Deckchairs
By Jean McConnell
2005 National Tour
August 27 – November 20, 2005 – 11.5 week tour to 30 venues in WA, NSW, QLD, VIC, ACT, TAS
Thornlie, Perth, Albany, Kalgoorlie, Mandurah, Geraldton, Karratha, Port Hedland, Coffs Harbour, Caloundra, Redcliffe, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Horsham, Portland, Camperdown, South Morang, Tuggeranong, Kyabram, Shepparton, Pakenham, Werribee, Wonthaggi, Ballarat, Ipswich, Griffith, Dubbo, Traralgon, Devonport & Nunawading.
A production by Christine Harris & HIT Productions
Deckchairs by Jean McConnell was written as a series of twist-in-the-tail short stories about two women, all set on a seaside promenade. A selection of five of these one-act plays, each of the stories explores the relationship between the different characters and how their lives intertwine with each other. The stories and themes are diverse and range from poignant to tragic to downright hilarious.
Joan Sydney, the wonderful actress who brought so much pleasure to television audiences Australia-wide in her long-running role of Matron Sloane in A Country Practice, is paired with her sister and accomplished actress Maggie King. These two fine Australian actresses showcase their talents from comedy to drama in these touching and playful stories for a thoroughly entertaining night of theatre.
Shoppers, two well to do shop-a-holics have a rather surprising secret.
Dancers, wittily dissects the tea-dancing world of two skittish widows.
Doggies, is a hilarious tale about two very different types of dog-owner.
Cruise Missile, a comic discussion about the people on a cruise.
Deckchairs – a series of scenes observing life. Full of colourful characters with whom we can recognise in ourselves if not in others. Some scenes are humorous and some touching. The action takes place on a seafront on a warm sunny day in summer.
In 2005 award winning Producer Christine Harris and leading Australian theatre touring production company HIT Productions will be presenting over 70 weeks of touring across Australia and New Zealand, Amongst all of the outstanding productions in 2005 of The Breath Of Life, Wallflowering, My Brilliant Divorce, Barmaids and President Wilson In Paris. Deckchairs will tour across 13 weeks to 27 venues completing a sensational year for HIT Productions.
Reviews
“The playlets are an enjoyable challenge for two actors to develop a range of characters and accents – and one that Joan Sydney and Maggie King rise to in their inimitable style… a charming, relaxing and entertaining piece of theatre.“
Sarah McNeill, Subiaco Post, WA, 09/05
“Deckchairs Is wonderfully served by the talents of King and Sydney…both are skilled comic actors who play off each other with a good deal of confidence, bringing an almost minimalistic ease of performance to their craft. Their performances compliment the wry, witty style of McConnell’s mature, intelligent and funny script…a gentle night at the theatre.“
Ron Banks, The West Australian, WA, 09/05
Cast
Rosemary, Janet, Wynn: Maggie King
Angela, Goldie, Betty: Joan Sydney
Creatives
Playwright: Jean McConnell
Director: Gary Down
Set Consultation: Jamie Clennett
Costumes: Lisa Dransfield
Lighting Designer: Leon Dark