Mother and Son on Stage in Western Sydney
The Henry Lawson Theatre in Werrington County presents the Sydney Stage Premiere of Mother and Son during November 2013.
Four episodes from this classic ABC TV series, The Milk, The Christmas Drinks, The Funeral and The Last Will, have been adapted for stage with permission from series creator and writer, Geoffrey Atherden, by Henry Lawson Theatre’s Joshua Crew, who also co-directs with Nicole Madden.
The Production features Anthony Brown as Arthur, Janet Boreham as Maggie, Mark Prophet as Robert and Suzie Schwebel as Liz, with set design by Peter Traish and Leonie Sharpe.
The show opens with The Milk - Maggie has been missing four hours and Arthur is late for work? Where could have Maggie gotten too? What unfolds as a series of mishaps and miss-understandings. When the local social worker becomes involved they are left to question just who is caring for who in the Beare household.
In The Christmas Drinks, Arthur has planned a Christmas party for his work colleaguues, but Maggie has other ideas. Maggie is intent on going to church for Christmas Drinks. It is a clash of the wills as Maggie and Arthur clash in a match of wits and cunning.
Uncle Andrew has died and the Beare family is off to his funeral in The Funeral. When the family returns home with Andrews’ brother Tom, home for the wake, Uncle Tom dies? Did Maggie inadvertently poison Uncle Tom?
In The Last Will, Maggie has decided her time has come and she has put her affairs in order. She decides to share with the family the contents of her will. Arthur is shocked to learn that Maggie has left him One Million Dollars? Maggie is upset to learn Arthur does not appreciate the bequest and decides she is not ready to go. Not until Arthur can learn to be a good boy!
Director Joshua Crew says, “We have worked hard to provide a sense of familiarity within the sets and costumes for those familiar with the television series, whilst allowing the actors to put a little of themselves into the roles. This brings a new dimension to the characters. The adapted script remains faithful to Geoffrey’s writing and the intent behind his characters and story lines. The finished product is both a tribute to the original series and also breathes new life into these larger than life timeless characters.”
Fellow Director Nicole Madden stated, “As a person who did not watch the original TV series, it has been a great journey seeing this play come together from the development of the adapted script to the actors finding these characters and building a wonderful ensemble.”
The Henry Lawson Theatre approached the ABC TV legal department to investigate the possibility of putting Mother and Son on stage. They were very helpful and directed Joshua Crew to Mr Atherdens Agent Rick Raftos Management.
Joshua says, “When I approached Mr Atherden’s agent, they were extremely helpful and enthusiastic for Mother and Son to be adapted to stage. I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to work on Mr Artherden’s original scripts and adapt them for stage. As a theatre we don’t have the luxury of outside locations or camera angles, so some work was required to ensure continuity and pace. Also, some of the best lines of the series were delivered in outside locations. The challenge was to find a way to keep these lines and moving them inside, whilst maintaining the integrity of the script and the story line. I have to say they have been of great assistance. And I am truly excited and pleased with the final product. I am sure audiences will have a great time and for those familiar with the show, some great memories and moments from the original TV Series will be brought to life live on stage.”
Performance Dates:
Friday 8th November, Saturday 9th November, Friday 15th November, Saturday 16th November, Friday 22nd November, Saturday 23rd November and Friday 29th November @ 8pm
Matinee Performances Saturday 16th November and Saturday 23rd November @ 2pm
Phone bookings can be made by calling our booking line on (02) 47291555 during business hours or online at www.hltheatre.com.au
Ticket prices are $21 Adults and $15 Concession.
The Henry Lawson Theatre is located inside the Henry Lawson Club and is on Henry Lawson Drive, Werrington County.
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