New Australian Production Company launches with a commitment to producing original works

Hucklebuck Productions Mark Taylor and James PopeHucklebuck Productions has burst onto the Australian arts scene with a commitment to producing and developing original works and nurturing young, Australian talent.

Their first offering is a brand new work from Michael Ralph, SELF which sees the renowned choreographer collaborating with composer Jack Earle and music theatre star Rohan Browne in a dance production that journeys into the psyche of an artist and more broadly, the human condition. Supported by seven of Australia’s most exciting dancers and a thrilling seven-piece band, SELF is a melting pot of cutting edge artists.

Founded by Mark Taylor and James Pope, Hucklebuck Productions are independent arts producers committed to creating a collaborative, supportive, and professional environment for Australian artists whilst fearlessly producing quality, compelling, and dynamic works for Australian audiences.

“Hucklebuck came about after countless conversations between James, myself and our friends about the current state of arts in this country,” says Taylor. “We were becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of original work being created in Australia, particularly in the musical theatre arena and decided to do something about it.”

Pope reiterates “We are surrounded by so many wonderful artists who find themselves with incredible stories to tell and talent to burn, but a real lack of opportunities to get them seen by audiences. We find original work particularly exhilarating and essential to produce in a country with so much potential to be a world leader in the arts.”

Both beginning their careers as artists and performers themselves, Taylor and Pope have comprehensive backgrounds working with-in the arts across many facets.

Taylor is known to Melbourne theatre audiences for his directing work on productions such as Next to Normal, John and Jen and First Date (PBB). Whilst employed with Marketing Agency, AKA Australia, he worked on productions including Les Miserables, Strictly Ballroom and Dirty Dancing, and currently produces content for Sydney based film and design collective, Paper Moose.

James Pope has been somewhat of a gypsy in his study and work life, holding degrees in Law, Arts, Commerce and Marketing and working at various times as a lawyer, advertising executive and actor. He is currently dividing his time between two loves: property development and theatre producing. As an actor James has worked in various theatre and TV productions including Buddy (Dir: Craig Illot), Open for Inspection: The Real Estate Musical (Dir: Sandra Stockley) Underbelly, Packed to the Rafters and Cops: LAC.

Hucklebuck Productions’ SELF plays at Chapel Off Chapel: 21 September – 1 October 2017. For more information, visit: www.hucklebuckproductions.com for details.

Image: Mark Taylor and James Pope have formed Hucklebuck Productions (supplied)