Andrew Henry, Vanessa Wright, Sean Hawkins Photo: Marnya Rothe
Since 1997 the Old Fitzroy Hotel has been home to a wide range of world class, independent theatre and another stellar season is ready for its debut in 2015. Actors Sean Hawkins and Andrew Henry and producer Vanessa Wright as the heads of Red Line Productions have announced that six mainstage plays and four late shows will grace the Old Fitz’s stage.
These shows comprise part one of the 2015 season, entitled REINCARNATION, a salute to the reinvigoration of the much-loved theatrical haven. From just $22 visitors can witness some of Australia’s best independent theatrical productions, while also enjoying the ambience of intimate surrounds. The introduction of the late night shows will be sure to introduce a new generation to the delights of the iconic Old Fitz Theatre, commencing from 9 pm throughout the week.
Actor Andrew Henry expressed his delight with the revitalised program at the iconic hub of independent theatre.
“Sydney needs a well-run, intimate small theatre venue. The Fitz is so damn special,” he said. “We are privileged to be embarking on a journey that hopefully will excite every single storyteller in Sydney. The Fitz is the best fucking night out in Sydney hands down!”
Kicking off the revival on January 14 is the return of the hit indie comedy Masterclass, written and performed by Gareth Davies and Charlie Garber, and a late night surprise, Bad. Two Sydney premieres will be presented as part of the 2015 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the uproariously funny Cock and the new Australian gem Playing Rock Hudson. Returning to the Old Fitz Theatre in March after its premiere 10 years ago is Marshall Napier’s classic Freak Winds, paired with the late night improv show Holly and Ado Get It On!
In April theatregoers can take in the moving and ultimately heart-breaking Orphans, and Edward Allen Baker’s emotionally charged one-act play Delores. One of the most exciting producers in the indie scene, Mophead Productions, will present the Latin American hit The House of Ramon Iglesia. June will see out the end of Red Line Productions’ inaugural season in their new home with the seductive and terrifying Misterman directed by Kate Gaul and starring Thomas Campbell.
Henry, Hawkins and Wright aim to bring a new energy to the hallowed stage as they commence the first six months of programming in the 2015 season. From comedy to drama to salacious romance, there’s something for everyone at the Old Fitz Theatre that offers unique entertainment to the start of 2015 in Sydney.
To book tickets visit http://www.oldfitztheatre.com/
2015 OLD FITZ SEASON
MASTERCLASS (A Play)
Written and performed by Gareth Davies and Charlie Garber
14 – 31 January
Gareth Davies and Charlie Garber invite you to witness an evening of learning at the deepest level and enter their ‘Dream Forge’. Let these two frail geniuses take your hand. Let them take you through a story of how they came to understand the true power of art.
“Masterclass is an eccentrically charming deadpan comedy that melds motivational talk, mystic acting twaddle and bromance into a satiric celebration of the act of theatre itself.” – Sydney Morning Herald
Times: Tues – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Ticket price: $20
BAD
By Kate Walder and Penny Greenhalgh
14 – 31 January (Late Night Show)
What is bad? Is bad bad or is it mostly bad with some redeeming features? If bad was a camel, would it be good? If bad was a 1987 Honda Civic, would it be bad? How bad is a bad boy? What is this show even about? I don’t know. But you should come and see it. We can find out together.
Times: Tues – Sat 9pm, Sun 6:30pm
Ticket price: $15
COCK
By Mike Bartlett
Directed by Shane Jones
3 February – 6 March
John has been in a stable relationship with his boyfriend for a number of years. But when he takes a break, he accidentally falls in love with a woman. Torn between the two, filled with guilt and conflicting emotions, he doesn’t know which way to turn. His boyfriend is willing to wait for him to make a decision, but so is his girlfriend. And both are prepared to fight to keep him. As the pressure mounts, a dinner with both parties is arranged, and everyone wants to know who John is, what he is and what his decision will be?
Workhorse Theatre Company in association with Red Line Productions and the Mardi Gras Festival are proud to present the Sydney Premiere of this smash hit play.
“With the exception of Oscar Wilde, quarrelling lovers are never as articulate and entertaining as they are in Cock, Mike Bartlett’s Battle Royal of wit and persuasion.” – Variety
Times: Tues – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Ticket prices: $32 Adult, $27 Concession, $22 Previews and Cheap Tuesday
Playing Rock Hudson Photo: Ann-Marie Calilhanna
PLAYING ROCK HUDSON
By Cameron Lukey
Directed by Jason Langley and Cameron Lukey
Produced by Left Bauer Productions
3 – 15 February (Late Night Show)
One of America’s most popular movie stars throughout the 50’s and 60’s, Rock Hudson’s death in 1985 from complications related to AIDS made headlines the world over. He was the first famous figure to publicly succumb to the disease. In 1988 Hudson’s former lover Marc Christian sued the actor’s estate and personal secretary Mark Miller on the grounds of reckless endangerment, claiming they had put his life at risk by lying about Hudson’s diagnosis.
Within the courtroom, the most intimate details of Hudson’s life were presented for public scrutiny. The chief question for the jury: Was Christian the love of Hudson’s life and a victim of malice, or was he a blackmailing hustler out to play Rock Hudson for all he was worth?
Times: Tues – Sat 9:30pm, Sat 3pm, Sun 7pm
Ticket prices: $32 Adult, $27 Concession, $22 Previews and Cheap Tuesday
FREAK WINDS
Written by and starring Marshall Napier
10 March – 11 April
In an isolated, rural neighbourhood on a dangerously stormy night, brash insurance man Henry Crumb raps on the door of the comfortable home of Ernest and Myra, only to discover that this is not going to be the average insurance pitch…
One of the most celebrated Australian plays in recent years, Red Line Productions is proud to announce the long awaited revival of Marshall Napier’s classic Freak Winds at its original home before a subsequent world tour.
“Freak Winds is that kind of story that makes Edgar Alan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher read like the goings-on at a Girl Scout camp.” – New York Theatre Wire
Times: Tues – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Ticket prices: $32 Adult, $27 Concession, $22 Previews and Cheap Tuesday
HOLLY & ADO GET IT ON!
Devised and performed by Holly Austin and Adriano Cappelletta
10-15 March (Late Night Show)
A night of long-form improvisation where best friends Holly and Ado do exactly what the title says … well kind of. Known for their low-fi and high-fun stage play and fantastic voyages into imagination, they will attempt to make a new show every night. It promises ridiculous characters, plot twists, dramatic climaxes, beat boxing musical numbers and maybe some unexpected romance. This is boutique theatre, where every night is a one off!
Holly and Ado are the creators and performers of Ruby’s Wish (Belvoir), Cubbyhouse (Old Fitz, Public Theatre NY) and Connie Chang’s Cabaret Roadshow (Melbourne Comedy Fest, Opera House Studio).
Times: Tues – Sat 10pm, Sun 8pm
Ticket price: $15
ORPHANS
By Lyle Kessler
Directed by Anthony Gooley
With Andrew Henry, Scott Lee and Danny Adcock
14 April – 9 May
Two grown orphan brothers live in an old dilapidated row house in North Philadelphia, deserted in childhood by an unfaithful father and by the death of their mother. Older brother Treat, brutal and violent, provides for his younger brother Phillip by being a petty thief. When Treat kidnaps Harold, a gangster from Chicago, Harold morphs into the role of teacher, healer and surrogate parent, that the boys have always longed for…. Orphans is a play that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.
Times: Tues – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Ticket prices: $32 Adult, $27 Concession, $22 Previews and Cheap Tuesday
DOLORES
By Edward Allan Baker
With Kate Box and Janine Watson
28 April – 9 May (Late Night Show)
A woman who escapes her dangerously abusive husband and a woman who doesn’t want to get involved. Dolores is the story of two sisters drawn together because of domestic violence which influences the lives of both characters more than they’ve ever admitted.
“Edward Allan Baker is the real thing, a hard hitting East Coast playwright, with a firm command of the issues of the day.” – John Patrick Shanley
Times: Tues – Sat 10pm, Sun 8pm
Ticket price: $20
THE HOUSE OF RAMON IGLESIA
By Joseì Rivera
Directed by Anthony Skuse
With Stephen Multari and Eloise Snape
Produced by Mophead
12 May – 6 June
The creative team that bought you the incredible References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot back in 2009 return with another Latin American hit. The House of Ramon Iglesia follows Javier, a bright, Americanised son’s tortured efforts to break away from his tradition-bound parents – a break that can’t be made until he learns to accept the ethnic heritage he has spent his life trying to suppress.
Times: Tues – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Ticket prices: $32 Adult, $27 Concession, $22 Previews and Cheap Tuesday
MISTERMAN
Directed by Kate Gaul
With Thomas Campbell
Produced by Siren Theatre Company in association with Red Line Productions
9 – 27 June
Inishfree might seem like a quaint Irish town, but fierce evangelist Thomas Magill knows better. He knows jovial Dwain Flynn is a miserable drunk, that Timmy O’Leary enslaves his lovely mother and that sweet Mrs Cleary is a blasphemous flirt. It is down to Thomas, with God on his shoulder, to save this sinful place. But the townsfolk are not listening, an angel is misbehaving and a barking dog will not be silenced. Just how far will Thomas go in his quest for salvation?
“Enda Walsh, one of the most fiercely individual voices in the theatre today… a seductive and terrifying portrait of a luminous madness that dares you not to look away.” – New York Times
Times: Tues – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Ticket prices: $32 Adult, $27 Concession, $22 Previews and Cheap Tuesday
