Adelaide Festival Centre Presents Peter Allen Exhibition June 10-28

After a great response to the call out for submissions Adelaide Festival Centre's Performing Arts Collection is proud to present a stunning collection of Peter Allen memorabilia never before seen in Australia, as part of the 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

The Peter Allen exhibition will be on display in the Festival Theatre foyer from 10 June - 28 August, featuring a stunning selection of Peter Allen memorabilia from the Victorian Arts Centre's Performing Arts Collection, private collections as well as a 'fans window' displaying personal memories including posters, record covers, fan photos with Peter, and even a painting by local artist Max Sutch.

Peter Allen started his life as Peter Woolnough from Tenterfield New South Wales but through sheer tenacity, hard work and talent, he became Peter Allen 'the premier fun-maker of the world'. Allen went on to reach dizzy heights on Broadway - collecting an Oscar along the way.

Peter is predominantly remembered as a flamboyant and energetic performer, but songwriting was an equal strength. His songs were recorded by many, including Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey and Olivia Newton-John - creating an enduring legacy that reveals a sensitive and reflective man behind the Hawaiian shirts and sequins. Adelaide Cabaret Festival headliner Olivia Newton John had phenomenal success with Peter's song I Honestly Love You which she recorded. It was ironic that his first real monetary success was linked to his Australian past as the two had been friends from their Bandstand days.

Peter Allen's onstage energy has been immortalised in the hit-musical The Boy From Oz. Todd McKenney who brought the role of Peter Allen to life in the original production, is lending three of his costumes from the Production Company's recent revival of this dazzling show in Melbourne. The show holds a special place in Todd's heart as he was only nine when he first saw Peter Allen on stage, and later met him through a mutual friend.

Exhibition Coordinator Jo Peoples says, "Peter Allen was the ultimate showman and a consummate performer. Once seen never forgotten. Relive your Peter Allen 'moment' with this wonderful exhibition."

What: Peter Allen Exhibition

Venue: Festival Theatre Foyer, Adelaide Festival Centre
Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm, and Festival Theatre performance times.
When: 10 June - 28 August
Cost: FREE entry

For further information visit: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

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