Summer of Harold
By Hilary Bell
Directed by Penny Irving
BLURB
‘I’ve thought about this every day. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would survive the passage of time; let alone that it would come to be mine.’ Gareth, ‘Enfant Terrible’
World-premiering at the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney in 2023, Summer of Harold by Hilary Bell explores the poignancy of the quotidian through the transformative power of everyday objects in three beautiful vignettes about the adventurous, passionate and hopeful nature of life.
SUMMER OF HAROLD. Recreates a memory of Janet – 1984, London, where Phil Collins played loudly on cassette tapes – and her fellow backpacking friend, Alison, who score a summer job as inexperienced housekeepers with the 20th century’s foremost British playwright, Harold Pinter. Within the tightly controlled Pinter household, will these Aussie girls either flop or triumph?
ENFANT TERRIBLE. Returning from an awards ceremony, which has whipped him into an obsessive jealousy about a rival ceramicist, Gareth is forced to reconsider his brash actions on the night. Is he as clever as he first thought, or an aging fool?
LOOKOUT. Ascending to the picturesque Blue Mountains lookout, Jonathan/Joan and Rae take a moment to reflect on the past before making some life-changing decisions. Is it time to let go of this connection or is there more to the story?
Please note that the male character Jonathan has been changed to a female, Joan, in ‘Lookout’, with permission of the playwright.
Collaboration with Tweed Welcomes Refugees
The opening weekend of Uki Moon Theatre’s (UMT) new show will have a distinctly Latina flavour.
In collaboration with Tweed Welcomes Refugees, UMT are thrilled to announce that catering at this Friday and Saturday nights’ performance of SUMMER OF HAROLD by Hilary Bell, directed by Penny Irving, will be looked after by two of Uki’s newest arrivals. South Americans, Mayra Mendoza Susarra and Carmen Rojas De Lopenza, will showcase two popular dishes from their home country, Venezuela, during the show’s interval.
A popular Latin America drink called Chicha will be on sale on the night. Mayra describes Chicha as a rich, creamy, comforting treat. Venezuelan Chicha is made with white rice, spices, and three different kinds of milk. Domplinas, a popular Venezuelan bread filled with cheese and butter, will also be served. “They are simply delicious,” says Carmen.
Come and support Uki’s newest arrivals and local theatre.
Opening weekend: Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May
BYO, cabaret seating
Tickets are available now.
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SUMMER OF HAROLD began as a short play, WINDOW, CRICKET BAT – a co- commission from Griffin Theatre and the Australian Design Centre for Sydney Festival 2022. Performed in the ADC’s gallery space as part of their exhibition Happy Objects, it was inspired by the true adventures of Margaret Woodward, one of the contributing artists, who indeed back-packed to London in 1984 and worked as Harold Pinter’s housekeeper. We nervously sent Lady Antonia Fraser the script, and her approval was relief and thrill in equal measure.
When Mark asked me to expand it for Ensemble, I jumped at the idea of diving deeper into the significance we ascribe to inanimate objects. Material things carry so much emotional weight, personal, specific, and unconnected to their function. Loaded with associations, they oppress or encourage, serve as aides de memoire or cautionary tales. These three plays, though discrete, have a thematic throughline. They speak to the ways in which a life can be shaped by an object, for good or for ill, and that recognising it for what it is can release us from its power.
HILARY BELL
Source: Program from Ensemble Theatre’s production of Summer of Harold (2023)
https://www.ensemble.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Summer-of-Harold-Program-V3-RMedit.pdf
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I liked the concept of three different plays on objects. Especially when objects can evoke memories, emotions and time. My mother had a favourite chair, which she often sat in. When she passed three years ago, I inherited her chair. When I sit in it, I always think of her, and now I have a strong attachment to the chair. Each of the three stories have an object which opens the door to the past, taking us down three very different pathways. I really wanted to explore how objects can have a hold on us, but we can also be released from them too. I think that’s the magic of this play, something we can all relate to.
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Jane Thornton (Janet, Joanne, Rae)
• What drew you to the play as an actor?
I had recently read reviews of the Sydney production and thought what a fascinating theme. When Penny first mentioned it, I jumped at the opportunity, firstly to do a fun, juicy monologue and the 3rd dialogue piece is an actor’s dream … (no spoilers!)
• What are your thoughts on the ideas/themes explored in the play?
I am often reminded of the things around me, mostly sentimental, few of any intrinsic value – but when I need to declutter, I’m always confronted with my emotional bond – Summer of Harold explores this theme with three very different objects and attachments.
• What are some key plays you’ve acted in? What was thrilling about these?
In a play for the Comedy Festival, I was an inanimate Radio - which became quite outspoken - it represented a character’s inner voice, loads of fun to play. In another for the St Kilda’s Writing Festival I was a corpse, 30 odd minutes of playing ‘dead’, having to keep my eyes open with brief choreographed moments to blink – she came to life near the end, I can still hear the audience gasps! In another darker piece I played a prostitute, in another I was the only female in a cast with ten males, set in H-Division – a most intense & memorable experience - and let me just say, that the testosterone filled dressing room was brilliant theatre!
• What do you love about acting?
I love the process of bringing a character to life, finding where she lives, breaths, cries, laughs - and telling her story.
Stephen O’Grady (Gareth)
• What drew you to the play as an actor?
“The opportunity to walk in Gareth’s shoes and explore the real reasons for his manic demeanour is exciting. Who wouldn’t want to go on that journey? Then finding parts of real-life me in his character, while a little disturbing, was also kind of exhilarating. It made me wonder if I could do what Gareth did?
• What are your thoughts on the ideas/themes explored in the play?
“I was attracted to the play on a broader scale by the true-to-life, reality check moments in which the characters find themselves. Many of us of a certain age have known similar personal experiences where we have had to press pause and face up to a moment and see it for what it really is. I love the way the play uses everyday objects to bring on these milestone moments.
• What are some key plays you’ve acted in? What was thrilling about these?
“I have to say the part of Frank, the older brother, in Conor McPherson’s ‘This Lime Tree Bower’. It’s a pretty cool play in its own right, featuring a heist, a lecture and a bagful of cash, but not unlike Gareth Pigram, Frank has to go it alone on stage in a similar, scary monologue setup. Having gone the distance with Frank gives me some belief that I can do right by Gareth.
• What do you love about acting?
“Not sure. Each time I am fortunate enough to be invited to play a part, I get excited at the prospect of getting to know a character and finding something in them that I can take somewhere. I also love the danger and vulnerability that come with being on stage. Both terrifying and personally invigorating.
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• Friday 10 May (Opening Night - Collaboration with Tweed Welcomes Refugees)
• Saturday 11 May (Collaboration with Tweed Welcomes Refugees)
• Friday 17 May
• Saturday 18 May
• Friday 24 May
• Saturday 25 May
Show Starting Time: 7pm
Duration: Approx 90 mins
Note: Doors open at 6:30pm
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Ticket prices:
Adult — $25
Adult UMT Member/Concession — $20
Child— $10
Bookings: Online at Trybooking
https://www.trybooking.com/CQEVP
Or Pay at the Door
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Uki Hall (all performances and auditions)
1464 Kyogle Road, Uki NSW 2484
Opposite the public school in the heart of Uki
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• Monday 6 May, 2024 (Tech run)
• Wednesday 8 May, 2024 (Dress rehearsal)
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Opening Weekend: Collaboration with Tweed Welcomes Refugees
Two of Uki’s newest arrivals will showcase two popular dishes from their home country, Venezuela.
A popular Latin America drink called Chicha and Domplonas, a popular Venezuelan bread filled with cheese and butter, will be on sale on the night.
All other nights, chai tea, coffee & cakes will be available at venue
BYO alcohol
Cabaret seating
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Reviews from the Ensemble Theatre production of SOH:
“[T]he trilogy bulges with intelligence, heart and skill.” Sydney Morning Herald.
“So, what do these three pieces have in common? They’re all told with a captivating humour. And they’re all tightly constructed; each is like a little mousetrap (though without the ghastly consequences.)” Theatre Red
“Bell’s depiction of humanity are certainly truthful, often with a gentle humour that makes her storytelling charming and resonant.” Suzy Goes See
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Curious to find out a bit more about the production? Listen to our interview on Bay FM's Art Canvas on Thursday 9 May. Scroll to 1:35:30 to 1:48:00.
https://www.bayfm.org//shows/arts-canvass/
If you missed our interview on ABC North Coast on Wednesday 1 May on the breakfast show, fear not! You can listen to it here. Click on the link and scroll up to 3:05. We are at the end of the breakfast show with Briddie Tanner.
https://www.abc.net.au/.../northcoast.../breakfast/103770792
Playwright: Hilary Bell
Hilary Bell has crafted works for a variety of platforms including the stage, radio, film, and musical theatre.
Her dramatic creations have been staged across Australia by prestigious groups such as The Sydney Theatre Company, Ensemble, Belvoir, and many others, spanning from the State Theatre Company of South Australia to The Darlinghurst Theatre Company. Her international presence is notable, with productions in Europe, the United States by entities like Atlantic and Steppenwolf, and in the United Kingdom through The National’s Connections program.
Bell's play Wolf Lullaby earned her the first Philip Parsons Young Playwrights Award in 1995. Her portfolio also features plays such as Fortune, The Anatomy Lesson of Doctor Ruysch, and numerous others, alongside adaptations of classics by Chekhov, Moliere, Dickens, and Shakespeare. Her collaborative efforts include The Mysteries: Genesis with Lally Katz, and she contributed as an associate writer to Paul Capsis’ Angela’s Kitchen, which clinched the Best New Australian Work at the Helpmann Awards 2010. Bell has also received numerous accolades, including the Jill Blewitt Prize, Bug’n’Bub (USA), Aurealis Fiction, Eric Kocher (USA), Inscription, and two awards from the Australian Writers Guild.
Director: Penny Irving
I was born in Melbourne and in my youth joined St Martins Youth Theatre where I learnt all about theatre making and attended numerous Theatre workshops. I have been involved in directing and acting for many years for local community theatre. This has included performances in Baz Lurmann’s Crocodile Creek, the Capricorn Players productions of Godspell, Cabaret, King O’Malley and Remains of The Day. I have also directed Urban Nomad for Rockhampton Community Theatre, Lament for Living for Noosa Arts, Sophia for RocPak and Central Queensland University, The Kiss for the Philbeam Theatre, Rockhampton, and Honour for the Drill Hall Theatre.
My work has included involvement in the Gender Equity program for disadvantaged schools, using drama as a tool. My skills have also been engaged by Rockhampton TAFE for a semester directing performances with the Hospitality students.
Cast: Jane Thornton (Janet in ‘Summer of Harold’, Joanne in Enfant Terrible’ & Rae in ‘Lookout’
Jane is a freelance Graphic Artist and Creative Director/Producer of Twisted Hair Productions. She discovered her passion for acting and performing at high school, which led to numerous fringe productions at La Mama Theatre and the Carlton Courthouse (VIC), as well as many festivals as a stilt performer. She’s also had a variety of guest roles in TV dramas and comedy. Since the mid 80s, Jane has trained with many practitioners for stage, Drama School (VIC).
Jane’s television roles include:
State Coroner – Guest Support Role (1998)
Neighbours – Guest Support Role (1998)
Speaking roles:
Australia’s Most Wanted (1997)
Last of the Ryans (1996)
The Feds (1995)
The Man from Snowy River (1994)
Law of the Land (1994)
Neighbours (1993)
Some of Jane’s theatre roles include:
Uki Moon Theatre’s two-hander, House on the Lake, by Aidan Hennessy (2022)
Murwillumbah Theatre Company – Secret Bridesmaid’s Business – played Colleen Bacon (mother of the bride), directed by Penny Irving (2018)
Carlton Courthouse Theatre (2 seasons) & The Butter Factory ‘Shakespeare and the Dark (2004/2005)
Lady of the Sonnets,’ written by Enzo Condello and directed by Rosemary Johns (2004/2005)
Cast: Stephen O’Grady (Gareth in ‘Enfant Terrible’)
As a journalist at the Fraser Coast Chronicle, Stephen attended auditions at Z-Pac Theatre in Hervey Bay with the intention of writing a story on the forthcoming production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. He left with the part of Reverend John Hale. That’s where it started, his minor addiction to learning lines and exploring character in front of a live audience. High points along the way have been the parts of The Writer in Reg Cribb’s turbulent train ride The Return and aggrieved brother Frank in Conor McPherson’s monologue drama This Lime Tree Bower. Playing childhood rugby hero Tony Ward in John Breen’s Alone It Stands was also great craic. An avid supporter of community theatre, Stephen has also worked behind the scenes (front of house, lighting, sound, marketing) with various theatre groups. Someday in the future he will write a play.
Stephen’s theatre roles include:
Z-Pac Theatre (Hervey Bay, 2007-2010) – Reverend Hale, The Crucible; Father Paul, Abstract Nude; Horatio, Hamlet; The Writer, The Return; Dr Higgins, Where the Cross is Made.
New Farm Nash Theatre (Brisbane, 2012-2013) – Frank, This Lime Tree Bower; Canon Chasuble, The Importance of Being Earnest.
Villanova Players (Brisbane, 2013-2019) – Tony Ward, Alone It Stands; Warwick Lewis, Shadowlands.
Murwillumbah Theatre Company (2023) – Young Siward, Macbeth.
Cast: Shelley McNamara (Joan/Jonathan in ‘Lookout’)
Throughout her twenty years as an English and History teacher and ten years as an English education writer, Shelley McNamara has developed a great love for the arts, especially live theatre. She is passionate about the role education plays in assisting young people to develop agency through literacy, language and literature. Shelley has written extensively about literature, including film and drama, in the seven HSC study writing guides she has published since 2008. In 2022 she edited and published Of Irish Descent: a McNamara family history under the Qwiller imprint. From her family history stories, she wrote, produced and acted in a ten-minute play, titled ‘The Well,’ at the Drill Hall Theatre in Mullumbimby as part of the bi-annual Hot Shorts Competition.
Uki Moon’s production of Mother by Daniel Keene, directed by Penny Irving was Shelley’s first foray into acting in a full play.
Shelley is the publicity manager for the Uki Moon Theatre, drawing together her love for theatre and the local community.
I love going to see all types of theatre productions. And when I moved to the Northern Rivers in 2019, I relished the opportunity to be part of the Uki Moon Theatre, which has allowed me to make links with the community and like-minded people. I am really excited to be helping bring live theatre to Uki and the surrounding areas. It’s been great to use the skills I’ve gained over 30 years of education to support the Uki Moon Theatre team.
The alternative version, Penny had me on stand-by if she couldn’t get anyone to fulfil the secretary role, but as soon as she knew I was interested, she railed me in without an escape route. I’m really glad I joined because it’s been lots of fun working with some fantastic people.
Stage Manager: Kim Sheen
Multi-instrumentalist, recording and live sound engineer, composer and video producer, Jake has been involved in local productions for over twenty years. This is Jake’s second production for Uki Moon Theatre.
Sound Engineer: Jake Mann
Alex has been involved in providing lighting local productions for many years. He is currently working on lighting for Mary Poppins, presented by Emmaus College. He has also been involved in setting up the state-of-the-art tech at Mullumbimby High School’s hall. This is Alex’s second production for Uki Moon Theatre.