Celebrating one of Australia’s most colourful characters, The Legend Of King O’Malley is a wild romp of epic storytelling and melodrama at the Seymour Centre’s Reginald Theatre for a limited season from 26th November.
When Texan born King O’Malley tried to trick the devil out of a contract for his life, the devil punished him by killing his one true love. Broken and dying, King boards a ship to Australia which crashes off the coast of Rockhampton. He miraculously recovers and finds himself in the real land of opportunity.
Opposing charlatanism, conscription, alcohol and even death itself, King O’Malley was destined to become one of the most colourful figures in Australia’s federation history; who knows when we will need someone like him again….
A satirical vaudeville production, The Legend Of King O’Malley combines bawdy cultural references of modern day revivals, the presentation of war from 20th century cinema and international opinions of Australian politics.
Written in 1970 by Bob Ellis and Michael Boddy and originally produced at the Jane St Theatre/Nimrod, The Legend of King O’Malley heralded the new wave of Australian theatre, setting a tone for theatrical works dealing with Australia’s history.
Director: Phil Rouse Cast: Oliver Coleman, James Cook, Brianagh Curren, Alex Duncan, Matt Hickey, Andrew Iles, Tara Rankine, Jess Tanner Music Director: Tom Pitts Designers: Daniel Harvey and Zoe Rouse Lighting Designer: Sian James-Holland Production Manager: Amy Burkett Stage Managers: Hayley Ricketson and Hayley Sorel
The Legend Of King O’Malley
Reginald Theatre – Seymour Centre, Corner City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale
Season: 26 November – 13 December 2014
Bookings: (02) 9351 7940 or online at: www.seymourcentre.com
For more information, visit: www.seymourcentre.com for details.
Image: courtesy of Don’t Look Away