Roar in on a motorbike, pull up a seat at the bar and settle in for unforgettable power ballads, as Malthouse Theatre presents Barbara and the Camp Dogs in the Merlyn Theatre from 8 February, before playing at the Belvoir St Theatre in a return season from 4 April 2019.
Barbara fronts a pub rock band, the Camp Dogs, captivating crowds with cutting wit, diabolical rage and unrepentant sexuality. She’s been trying to make it big in Sydney, but it’s a tough gig with a tough crowd. In all the relentless demands of city life, Barbara’s craving a simple sense of belonging.
When Barbara hears that her mum is sick, she packs the car with her cousin Rene on a wrenching road trip to reconnect with family. The background roar of the road fills the space, intercut with guitar-driven arias.
Written by and starring Ursula Yovich (Heart is a Wasteland) as Barbara and Elaine Crombie (Blaque Showgirls) as Rene, Barbara and the Camp Dogs features the duo’s powerful vocals, accompanied by an all-female three-piece band.
The stage will be transformed into a classic sticky-carpet venue which will see some audience members seated on bar stools, up-close and personal with the band as they perform original songs about love and home. Take a stool at the bar and amp-up for a noisy night with Barbara and the Camp Dogs.
“Barbara and the Camp Dogs pulses with anger and frustration, it has a huge, tender heart and an overwhelming sense of humanity, with room for hope at the end.” – Limelight Magazine
Director: Leticia Cáceres Featuring: Troy Brady, Elaine Crombie, Ursula Yovich Musicians: Sorcha Albuquerque, Jessica Dunn, Michelle Vincent Set Design: Stephen Curtis Costume Design: Chloe Greaves Lighting Design: Karen Norris Sound Design: Steve Toulmin Stage Manager: Khym Scott Assistant Stage Manager: Cecilia Nelson Creators: Ursula Yovich, Alana Valentine Songs: Alana Valentine, Ursula Yovich, Adm Ventoura
Barbara and the Camp Dogs
Merlyn Theatre – The Coopers Malthouse, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
Season: 8 February – 3 March 2019
Information and Bookings: www.malthousetheatre.com.au
Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Season: 4 – 28 April 2019
Information and Bookings: www.belvoir.com.au
Image: Elaine Crombie and Ursula Yovich star in Barbara and the Camp Dogs – photo by Brett Boardman
Note: Malthouse Theatre presents a Belvoir production. Indigenous theatre at Belvoir supported by The Balnaves Foundation. Presented in association with Vicki Gordon Music. Proudly supported by Art Series Hotels.