Australia. Her first Tony Award came for her breakthrough role in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel and she's added five more Tonys to her collection since then. And the composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown won his first Tony Award for Parade, which is coming to Sydney's Seymour Centre.

A Case for the Existence of God is by the American playwright Samuel D. Hunter. It is a two-hander that explores the unlikely connections between two men unalike in class, race and sexuality. Samuel is also the creator of the very unsettling hit play The Whale, a film adaption of which earned two Academy Awards.Two separate productions of A Case for the Existence of God are being presented in April — one by Outhouse Theatre Co at the Seymour Centre in Sydney and the other by Red Stitch in Melbourne.

Luke Joslin is a graduate of The University of Western Sydney and The Actors College of Theatre and Television, Luke has forged a successful career in both musical theatre and straight drama, as well as being highly sort after as a director.Luke worked as an Actor for 15 years. His extensive credits include the national tour of Peter Pan Goes Wrong, The Play That Goes Wrong, both for Lunchbox and Jon Nicholls, Brigadoon for Production Company, Machu Picchu for State Theatre Company of South Australia, Pinnochio for Windmill and Sydney Theatre Company, Threepenny Opera for Malthouse and Sydney Theatre Company, 25th Anniversary production of Les Miserables for Michael Cassel and Cameron McIntosh, Annie and Dr Zhivago both for GFO, Avenue Q for Arts Asia, Assassins for Neil Gooding, Dirty Dancing for Jacobsens, Titanic for Seabiscuit and Guys and Dolls for Dennis Smith.In 2009 he won the Helpmann and Greenroom Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Nicky/Trekky in Avenue Q. Luke was also Nominated for a Greenroom Award for Best Male in a Supporting Role in 2018 for Brigadoon.Directorial credits include Annie for Riverside Theatre, Educating Rita for Seymour Centre, Thank You For Being a Friend for Neil Gooding and Matt Henderson, Songs for a New World (Melbourne and Sydney) for Blue Saint and Hayes Theatre, Giggle and Hoot Live show for ABC and Live Nation, In the Heights (Hayes and Sydney Opera House) for Blue Saint and Sydney Opera House in which he was nominated for a Helpmann Award and Sydney Theatre Award for Best Director, Resident Director for Shrek the Musical for GFO, Les Miserables for Packemin Productions and Riverside Theatre, Revival Director – Otello with Opera Australia, Resident Director – Cinderella The Musical for John Frost at XRoads and Opera Australia and Bells are Ringing with Neglected Musicals. Luke also spearheaded the Riverside Theatre Digital Concert series where he conceptualised and directed six shows back to back. Luke most recently was show director for both Jimmy Rees's Not that Kinda Viral Tour and the Swag on the Beat Live Show.He presently helms the exciting new production of Grease which has made its way to Sydney following a triumphant season in Melbourne. And the next stop is Perth. Luke Joslin joined STAGES to reflect on his journey from actor to director; and why Grease is still the word!The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Rev Bill Crews speaks to singer, actor and performer Trevor Ashley, who is going under the sea, as the camp Christmas tradition of his adults-only pantomime returns to Sydney's Seymour Centre as he presents ‘The White Mermaid'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we draw towards the end of our 6th Season and chalk up 440+ episodes, it's time we reach into the archive to feature conversations and creatives previously featured on STAGES. We spotlight such episodes, in case you missed them first time ‘round - or so you can simply savour a second listen. The STAGES podcast opens an essential doorway to access precious oral histories from the people who were, and are, on and around our stages. Conversations with Creatives about Craft and Career!In this return episode, we spotlight a conversation with Jonathan Biggins from February 2019.Jonathan Biggins loathes all forms of social media. When I invited him onto STAGES, he told me he'd never listened to a podcast! So, I was thrilled to introduce him to the form.Mr Biggins is charming, and armed with a wit we relish and crave. He is one of the creators and performers of the Wharf Revue – a popular entertainment that has demanded a date on the calendar annually.Well, it's that time of the year once again, when the silliness and satire takes centre stage, in a season at Sydney's Seymour Centre. This year's offering, The Wharf Revue: Pride in Prejudice, has been written by the team we adore - Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phil Scott (incidentally, who all have been featured on the podcast and can be found in the STAGES archive!).The cast consists of Mr Biggins, Mr Forsythe, Mandy Bishop, David Whitney and Andrew Worboys. Bookings at seymourcentre.com. From November 8th.The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Discover the world of theatre with Little Eggs Collective in this exciting episode! Our guests, Julia Robertson and Eliza Scott, are masters in their craft. Julia, the Artistic Director of the award-winning Little Eggs Collective, and Eliza, an interdisciplinary artist, share their incredible journey through the world of theatre. Between them, they've worked on fantastic productions like "Pinocchio" and "Metropolis." Tune in to learn about their passion for the stage, their upcoming show "The Lost Boys," and the magic they're about to bring to the Australian theatre scene.

On this weeks episode we are joined by Ava Madon, current cast member of 'Venus & Adonis' with Sport for Jove at The Seymour Centre. Together we chat about all things from the rehearsal process to working on a play about Shakespeare that wasn't written by the bard himself. It's 1593. The plague has hit London. Theatres are closed, players out of work, houses bolted, people terrified by the touch of another's skin, the breath of another's air. Shakespeare, syphilitic and dangerously bored, publishes a scandalous response to the pestilence –an epic work about the very things lost to us, like intimacy, identity, and the erotic freedom of touch. For more about 'Venus & Adonis' check out their socials: @ava.madon or @sportforjove on Instagram Tickets are on sale now for Venus & Adonis from the 29th September – 21st October at The Seymour Centre. To follow the podcast head to our Instagram @stagedoorpod Or leave us a rate and review below. Let us know what you'd love to hear in our next episode via instagram or our email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. Created and Produced by Victoria Bullard & Eliza Vine Edited by Michael Di Guglielmo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this weeks episode we are joined by Brittanie Shipway, star of the new musical The Dismissal: An Extremely Serious Musical Comedy' at The Seymour Centre. We talk all things Margaret Whitlam, new Australian works and our love of Bunnings sausage sizzles. The Dismissal is the new Australian musical which tells the epic story of Australia's most dramatic political event – the sacking of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam by the Governor-General Sir John Kerr on November 11th, 1975 – as told through the eyes of iconic larrikin Norman Gunston. For more about The Dismissal check out their socials: @brittanie_shipway or @thedismissalmusical on Instagram Tickets are on sale now for The Dismissal from the 22nd September -21st October at The Seymour Centre.  To follow the podcast head to our Instagram @stagedoorpod Or leave us a rate and review below. Let us know what you'd love to hear in our next episode via instagram or our email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com.      Created and Produced by Victoria Bullard & Eliza Vine Edited by Oliver Sellers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Helen speaks with Kaori Maeda-Judge, a graduate of Victoria College of Arts. Kaori appeared in Neighbour, and Orange is the New Brown and theatre production White Pearl. Her latest work with Squabba Logic is Dismissal now performing at Seymour Centre in Sydney.  Asian Bitches Down Under featured as one of the Top 20 Intersectional Feminist Podcast by FeedSpot, checkout other amazing podcast programs HERE Facebook | Asian Bitches Down Under Instagram | Asian Bitches Down Under  Buy Me A Coffee | Asian Bitches Down Under  

Last time they were on this podcast together, Justin Smith and Matthew Whittet were supposed to be promoting the world premiere of The Dismissal - a musical about the constitutional crisis of 1975 that led to the controversial removal of prime minister Gough Whitlam. But unfortunately because of the pandemic, that season was canceled. This time however, the show has opened, it's on and getting rave reviews and you can get your tickets to see it at the York Theatre in the Seymour Centre here:https://www.thedismissal.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-saturday-quiz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blake Erickson has worked throughout Australia, Asia, Britain, and the United States as a writer, actor, and singer. He studied drama and musical theatre at the University of Sydney and The Actor's Connection New York.  Previous to this, he studied Political Science and International Relations. He is the co-writer of the new Australian musical The Dismissal: An Extremely Serious Musical Comedy. Other writing credits include Pearls Before Swine and Hold Me Closer Logies Dancer (Gooding Productions, Hayes Theatre) Acting credits include Shrek (GFO), the international tour of Cameron Mackintosh's Les Misérables (Michael Cassel Group), Mamma Mia! (Packemin Productions), CRY-BABY, High Fidelity, Melba, and his acclaimed cabaret Hold Me Closer Logies Dancer (Hayes Theatre Co.); the Australia & New Zealand tour of Madiba, Of Thee I Sing at the Sydney Opera House; Grey Gardens, Title of Show, Forbidden Broadway, and Sondheim on Sondheim (Squabbalogic).  Blake is presently on stage in Tina - The Tina Turner Musical at the Theatre Royal, Sydney.  The Dismissal: An Extremely Serious Musical Comedy plays The Seymour Centre, Sydney from August 26th. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

An award winning actor, director, writer and producer, Jay James-Moody has collaborated with an impressive range of Australia's arts organisations, from Opera Australia to the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, and the Sydney Theatre Company to the Darlinghurst Theatre Company, plus New Mardi Gras, to name only a few. He is the founder and artistic director of Squabbalogic, an independent theatre company presenting an eclectic range of new musicals and reinterpretations of established favourites. Their next production is a new take on the 1960s screwball comic gem, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, playing at the Seymour Centre from March 17 to 15 April. As well as giving us a preview of Squabbalogic's production of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever and Squabbalogic's new Australian musical The Dismissal coming later in the year, Jay talks about his unorthodox entry into the theatre world and has some wonderful reflections on working in the industry. We also get to dip into his vast knowledge of musical theatre and he shares some rarities from his collection.

Carlotta is an Australian cabaret performer and television celebrity. She began her career as an original member of the long-running Les Girls cabaret show, performed entirely by heavily costumed males, which started in 1963 in the purpose built Les Girls building which stood on a prominent corner in the heart of Sydney's Kings Cross, New South Wales. The building was owned by Sydney identity Abe Saffron. Carlotta rose through the ranks of the show to eventually become the show's compere and its most famous member. Les Girls and Carlotta soon became must-see attractions for visitors to Sydney and the show was popular with visiting international celebrities. The show continued in the Les Girls building until 1993, the Les Girls show went on-the-road, touring Australia, which inspired the film "Priscilla Queen of the Desert". The Les Girls building, which was still standing intact with original 1960s features, throughout the 1990s was the venue for alternative cabaret, including the much loved Sunday night club The Tender Trap (club). Carlotta was featured in the soap opera Number 96 in 1973 as Robyn Ross, the new girlfriend of Arnold Feather. In the story it was soon revealed that Robyn was in fact a transsexual showgirl, a revelation that led to the character's quick departure from the show. To preserve the shock ending to this storyline the true identity of Robyn's portrayer was kept secret from all but a few central cast and crew members of the series, her scenes were shot on a closed set, and Carlotta was credited as "Carolle Lea". Carlotta's sex-change operation in the early 1970s was not the first such procedure in Australia, but due to her celebrity status it became the first to receive publicity there. Carlotta was also one of the inspirations for the film Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. She had a few short breaks from Les Girls for international tours, but overall by the time she left the show for the final time in 1992 she had spent a total of 26 years performing with the troupe. In 2005, she featured in her own half a million dollar stage production, "Carlotta's Kings X", presented at the Big Top, Luna Park, Sydney. Produced by Brett Elliott and Richard Bernardo, the 90 minute show delivered classic storytelling, stand up comedy, lavish costumes, and team of 'Les Girls' dance performances throughout. Carlotta has toured Australia with her "Carlotta - Queen of the Cross; show and regularly features at all sorts of festivals and gala premieres, including Melbourne's Midsumma, Gold Coast's Glitter and Brisbane's Melt festivals. On 26 January 2020, Carlotta was the recipient of Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for significant service to the performing arts, and to the LGBTIQ community. Carlotta returns to the stage in Trevor Ashley's Christmas panto, Moulin Scrooge. The annual entertainment is a much anticipated indulgence on Sydney's theatrical calendar. This follows a triumphant turn earlier in the year, performing in Priscilla; Queen of the Desert at The Star on The Gold Coast. We cannot wait to have her back on the boards in Sydney. Like Dolly Levi returning to Harmonia Gardens - “It's so great to have you back where you belong!” Moulin Scrooge plays the Seymour Centre from December 1st. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

Rev. Bill chats to stars Trevor Ashley and Carlotta about their latest show "Moulin Scrooge." Moulin Scrooge - an Adults-Only Panto is showing 1-18th December at Seymour Centre, Sydney. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An acclaimed actor, director and writer, Jonathan Biggins has entertained audiences for decades with his wit, cheekiness, and a very healthy dose of irreverence. He's played Peter Sellers, appeared in The Mikado, and directed Australian productions of Avenue Q and Noises Off. But his most well-known work is in political satire, as one of the brains behind, and a performer in, The Wharf Revue, which has been going strong since 2000. The Wharf Review is back, playing at the Seymour Centre until the 23rd of December, for their new show Looking for Albanese. Jonathan joins Simon Moore to share some stories of the world of satirical comedy from his long career, what's changed and what hasn't, the perils of impersonating someone who happens to be sitting in the audience in front of you, and presents a diverse selection of music that he's encountered in his travels.

Mandy Bishop is a graduate of the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Known and revered for her deft impersonation of Australia's first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard; Mandy is also an actor, comedian, musician and writer of considerable accomplishment. Commencing her career with the celebrated A cappella group Bite My Chilli, Mandy toured Australia performing concert and corporate entertainment, while also developing skills in producing and arts management. Her theatre credits are extensive and include a variety of of repertoire; The Pillowman, Boston Marriage, Fallen Angels, Vicious Streaks, Angry Penguins and Withering Heights. On television she has been seen in Heartbreak High, Blue Heelers, All Saints, Big Sky, My Place, Rake and Drop Dead Weird. Most recently she appeared in Anyone Can Whistle for Neglected Musicals. Mandy has collaborated with producer Michael Bourchier on two children's television series; The Upside Down Show, on which she played the role of Mrs. Foil in every episode, and Penelope K, by the Way, on which she played the title role. In 2011 Mandy co-wrote and created the four-part sitcom, At Home With Julia, in which she portrayed the sitting PM. She has acted in Sydney's legendary Wharf Revue since 2008, inhabiting a vast array of political and pop-culture characters. Each demonstrating a penetrating examination and superlative execution. Mandy joins the Wharf Revue team of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phil Scott once again as Soft Tread Enterprises presents Looking for Albanese. This much anticipated event on our calendars commences its Sydney season at The Seymour Centre from November 12th and through December. “The world is grim - what better time to have a laugh?” Mandy examines the craft of humour, her artistic relationship with ‘Julia' and the joy of satire and revue in this sparkling episode of the STAGES podcast. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages). www.stagespodcast.com.au

This weeks guest, began his career with a desire to act. He applied to and was successful in an entry to The Juilliard School based in New York City. A world leader in performing arts education. Craig has lived and worked in the USA forging a career in the arts until the pandemic hit and he made his way back to Australia. These days though, while still acting Craig pivoted to a career as a theatre director where he most recently directed “Heroes of the Fourth Turning” for Outhouse Theatre Co at Seymour Centre. “Happy Days” at the Old Fitz. “John” which won best independent production at the 2020 Sydney Theatre Awards. In this weeks episode we talk about the switch to directing but also what is actually involved for any of you looking to add another string to your bow. Hope you enjoy this weeks episode with Craig Baldwin and good luck on your own journey to making it. You can follow my journey Follow the podcast Or keep updated over at www.dannyjbarton.com I have also written a short film that I am shooting in June and I am currently raising funds to pay the cast and crew for their time. If you can spare a couple of bucks, i'd love your support. You can donate here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/actorsmakingit/message

On this episode we sit down with actor Julian Garner to discuss The Museum of Modern Love, Marina Abramović's The Artist is Present and what kept Julian busy throughout lockdown. Julian is a National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) graduate. His theatre credits include The Turquoise Elephant for Griffin Theatre Company; Inner Voices for Red Line Productions; Arcadiaand Storm Boy for Sydney Theatre Company; The Crucible, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing and Cyrano de Bergerac for Sport for Jove; Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, As You Like It, The Wars of the Roses, Measure for Measure and Twelfth Night for Bell Shakespeare His television credits include Top of the Lake: China Girl, Reckoning, Pulse, Janet King, McLeod's Daughters, Blackjack, Home and Away and more recently the Peter Duncan directed mini-series Operation Buffalo. His film credits include Top End Wedding, Killing Ground, Problem Play, Head On, The Children of the Corn and I Am Woman He is currently filming on Network Ten's series 2 of The Secret She Keeps. "[A] rare treat… an astute meditation on art, bravery, friendship, love, how to live, and on dying." - Sydney Morning Herald novel review Following a successful series of development readings staged as part of Sydney Festival 2021, Seymour Centre is proud to present the world premiere production of The Museum of Modern Love at Sydney Festival 2022. Adapted from the Stella Prize-winning novel by Heather Rose, The Museum of Modern Love follows New York-based film composer, Arky Levin, a man struggling to live and work in the face of incredible loss. By chance, Arky finds his way to MoMA and sees Marina Abramović in The Artist is Present—a marathon and now-legendary feat of performance art that saw Abramović sitting silent and completely still opposite thousands of museum visitors in the spring of 2010. Arky returns to MoMA again and again, and encounters other viewers also drawn to the exhibit, each with their own reasons for spending hours in the presence of Abramović. As the performance unfolds, so does Arky, and with his life coming back into focus, he finally understands what he must do to move forward. Set against the backdrop of one of the greatest art events in modern history, and blurring the lines between spectator and artist, this transfixing new work explores dying and living, courage and commitment—and meditates on the power of art to unite and connect us, even in an increasingly disconnected world. As part of The Museum of Modern Love, 10 people per performance will have the opportunity to sit on stage and be part of the action. All on-stage ticket holders will need to meet backstage before the show for a briefing and ticket holders will need to stay on stage for the duration of the performance. Further details on the Seymour Centre Website. Below you can find all the links to things discussed in today's episode: TICKETS - https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/events/the-museum-of-modern-love Marina Abramović's The Artist is Present Marina meets former partner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Forsythe first appeared on stage in Sydney over 40 years ago. He grew up in far north Queensland and his prolific career on film, stage, and television has seen him become one of our favourite actors; equally adept in dramatic, comic and musical roles.A graduate of NIDA, he spent several years performing with the Old Tote Theatre company and the exciting new Nimrod theatre company, in a variety of roles that included The Seagull, Much Ado About Nothing, Richard 3, Twelfth Night, The Club, Comedy of Errors, Gone with Hardy, Romeo & Juliet, Henry 4, The Life of Galileo, The Three Sisters, The Bacchoi, Are you now or have you ever been? and Servant of Two Masters.Among his legendary performances, the title roles of the heroic Tonino and the foolish Zanetto in the Nick Enright/Terence Clarke musical, The Venetian Twins, are always recalled in awe. The show was written for Forsythe. He originated these dual roles for Nimrod Theatre Company in the first Sydney Theatre Company season in 1979, and subsequently in two revivals.Other stage musical appearances include Big River, Strictly Ballroom, The Republic of Myopia, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas H.M.S. Pinafore and The Mikado. Drama credits include Mrs. Warren's Profession and Under Milkwood for the Sydney Theatre Company.He can lay claim to the unique position of being in the company of productions as they have opened new theatre venues. These include the Drama Theatre at the Sydney Opera House, Nimrod, Belvoir, and the Sydney Theatre (the Roz Packer).For the film Caddie, Forsythe received the 1976 Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. His television appearances include The Miraculous Mellops, The Dingo Principle, and Three Men and a Baby Grand, satirical sketch television comedy programs for which he was a writer/performer with Phillip Scott and Jonathan Biggins. The 'Three Men' team started in revue at the Tilbury Hotel, and much of the thematic material from these revues has been revisited and developed in the Sydney Theatre Company's 'Wharf Revue' series.He is presently performing in the Sydney season of the Wharf Revue, now playing at The Seymour Centre. The show is the perfect tonic to the tumultuous year in politics, and delivers the laugh we all need. Drew is erudite, engaging and possessed of a brilliant career in Australian theatre. At long last we can add Drew Forsythe to the absorbing alumni on STAGES.The STAGES podcast is available from Apple podcasts, Spotify and Whooshkaa. Also where you find your favourite podcasts. www.stagespodcast.com.au

On today's show, we chat exclusively with Andrew Threlfall from CDP Theatre Producers about their upcoming production, Guess How Much I Love You which is set to open at the Seymour Centre from the 15th December. Andrew talks through his role at CDP as well as what it means to be a producer in the theatre industry as well as what makes Guess How Much I Love You a must see production for all ages. We also throw Andrew our own Theatre Thoughts question on how he would bring a much loved classic to life on stage. Stay tuned to hear which show we choose! Be sure to leave us a review or follow us on our socials. Facebook Instagram Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robert Love recently completed two decades as the Director of the City of Parramatta's Riverside Theatres. It was a role he relished; overseeing one of the most highly attended venues in the country.Love founded his own theatre company - ‘Toe Truck Theatre' in 1976, providing a valuable social and educational role to students in regional and urban schools. Subsequent roles travelled management positions with organisations such as the University of Sydney's Seymour Centre, the State Theatre Company of South Australia, the Sydney Theatre Company, Fox Studios and News limited; eventually taking up the baton at Riverside Theatres in 2000.He was made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for ‘significant service to the performing arts, particularly in Western Sydney, as an administrator, and as a supporter of Independent artists'.He joined STAGES in early 2020 for a riveting conversation pondering the place of the Arts in nourishing a population, the dilemma of Arts funding, the future of theatre as an art form, and his own stellar career as a leader at various Arts organisations. Interesting to note that this conversation took place B.C. - before Covid!Thank you Robert - and Congratulations!

Jeremi and Maggie discuss the history of Australian theatre and the pioneers of our industry, and talk about theatre through a historical lens and how it is evolving to shape the exciting future of Australian stories. Jeremi Campese is an emerging, young actor who has made immediate impact on the Sydney theatre scene. His credits include: Hamlet (Bell Shakespeare, dir. Peter Evans); The Players 2019 (Bell Shakespeare); The Luminary Series (Darlinghurst Theatre Company); Romeo and Juliet (Sport for Jove, dir. Damien Ryan); Martin Lysicrates Prize (Griffin Theatre Company); Yen (Bakehouse Theatre Company at KXT, dir. Lucy Clements); DNA (Bakehouse at KXT, dir. Claudia Barrie); Rosaline (Bakehouse at KXT, dir. Sophie Kelly); Nosferatu: A Fractured Symphony (Montague Basement at Old 505); Moth (ATYP, dir. Rachel Chant, 2017 Sydney Theatre Award nomination); Oedipus Doesn't Live Here Anymore (ATYP, dir. Fraser Corfield, 2017 Sydney Theatre Award nomination); and Intersection: Chrysalis (ATYP, dir. Rachel Chant). Maggie Blinco is an actress who has graced the stages and screens in Australia for decades starting with her breakout role as Pearl in Summer of the Seventeenth Doll (directed by Richard Wherrett at Nimrod Theatre in 1974), and going on to star in iconic Australian films such as Alvin Purple, Crocodile Dundee and The Nightingale. Her most recent stage credits include John (directed by Craig Baldwin at the Seymour Centre) and Omar And Dawn (directed by Dino Dimitriadis at Kings Cross Theatre). Maggie was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Sydney Theatre Awards.

Sheridan Harbridge is a director, actor and author of plays and musical works. She authored the acclaimed musical Songs For the Fallen, which won Best Musical and Best Actress at The New York Music Theatre Festival 2015, and a Green Room award for Best Artist. This brilliant show has toured the major Australian and New Zealand arts festivals.Sheridan co-wrote and directed the musical bloodbath Nosferatutu (or Bleeding at the Ballet), for Griffin Independent and Glenn Street Theatres. She co-wrote and directed Reg: The Reg Livermore Retrospective for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. And she has directed The Blueberry Play, a Griffin Award finalist and The Sentimental Bloke for the Neglected Musicals series at The Hayes Theatre.Alongside creating her own work she has forged a career as an actor/writer having been part of the workshopping cast, dramaturgy, and premieres of many new Australian works such as the musicals Muriel's Wedding, Dream Lover, Melba, The Detective's Handbook, and the plays North By Northwest, The Speechmaker, The Sugar House, The Dog/The Cat, Prima Facie, Kill Climate Deniers and Jump For Jordan.As an actress, the NIDA graduate has appeared on the stages of all the major Australian companies, most recently to acclaim for her work in Prima Facie for Griffin Theatre, and Calamity Jane and Stop Girl for Belvoir Theatre.She soon returns to the stage with a return season of Suzie Miller's Prima Facie. This phenomenal work will play at The Seymour Centre from 23 June to 10 July. Later in the year she is at the helm of a new Australian musical with her direction of Dubbo Championship Wrestling to be staged at The Hayes.She is contagiously vivacious, hugely talented, ultra-insightful and terrific fun. She is, Sheridan Harbridge.The STAGES podcast is available from Apple podcasts, Whooshkaa and Spotify. And from where you find your favourite podcasts. www.stagespodcast.com.au

David Ireland writes very funny plays that often descend into bloody chaos and despair. Most, including his controversial play Ulster American, reflect the legacy of sectarian violence in his homeland of Northern Ireland and the fractured cultural politics of today. Also, with Opera Australia back on the road, we hear Natalie Aroyan perform an aria from Verdi's Ernani ahead of its Melbourne season, and we meet Roslyn Oades: an artist who uses interviews and other recordings to create unique works of documentary theatre.

David Ireland writes very funny plays that often descend into bloody chaos and despair. Most, including his controversial play Ulster American, reflect the legacy of sectarian violence in his homeland of Northern Ireland and the fractured cultural politics of today.Also, with Opera Australia back on the road, we hear Natalie Aroyan perform an aria from Verdi's Ernani ahead of its Melbourne season, and we meet Roslyn Oades: an artist who uses interviews and other recordings to create unique works of documentary theatre.

David Ireland writes very funny plays that often descend into bloody chaos and despair. Most, including his controversial play Ulster American, reflect the legacy of sectarian violence in his homeland of Northern Ireland and the fractured cultural politics of today. Also, with Opera Australia back on the road, we hear Natalie Aroyan perform an aria from Verdi's Ernani ahead of its Melbourne season, and we meet Roslyn Oades: an artist who uses interviews and other recordings to create unique works of documentary theatre.

Following its acclaimed world premiere season, the Australian musical Fangirls returns. We learn how the show's writer, composer and original lead, Yve Blake, a theatre geek who can't play any instruments came to write one of the hottest musicals around. Also, voice and dialect coach Leith McPherson shows us how to find the performer within when reading stories to children and Dr Erin Brannigan continues to share the joys of watching contemporary dance.

Following its acclaimed world premiere season, the Australian musical Fangirls returns. We learn how the show's writer, composer and original lead, Yve Blake, a theatre geek who can't play any instruments came to write one of the hottest musicals around. Also, voice and dialect coach Leith McPherson shows us how to find the performer within when reading stories to children and Dr Erin Brannigan continues to share the joys of watching contemporary dance.

Following its acclaimed world premiere season, the Australian musical Fangirls returns. We learn how the show's writer, composer and original lead, Yve Blake, a theatre geek who can't play any instruments came to write one of the hottest musicals around.Also, voice and dialect coach Leith McPherson shows us how to find the performer within when reading stories to children and Dr Erin Brannigan continues to share the joys of watching contemporary dance.

Following its acclaimed world premiere season, the Australian musical Fangirls returns. We learn how the show's writer, composer and original lead, Yve Blake, a theatre geek who can't play any instruments came to write one of the hottest musicals around. Also, voice and dialect coach Leith McPherson shows us how to find the performer within when reading stories to children and Dr Erin Brannigan continues to share the joys of watching contemporary dance.

Many production elements contribute to the success of a show. Whether that be the orchestra in a musical, the lighting design in a play or the set and costumes - each has a vital role in creating the world that we invest in. But how many of us notice and appreciate a smaller presence equally as important to demonstrate character and support the narrative?The properties, or props, used in a show give us access to character quirks and offer ‘sign posts’ to assist the story-telling. These items might include a basket for Maria Von Trapp, a parrot-headed umbrella for Mary Poppins, a phonograph that records for Professor Henry Higgins or a broom stick that releases smoke for the Wicked Witch of the West.To enlighten us about this role in the theatre, I am joined by Properties Master, Bruce Ferguson. Bruce has designed and built props for an expanse of shows that include Wicked, The Addams Family, My Fair Lady, 42nd Street, La Cage Aux Folles and Anything Goes.He also details a career that has embraced unique experiences in photography and hospitality; as well as his dreams for a Drag Museum in Sydney.Bruce shares fascinating insight to the journey undertaken in constructing and ‘bringing life’ to the objects that support the illusion in which we invest, when sitting in an audience.The Stages podcast is available from Apple podcasts, Spotify, Whooshkaa and where all good podcasts are found.

Emma of Wiggles Tells Her Story Today on The Neil Haley Show's Caregiver Dave Celebrity Segment, Caregiver and Neil Haley will interview Emma of Wiggles. In December 1996, she and her sister Hayley attended a Wiggles concert at the Seymour Centre. She was seven years old at the time. This same concert was released on VHS the next year, Wiggledance!. She can be spotted dancing in the audience during Get Ready To Wiggle. Emma began performing with the Wiggles in 2010, as Fairy Larissa in Dorothy the Dinosaur concerts and videos. She later went on to play Wags the Dog and Dorothy the Dinosaur, and be a Wiggly Dancer in Wiggles tours by 2011. In May 2012, it was announced that she would replace Greg Page as the yellow Wiggle in 2013. As a Wiggle, her hair is dyed red, with a bow in it, and is tied into pigtails. Bows would become her motif, and a major part of her own brand. She primarily sings and plays the drums, but can also play some guitar. In June 2015, her own show Emma! premiered on ABC Kids, with a tie-in album, DVD and tour.

Robert Love is the Director of the City of Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres; a role he relishes, overseeing one of the most highly attended venues in the country. In addition to his role in Administration, he might be changing a light-bulb or pitching in with any task essential in the efficient running of an Arts venue.The theatres host a variety of entertainments - drama, art-house cinema, multi-cultural storytelling, dance, stand-up comedy, cultural celebrations and, a resident company - the National Theatre of Parramatta. It is a venue that embraces the diversity of the community it services.Love founded his own theatre company - ‘Toe Truck Theatre’ in 1976, providing a valuable social and educational role to students in regional and urban schools. Subsequent roles travelled management positions with organisations such as the University of Sydney’s Seymour Centre, the State Theatre Company of South Australia, the Sydney Theatre Company, Fox Studios and News limited; eventually taking up the baton at Riverside Theatres in 2000.He has been made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for ‘significant service to the performing arts, particularly in Western Sydney, as an administrator, and as a supporter of Independent artists’.He joined Stages for a riveting conversation, pondering the importance of the Arts in nourishing a population, the dilemma of Arts funding, the future of theatre as an art form; and to reflect on a stellar career as a leader at various Arts organisations.

Hayden Calnin and Riley Pearce live at Courtyard Sessions in Sydney at Seymour Centre in Chippendale on January 17th, 2020. https://www.seymourcentre.com/event/courtyard-sessions-2020/   Hot & Delicious: Rocks The Planet! episodes - a few faves from 2019 for you to listen to and catch-up on: L-Fresh the Lion: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/230-l-fresh-the-lion-hip-hop-artist/id923799010?i=1000453835834 Jake Mason from Cooking on 3 Burners and the Soul Messin’ Allstars: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/232-jake-mason-soul-messin-allstars-cookin-on-3-burners/id923799010?i=1000457946167 Richard Watkins, Bentspoke Brewery CEO: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/211-bentspoke-brewing-co-richard-watkins-head-brewer/id923799010?i=1000434200172 Kerri Glasscock CEO and director of Sydney Fringe Festival: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/214-kerri-glasscock-sydney-fringe-festival-director-ceo/id923799010?i=1000437832963 Brain tumour solocast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/209-brain-tumour-cast-plus-small-biz-tips-solocast/id923799010?i=1000431981371 Rebecca Veksler from Sol Cups: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/220-rebecca-veksler-sol-cups-founder/id923799010?i=1000443306313 Leah Martin Brown from Evol Walks: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/228-leah-martin-brown-la-based-evol-walks-lead-singer/id923799010?i=1000452205056   Pod it forward. A few of my favourite podcasts for your to listen to by other rad peeps!   The Joe Rogan Experience: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-joe-rogan-experience/id360084272 Wilosophy by Wil Anderson: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/wilosophy-with-wil-anderson/id951354264 Ariel Helwani's MMA Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ariel-helwanis-mma-show/id1131739506 Morning Kombat MMA podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/morning-kombat-with-luke-thomas-and-brian-campbell/id1471183444 NBA Straya podcast with Jaymz Clements: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/nba-straya/id1313092126   Hit Hot & Delicious: Rocks The Planet up on social media here: https://linktr.ee/hotndelicious LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danwilkinson1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hotndelicious/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/craftbeerlovin/ Twitter https://twitter.com/hotndelicious Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HotnDelicious Hot & Delicious YouTube - Ballistyx Snowboard Show, interviews & more. https://www.youtube.com/user/HotnDeliciousRecords   'Hot & Delicious: Rocks The Planet’ entertainment, travel, photography & lifestyle blog: http://hotndelicious.com/   For social media strategy, content/photography & influencer business enquiries contact: info@hotndelicious.com   https://linktr.ee/hotndelicious   Subscribe and stream to the podcast via @AppleMusic or @Spotify: https://linktr.ee/hotndelicious

I just got back from the US after a holiday with the family. I was going through my emails and I saw one that was entitled ‘Love the Podcast’. It was from Blake Erickson. It’s always nice to get positive feedback for the things that you’re doing and there was only one thing to do upon receiving this email – which was to get Blake on the show! The great thing about Blake is that he brings a wonderful mix of community theatre experience and professional theatre experience. It gave us the chance to discuss the Top 5 Australian Cast Recordings as well as community theatre, professional theatre and theatre in Australia. About Blake… Blake has worked throughout Australia, Asia, Britain, and the United States as a writer, actor, and singer. He studied drama and musical theatre at the University of Sydney & The Actor’s Connection New York. In early 2019 Blake co-wrote the new Australian musical The Dismissal, which premiered at the Seymour Centre. Prior to this he appeared in the international tour of Cameron Mackintosh's Les Misérables. For his performance in the title role of the one-man show Pearls Before Swine: An Evening With Orson Welles (Neil Gooding Prod.), Blake won Best Actor at the inaugural Sydney Fringe Festival Awards. Other credits include: CRY-BABY, High Fidelity, Melba, and his acclaimed cabaret Hold Me Closer Logies Dancer (all at Sydney’s Hayes Theatre); Mamma Mia!, the Australia & New Zealand tour of Madiba, Of Thee I Sing at the Sydney Opera House, Grey Gardens, and Sondheim on Sondheim for Squabbalogic. Blake’s Top 5 Jesus Christ Superstar (1992) Muriel’s Wedding (2019) Man of La Mancha (2015 – Squabbalogic) Smoke and Mirrors (2010) Pirates of Penzance (1995) Honourable Mentions Miracle City (The Hayes) Priscilla Queen of the Dessert FANTASTIX BITS IN THE INTERVIEW The apprenticeship nature of community theatre Are professional performers embarrassed by their community theatre roots? Exactly how much can you learn from community theatre? Does going pro take the fun out of theatre? Do you know your ‘Why?’ Mr Erickson is very eloquent. The meaning of rubric or zeitgeist can be found in our show notes? How Aussie casts and crew put their own unique spin on musical recordings Show of hands. Who else can trace back their love of G&S to the 1995 Aussie recording of Pirates? After the success of the Greatest Showman, will we see the return of Smoke and Mirrors? Can we smell a 10-year rerun for 2020? We know that symmetry will appeal to Blake! You can still buy a copy of #3! See the show notes below All those Aussie firsts rockets a ‘terrible’ musical into the runners up place #1 was always going to be #1 – it went into the Top 40 Charts Some tongue in cheek basic geography for our American listeners Daddy versus Papa Bear – get it right, Paul! Border control alert for the first Shrek rehearsal A gentle reminder that Warlow’s career was made on Australian stages The cheers and boos of a memorial service AND a musical! Stand by for a fast five question change from comfort food to a death row meal! SHOW NOTES Man of La Mancha  Shrek the Musical  Rubric & Zeitgeist  The Dismissal Love Fantastix? Support the show! Be like Blake and drop us a line.  You could be our next guest! Join the conversation in our Fantastix Cast & Crew Community Group on Facebook Follow our Facebook Page Leave a rating or review in iTunes Keep listening: Subscribe via iTunes Subscribe via Spotify Subscribe via Stitcher

After 12 months of delivering stories from 50 engineers, we decided to celebrate with a live recording at Sydney's Seymour Centre. Listen as we chat to 3 Humanitarian Engineers about how engineering helps build an equitable society. Special thanks to our friends from Young Engineers Australia Sydney.This is our celebration episode. With our Humanitarian Panel we discuss how engineers can build an equitable society. Joining us on the stage were:Peter Bailey from ArupElizabeth Taylor from RedRJeff McAllister from Engineers Without Borders This is the FINAL EPISODE of season 1. Going forward, our episodes will be under the Brand "Engineering Heroes" and will be noted as Season 2.

For 30 years Aaron Farley and his Drag persona Minnie Cooper have been entertaining audiences from Oxford street to Oxford circus. A happy accident in 2003 saw Farley fall into the art of Drag and a new Diva was born. Miss Minnie Cooper is an enamoured part of the Drag Industry and a recipient of more Drag Industry Variety Awards (DIVAs) than just about anyone, and has been awarded Entertainer of the Year on a record number of four occasions.This new dimension in Farley’s career followed an established position in many commercial musical productions throughout Australia including The Witches of Eastwick, Showboat, Crazy For You, Chicago and Singin’ in The Rain.It all commenced with a triumphant debut in the dance hit Hot Shoe Shuffle - the phenomenon created by choreographer David Atkins that conquered stages in Australia and the U.K.Successful turns as a choreographer and director have also allowed Farley to flex his creative muscle, teaching a new legion of performers and constructing engaging artistry for audiences.Mr Farley and Miss Cooper join the illustrious line-up for the inaugural Sydney International Cabaret Festival. He hosts the Late Night Cabaret Lounge at The Seymour Centre on the debut evening of the Festival.Aaron Farley joined Stages to discuss his drag persona, his passion for performance and and all that glitters.Available in itunes, Spotify and Whooshkaa

Elizabeth Butcher is a humble hero of the Performing Arts in Australia. An administrator of considerable brilliance, she has steered many of our Arts organisations to prominence, accolade, survival and celebration; nationally and on the world stage.She was the dynamic General Manager of the National Institute of Dramatic Art for nearly 40 years, and together with its Director, John Clarke, steered the school to become the flagship training ground for Arts practitioners.It was Elizabeth who found the site of the Sydney Theatre Company – an abandoned wharf in Walsh Bay – who upon discovery, knew it would be the perfect home for a theatre company.She was present at the beginnings of the Sydney Theatre Company and managed the move of the Old Tote Theatre Company to the newly built Sydney Opera House, for its finale season of plays.Elizabeth Butcher has served on countless boards including The Australia Council, The Seymour Centre, Playing Australia, and the University of Technology Arts Management Course Advisory Committee. She was Chairman of the Sydney Opera House Trust from 1989 -1995, a role that fills her with great pride. Essential contributions have also been made in positions on the NSW Government Cultural Grants Advisory Council and the Council of the University of New South Wales. It is a most remarkable resume and her achievements in Arts Management are extensive.It is her role at NIDA as nurturer, manager and business executive that has endeared her to many, and ensured that young artists received the best training and launch-pad possible.In 1984 she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the Performing Arts. It was my great privilege to celebrate Elizabeth Butcher and her immense contribution to the cultural life of Australia in this episode of STAGES.

As part of Seymour's Centre's premiere season of 'Made to Measure' by Alana Valentine, this special Sydney Ideas event explores the role the arts has to play in investigating major public health issues. Following a performance of the play, writer Alana Valentine, University of Sydney's Professor Stephen Simpson and dressmaker Santina Porpiglia, had a discussion about art and science working together and its contributions in shifting perceptions. This podcast was recorded on Tuesday 21 May at the Seymour Centre: https://sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/sydney-ideas/2019/made-to-measure.html

In a fun and interactive manner, Australian Local Hero of the Year and one of the world's most inspirational mathematics teachers demonstrates why everyone should love mathematics. His talk is followed by the conversation between Eddie and Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Mark Scott AO, and the questions from the audience. TIME STAMPS 5:59 - 45:50 – Eddie Woo demonstrates why everyone should love mathematics 48:30 – 60:07 - Eddie Woo in conversation with Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Mark Scott AO 60:07 – 60:25 - Audience Q&A A Sydney Ideas event held at the Seymour Centre on Monday 3 December 2018. https://sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/sydney-ideas/2018/eddie-woo-wonderful-world-of-maths.html

Australian Israeli Singer and Songwriter, Lior, joined David Barr on Drive Tuesday to discuss his upcoming concert, Leaving the Western Shadows with the Australian Youth Orchestra’s, Momentum Ensemble. The orchestra will be directed by conductor Nigel Westlake, whose previous endeavours with Lior have included the co-creation of the award-winning song cycle Compassion. Leaving the Western Shadows is […]

It was a treat to sit down and chat with world music bassist Elsen Price for the podcast!  Elsen is based in Sydney, Australia and is incredibly active as a solo and collaborative artist. More About Elsen: (excerpt from Elsen Price: Totally addicted to Bass by Samuel Cottell) Double bass player Elsen Price is making his mark on the music scene in a range of settings. He recently performed his original composition ‘red planet’ as part of Sydney’s Vivid Music at the Seymour Centre, where he also commissioned a new work for double bass and mandolin. Elsen also regularly performs his original music in cafés for five hours at a time (lucky there is coffee on hand), and is undertaking many collaborations with renowned musicians. His musical style is as diverse as the musical settings he performs in and, listening to his compositions and recordings, you can certainly hear a clear cut and confident musical voice. Elsen has a way of engaging audiences with his music, but it all boils down to the level of conviction you give in the performing of the music. Based in Sydney, Elsen grew up in the country six hours of out of the city and first heard the violin at an annual country music festival. “I’ve been fascinated by the fiddle playing from the first time I heard it,” Elsen says. “It didn’t all start out easy for Elsen, who suffered from a physical condition called ‘syndactyly’, which often leaves a person with limited use of their hands and fingers. “My mum figured playing an instrument would help my hands develop and seeing as I was already obsessed with the violin, she let me learn it,” says Elsen. (read more) Links to Check Out: Elsen on Facebook Chicken Chili Basil - Elsen's latest album Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: The Upton Bass String Instrument Company.  Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr.  Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. Check out this video of David Murray "auditioning" his Upton Bass! A440 Violin Shop - An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools. The Bass Violin Shop, which  offers the Southeast's largest inventory of laminate, hybrid and carved double basses. Whether you are in search of the best entry-level laminate, or a fine pedigree instrument, there is always a unique selection ready for you to try. Trade-ins and consignments welcome! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

How do theatre plays, such as The Trouble with Harry contribute to advancing contemporary transgender issues? A post-performance Q&A co-presented with the Seymour Centre as part of the 2017 Mardi Gras. The playwright Lachlan Philpott is joined by the University of Sydney PhD candidate Rillark Bolton whose research explores the experiences of identity formation and community creation for trans masculine individuals, and Dr Anna Hickey-Moody, Associate Professor in Gender and Cultural Studies at the University of Sydney. Together they discuss the history of transgender (the term that did not yet exist in the time of Harry Crawford), the politics of the play and the role of the performing arts in shaping contemporary thought and opinion on trans issues. The discussion is chaired by Charles O'Grady. Presented by Sydney Ideas on 23 February 2017: http://sydney.edu.au/sydney_ideas/lectures/2017/transgender_forum.shtml