Glen Street Theatre Announces 2017 Season

Glen Street Theatre is excited to announce a diverse 2017 season at their beautiful 400-seat theatre located in Belrose on Sydney's north shore. The theatre will present dramas, comedies, music events, satire and children's theatre from a variety of arts companies and producers from around the country.

Glen Street Theatre's Director, Margot Woodward is proud of her eclectic programming for 2017. "There are many and varied works of different genres that promise to entertain, challenge and emote with our audiences in different ways," said Woodward. "We're pleased to continue our relationship with Sydney Theatre Company and Ensemble Theatre and include their work in our season, as well presenting a range of other productions that we know will work brilliantly in our space and will appeal to local audiences. We look forward to welcoming back our regular supporters and we hope that our thrilling 2017 program will bring many new faces to our buzzing cultural hub that's just 20 minutes from Sydney's CBD."

In addition to the 2017 Theatre, Music and KidsPlay seasons, Glen Street Theatre will present its very first Cabaret in the Glen in October, a season of cabaret that will see many spaces in the venue brought to life with exhilarating performances. More information and a full line-up will be announced early next year.

An exciting cultural hub on the Northern Beaches, Glen Street Theatre and its surrounds have been in development over the past couple of years to maximise the range of artistic and cultural offerings to the Northern Beaches community and its visitors. In 2016 the construction of a new state-of-the-art library commenced and is expected to be completed early next year.

Subscriptions are now available for 3 to 7 play packages. By subscribing, you'll save on your tickets and enjoy a range of exclusive subscriber benefits. You'll also secure the best seats in the house before single tickets go on sale on 7 November. Plus if you subscribe by Friday 4 November you'll save an additional 5% on your subscription. Glen Street Theatre subscribers can also take advantage of a special subscriber offer for discounted tickets and access to the best seats to an amateur production of the Broadway smash Wicked that will be staged at Glen Street in December 2017.

2017 THEATRE PROGRAM

RELATIVELY SPEAKING

Written by Alan Ayckbourn | Directed by Mark Kilmurry

An Ensemble Theatre Production

17-22 January

In 1960s London, couples are swinging, some more than others. Greg is paying a visit to Ginny's parents to ask for her hand in marriage. Blithely misinformed, he arrives at the home of Philip and Sheila hoping they'll give their blessing. But no-one is quite what they seem and nothing quite goes to plan. In this perfectly paced comedy of misunderstandings, Alan Ayckbourn expertly weaves an exquisite entanglement that will leave you guessing to the last minute.

"An ingenious comic joy... bitter but brilliantly witty comedy... evocatively captures the mood and the morals of the swinging Sixties." - The Telegraph

ONCE WERE LEADERS

Written by Max Gillies & Andrew Barker | Speeches by Don Watson, Guy Rundle & Patrick Cook | Directed by Andrew Barker | Performed by Max Gillies

21-26 February

Is Australia suffering a leadership deficit? There was a time when politicians could inspire us. But were they really better than the current crop or has our perception benefited from the passage of time? Is it a case of the more things change the more they stay the same? Max Gillies has been a keen observer of the political combat zone for half a century. His fascination with the ups and downs of political leadership is variously sociological, historical, behavioural, psychological, ideological and parodicJoin Max as he shares his memories of a life spent on the fringes of power mining the archive for his favourite speeches, orations and soliloquies. Once Were Leaders is an intimate evening with Max Gillies.

"Once Were Leaders provides the opportunity to observe a great character actor at work." - Australian Arts Review

5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE

Written by Evan Linder & Andrew Hobgood | Directed by Nathanael Cooper

2-26 March

Come in, take your name tag, and have a blast at the most outrageous community meeting of your life. It's 1956 and the Cold War is at its peak, but even the threat of nuclear annihilation won't stop the charming widows of the Susan B Anthony Society For The Sisters Of Gertrude Stein from getting together and celebrating their annual Quiche Breakfast. Following its critically acclaimed seasons in Brisbane and Melbourne, and after sell-out runs in Chicago and New York, the merry widows are excited to head south to serve up some slices in Belrose. 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche is the uproarious, award-winning, Off-Broadway smash, about sisterhood, community, and will have you coming back for second helpings!

TALK

Written and directed by Jonathan Biggins

A Sydney Theatre Company Production

24-27 May

John Behan is a radio talkback host with a city in the palm of his hand. He fills Sydney's airwaves with easy answers, hard facts be damned. But yesterday, he overstepped the mark. And today, the police have come knocking. Locking himself in his studio and broadcasting live, John Behan is not going to go quietly, even if a life is on the line. Across town, the hunt is on for a sensational story. One that reveals the truth? Perhaps. One that keeps journalists in a job? More likely.

In Talk, writer and director Jonathan Biggins (The Wharf Revue) sets his eyes squarely on modern journalism, social media and the 24-hour news cycle. The charismatic John Waters, fresh from a villainous turn on ABC's Rake is joined by a wonderful cast, including Peter Kowitz (ABC's Janet King), Valerie Bader (Children of the Sun) and Andrew Tighe (Travelling North).

STONES IN HIS POCKETS

Written by Marie Jones | Directed by Chris Bendall

4-9 July

Stones in his Pockets is the hilarious and moving tale of a quiet Irish community turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot. The film's story of a budding romance between a rich girl and a local farmer, is played out in stark contrast with the growing friction that develops between the locals hired as extras on the film and the Hollywood big shots. Having played all over the world including a five year run in the West End, this multi award-winning comedy play is universally loved by all who see it. The performance features virtuosic performances by two outstanding actors who play 15 characters between them - from the two Irish extras looking for a brighter future on the silver screen, to the young local, bitter about being rejected for a job on set, to the gorgeous Hollywood superstar.

"It is refreshing to know that two men and a box can succeed in keeping a theatre audience fully satisfied for two hours." - The Irish Times

THE DAPTO CHASER

Written by Mary Rachel Brown | Directed by Glynn Nicholas

5-10 September

For the Sinclair family, the cut-throat world of greyhound racing is a religion. Their beloved dog, Boy Named Sue, is more than a greyhound; he's their heart and soul on four legs. With the crucial Winnebago Classic on the horizon, Cess Sinclair has one shot at reversing his family's fortunes for good. Against all the odds, he's betting on a miracle. The Dapto Chaser is warts-and-all Australian dramatic comedy about a family on The Edge. The Sinclairs are a family trapped in the pressure cooker of gambling addiction and when things don't go to plan, they are forced to gamble the most important commodity of all - their relationship to each other.

"All in all, The Dapto Chaser is funny, rude, illuminating and a fine play that's meaningful and extremely entertaining. Not to be missed." - Stage Noise

THE WHARF REVUE

Written and created by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott

A Sydney Theatre Company Production

5-15 October

The unstoppable comedic minds of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott have been keeping the nation's political and cultural leaders on their metaphorical toes since before Sydney hosted the Olympics. In 2017, they return with an all-new, up-to-the-minute, fibre-to-the-node dose of side-splitting sketches and rib-tickling songs (BYO hyphens). From the highs to the lows, from the good to the bad to the ugly, this will be a parade of the year's most memorable characters and the moments they'd prefer to forget.

"What's so brilliant... is how the material constantly falls between sharp, incisive satire and deliriously cheap gags." - Daily Review

2017 MUSIC AT THE GLEN PROGRAM

A ROMANTIC AFFAIR

Starring Vov Dylan & The Palace Orchestra

Tuesday 14 February at 11am

Vov Dylan is the "World's Fastest Violinist", "Australia's Answer to Andre Rieu" and "The Prince of Romance" and has toured nationally with his acclaimed Palace Orchestra. In A Romantic Affair Vov features romantic melodies from Europe, musical theatre and film - audiences will be swaying and falling in love all over again.

GILBERT & SULLIVAN FOREVER!

Starring Andrew O'Keefe and Glenn Amer

Tuesday 14 March at 11am

Celebrating Gilbert & Sullivan means laughing at life, singing along and escaping from the real world into a topsy-turvy universe of mellifluous madness, which makes absolute sense with many a Tarantara! Tarantara! and the occasional melancholy Tit Willow. Enjoy devilish patter songs, jolly duets, one mega-finale and all the romance and mayhem of The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, Iolanthe, The Gondoliers and eight other glorious operettas. Andrew O'Keefe, the Pirate King of Gilbert & Sullivan, and Glenn Amer, the very model of a modern singing pianist, invite you to this feast of fun and much loved melodies.

BIG, BLONDE & BEAUTIFUL

Starring Martine Pavel

Tuesday 11 April at 11am

Do blondes have more fun? Do gentlemen really prefer blondes? Are diamonds still a girl's best friend? Celebrate the music of history's favourite golden-haired songbirds from Mae West to Marilyn Monroe, Doris Day to Dolly Parton, Agnetha from Abba to our very own Olivia Newton-John. Big, Blonde and Beautiful features iconic blonde songs from theatre and film (Oklahoma, Annie Get Your Gun, Calamity Jane, Hairspray, Mamma Mia and Grease) infused with number one pop hits spanning several decades including 9 to 5, The Winner Takes It All and I Will Always Love You.

TENORI - THE TUXEDO TOUR

Starring David Kidd, Craig Atkinson and Andrew Pryor

Tuesday 23 May at 11am

This exciting production employs the talents of three powerhouse singers, David Kidd, Craig Atkinson and Andrew Pryor who met while touring internationally with The Ten Tenors. With a combined sixty years international experience in the industry, these polished professionals know exactly how to put on a dynamic, uplifting and hugely entertaining show. They bring their sense of fun and sophistication to classics from the worlds of Opera, Music Theatre, Jazz and everything in between.

THE POPULAR OPERATIC SHOW

Starring Glenn Amer

Tuesday 11 July at 11am

Glenn Amer will be joined by some of his wonderfully talented friends, in particular the glamorous soprano Clarissa Spata, and they will sing solos, duets and trios. Enjoy selections from Puccini's La Boheme, Bizet's Carmen, Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, as well as many other well-known favourites. Be sure to join Clarissa and Glenn as well as other guest performers for this not-to-be forgotten journey into the world of opera, operetta and song.

DEAR BLOSSOM

Starring The Janet Seidel Trio

Tuesday 15 August at 11am

This delightful tribute show to Blossom Dearie encapsulates the best tunes from her repertoire and stars Australia's "first lady of jazz singing" Janet Seidel. Blossom was something of a cult favourite from Paris to New York to London. Even after her passing in 2008, she is championed by those in the know as a quirky and funny artist of the highest standard, not just for her clever compositions and unique vocal artistry, but also for her exquisite jazz piano styling.

THE PIANO MEN TRIBUTE SHOW

Starring John Watson and The Rockit Band

Tuesday 14 November at 11am

John Watson is a multiple award winner as Australia's best Piano Vocalist and the legendary Piano Man of Minsky's at Hotel Cremorne for 30 years. Expect the greatest hits from piano men such as Elton John, Billy Joel and Peter Allen as well as classics from Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, John Lennon and Frank Sinatra. John will combine all these artists and many more with his own award-winning formula that will have audiences singing, high-kicking and cheering along!

2017 SPECIAL MUSIC EVENTS

THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE SERIES: THE GREAT WALTZ

Starring Vov Dylan and The Palace Orchestra

Enjoy a delightful series of live musical concerts followed by special screenings of some of your favourite films of all time

SHALL WE DANCE

Sunday 7 May at 3pm

On the 80th anniversary of the release of the last George Gershwin musical to be finished in his lifetime, join Vov Dylan and The Palace Orchestra in celebrating the music of Gershwin in their live show, then enjoy a screening of the ageless Shall We Dance starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

MEET ME IN ST LOUIS

Sunday 5 November at 3pm

Widely considered to be one of the greatest musicals from MGM Golden Era, Meet Me in St Louis features Judy Garland introducing such classics as The Trolley Song and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Prior to the screening Vov Dylan and The Palace Orchestra with a special guest will take you on a musical journey through the music made famous by Judy Garland.

2016 KIDSPLAY SEASON

HORRIBLE HARRIET

A CDP Production

A Play by Maryam Master adapted from the books by Leigh Hobbs | Directed by Liesel Badorreck

29 March - April 1

Look out! Here comes Horrible Harriet. She's wicked, wild and wonderful! Horrible Harriet lives in the roof of her school and keeps teachers chained in the cellar to do her homework. Harriet and the other children don't see eye-to-eye - but all Harriet really wants is a friend. When Athol Egghead lands in his hot air balloon, Harriet finally meets someone who understands her. Join Harriet's search for identity and friendship, with songs, laughs, mischievous fun - and Mr Chicken!

DIARY OF A WOMBAT

A Monkey Baa Theatre Company Production

Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley | Directed by Eva Di Cesare

7-10 June

Millions of young people around the world have adored the multi award-winning picture book, Diary of a Wombat. Now finally this iconic work by Australian Children's Laureate Jackie French and Bruce Whatley comes to the stage. Meet Mothball, the naughtiest wombat in Australia. Bored with her daily routine, Mothball goes in search of shelter and food, creating chaos in the lives of the humans around her.

WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

A Garry Ginivan Attractions and KW & NB Ltd Production

Based on the book by Michael Rosen with Illustrations by Helen Oxenbury | Directed by Mark Parret

13-19 July

We're Going On A Bear Hunt is the wonderful story of a family out for a walk and on the lookout for a growling bear. They have to march through long swishy grass, wade through thick gloopy mud and even battle a snow storm before entering a big dark cave where maybe they will finally spot the glinty, wet eyes of a gigantic bear winking at them through the blackness. This mini-musical from Australia's leading producer of high quality entertainment for kids captures the fun and frolics of a father, his three children including the intrepid bear-hunting baby strapped to dad's back, the family dog and of course... a big brown cuddly bear!

www.glenstreet.com.au

SEASON DETAILS

Venue: Glen Street Theatre, corner Glen Street and Blackbutts Road, Belrose

2017 Theatre prices: single tickets $65 - $36, on sale Monday 7 November.
2017 Music at the Glen prices: single tickets $28 - $25. Special Music Events $30-25.

2017 KidsPlay prices: Single tickets $22. Family Pass $85 (5 tickets).
Transaction fees may apply.
Bookings: www.glenstreet.com.au | admin@glenstreet.com.au or 9975 1455

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