Original Australian Play 'Illuminati' A Hit! - A Refreshingly Bold and Relatable Play of Our Times
Kudos to Uniting Productions co-founder Mary Middleton for embracing the great, creative unknown where many theatre producers fear to tread.
Anger Management Has Never Been So Much Fun!
Kudos to Mary Middleton, co-founder of Uniting Productions, for taking a chance on Illuminati, a well crafted, original play by local writer Sal Bartley. Mary’s decision to embrace the great, creative unknown where many producers fear to tread, has sent a creative, happy ripple through the Central Coast community which is now abuzz with Illuminati intrigue and excitement.
The setting is an anger management class. Sean Kirk, a 'Life Supports Counsellor' and self confessed 'Trekkie' who is charged with guiding 3 unwilling participants of his Anger Management Class on their journey to enlightenment while keeping his own anger issues and personal dramas under control.
Illuminati Ticket Bookings
Tickets $25 - (No Set Seating): Coast Box Office
4 performances remaining. Tickets are selling fast.
Friday, 22 March (8pm), Saturday 23 March (2pm & 8pm), Sunday 24 March (3pm)
Venue: Uniting Church Hall - 129 Donnison St, Gosford, NSW
Gavin Critchley as Sean ‘Beam Me Up’ Kirk. (Photo credit - Gavin Critchley)
Audience Feedback
Brilliant on every level; So topical, funny; Absolutely loved it; Fantastic work; Best play I’ve seen in ages; I’m going to tell all my friends to come and see it; I was laughing and crying at the same time. Great story; Outstanding; That was so much fun!, Secretly hoping they can somehow sell one of the filmed performances, to a streaming service, as great real-life entertainment for the world to watch; This play and these actors should go mainstream with their performance.
If anyone out there has experienced the joy (not) of dealing with uppity new partners of their former wife or husband, who have no respect for you or the needs of children, Illuminati shows you how to stand up for yourself and sort them out once and for all. (Photo credit: Gavin Critchley
A Sparkling Future for Original Australian Plays is Nigh
The future of original, well written and developed Australian plays has never looked brighter. Especially here on the magnificent Central Coast, NSW, Australia.
The dedicated and talented cast, crew and wonderful audience members have made Sal Bartley’s first full length play a theatrical event to long remember! Director Ron Baker and the ever present guiding light, Julie Bailey, skillfully navigated their way through the unchartered creative waters as they led the Illuminati cast from script to stage. Their collective experience, knowledge, flair and passion for the art of stage craft is second to none.
Sal Bartley - Illuminati Playwright
"I wanted to write a play about conspiracy theories as I find them interesting, a little bit hilarious and a little bit dangerous - good writing fodder." Sal Bartley, Coast Community News
Illuminati is a compelling and thoughtful and highly relatable original play that explores the human condition with empathy and humour. Written by Central Coast playwright Sal Bartley, who is known for her high quality one act plays, Illuminati is Sal's first full length play.
In a recent interview with Coast Community News, Sal said:
"I originally wrote it as a one act play for a small Wyong Drama Group (WMD) festival. Afterwards, so many people said they'd love to know what happened to the characters after the first therapy session, I decided to turn it into a full length play with the shorter play forming the first scene."
Sal is also basking in additional success as a finalist in the internationally renowned and highly competitive Short + Sweet Sydney 2024 play festival. Fellow Central Coast writers Simon Tonkin and Andrew Thompson also had plays accepted in this year’s festival. A hearty congratulations to all.
Director Ron Baker on Illuminati
I like the clever script with its distinctly different, well-drawn characters each with their own idiosyncrasies as they journey to more positive outcomes. I also enjoy the moments of humour within the serious subject matter.
We are so lucky to have a cast who like to explore and discuss character development and relationships and who offer thoughtful suggestions which enhance the performance.
Ron Baker - Photo credit: Nerida Carter
Illuminati Cast
Gavin Critchley - Sean
Sean Kirk relishes his role as a 'Life Supports Counsellor' and self confessed 'Trekkie' who is charged with guiding 3 unwilling participants of his Anger Management Class, and dealing with confronting, personal challenges of his own.
Rebecca Flint - Poppy
It’s such a wonderful script. When I first read it 6 months ago I loved the dynamic between the characters and how they start at rock bottom then go on this adventure of ‘self awareness’ together. It’s humorous, it’s poignant & may just leave you thinking that we are all pretty similar when our self-made crust is removed.
Duncan Mitchell - Axel
Sally has written a very relatable play with well-rounded characters who, admittedly, have their flaws but are on a "journey" to improve their lives. Even if they don't realise it. Duncan is looking forward to revealing Axel to the audience and putting his best foot forward in the character.
Donna Cromer - Milly
I see the play as a small window into the lives of each of the characters. Gradually we see a change in their mindsets as they interact with each other. The play is both a moving and humorous journey.
Cast, left to right: Duncan Mitchell, Donna Cromer, Gavin Critchley, Rebecca Flint (Photo credit: Gavin Critchley)
Liane Porter - Phoebe
Liane is very excited to be performing in this play, being that she is working with a new team of actors, directors and theatre group. She loves the story and not just because it is written by friend Sally Bartley but because it is a funny fresh Australian take on life. She insists she is not a bit like her character though.
Blake Russell - Josh
The play has a clever concept that deals with the topic of conspiracy theories in a humorous and relatable way. The character of Josh acts as an important link between Poppy’s past and her present life.
Karen Pendleton - Fiona
It is interesting to be part of a new production where there is no previous version that has tempted you to become involved. Sal has very clearly defined the characters which makes each person’s story something that many can relate to.
Karen is proud to be working alongside a great cast and crew in Illuminati's debut. She sees the subject matter and the characters as being very relevant and relatable. You actually come to care about them and their journeys.and have a few laughs along the way.
Michelle King - Rosemary
Excited to be part of Illuminati as it has never been performed on a live stage as a full length play! My role is small but the character plays a crucial part in the evolution of the plot.
Take a Well Deserved Bow, Illuminists!
Supporting cast members: Liane Porter (first left); Karen Pendleton (second from left); Blake Russell (second from right); Michelle King (first right) (Photo credit: Gavin Critchley)
A Thriving Arts Realm Generates Positive Community Vibes
Thank you to Terry Collins and Central Coast News and Central Coast Community News for supporting Illuminati and our thriving arts community. We coastians really are spoilt for choice when it comes to quality arts and entertainment.
Come Gather Round Scribes, Wherever You Roam
Uniting Productions To Re-launch Monthly Play Readings
Uniting Productions will re-commence play readings performed by local actors later this year. They will be held once a month on Saturday afternoons.
Uniting Productions encourages and develops Community Theatre on the NSW Central Coast through Play Readings, Production and Promotion of original works by local playwrights and performed by local actors.
Mary Middleton co-founded Uniting Productions Central Coast community theatre group in 2009. Their first production was Mass Appeal, produced for the Multi-Arts Confederation Gosford for International Mens Day.
Uniting Productions is always looking for new works to explore and develop. If this sounds like you, please email Mary: unitingproductionscc@gmx.com
or send a message via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unitingproductionscc