"Shady Business"

Harbour Theatre is proud to present for our second production for 2010 and the second in our new premises the AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE of Robin Hawdon's "Shady Business". Two girls, two fellas, the boss, a couple of bruisers and a thousand 'smackers' being tossed around like a beach ball. Get the picture? The London underworld is undoubtedly shady but Robin Hawdon, author of the West End successes The Mating Game and Don’t Dress for Dinner (to name but two), has created this hysterical modern comedy involving dancing girls, mobsters and two hapless guys who get in way over their heads. Directed by the award winning Nicola Bond SHADY BUSINESS is Harbour Theatre’s second production for 2010 and will be the Australian premiere of this hilarious comedy. Shady Business centres on Mandy (played by Eilannin Dhu of Como) and Tania (played by Sjaan Bosman of Como), two dancers working at a club owned by Mandy's boyfriend, Big Mack (Michael Dornan of Beaconsfield), who is one of the biggest crime bosses in the area. Mandy, however, has fallen in love with another man, Gerry (Andy Markland of Fremantle), a city broker she met at the club. Complications ensue when Terry (Adam Alliss of Hamilton Hill), a new henchman, arrives with the weekly take from one of Mack's businesses. The money is short and the boss is on his way to collect. Now Mandy and Tania don't just have to hide Gerry, but also have to hide the missing grand and keep Mack and his muscleman – Dozer (David Champion of Kardinya) and the local loan shark - Harry the Hammer (Peter Kirkwood of Applecross) - from finding out the truth. This is where the fun begins and what follows is a roller coaster of crazy events and mistaken identities that don't stop until the last side-splitting conclusion. Nicola Bond says “Hawdon's comedies are amongst the most frequently produced around the world. At any one moment there are likely to be a dozen or so productions of various titles, old and new, running in various countries and in diverse languages. Their popularity, is due to the fast pace and comic complexity of their plotlines, combined with an essential humanity and reality in their characterisation”. She continues “As a successful actor himself appearing in the hit comedy “Robins Nest” in the early 70’s and then appearing with Michael Crawford in “Chalk and Cheese”, Hawdon understands how to make people laugh and this is why his plays have been so successful” Andy Markland a recent arrival from the UK who played Fagin in Harbour Theatre’s 2009 production of “Oliver Twist” says “Good comedy is very hard work and working with such a dedicated, committed and enthusiastic cast is making the rehearsal process a lot of fun. I love comedy – there is nothing better than hearing a great gale of laughter from our audiences.” Sjaan Bosman who plays Tania was nominated for Best Actress in the 2010 Finley Awards for her role in “The Shape of Things” is also enjoying the change from playing a serious role. “Shady Business is hilarious and the part of Tania is one I can thoroughly empathise with. There are so many laughs it is hard to pick my favourite part but one thing that is assured - audiences will enjoy plenty of belly laughs throughout!” SEASON DATES: May 14th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, 26th, 28th and 29th 2010, commencing at 8pm MATINEE: Sunday May 16th commencing at 2.00pm. VENUE: Port Cineaste Building 70 Adelaide Street, Fremantle (next to Princess May Park, opposite Woolworths) For membership enquiries please contact 9433 6260. PARKING: There is plenty of parking nearby, but please note that many streets around the theatre are metered parking, even in the evening. To avoid a parking fine please refer to and obey any street signage. Also, please allow sufficient time to secure parking before the show to avoid disappointment as you will not be allowed into the theatre once the curtain is up. BOOKINGS: Tickets are $24 Full, $21.50 concession and $18.50 for full-time students or children under 15. Book through BOCS on 9484 1133 or www.bocsticketing.com.au (booking and transaction fees apply). Harbour Theatre Members Only: 08 9433 6260 For a really great night out, have a meal at Clancy’s Fish Pub before the show (it’s just a short walk across the park from the theatre). Ask for your Harbour Theatre Meal Deal to receive a discount – good times, great food and a fantastic show all add up to a top night out in Fremantle!