Score one to Deckchair

Not too many people outside the industry of theatre, film and television really have a true understanding of the hardships we face. Therefor they are not likely to truely appreciate to fight that Deckchair recently went through in order to keep "Shakespeare in the Park" going. Fight they did, long and hard, and to their credit, they have won. Score one for the determination of Theatre.

Deckchair were unable to secure any major sponsor for the 2007 season in the park and were about ready to pull the plug after a long and arduous battle. Then WA Premier, Alan Carpenter, offered $38 000 via the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority. Well, that just seemed to be the stamp of approval as shortly thereafter Shell Development and then Bank West joined the list of sponsors and what was about to be a no show became a go show.

The 2007 Shakespeare in the Park will be "The Comedy of Errors" and will go up on January the 12th through to February 9. It is directed by Angela Chaplin and has among its cast Emily Brennan, Renato Fabretti, Stuart Halusz, Brendan Hanson, Luke Hewitt, Katie Keady, Sam Longley, Renee McIntosh, George Shevstov and Steve Turner. All the slap-sitck, knockabout and biffo action has been created under the ever watchful eye of Andy Fraser.

Andy is the sole Perth Representative of the Society of Australian Fight Directors, a national group of 13 members. Andy has the extremely fortunate position of being the only member of that society in Perth whereas four of his colleagues bettle each other for work over in Brisbane.

Deckchair's 2007 Season is availble from their website (http://www.deckchairtheatre.com.au/ ) but here is an overview of what's in store.

The Comedy of Errors -- Jan 12 to Feb 9 -- Kings Park

The Goose Chase -- May 1 to 19 -- Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts

Wonderlands -- Jun 7 to 30 -- Victoria Hall, Fremantle

Not Like Beckett -- Jul 26 to Aug 11 -- Victoria Hall, Fremantle

Memmie Le Blanc -- Nov 8 to Dec 1 -- Victoria Hall, Fremantle

Jeff Watkins