By Karen Poh
RESIDENTS are in for a treat as two new plays open in Hobsons Bay this autumn.
The Sleeping Beauty will play from 28 March to 12 April at the Altona Theatre and Shakespeare’s Macbeth will be at Newport Lakes Park from 5-6 April.
Presented by the Altona City Theatre, The Sleeping Beauty promises an entertaining piece of theatre in the all-singing, all-dancing pantomime tradition.
It’s a show for adults, too, because the classic tale is given a humorous, modern twist, says director David Cenzato.
“It has the traditional Sleeping Beauty tale in it, but it’s done in a more burlesque, fun and modernised style,” Mr Cenzato said.
“We’ve taken a lot of characters from TV and worked them into our show.
“So there’s a little bit of Wil and Grace in there, a little bit of Little Britain, a bit of Black Adder, and things like that,” he said.
“But it’s not an M-rated show. It’s a G-rated show.”
Shakespeare’s Macbeth will provide a contrast to the light-hearted Sleeping Beauty as theatre company OZACT presents the well-known story of ambition, fate, deception, treachery and murder.
The show follows last November’s success when OZACT presented As You Like It as part of the Williamstown Botanic Gardens 150th anniversary celebrations.
Like their previous play, Macbeth will be played outdoors at the Newport Lakes Park, and residents can make the most out of it by bringing a picnic rug and a comfortable cushion.
Hobsons Bay mayor Bill Baarini said the council was pleased to have OZACT perform again.
“The outdoor setting really appeals to the great Australian love of the outdoors, while the proximity to the actors and the action adds to the excitement and intrigue,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy quality theatre and entertainment on a late autumn afternoon.”
Bookings for The Sleeping Beauty are through Altona City Theatre on 0425 705 550 or at www.altonacitytheatre.com.au.
Macbeth bookings are through OZACT on 0419 330 516 or at www.ozact.com.
They cost $29 for adults, $24 concession and $19 for children.
Group bookings and discounts are available.
