A witty look at our nation’s identity, Australia Day was written by noted satirist, Jonathan Biggins, who, aside from his television appearances, is much in demand as an actor, director, script writer, columnist, corporate speaker, MC and corporate entertainer. Jonathan admits that some ideas for the play were inspired by his experiences as an Australia Day Ambassador.

Stacked with pithy one liners, Australia Day is set in a fictional small country town, where preparations are under way for the annual Australia Day community celebration.

It involves six members of the organising committee as they plan out the program details for the local celebration while arguing over politics, patriotism and progress.

Australia Day was first performed in 2012 in a Sydney Theatre Company/Melbourne Theatre Company joint production and has since enjoyed an Australian tour with HIT Productions.

FAMDA staged the Victorian community theatre première of this hilarious satirical comedy at Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, 14–23 October 2016. By arrangement with David Spicer Productions.

Robert & Brian

CAST
Brian – Chris Pappas
Robert – Luke Dearlove
Maree – Genevieve Moore
Wally – Lloyd Morcom
Helen – Joanne Street
Chester – Trevor Yong

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director, Set and Lighting Design – Andrew Oldroyd
Production Manager – Jan Bull
Stage Manager – Linley Granger
Sound Design – Tess Deyl
Costume Design – Judy Barnard, Anda Banikos
Make-up Design – Tania Pell
Set Construction – Graeme Green and Men’s Shed Crew, Arie Bos, Peter Clyne
Set Painting – Kate Crowl, Arie Bos, Peter Clyne
Stage Crew – Phil Nightingall, Brendan Ryan, David Pollard
Backstage – Dianne Frey
Lighting Operator – Andrew Oldroyd
Sound Operator – Tess Deyl
Front of House Managers – Annette Walker, Dianne Paragreen
Venue Box Office – Jennifer Paragreen
Programme Photography – Robert Paragreen
Production Photography – Yianni Banikos
Publicity, Marketing and Programme – Jennifer Paragreen

Chester & Helen

AWARDS
Victorian Drama League Awards – Winner
Judge’s Award – the version of Advance Australia Fair in Australia Day performed by the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band

Victorian Drama League Awards – Nominations
Best Sound Design in a Comedy or Drama – Tess Deyl
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy – Genevieve Moore

All Victorian Drama League 2016 nominees

Gippsland Associated Theatre Awards – Nominations
Most Outstanding Male Support Actor in a Drama or Comedy – Lloyd Morcom
Most Outstanding Female Support Actor in a Drama or Comedy – Joanne Street