Director/choreographer Anouska Gammon and Bangalow Theatre Company have brought Eddie Perfect’s acclaimed musical to the Brunswick Picture House for an (almost) sold-out season.
Ms Gammon said, ‘Eddie loved our interpretation of his fabulous work.He said he couldn’t believe the talent on stage and what we had achieved with the storytelling. He was surprised, delighted and spoke enthusiastically about the changes and how the new version had landed.
‘He also loved the reaction from the audience, lots of laughter, which is what we were both hoping for. It is satire, so it is meant to ruffle people, to mirror our reality and make us think. We have been developing the work with him for two years, so it has been a huge creative project for BTC.’
Challenges
‘As director and choreographer I have loved every second of the pre-production creation. Like anything creative, there have been challenges. The small stage space, the multiple scene changes in the first act with no wing space and multiple production demands (puppets and a wall that needs replacing each show), a changing/developing script, new songs, new character developments, new dialogue.
‘The only other production that I could reference was produced by Melbourne Theatre Company almost a decade ago, with huge production budgets so I knew I needed to be very smart with my decisions, had to trust my instincts, and be as resourceful as possible (with a very small budget and a team of volunteers). The puzzle was real!
‘My cast and crew have all been so receptive to the process and so willing to work with me. I am so grateful, and so proud of this work.’
The largely sold out Picture House production has added an additional performance this coming Sunday, at 2pm.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
