Midnite by Richard Tulloch – adapted from the Randolph Stow novel.

It’s marvellous what you can find in an old book shop.
The Artistic Director of the New Theatre found a dusty copy of this play with music on a shelf and couldn’t resist it.
It’s not hard to see why.
Midnite is a delicious piece of Australiana. There is a lovable 17 year old bushranger, his trusty pets, led most ably by his pet cat (spelt Khat), and a crooked copper – called Trooper O’Grady.
The bushranger is orphaned and prompted into a life of crime. He goes in and out of jail and in and out of fortune.
The good lady folk of his colony swoon when he goes in and out of court.
Thomas Jordan played the lovable rogue with gusto and was very likable.
He came over as a cross between Yahoo Serious and Eric Bana.
The villain Trooper O’Grady was skillfully portrayed by Leof Kingsford-Smith – grand-nephew of the pioneer aviator Sir Charles.
There was a little over acting in the ensemble, but the combination of a witty script, attractive set and sweet music made this a very enjoyable piece of entertainment for adults and children.
I would of liked to have known who composed the music – but it seemed to have been left out of the program.
David Spicer