WLT Newsreel

Want to know what is happening at WLT? Keep up to date with the latest news!

Glorious Cast announced! Our next production is Glorious! by Peter Quilter and Directed by Doug Bennett. Glorious! is a truly uproarious comedy based on the true story of wealthy eccentric American widow, Florence Foster-Jenkins (1868-1944), famous for her complete lack of rhythm, pitch, tone and overall singing ability. The 'First Lady of the Sliding Scale' gave an annual recital in The Ritz Ballroom, and a sell-out performance at Carnegie Hall shortly before her death. It was the overpowering awfulness of her voice that led to her becoming a star in her own right, with a large cult following despite her bad reviews. Regulars at her recitals included Cole Porter and Enrico Caruso! 'I bet Nellie Melba never had to put up with this! she said, while her critics said 'You will never hear a voice like this at Carnegie Hall again!' A household of people almost as eccentric in their own way ensure an evening of hilarity. We glimpse Florence at home and in concert in her outrageously over-the-top costumes. Cast: Florence Foster-Jenkins: Patricia McCracken Cosme McMoon, her accompanist: Peter Dennis St Clair Byfield, her theatrical English boyfriend: Robert Harsley Dorothy, her devoted best friend: Robyn Legge Maria, her tempestuous Spanish-speaking maid: Sila Simsek Mrs Johnson, spokeswoman for music lovers: Christine McGowen Season: 1-17 July 2010. Weekdays & Saturdays: 8:15pm Sundays: 5:00pm Bookings: 9885-9678. For more information please go to the Home page.

We wish you an auspicious Year of the Tiger! The Year of the Tiger is usually an energetic one, and certainly the start of the year at WLT has proved to be correct, with a new front gate almost in place, smart new display boards in the foyer and sparkling new paintwork in place. Play One, RolePlay, launched our artistic year to a sparkling, dynamic start! In the starting gate we have Skylight by David Hare, directed by Bernadette Wheatley. The play has been cast, and comprises Barry Lockett, Rachael Dewar and Sam Yeo. The set design is by George Tranter, with set construction on Saturdays if you would like to join. Craig Pearcey is doing lighting design, Neil Williamson doing the sound design, costumes coordinated by Shirley Sydenham, Alex Begg is the Stage Manager and Sound Operator, while lights will be operated by Ann Chadwick. Check the auditions page for the auditions for Glorious! by Peter Quilter, our Play 3. Watch out for the audition notice for Hotel Sorrento by Hannie Rayson, our Play 4, directed by Ellis Ebell. Details of those auditions will go up very soon. Play 5 is Habeas Corpus by Alan Bennett, directed by Lois Collinder, and audition details will be on the website in due course.

Victorian Drama League 2009 Awards Kindertransport by Diane Samuels, Directed by Chris Baldock was our nominated play for 2009. It was a wonderful production and our congratulations and thanks go to everyone associated with it. WLT won the following: Neil Williamson & Chris Baldock - Gold Award - Best Sound Design in a Comedy or Drama Shirley Sydenham - Silver Award - Best Costume Design in a Comedy or Drama WLT received the following nominations: David Dare - Best Set Design in a Comedy or Drama Jason Bovaird - Best Lighting Design in a Comedy or Drama Katherine Hubbard as Helga - Best Actress in a Minor Role in a Comedy or Drama Ellis Ebell in various roles - Best Actor in a Minor Role in a Comedy or Drama Eileen Nelson as Lil - Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Rebecca Jones as Eva - Best Actress in a Drama Paula McDonald as Evelyn - Best Actress in a Drama Chris Baldock - Best Director in a Drama Williamstown Little Theatre's Kindertransport - Best Drama Production

Want to be involved with WLT without committing a great deal of your time? Why not try Front-Of-House! WLT are always looking for new people to work Front-Of-House and would love you to join our team. Front-Of-House duties include preparation of the Theatre Foyer, greeting patrons, checking tickets and guiding patrons to their seats (ushering), selling drinks, confectionary and theatre programs to patrons. For further information, please contact the Front-Of-House Manager, Robert Harsley on 0414 917 381.

We Need Your Help! WLT's sets are much admired and many people express their amazement at the variety and quality of our sets. To maintain this standard, each set requires a huge number of hours and it is mostly done by just a few. WE NEED YOUR HELP. Please consider giving your time set building which is from 1:00pm every Saturday and usually one other day during the week. You do not need great skill and there are a huge range of tasks to suit all skill levels. For further information please contact Bryan Thomas on 9689-8834 or 0409 415 475.