All things must pass

Mon, 31 Oct 2011, 05:32 pm

Johnny Grim15 posts in thread

There I was, on my annual trial. Her eyes fixed me with her customary steely gaze. For a moment her eyes bored into mine, before being lowered slowly to gaze with scant interest at the A4 sheets lying prostrate on her desk. I sensed her trying to find some logic in the numbers, which given her occupation, led me to believe that I'd made a huge mistake in employing this woman as my accountant. I readied myself for the inevitable question. I'd gone over the line time and time again. I promised myself that on this occassion, I wouldn't stumble and dribble a pathetic response. No this time; I would meet her eyes, and respond manfully. The question came.... Her: 'Johnny, can you tell me with some confidence, that A lad in sane will make money next year?' Me: 'Well, I err, think there is a chance, an outside, sort of long shot sort of desperate hope that it we will in the least make some people happy, and in doing so, this may prompt them to throw wads of money our way so we can move on up to the next level or at least the one below that. Her: (Long drawn out sigh.) Johnny... Me: Yes! (Hopeful intonation.) Her: In a lad in sane's case, the next level would have you in the dungeon. Me: Well, yeah, but dungeons are really cool places to hang out, or so I'm led to believe... Her: Do you want my advice? Me: Is it free? Her: Do I look like the owner of a theatre company that loses money every year? Me: Hey, don't beat about the bush, tell me what you really think! Her: I think it's time you accepted the fact. Me: That fact being? Her: You'd be insane* to continue operating a business that continues to lose money every year. You've had fun Johnny, but it's time for the fun to end. You're not getting any younger. If your hair continues to recede at the rate it is, you won't have any hair on your arse, let alone your back. It's time to think sensibly. Me: One question. Her: Yes. Me: Are there any self help books on how to think sensibly? Her: Oh yes! In fact I have written one myself, you can have a personally signed copy for $99.00. Me: $99.00 plus the $380.00 you're charging me to tell me I should close the very thing that sustains my being? Her: Sensibility at a super cheap price, and you know what's even better? Me: What? Her: You can claim it as a tax deduction next year. Me: Can you wipe that smile off your face? Her: For a price...... And so it is, that in the interest of sensibility, that A lad in sane productions must depart the local theatre scene. In closing the doors on the theatre we don't have; I'd like to offer my sincere thanks to the many who've joined us along the way. Special thanks to Norma Davis, Hywel Williams, Tim Prosser, Peter Nettleton, Gordon The Optom, Tony Clarke and the wonderful crew who make up the Phoenix Theatre. It's been fun, it's been expensive (that was the accountant, not me),at times it's been HUGE! ALIS did everything that was asked of her, and more. Of course, I refuse to go away, be buggered if i'm going to give up that easily. There's a degree of nobility in pauperism...and besides writing is cheap, some who've seen my material may suggest that's something of an oxymoron. cheers Johnny Grim A lad in sane productions 2006-2011

Thread (15 posts)

Threaded Flat

Johnny GrimMon, 31 Oct 2011, 05:32 pm

BrianDennisonMon, 31 Oct 2011, 06:13 pm

Sad to see it happen...

Beyond offering my sincerest condolences I ask the simple question: Is starting ones own theatre company without a building to perform a financial sink-hole? Is it effort for no return, or worse? Does it average out to just covered costs for the shows - the financially good offseting the financial not so good. Does it come down to having an amazing PR person in your corner to get the word out there? The 'bums on seats' is the only way to fund the works. I like the work of yours I've seen and as budding writer I wonder if the reality of the amateur circuit is only to be unpaid work & devotion. I've been paid twice in the past 10 years for theatre related work. It didn't really cover the time & effort that was put in but the sentiment was appreciated. You are not alone. Keep your toes in the water & drop me a line if you need a devoted thespian to work on something with you. Brian D

jeffhansenMon, 31 Oct 2011, 06:56 pm

Sad news indeed, John. May

Sad news indeed, John. May ALIS rest in peace. www.meltheco.org.au

Gordon the OptomTue, 1 Nov 2011, 08:01 am

RIP

Tremendously sad news.

Not only is Johnny Grim to be thanked for his wonderfully funny plays, but the enthusiasm he has brought to Community Theatre. He has given dozens of hopefuls a chance to appear on the stage, many having gone on to bigger and better things (but nothing could be better than A Lad in Sane show!).

One hears of some pretty awful productions receiving incredible grants, it is just so sad that this money cannot be spread around a little better. The killer is theatre hire - should Councils let them out free, or on a profit share basis, as a community service?

Thanks again Johnny for years of fun. All the best for the future.

Your old mate Gordon

LogosTue, 1 Nov 2011, 12:49 pm

Alas for the passing

I completely understand Johnny as my own company stumbles from loss to loss and crisis to crisis. There seems to be an inherent problem with only doing new work. I salute you and sincerely hope that companies in WA will continue to present your plays. When my long suffering partner and I have recovered from our recent major lifestyle change we will be in touch with you about publication of more of your works. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au www.moorebooks.net.au

RapunzelTue, 1 Nov 2011, 01:11 pm

Vale ALIS

....but, but, but you CAN'T give up just because the Accountant says so!!! Stuff it all, if we listened to similar life forms we'd have closed Spotlight years ago. It's a constant drain on our already dubious income level(s) but dammit ... we struggle on regardless. Mind you, there are two of us, which helps (most of the time). Think again Johnny!! Never give up, never surrender!! Fly the flag for new theatre!!!! If not you, who??? But...if you are resigned then have a sherbert and console yourself that for a brief shining moment, on the WA theatre scene, there was a gloriously eccentric and laugh a minute gal called ALIS. Vale.

"Life is too short to stuff a mushroom"

www.moorebooks.net.au

Gordon the OptomWed, 2 Nov 2011, 12:49 pm

actors

How many WA directors can boast of giving a chance to an actor who went on to be in a film which is now up for an Academy Award? and has been a finalist at Cannes. Johnny has!!

Gordon

Johnny GrimThu, 3 Nov 2011, 05:38 pm

That sink hole

Hi Brian, my experience hasn't been too bad. Out of 11 shows we only lost serious money on 2, and that was primarily due to playing professional venues, and hiring in-hous techs. I counted on people turning up, and sadly they didn't. Publicity of course is everything, but interestingly, the the larger our e-mail listing, the smaller the audiences ,this despite positive reviews. Tuning into the grapevine, as one does, I hear others are experiencing smaller audiences? I think there's benefit in collaboration, between the various companies in Pert, and I've said my piece on that. cheers Johnny

Johnny GrimThu, 3 Nov 2011, 05:40 pm

RIP

ALIs promises me she will rest in peace, and I can but take her word. cheers Jeff and thanks for all the help over the years. Johnny Grim

Johnny GrimThu, 3 Nov 2011, 05:44 pm

Thanks Tony

There's no doubt that performing only new works is a road requiring a sturdy four wheel drive, however, as I'm sure you'll agree, there's something inherently more satisfying in performing one's own work. In the end, money is the driver, no matter how sad that fact is.. cheers Johnny Grim

Johnny GrimThu, 3 Nov 2011, 05:47 pm

Eccentric indeed

Dearest Rapunzel, I'm resigned, however, I can console myself that ALIS was indeed lovable in the most eccentric of ways. I'll drink to that. cheers Johnny Grim

Johnny GrimThu, 3 Nov 2011, 05:48 pm

Proof

Proof that there is such a thing as gifted novices. cheers JG

Tim ProsserSat, 5 Nov 2011, 01:13 am

I've only just caught up

I've only just caught up with this sad news, John. I'm sorry it's come to this and I hope it isn't going to be a permanent absence from the Perth community theatre scene. If anything, I suppose it's a chance for you to offload the considerable stress and worry for a while...and keep open the option of a comeback at some time in the future. You and I both are about ready for a break, I think!

At least you now have other directors interested in producing your work, and indeed some of them already have done, so that's something. Keep writing the plays, old mate (I know you will because you can't help it!), and when we've both had a good stretch of time out from the hectic business of rehearsal schedules and performance dates we'll come back and work together again with a fresh outlook.

In the meantime, let me say for the record that I'm proud to have been a part of A Lad Insane Productions, proud of its achievements and honoured to count Johnny Grim as one of my very best friends.

Now I shall return to my badly neglected Hotmail account and read your latest play...which I'm ashamed to notice that you sent me over a week ago!

All the best,

Tim.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

JoeMcSat, 5 Nov 2011, 01:07 pm

Have you tried for a Gov Grant from the state art Council?

Yeh I know it's like pushing it up with your nose!

But if they can grant a packet to a mob of street chalk artists = you have to be in for a chop or two!

But how did you get on with Stuart from the 'Lazy Bee' script publishers in Pohmyland?

" Joe,
Just to keep you posted, I heard from Johnny Grim this morning, and I've just sent him a set of publishing terms and conditions, so I expect to be getting one of his scripts to read in the near future.

Thanks

Stuart

~~--------------------~~

Stuart Ardern
Lazy Bee Scripts

Walter PlingeSat, 5 Nov 2011, 02:34 pm

Well that sucks.

My sincerest condolences Johnny, this is a loss to all of Perth Theatre, hopefully this is not the end of us seeing your works. Brian - having been involved with Blak Yak for 2 years, having a theatre without a home is difficult. It isn't necessarily impossible, as Blak Yak can testify - it has been around for donkeys. But my understanding is that it has had good years and bad years. thanks Lorna

← Back to Billboard Bulletins