Frank's play 'Persons of Mass Destruction', which was judged third in the Noosa Arts Theatre's national one act play competition in 2009, will be performed at the theatre to open this years 'One Act Play Festival' at 7.30 on the 3rd of June. 

Tickets will be available on-line from the 5th April www.noosaartstheatre.org.au.

Frank's entry for this year's competition 'The Time of the Audit'  was in the first five scripts but didn't make the top three.  The 'Time of the Audit'  is a drama set in 1974 in PNG and is a script based on his short story of the same name that was a winner for the Festival of Sydney in 1975.

My play 'Persons of Mass Destruction' will be performed at Noosa Arts Theatre next April 1st to the 4^th.  It is a one act play that evolved from the third act of 'Grave Consequences' which was read and presented as a rehearsed play reading for the Noosa One Act Play competition in June last year, where it was awarded third place, but as yet has not had its premiere production. 

 'Persons of Mass Destruction' stands alone quite well as a one act play.  It concerns three related stories taking place at the same time in widely separated locations: Iraq, Canberra and Adelaide.  An ex special service Australian captured in Iraq is being interrogated regarding the kidnapping of three Iraqi children.  In Canberra an Iraqi immigrant Australian citizen is being questioned regarding the whereabouts of her husband a suspected terrorist.  In Adelaide a bishop nominated to become the state Governor General is meeting with an ex student of his who has joined the army and been assigned to go to Iraq.  She was molested by him when she was a child and is seeking settlement on this.  'Grave Consequences' covers much more than this one act play; it introduces the characters in greater depth and covers how they got to the problems that they are in at the start of Act 3.  It also has an epilogue that explains what happened to the characters still alive at the end of Act 3. 

I have the scarecrow concert project underway and I also have another play that I would like to produce late next year.  If any of our directors would consider directing either of these plays it would be good.  I believe either would attract good audiences; and would be economical in the we would not face paying royalties.  The one act play would need another one act play to make a full programme. The scripts are available for anyone to consider. 

Frank

FRIDAY 11 DECEMBER

Thirteen intrepid thespians turned out last night in a very noisy thunderstorm to read through a play written by TMLT newcomer, Rob Doran entitled "Battle Scarred Phallic Wounds".

It all went very well and followed with a lively discussion covering the pros and cons of the play as the present company saw it.

No firm decision was made as to whtether it merits a professional production; however it is hoped that something can be firmed up before Christmas.

Next Friday there will be a Rehearsed Play Reading of a play called "Elizabeth the Third", by the Queensland writer, Ian Austin.  Rob will be making his directorial debut with this play, so do come along and support both him and the group.  It is a members and friends only night; no admission charge: 7:30 pm at the Zamia Theatre, Friday, 18 December 2009.

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On the following evening, Saturday 19 December the Ritzy Sisters will be holding one of their shows and rumour has it that the cheeky waiter from the Opening Night Concert will be showing up again, together with "Trevor".  This is not a TMLT production, however all the participants are TMLT members, so why go along and support them?

Below is a report in the Beaudesert Times of the Fight Combat Night.  Glad to see that the play also gets a mention.  Just click on the picture to give you many options of enlarging it.

Just to fill you in on Noosa. 

Friday evening they rang me to say that the third assessed one act play entry to the 2009 competition had been disqualified and as I had been running fourth it meant that I was now third.  They asked if we could go there on Saturday night to see the plays and be presented with the third prize.  We went and received first class treatment. 

I was very pleased to move to third but it had the down side that, being at the last minute, the disqualified script was the one that was workshopped and performed, and not my script. On top of which I can't enter this script in the 2010 competition.  On the upside they are going to try to perform my script.  I spoke with the director and it looks as if it will be performed in November.

The script that I submitted was 'Persons of Mass Destruction'  This script was a rewrite of an act from 'Grave Consequences' which is a three act play and could not be entered in this one act competition.  We again learnt a lot from visiting another theatre group and seeing how they run their theatre.  All three plays we saw had very good scripts, excellently directed and acted.  I do not know any details on the disqualification but the play was excellent and its director won the Directors Award and its main character won the audience choice of Best Actor.  I believe that this play would have been the audience’s choice out of the three plays; it was original, funny and thought provoking.  The winning play was also excellent and beautifully acted. 

 Frank

We had good audiences for 'Nil by Mouth'.  They gave great support for the very talented actors and we all had a fun experience. There are many people and organizations to thank for their help on this production: Tamborine Auto Clinic, Ambience Cottages, Robyn's House of Hair and Pinnacle Pizzas for their advertising; The Polish Place and Heritage Wines for the very generous raffle prizes; The Tamborine Mountain College students who helped on the front of house for every performance; Leon's Green Grocery for selling our tickets and the 501 people who bought them; The Dance School, Gymnasium, and Basket ball organizations who all suffered some inconvenience from our rehearsals and performances; Tamborine Times and Tamborine News who enabled us to tell you about the play in their advertising and editorials; and last, but not least, the management of the Vonda Youngman Community Centre for co-operation and help.

We have raised about $5000 for the Zamia refit, which is very pleasing for us all. 

We are hoping to take the play to Beaudesert in July to raise further funds for the theatre and of course to enable locals who missed out another opportunity to see the play.

The TMLT is seeking new members* interested in all aspects of the theatre and the many tasks that are involved on any production.  The coming performances in the planning stage are the re-opening extravaganza for the Zamia and later next year 'Jack the Ripper, a musical requiring a cast of 16.  This will be a ripper of a show.

Frank 5545 3116 & www.tmlt.com.au  for further information

*For more information about joining the TMLT see details on the Home page; Ed.

'Nil by Mouth' opens this Friday the 8^th May at 7.30 for its absolute premiere performance. Two more performances will follow on Saturday the 9th and one more on Friday the 15th and Saturday the 16th. We are ready to entertain you.  The cast and musicians have worked hard over the last ten weeks of rehearsals to create a somewhat different comedy, all you have to do now buy a ticket from Leon's Green Grocery to see a performance of this production which will also help the reopening of our Zamia theatre.

The TMLT wishes to thank the many businesses who have supported us with adverts and purchase of tickets with special mention to the Polish Place who bought the most tickets and provided a raffle prize.   Many of the TMLT members have contributed many hours of work at the rehearsals on the musical accompaniment, stage management, set building, prompting, making the costumes and providing us with sound and lighting. Much of the work is more difficult without our dedicated Zamia.

The manager of the Vonda Youngman has been most helpful and the co-operation of the other users of the Community Centre particularly the dance and gymnasium operators has been great and appreciated.

There may be a few un-booked tickets for sale at the door but best to be sure and buy them now at Leon's. I can take bookings for people off the mountain for tickets to be paid for and picked up at the door by phone or email.

Frank 5545 3116 email sandyfrank83@hotmail.com visit our web site http://www.tmlt.com.au for TMLT information.

ZAMIA BENEFIT PERFORMANCES OF ‘THE PLAY ‘NIL BY MOUTH’ will be presented at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre, Main Street, North Tamborine, on Friday 8th. Saturday 9th, Friday the 15th and Saturday 16th of May.  Evening performances will start at 7.30pm. There will be one 3.00pm matinee on Saturday the May 9. 

It will be table seating at all performances and patrons can bring their own refreshments and nibbles.  All evening performances will be BYO with tea and coffee for sale during the interval.  Tickets for the play are $15 adults, $12 adult concession and $10 for students.  Tickets will be available from Leon’s Green Grocery, Main Street, North Tamborine next week.  Off-mountain residents can contact me on 5545 3116 to purchase tickets.

‘Nil by Mouth’ is a comedy starring eight actors one of whom is a young local Canungra woman.  The play is set in a two-bed hospital ward where one patient is hiding from a criminal boss who has sent an assassin to kill him.  The chase starts from there and at times is on a ledge ten stories above the ground outside of the ward’s window. The play is based on a 1930’s silent movie with a typical musical accompaniment running throughout.  It is suitable for people from 8 to 108 years old.

All proceeds from the play will go towards the re-opening of the Zamia Theatre.  Our plays and movie sessions will then start again on a regular basis.  If there is any local business that might like to bring up a group of people I would be happy to work out some concessions on the ticket prices. 

Frank 5545 3116 or email sandyfrank83@hotmail.com.

The Zamia Theatre has been reduced to a skeleton but will soon have some new meat on her. There have been some changes to the ZAMIA BENEFIT PERFORMANCES OF ‘THE PLAY ‘NIL BY MOUTH’ at the community centre. All evening performances will now be BYO and will not have an open a bar. There will be table seating at all performances and patrons can bring their own refreshments and nibbles. Tea and coffee will still be for sale during the interval at all performances.

It has been necessary to drop the matinee performance planned for Saturday the16th May. There will now only be one matinee on Saturday the 9th May. There were four complimentary tickets for two adults and three children given to the fire appeal. One of these was for the matinee on the 16th May. These tickets will be honoured now on the 9th May. My apologies for this change, if you know who holds these tickets, please advise them of this change.

There has not been a comedy like ‘Nil by Mouth’ attempted before. I have been very lucky to obtain such a talented cast who are working extremely hard to perfect their performances. We also have a first rate musical director who accompanies the actors actions and movements throughout the play. This has been a tremendous amount of work for Barbara Lassiter.

Tickets for the play are $15 adults, $12 adult concession and $10 for students. There are two good reasons to buy a ticket, the play is good funny entertainment and all the proceeds will help us get the Zamia re-opened more quickly.

Tickets will be available from Leon’s Green Grocery, Main Street, North Tamborine. Information

Frank 5545 3116

Get your tickets early!

Frank Rotherham’s latest two act comedy ‘Nil by Mouth’ will be performed by the Tamborine Mountain Little Theatre group in May.

The cast is made up of some regular theatre group members plus some talented new actors.
Performances will take place at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre on Friday 8th May, Saturday 9th May, Friday 15th May and Saturday 16th May. Evening performances will commence at 7:30pm.  On Saturday 9th May a matinee will also be performed at 3:00pm.

Please be aware that a 3 minute strobe lighting scene is included in the play.

Tickets are available from Leon’s fruit store in Main Street.  Prices are as follows:- Adults $15. Adult concession $12. Students $10. It is not too early to start organising your table as ticket sales are sure to be strong for this excellent production.

All proceeds from the play will go towards the restoration of the Zamia Theatre which is well underway.

Steph

Expensive bracelet Stolen

"I didn’t mean to take Cindy Baby’s expensive bracelet. It was an accident. Please don’t let Big George hurt me!" pleaded Dentist David.

So starts Frank Rotherham’s latest two act comedy ‘Nil by Mouth’ to be performed by the Tamborine Mountain Little Theatre group. Performances will take place at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre on Friday 8th May, Saturday 9th May, Friday 15th May and Saturday 16th May. Evening performances will commence at 7:30pm.  On both Saturdays, a matinee will also be performed at 2:30pm. 

A 3 minute strobe lighting scene is included in the play.

Tickets prices are as follows: Adults $15; Adult concession $12; Students $10. Tickets are available from Leon’s fruit store in Main Street. It is not too early to start organising your table as ticket sales are sure to be strong for this excellent production. All proceeds from the play will go towards the restoration of the Zamia Theatre.

Steph

The show will go on. The two act comedy  ‘Nil by Mouth’ will be performed at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre with performances on Friday the 8^th and Saturday the 9^th of May and Friday 15^th and Saturday the 16^th of May at 7.30pm evenings, BOTH Saturdays only will have a matinee at 2.30pm. 

The play will be on the stage with table seating for the evening performances and row seating for the matinees. Please bring your own nibbles. A bar will be open for the evening performances. BYO is not permitted by our liquor license. Tea and coffee will be sold in the interval at all performances. 

Tickets are adults $15, adult concessions $12, students $10. The tickets sold will be limited so every seat has a good view of the stage and there will be no problem hearing.

This play is suitable for all ages, saucy but no adult language. A fun play that will involve the audience, a bit old fashioned but quite different from what you have seen before.

We warn patrons that there is a 3-minute strobe lighting scene. The play has eight actors, two of our veterans and six local very talented new members of the Little Theatre. 

The Zamia restoration is now underway.  The TMLT will still need to cover the costs of fitting out the kitchen, painting of the interior, providing storage for our costumes and props and re-landscaping the site etc. 

All the proceeds from ‘Nil by Mouth’ will go towards these items it is important for the Zamia that you support this function if you can.    

Frank 5545 3116

REHEARSALS for the Tamborine Mountain Little Theatre group’s upcoming production of ‘Nil by Mouth’ are well underway. Written and directed by Frank Rotherham, this production is full of fun and laughs.

The play takes place in a hospital and features a naughty nurse, an overbearing matron, a determined hitman, three bumbling patients, an annoying sound pager plus a narrator.

Resembling a silent movie, the narrator has the only speaking part. Music capably played by Barbara Lassiter features throughout the play and will definitely be a highlight.

The venue is yet to be finalised, however  performances will take place in May.

Steph

A good crowd turned up to help clear out the Zamia so that the builders can start on the 23^rd.  Unfortunately, Jim Marsh had a fall off the stage and spent the next 20 or so hours in hospital.  Jim is out without any serious result but is currently walking very painfully. 

The restoration of the Zamia must go on and we will all be back there finishing the work on Saturday the 21^st,  please give us a hand if you have an hour so to contribute.  Many of you will know that we have had to cut down some of the scrubby trees to make way for the extended water system.  All the trees were to go, however with consultation with the council, the larger trees and the palms will remain.

Rehearsals for “Nil by Mouth’ have started with gusto.  With regard to the play's title:  the comedy takes place in a two-bed hospital ward.  One of the patients is in for the chop (a somewhat mild male operation).  Due to the anesthetic, he will have a sign over his bed ‘Nil by Mouth’ warning every one that he cannot have any food or drink.  David, who is in the other bed, is not ill; he is only hiding in the hospital as Bad Brenda is after him with a gun, and so the show starts.  The comedy is saucy but suitable for all ages.  There is no adult language in it.

A firm location and dates for the performances will be available soon.

Frank 5545 3116

Two pieces of good news this week, the building renovations of the Zamia Theatre are to start on the 23rd of this month. The TMLT members have to get the building ready for the builders. The projectors, chairs, set timber off cuts and all rubbish have to be removed. We are to have a working bee on each of the next 2 Saturday mornings to finish this work. Anyone who might wish to assist would be welcome, please ring me if you are. The metal framed plastic staking chairs these will have to go. There are 50 of them and we are asking for a gold coin donation for the Zamia for each chair, they could be picked up on the Saturday morning or for larger quantities, we could arrange
to deliver them.

The other good news is that the cast for the comedy play 'Nil by Mouth' is now complete. It is a good cast with a number of very talented new young members complimenting some old favourites from previous comedy productions. The play is based on a silent movie of many years ago and we are very privileged to have Barbara Lassiter providing the keyboard live music for the performers. We are seeking a drummer who could assist on the musical a compliment. Any person interested could give me a ring for further information. The play will be on in May. Keep in mind that it will be a good evening or afternoon's entertainment.

Frank 5545 3116

NIL BY MOUTH

Recently, auditions took place for the Tamborine Mountain Little Theatre group's next performance, which is 'Nil by Mouth'.  Written and directed by Frank Rotherham this is shaping up to be something special.  A cross between a pantomime and a silent movie, this two act comedy will be accompanied by wonderful live music by the talented Barbara Lassiter.

At this stage, performances are planned for early May – so watch this space!

Frank 5545 3116

TMLT plans to present a two-act comedy ‘Nil By Mouth’ as its last production prior to the re-opening of the Zamia Theatre expected to be in June. The play is set in a two-bed hospital ward in the early 1930s and has a cast of eight, three male and three female parts and two parts that could be either male or female. 

Why is the dentist in hospital if he is not ill?  Is Ben, the other patient really facing two operations on the one day?  Will Matron Klink fire nurse Belle Blue if she finds out what she has been doing at night?  What problem has Murray brought to his uncle that scares them both? Is Bad Brenda at the hospital to assassinate some one?  All will be revealed in this very funny play.

Audition details can be found on the Home page of the website.  Performance dates to be published soon but for now keep in mind not to miss ‘Nil By Mouth’ . All proceeds will go towards our fit-out of the renovated Zamia Theatre. 

The TMLT web site at www.tmlt.com.au continues to grow and now has heaps of information on our area as well as our theatre group.  Barbara Lassiter is our webmaster if you would like to have any information or comment on the web page please phone Barbara at 5545 3631.

The tenders for the restoration of the Zamia Theatre are going out this week. It will still be many months before the theatre will re-open however we are keeping our hand in until it does and the TMLT is presenting two one act plays at the one performance.

Ian Young and Warrick Bailey are directing the plays at the Youth Hall, on Saturday  1^st November, and Friday and Saturday 7^th & 8th  November at 7.30 pm, with a matinee on Saturday 8^th November at 3.00 pm. Tickets, $15 and $12 concessions.

The Youth Hall is in Keswick Road, (the last road on the right off Beacon Road.) The Hall is the first building on the right hand side of the road and there is plenty of parking available.  

Ian Young is directing “The Perfect Marriage”; this brilliant comedy is part of Ian Austin’s Sex and Other Frustrations. Ian’s play stars Cath Buckley and John St. Clair (star of the famous television advertisement).

Warrick directs a play with six actors by new Sunshine Coast playwright Jim McDonald titled “Living in the Sixties”. Both plays deal with adult subjects and contain some strong language.  All proceeds will go towards the restoration of the Zamia Theatre. This is great entertainment not to be missed.  There is a lot of TMLT information on our web page, have a look at it.  www.tmlt.com.au  

Unfortunately, due to the pressure of activities around Christmas, the proposed talent contest and variety show has had to be postponed until next year. However the TMLT, spurred on by news that their beloved theatrical venue, the Zamia is to be restored for community use, have decided to attempt to stage a theatrical production towards the end of October or early November before the rush of parties and dance and school concerts take precedence.

Auditions are being held for two one act plays to be performed on the mountain (venue to be advised) on the 25th October or early November.

Auditions will be held on Monday 18th August at 7.30 pm, at the home of the President of Tamborine Mountain Little Theatre, Warrick Bailey, at 260 Beacon Road, North Tamborine, last house on the left. Telephone 55450819.

Ian Young will direct "The Perfect Marriage" by Ian Austin who lives on the Sunshine coast. Interestingly the script says the female is in her late thirties and the male is in his early thirties.

The scenario is - he comes home from work to a welcoming wife showing they have the perfect marriage - or is it??

Warrick Bailey will direct a new play, also by a Sunshine coast dramatist, Jim McDonald. Living in the Sixties. How well do we know those closest to us? When Harry dies suddenly, his friends grieve and recall his student exploits. They remember him as a good friend and marvel at how he transformed himself into a devoted family man. However, at the wake following the funeral, another side of Harry is revealed that shocks everyone, leading to
confrontation. They try to come to terms with this new information.  The play ends on an unexpected note.

Characters are two males, fifties, early sixties, three women - two mid fifties to sixties and one youngish mid fifties: one male 30s to 40's, one female early to mid 30s. Enquiries Warrick 5545 0819

The news that the Zamia restoration money has been allocated by the council and that the theatre will be open again has been a great boost to the TMLT members.  We have worked hard to keep the group afloat since the theatre was closed, costs still continue with minimal income being generated but as they say there is ’light at the end of the tunnel’ now.

Plans are forming for a ‘Tamborine Talent’ combined review and talent quest to be held around November at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre.  The aim is to include interested locals, individuals or groups to participate as part of the review or by entering the talent quest and hopefully we will be able to offer some good prizes.  Singers, dancers, musicians and comedians all welcome, we want this night to be a good representation of the talent on the mountain.  If you are interested in participating or seeking more information please contact Barbara at 5545 3631. 

To get the Zamia Theatre open again the TMLT is committed to contributing $10,000 and then there will still be the projectors, sound, lighting and kitchen fit-out and white goods to provide.  Some of this will come from existing equipment but much will need up-dating.  The returns from the productions you have supported since the Zamia closed will go a considerable way towards these items but more will be required.

If you would like a link to our website or wish to offer any articles or news for consideration please contact Barbara at 5545 3631. 

Please note that the next production is the rehearsed play-reading of “Grave Consequences” which will be held at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre on Saturday 28 June at 7.30 pm; $2 gold coin entry.                   Frank 5545 3116