Two Old Queens - national tour - Sydney

Royal riots in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney!

Direct from sold-out and critically acclaimed world premiere seasons in Perth and Adelaide, Mirage Maker’s runaway success, Two Old Queens returns to Perth (Subiaco Arts Centre Jan 23 to Feb 2), prior to departing for Melbourne (Chapel off Chapel Feb 5 to 10) and Sydney (Riverside Theatres Feb 12 to 16).

Described by critics as “a right royal outrageous riot”, Two Old Queens is a musical charade about a brief encounter between HM the Queen Mother and the ghost of her old friend, theatrical legend Sir Noël Coward.

Written and directed by John Senczuk (A Coward in Vegas; Eureka; Time, Gentlemen!; The Sugar Mother), Two Old Queens stars John Michael Swinbank as Sir Noël and Edgar Metcalfe as HM the Queen Mother, with renowned classical pianist Mark Coughlan joining the cast in Perth and acclaimed Musical Director, Tim Cunniffe rejoining the company on tour.

The director, John Senczuk said that Two Old Queens is an hilarious situational cabaret with a contemporary resonance. “Fusing elements of  cabaret and drawing room comedy, Two Old Queens is a unique form in itself, embodying situational and musical comedy with a blend of nostalgia, sentiment and contemporary wit - just like Coward - and he  and the Queen Mum would have loved it,” said Senczuk. “I know audiences will be both intrigued and highly amused by the fictional confrontation between these wonderful and historical – or should that be hysterical? - characters!”

Attending the 1998 dedication of Coward’s memorial statue, the Queen Mother - overtaken by a ‘senior moment’ - inadvertently causes the supernatural ‘comeback’ of his ‘blithe’ but cranky spirit. Over a martini or two … or three, they resume their friendship and relive a half-century of magical memories and musical moments, as well as revealing jealously guarded secrets and long-held grudges.

Two Old Queens is a joyous celebration of enduring friendship between people who simply know too much about each other to hide the truth. For Subiaco Arts Centre bookings, contact BOCS on 9484 1133 or www.bocsticketing.com.au

“Edgar Metcalfe is marvellous as the Queen Mum and JMS a clipped acidic Coward.” Sunday Mail
“A battle of wits by two accomplished actors.” The Advertiser
“This is a great characterisation by a great actor (Metcalfe) in the prime of his craft” Sunday Mail

12 – 16 Feb
Riverside Theatres, Sydney
Tues – Fri at 8pm, Sat at 2pm and 8pm
$46 full price, $41 NMG members, $41 conc BOOKING 02-8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: JMS Public Relations 0414 743 418 pr@johnmichael.com.au
Or Carolyn Cutri, Producer 0410 475 333 carolcutri@iinet.net.au