Audition Notice > Tom Fool

Hoy Polloy presents the Australian premiere of

Tom Fool
Written by Franz Xaver Kroetz
Translated by Estella Schmid and Anthony Vivis
Directed by Beng Oh

Overview
On the surface Otto Meier’s world exudes cool German efficiency. Underneath his world is about to explode. Haunted by the minutiae of his work environment he dreams of a better life for himself and his family. A daring and compelling drama, Tom Fool focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary working-class people and takes us back to the moment when women changed the rules of the game. Tom Fool is a new translation of Franz Xaver Kroetz's superb 1978 play Mensch Meier – showing that life at its most ordinary is never far away from disruption, chaos and violence. The Scotsman described Kroetz as charting this story of breakdown with a wonderful, rich yet cold-eyed hyperrealism that is his hallmark.

Audition Information
• Auditions are by appointment only.
• Dates: Sunday, 18 January 2009 and Monday, 19 January 2009
• To make an appointment please contact the director on 0412 224 968 or send expressions of interest, CVs and head shots by email to beng.tom@bigpond.com

Roles
Otto
"The husband, average and about 40, likes to smoke and drink, rather nervous, erratic, in his best moments he appears almost elegant." Would suit actor in his late 30s to 40s.
Martha
"The wife, average and about 40, very honest and practical." Would suit actress in her late 30s to 40s.
Ludwig
"Their son, a nice fellow of about 15, looks more like his father than his mother, shy and silent, listens a lot but says little." Would suit actor in his late teens to 20s.

Rehearsal Information
• A play reading is scheduled for week commencing 15 February 2009
• The rehearsal period will be from 2 March 2009 - 30 April 2009
• There will be a minimum of three rehearsals scheduled per week.
• A rehearsal schedule will be confirmed upon the production being cast.

Season Information
• Preview: Friday, 1 May 2009
• Season: 2 – 23 May 2009
• Tuesday to Saturday 8.15pm
• Sundays 5.00pm
• Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads, Brunswick

News > Radio 3CR Curtain Up Gongs 2008

Radio 3CR Curtain Gongs are awarded to shows, performances and technical that made an impact with the Curtain Up review team in 2008 – 100 productions were viewed.

Hoy Polloy received the following Radio 3CR Curtain Up Gongs 2008 for:

How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found
written by Fin Kennedy
directed by Paul King
featuring David Passmore, Tory Rodd, Michael F Cahill, Glen Hancox and Helen Hopkins

The Real Thring
written by Barry Dickins
directed by Wayne Pearn
featuring Michael F Cahill

Annoucement > Season 2009

Hoy Polloy announces Season 2009:

Tom Fool
Written by Franz Xaver Kroetz
Translated by Estella Schmid and Anthony Vivis
Directed by Beng Oh
Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick
Preview: Friday, 1 May 2009
Season: 2 – 23 May 2009

On the surface Otto Meier’s world exudes cool German efficiency. Underneath his world is about to explode. Haunted by the minutiae of his work environment he dreams of a better life for himself and his family. A daring and compelling drama, Tom Fool focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary working-class people and takes us back to the moment when women changed the rules of the game. Tom Fool is a new translation of Franz Xaver Kroetz's superb 1978 play Mensch Meier – showing that life at its most ordinary is never far away from disruption, chaos and violence. The Scotsman described Kroetz as charting this story of breakdown with a wonderful, rich yet cold-eyed hyperrealism that is his hallmark.

Purgatorio
Written by Ariel Dorfman
Directed by Ben Starick
Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick
Preview: Friday, 7 August 2009
Season: 8 – 29 August 2009

What if the only person who can save me is the one I have hurt the most?
Are the crimes I have committed unforgivable?
And if there is no forgiveness, how do I move on with my life?

Ariel Dorfman’s Purgatorio questions the complexities of human relationships, intention and identity. Exploring justice, vengeance and redemption, Purgatorio asks if one person can trust another and ultimately themselves. Confined in a nameless, timeless place, a man and woman confront each other with their past truths. They must come to terms with who they genuinely are and decide if their love is strong enough to overcome pain and betrayal. Both characters try to force the other to accept their guilt, but are they willing to accept their own?

The Cat's Paw (presented with the Melbourne Writers’ Theatre)
Written by Christine Croyden
Directed by Wayne Pearn
Venue: Carlton Courthouse Theatre, Carlton
Preview: Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Season: 17 September – 3 October 2009

The night cats are out on the streets of St Kilda – another girl is pushed from a car. She picks herself up and staggers precariously into the dark on her four-inch heels. A mysterious woman offers her help under the gaze of an unlikely angel. A bewildered man crosses her path and struggles to connect with her. Confused and desperate, she’s forgotten everything she wants to remember and can only remember what she wants to forget. Christine Croyden’s confronting yet touching play, The Cat’s Paw, is a response to raunch culture and its biggest benefactor – the ever expanding, billion dollar sex industry.

11 Paterson St
Written by Bryan Davidson Blue
Directed by Suzanne Chaundy
Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick
Preview: Friday, 13 November 2009
Season: 14 November – 5 December 2009

Sex, death and things of war – this is an explosive tale of love and survival; of apathy and rebellion; of repulsion and endearing wit. Bryan Davidson Blue’s savage black comedy explores primal emotions, where brutal, brittle characters clamber to breathe and love in a hellish and vivid world. We watch. Watch as arbitrary war blasts the nuclear family. This is in-yer-face theatre: a disarmingly funny and violently messy tale of victims and heroes, growing up gay, rural mentalities and enduring love. Welcome to 11 Paterson St.

Stay tuned for details regarding subscriptions to Season 2009.

Dates > Season 2009

Hoy Polloy will present four plays next year and are very close to announcing Season 2009.

The dates for Season 2009 are:

Play 1:
Preview: Friday, 1 May 2009
Season: 2 – 23 May 2009

Play 2:
Preview: Friday, 7 August 2009
Season: 8 – 29 August 2009

Play 3:
Preview: Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Season: 17 September – 3 October 2009

Play 4:
Preview: Friday, 13 November 2009
Season: 14 November – 5 December 2009

Subscriptions for Season 2009 will include:
- Four Play Package
- Preview Night
- Opening Night
- $18 Tuesdays

Stay tuned for further announcements.

It's a wrap > The Real Thring

The Real Thring is over. Thanks to our dedicated cast, crew and audiences; and in particular our Partner and Supporters.

Partner
Triple R

Supporters
Millimetre
Yarra Trams
BIGPRINT
Fred Kroh Photographer
Luke Furniture
Moreland City Council

ABC Radio National Artworks > The Real Thring

Visit the ABC Radio National Artworks transcript presented by Julie Copeland, which includes commentary from Barry Dickins about his play The Real Thring and excerpts read from the script by actor Michael F Cahill.

3MBS Review > The Real Thring

Reviewed by John Sheridan on Saturday, 20.09.08 for 3MBS’s “Accidental Arts” Saturdays at 11.30am on 103.5AM.

Frank Thring was a powerful presence on stage, radio or in the many films he appeared in such as ‘Ben Hur’, King of Kings’ and ‘El Cid’. He was loved, feared and sometimes loathed, but you couldn’t ignore him.

Barry Dickens play ‘The Real Thring’ is, as he says, ‘more a reimaging or fantasy of what’s playing in his mind’, and this I think is one of the keys to understanding the piece.

The play is produced by Melbourne Independent Theatre company, Hoy Polloy and directed by Wayne Pearn.

Thring, interpreted for us by Michael F Cahill, is reliving his life in those final days when his legs had been amputated, due to diabetes, and he was dying of cancer of the throat.

It’s impossible to sum up such an extraordinary life as Thring’s in the 75 or 80 minutes of the piece. Cahill is wise in that he doesn’t attempt to impersonate Thring; that would have become somewhat tiresome at about the 30 minute mark. Rather, his interpretation draws you in as he ponders what was, and what he threw away – why? – we shall probably never know.

The play has a good opening scene, and just as you’re recovering from this, it dawns on you that the structure is in verse form, reminiscent, for me anyway, of C.J.Dennis. This is appropriate, in one sense, as young Francis first starring role was at the age of 6 in his father’s feature film of 1932, ‘The Sentimental Bloke’.

Thring senior was a pioneer in film making in Melbourne. He was also involved with Hoyt’s Theatres and radio Station 3XY; heady stuff for young Francis.

Although Thring adored his father, he wasn’t oblivious to the man’s faults. Frank was only 10 when F.T.Thring died, and I wonder did he ever get over it.

‘The Real Thring’ is at the RRR Performance Space, 221 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East until September 27th

Cover > Melbourne Observer

Online Reviews > The Real Thring

On Stage (and walls) Melbourne > Michael Magnusson
Australian Stage Online > Bron Batten
The Age > Martin Ball
AussieTheatre.com > Anne-Marie Peard
Arts Hub > Madeline Wilson
Citysearch.com.au > Penny Wedesweiler
MCV > Michael Magnusson
Theatre People > Chris Baldock

3CR Review > The Real Thring

Reviewed by John Gunn on Sunday, 14.09.08 for 3CR’s “Curtain Up”
Sundays at 1.00pm on 855AM.

This new play by Barry Dickens looks at the life, death and fame of Frank Thring, to many an enigma, an actor who specialised in flamboyancy and the creating of a persona, yet as we watch this story unfold we see a remarkably different man to the one we have seen on stage, screen and TV. Yes he was outrageous to the public eye, however there was also a private loneliness and to me a sadness within .

For those who don’t know about him, Frank Thring was a well known Melbourne Actor and son of Frank Thring Snr. who produced movies before World War 2 and owned the Regent Theatre in Collins Street, he died when the young Frank (educated at Melb. Grammar School) was only 10 years old…. and there is much to suggest that he was a spoiled brat even at that early age.

He grew up to enjoy great acting success in England with contemporaries such as Vivien Leigh, Lawrence Olivier and was a close friend of Robert Helpmann… He found fame in Hollywood movies such as Ben Hur, El Cid, King of Kings with his villainous and saturninely crafted persona…. After his overseas success, he worked extensively for John Sumner’s Melb. Theatre Co, made local movies such as ‘Mad Max’, did commercials and even became King of Moomba….

This is not a biography or a campy impersonation but a story that lets us into the mind of Thring and playwright Barry Dickens has carefully constructed a piece that is both a kaleidoscope and a roller coaster ride that takes you on a fascinating journey…

The dialogue is witty, often foul and is constructed with much rhyming followed by an aside or throwaway, the latter so typical of Thring….This theatrical yet often dramatic piece is well-layered and the reminiscences in the dialogue move about, timewise – almost from birth to death..…. From my slight acquaintance (as a young man) with Frank Thring some decades back now, I was riveted by both script and performance and believe that both actor and playwright have been true in the image they have conveyed…

Wayne Pearn has directed with compassion and a certain tenderness without shying away from the grossness that keeps you totally engaged for the running time of 90 mins. . Michael F. Cahill as Frank Thring gives a tour de force performance with his strong voice and excellent diction and brings out the many facets that made this complex man a household name from the 50’s through to his death in the late 1990’s, despite being loud, sarcastic, vulgar and prey to too much sex and booze – always clad in black with ostentatious jewellery……..

The setting of just a chair centre stage and a small table (with, naturally, a bottle and glass) never detracts from the performance and enhanced by Stelios Karigianus’ excellent lighting, sits admirably in the space at 3RRR, where Frank Thring spent many hours in his later years….

Yes I did enjoy this production by Hoy Polloy of Barry Dickens The Real Thring and it continues at 3RRR in Nicholson St, East Brunswick tram stop 27 until the 27/9 at 8.15pm and 5 pm Sunday and you can book on 9016 3873... or hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Highly recommended to sophisticated and adult theatregoers.

Production Pics > The Real Thring

Credit: Fred Kroh
Caption: Michael F Cahill

The Age > Brutally Frank

Visit The Age article "Brutally Frank" by Robin Usher, which includes commentary from Barry Dickins, Wayne Pearn and Michael F Cahill about The Real Thring, which opens tonight.

Inpress > On a good Thring

Attached is an Inpress clipping, "On a good Thring" by Daniel Vigilante, who interviewed actor Michael F Cahill about The Real Thring.

The Age > Legend of the final Thring

Visit The Age article "Legend of the final Thring" by Fiona Scott-Norman, which includes commentary from Barry Dickins about his play The Real Thring, which opens next week.

Herald Sun > The Thring thing

Attached is a Herald Sun clipping, "The Thring thing" by Ben Starick, about Frank Thring and Hoy Polloy's next production The Real Thring by Barry Dickins, which opens next Friday, 12 September 2008.

Australian Stage > Thring is Back

Visit the Australian Stage article "Thring is Back" by Paul Andrew, which includes commentary from Wayne Pearn and Michael F Cahill about Barry Dickins' play The Real Thring, which opens on Friday, 12 September 2008.

Triple R > Radiothon

The Triple R Radiothon is approaching - become a subscriber.

JOIN THE TRIPLE R CIRCUS!
RADIOTHON 2008 - AUGUST 22ND TO AUGUST 31ST
THE GREATEST SHOWS ON EARTH

Visit Triple R

Triple R subscribers receive a 10% discount for Wednesday - Sunday performances to the world premiere of The Real Thring presented in the Triple R Performance Space.

Melbourne Observer > Frankly, it's the real Thring

Publicity Pics > The Real Thring

Credit: Tim Williamson.
Caption: Michael F Cahill (Frank Thring).

World Premiere > The Real Thring

Wedding Bells > Tory Rodd

Tory Rodd featured in Hoy Polloy's last production How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found. She recently married Anthony West. Their wedding was profiled in "Wedding of the week" in The Sunday Age (27 August 2008).

Congratulations from Hoy Polloy.

Cast Announcement > The Real Thring

Thank you to all of those who auditioned and for your interest in the production.

We are pleased to announce that Michael F Cahill will feature as Frank Thring in the world premiere of Barry Dickins' The Real Thring.

Audition Notice > The Real Thring

Hoy Polloy and Triple R present the world premiere of

The Real Thring
written by Barry Dickins
directed by Wayne Pearn

Brief Overview
The Real Thring is a one man show that captures the spirit of the iconic Frank Thring. We're looking for an experienced actor with an imposing stature that will be able to embody the spirit of Thring as opposed to imitating him.

Audition Information
• Auditions are by appointment only.
• Date > Sunday, 13.07.08
• To make an appointment please contact Wayne Pearn on 0409 541 039
• Email CV and head shots (PDF only) to hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Season Information
• 12.09.08 - 27.09.08
• Tuesday to Saturday 8.15pm
• Sundays 5.00pm
• Venue: Triple R Performance Space, 221 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick

Next Production > The Real Thring

Hoy Polloy and Triple R present the world premiere of

The Real Thring
written by Barry Dickins
directed by Wayne Pearn

Season
• 12 - 27 September 2008
• Tuesday to Saturday 8.15pm
• Sundays 5.00pm
• Venue: Triple R Performance Space, 221 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East

Tickets > Cash Only
• $30 Adult
• $20 Concession / Groups 10+
• $18 Tuesdays

Bookings
• 03 9016 3873
• hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Online Reviews > How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found

On Stage (and walls) Melbourne > Michael Magnusson
Australian Stage Online > Paul Kooperman
The Australian > Alison Croggon
Theatre People > Emmalee Bell
MCV > Michael Magnusson
Arts Hub > David Allen
The Age > Martin Ball
Theatre Notes > Alison Croggon
Vibewire > Jana Perkovic
melbournearts.net > Daniel Vigilante
AussieTheatre.com > Nic McLean

Production Pics > How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found

Picture: Tim Williamson.
Caption: Tory Rodd (Sophie) and David Passmore (Charlie).

Picture: Tim Williamson.
Caption: Helen Hopkins (ensemble), David Passmore (Charlie), Glen Hancox (ensemble) and Michael F Cahill (ensemble).

Theatre Notes > Interview: Fin Kennedy

Visit Alison Croggon's interview with Fin Kennedy at her blog: Theatre Notes.

Australian Stage > Feature: Fin Kennedy

Ahead of the Australian première of How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found, Fin Kennedy spoke to Australian Stage's Simon Piening. Visit Australian Stage.

The Age > Vanishing act

Visit The Age article "Vanishing act" by Fiona Scott-Norman, which includes commentary from Wayne Pearn about Fin Kennedy's play How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found, which opens next week.

Publicity Pic > How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found

Picture: Tim Williamson.
Caption: David Passmore (Charlie).

Inpress > Finding his voice

Attached is an Inpress clipping, "Finding his voice" by Daniel Vigilante, who interviewed Fin Kennedy about How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found.



Picture is of David Passmore, who plays Charlie in the Australian première of How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found.

The Age > Small theatre companies find rich pickings

Visit The Age article "Small theatre companies find rich pickings" by Greg Burchall, which includes commentary from Wayne Pearn.

Australian Première > How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found

Cast Announcement > How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found

Thank you to all of those who auditioned and for your interest in the production.

We are pleased to announce the cast of the Australian première of Fin Kennedy's How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found (from left to right):

Charlie > David Passmore
Sophie > Tory Rodd
Ensemble: Older Man > Michael F Cahill
Ensemble: Younger Man > Glen Hancox
Ensemble: Woman > Helen Hopkins

Audition Notice > How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found

Hoy Polloy presents the Australian première of

How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found
by Fin Kennedy
Directed by Paul King

Overview
Winner of the prestigious 2005 John Whiting Award for New Writing, Fin Kennedy’s extraordinary work presents the nightmarish journey of a young business executive as he is stripped of everything that made him who he was. Part surreal black comedy, part profound human tragedy, the play hurtles toward a compelling climax as it asks what really makes us who we are in the 21st century.

Audition Information
• Auditions are by appointment only, and will be of ten minutes duration.
• Dates: Monday, 10.03.08 and Tuesday, 11.03.08
• Venue: ACOPA, 14 Raglan Street, North Melbourne
• To make an appointment please contact the director on 03 9646 3226 or send
expressions of interest and CVs by email to cthulhu029@yahoo.com.au

Roles
The play has been written for five actors and British accents will be required for all roles. Note that ages are approximate.

Charlie - 30s (London accent)
Sophie - 30s (London accent)
a man in his 50s (required to play multiple roles with a range of British accents & one American)
a man in his 30s (required to play multiple roles with a range of British accents & one American)
a woman in her 30s (required to play multiple roles with a range of British accents & one Eastern European)

Rehearsal Information
• A play reading is scheduled for week commencing 17.03.08
• The rehearsal period will be from 24.03.08 - 16.05.08
• There will be a minimum of three rehearsals scheduled per week.
• A rehearsal schedule will be confirmed upon the production being cast.

Season Information
• 23.05.08 - 07.06.08
• Tuesday to Saturday 8.15pm
• Sundays 5.00pm
• Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads, Brunswick