On Monday evening, Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry launched the Ensemble Theatre’s program for next year. It’s a rich and varied program featuring some of our finest writers, directors and performers.
Kilmurry officially launched the program and then took a seat with the rest of the audience as a video was presented on the big screen with the directors providing brief introductions to their productions and cast members talking about their roles.
At first blush it looks like it will be another exciting year for theatregoers with Kilmurry curating a year with a rich variety of shows from classics like Jim Cartwright’s Two and Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf to bold new Australian works such as Kate Mulvany’s The Rasputin Affair, John Misto’s Lip Service and Kit Brookman’s The Plant.
The Ensemble foyer, always a lovely place to spend time in with its waterfront vista, was buzzing after the program was announced. Arts Guide photographer Ben Apfelbaum attended and took these photos of stars such as Georgie Parker, Kate Raison, the Chaser boys Craig Reucassel and Chris Taylor, Sandy Gore, Tim Draxl, Ben Gerrard and Peter Kowitz enjoying a drink and a chat, and lending their support to their appearance in next year’s program.
David Lynch, who will be performing in the 5th play next year, Tim Firth’s Neville’s Island, was there along with his lovely wife, theatre legend Penny Cook, and their beautiful daughter Poppy Lynch.
Every year the Ensemble Theatre employs a few Literary Advisors who undertake the challenging task of reading the many plays that the Ensemble peruse or receive. Current Literary Advisor Jane Fitzgerald, who for a number of years was a Literary Advisor with the Sydney Theatre Company, talked about how much she enjoyed reading the different ideas that playwrights pursued with their works.
The very amiable Front Of House Manager Jim Birch was there ensuring the function ran smoothly. Many may not know but Jim is a very keen painter who spends a lot of his free time in his studio creating new works. Actress Jessica Sullivan had a night off helping Jim behind the bar and just enjoying mixing with the crowd.
Kilmurry dedicated the 2017 program to the memory of Peter Bates, husband of former long time Artistic Director Sandra Bates, who lost his battle with a long term illness recently. Always a trooper, and not deterred by the wake earlier in the day, Sandra was , in attendance at the launch…in true show business tradition, life and the show must go on!
For further details about the season please go to the Ensemble’s website- http://www.ensemble.com.au.