The Front Page

A fresh take on a classic American comedy, New Theatre presents The Front Page by Ben Hecht and Charles Macarthur this April.

Late at night, in the crowded press room at Chicago’s Criminal Court, a group of reporters is waiting to cover a controversial execution the next morning. Then an unexpected event breaks through the banter and bravura, and suddenly a scoop is on the cards.

This landmark comedy from 1928 introduced the now-familiar character of the hard-living, wise-cracking reporter chasing the big story, no matter what. The plot twists and turns as much as its ethically elastic characters, and the laugh-a-minute, rapid-fire script will get the adrenaline rushing.

New Theatre is thrilled to present this adaptation by director Nicholas Papademetriou that stream-lines the plot, freshens up the gags and swaps around some genders, to make it more accessible to a 21st century audience.

“Though mobile phones and laptops have replaced notepads and typewriters, and the internet has changed the way news is reported, the essence of the newshound is the same, and this hilarious satire on corruption and scandal in politics, journalism and justice still hits a nerve,” said Papademetriou.

“I love the fast pace, the humour and the style of the play, its incisive exploration of the obsession with career and how that obsession impacts one’s life. I hope the audience has a rollicking good time, as well as being reminded of how easily we can all be manipulated by the monster known as The Press.”

The creative team includes Paris Burrows (designer), Michael Schell (lighting and sound designer), Kathy Petrakis (assistant director) and Nick Curnow (dialect coach). The production also features one of the biggest casts ever assembled on New Theatre’s stage, with 18 actors in total!

“One of the funniest and most exciting of American plays” – New York Times

Director & Adaptation: Nicholas Papademetriou | Featuring: David Allsopp, Cassady Maddox Booth, Dereck Cameron, Alison Chambers, Barry French, Barret Griffin, Megan Heferen, Braydon May, Gerry Mullaly, Georgia Nicholas, Nathan Porteus, Diego Retamales, Michael Smith, Reuben Solomon, Callum Stephen, Rose Treloar, Andrew Waldin, James Yeargain | Designer: Paris Burrows | Lighting and Sound Designer: Michael Schell | Dialect Coach: Nick Curnow | Assistant Director: Kathy Petrakis | Stage Manager: Rosane McNamara | Assistant Stage Manager: Genevieve Viljoen

The Front Page
New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown
Season: 24 April – 18 May 2024 (preview: 23 April)
Information and Bookings: www.newtheatre.org.au