A unique production, that has local Kempsey performer Michael O’Mullane in one of his first performances in front of his home crowd, is coming to the Kempsey Bandbox Theatre March 28.
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BANJO is described as an exciting collaboration of Contemporary Dance, the music of Coldplay and the spoken word of A.B ‘Banjo’ Paterson.
“To perform for the Kempsey community is so special to me, most of my friends and family have never had the chance to see me perform live,” performer Michael O’Mullane said.
After a record-breaking, sell-out season at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie, the original theatre production is set to do an eight-city tour, which also includes Coffs Harbour and South West Rocks.
"Because the production is unique, most would not have seen anything like it, people don't know what they are getting into," writer and performer Tim Maddren said.
"We have been getting really good responses; our shows have received standing ovations."
Among the productions cast is talent taken from all over the Mid North Coast including local star Michael O’Mullane, a former principle aerialist/dance captain, Royal Caribbean International. Tim Maddren a former Hi-5 member. Mat Brooker, the 2016 Australian busking champion, and Stephanie Maddren, a contemporary dance WAAPA graduate.
"We have a great crew, and without a good team environment, without that support system, creative productions tend to struggle. We are lucky to have such a great group of people that all work well together," Mr Maddren said.
"Mat Brooker is a one-man orchestra; I don't know anybody in the country who can do what he can. We also have a great Director in Nicholas Christo, in my opinion, he is one of the best up and coming Directors in the business."
The 75-minute production promises to be a one of a kind show, and Tim Maddren is adamant that seeing live theatre is an experience everybody should have.
"Seeing a live show in the theatre is just amazing, reading about it, or seeing a video doesn't give the experience justice," he said.
"Anyone familiar with the poetry of A.B ‘Banjo’ Paterson will be able to tell you that the themes and ideas expressed are still relevant today and we combine that with the music of Coldplay to create a great show. It has been a slow process, but we are proud of the result."
BANJO will be at the Kempsey Bandbox Theatre, Thursday March 28, starting at 6:00pm. Tickets are available through Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/banjo-tickets-55492292942.
While the South West Rocks show is at the Roxy Cinema on Friday, March 29, starting at 7pm. Tickets are available through South West Roxy Cinem awww.swroxycinema.com.au/movie/banjo.
Anybody looking to find out more or see a full tour list can head over to the BANJO website at http://banjoproduction.com.au/index.html.
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