Richard Beynon’s classic Aussie play SIMPSON J. 202 depicts the early life and tragic death of John Simpson – the man with the donkey at Gallipoli.
John ‘Jack’ Simpson-Kirkpatrick, a young man who grew up caring more for his pets and the local strays than he did for school work, desperately wanted to follow his father’s footsteps and become a merchant seaman. Due to his lack of interest and attendance at school, he was forced to leave his education and work as a milk delivery boy and donkey attendant.
Tragedy strikes the family home with the loss of his father. Two days after the burial, Jack surprises his family by announcing that he will be leaving home in order to go to sea. He then boards a ship heading to Western Australia and plans to stay for a year to provide for his family and have the adventure of a lifetime, but ends up travelling around Australia, just trying to make enough money to return home. He documents his adventures through letters sent home to his mother Sarah and sister Annie, who are anxious for him to return.
With a lack of funds for his return, Jack thinks his luck has changed when war is declared in Europe, and Australia starts sending men to England for training. Known as a “larrikin,” Jack decides to change his name to John Simpson in order to avoid detection, and hops a ship. Unfortunately, that ship did not return to England but instead was diverted to a camp set up in Egypt, where John was assigned the role of stretcher-bearer.
Simpson and his comrades find themselves on the beaches of Gallipoli. The rest, as they say, is part of Australia’s history.
This latest revival of Beynon’s play is directed by Rosie Daly and the cast comprises Michael Giglio, Charlotte Robertson, Micky Rose, Don Ezard, David Preston, Stephen Wheatley and Charu Ahluwalia.
SEASON : 24th to 27th May, 2017 at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.
PERFORMANCE TIMES :
Wednesday 24th May – 11.00am [Preview]
Wednesday 24th May – 7.30pm** [Opening Night]
Thursday 25th May – 11.00am
Friday 26th May – 11.00am
Friday 26th May – 7.30pm
Saturday 27th May – 2.00pm [Closing Show]
Opening Night Tickets** – $30
Adult – $30
Concession – $22 (Senior, Pension, Student, MEAA Member)
Child – $20 (12 & under)
Family x 4 – $80 (max. 2 adults)
Family x 5 – $98 (max. 2 adults)
Group – $20 (10+)
School Bookings: Students – $18 (Teachers Complimentary)
** Opening Night includes an After-Show Supper with the creative team and cast. No concessions are available on opening night. **
For Bookings, visit the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre website or phone 02 9824 1121.
For more about Simpson J. 202 by Richard Beynon, visit http://www.casulapowerhouse.com/whats-on/theatre2/2017-theatre/simpson-j.-202