Birdland

BY SIMON STEPHENS

3 OCTOBER – 4 NOVEMBER

“All I wanted was to sing songs to people. I never wanted any of this”

Paul is a rock god. Everybody knows his face. Everybody knows his name. He can have whatever he wants. He can fuck whoever he wants. Buy anything. Eat anything. Drink anything. Smoke anything. Go anywhere.

But as his latest European tour grinds to an end, the mega-fame and limitless money that go hand-in-hand with rock stardom are messing with his head, the pressure is starting to get to him and Paul is set to implode at any moment.

At the heart of this sexy and revealing exploration of the highs and lows of celebrity is a searing indictment of 21st century capitalism.

New Theatre presents the Sydney premiere of this astonishing play from the award-winning writer of Punk Rock and the stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

“A play with guts, compassion and cauterizing honesty. It’s unmissable.” Time Out

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Creative team

Director/Set Designer Anthony Skuse
Lighting Designer Christopher Page
Sound Designer Benjamin Freeman
Assistant Director Jack Angwin
Dialect/Voice Coach Linda Nicholls-Gidley
Associate Set Designer Jack Millynn
Production Manager Rosane McNamara
Stage Manager/Operator Ricci Costa
Operator Ole Borch

CAST

Jack Angwin, Charmaine Bingwa, Matthew Cheetham, Airlie Dodds, Louise Harding, Leilani Loau, Graeme McRae

Dates & Times

Previews Tue 3 & Wed 4 Oct, 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Final performance, Sat 4 Nov 2pm

TICKET prices

Full $35 * Concessions, Groups (6+) $30 * Members $22 *Previews, Student Rush, Thrifty Thursdays $20
School groups: $22 per student, accompanying teachers free. Call our Theatre Manager 02 9519 3403

“Sensitively directed, intriguing and well acted” Jason Blake, SMH

“The production is quiet and sensitive, with director Anthony Skuse’s remarkable ability to provide a sense of fragility keeping us engaged … It is a beautifully performed show, with each actor captivating in their passionate commitment to the craft” Suzy Goes See

“This compelling, well-told tale is inventive and focused theatre” Stage Whispers

“This is a thrilling, challenging production that begs for interpretation and recognition. Another great night of theatre in Sydney” Lisa Thatcher

“Graeme McRae’s outstanding performance is physically powerful, energetic and charismatic … supported and buoyed by a strong ensemble cast playing many parts … Anthony Skuse directs with clarity and assurance … A most worthwhile visit to the theatre” Oz Baby Boomers

“See it for its highly imaginative vision. It is a stripped back, minimalist examination of celebrity … an old, old, moral held up to a very forensic bulb” Theatre Now

“A cautionary tale expressed with sensitivity and a strong sense of humour … Anthony Skuse directs with wit and candour” Upstaged Reviews