One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest

Little Red Productions is a young, independent theatre company that had its beginnings in 2012. Its aim is to give emerging artists creative opportunities and provide audiences with unique and memorable theatre.

Artistic Director and founder of the company, Jamie Hibbert, is a drama teacher who has a passion for producing fresh interpretations of classic scripts, as well as infusing productions with action, dynamic music and creative staging.

Although it had its genesis in a drama teacher/ student setting, the company does not see itself as a producer of school shows, far from it. Sponsored by the State Theatre Company and Windmill Theatre amongst other iconic Adelaide companies, the group raises its own funds to produce emotionally charged and intense theatre performances for general audiences.

In keeping with its modern outlook, the company’s December 2013 production of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is self-described as ‘fast-paced, dark and edgy, set to a soundtrack of artists like Florence & The Machine, Placebo and Muse.’ It has already been proven to engage young adult audiences, when as a year twelve show it achieved sold-out houses at the Bakehouse Theatre and received outstanding reviews.

Well known later as a 1970’s hit movie, Ken Kesey’s 1963 novel One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest was also the material from which the play was born. It was originally adapted by Dale Wasserman and had its Broadway premiere in late 1963.

The story revolves around rebellious and violent Randle P. McMurphy, who upon admission to a psychiatric hospital rallies the patients to take on a steely and unyielding nurse, a woman he considers a dictator rather than a healer.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest is recognized as being full of very different and unusual characters. Many of them are classics in their own right, such as Chief, written as a seven foot American Indian male. However, in keeping with its very different approach, Little Red Productions interprets Chief as a petite young woman.

Under the direction of Jamie Hibbert herself, the youthful cast includes Aled McEwen (McMurphy), Olivia Cirocco (Chief), Sean Conneely (Bibbit), David Sandison (Harding), Nicole Laughton (Ratched), Claire Robertson (Martini) and Bridie Rawson (Cheswick).

Adelaide audiences are sure to be intrigued with Little Red’s new take on this fifty-year-old classic, but are reminded there are only five performances and so booking early is essential.

Lesley Reed

Dates: Tuesday December 17- Saturday December 21, 7pm.

Venue: The Bakehouse Theatre, Angas Street, Adelaide.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/DOSB

Tickets: $15 (Opening night only), $18 remaining season.

Images: Jaypics Photography.