Porky Pies
2007 Melbourne Fringe Festival
Synopsis
The Parsons Park Secondary College Class of 1998 is together again for their ten year high school reunion. There’s a mix of excitement and anxiety in the air as old friends gather and feel obliged to justify who they’ve become since school. But how far will a few white lies take them?
From the moment audience members collect their tickets and are greeted by former School Captain, Kitty Dixon, they become part of the Class of 1998. The event takes place in a bar, complete with old photos on the walls, school memorabilia and tacky decorations in the school colours. Both the Barman and the DJ are in on the action. The cheeky Barman – working behind the bar with the regular staff – encourages characters to tell a few ‘porky pies’ in order to feel better about their achievements (or lack of).
Why would you admit that your perfect marriage is not so perfect, that you left school and became a Parking Inspector or that you’re a washed-up unemployed actress? The answer is that you wouldn’t – not if you thought you could get away with telling a few porkies.
Cringe at the unwieldy banter and nod in recognition at the ways we seek acceptance and approval through institutionalised conformity. With awkward conversations aplenty and moments of clarity for each character, Porky Pies takes an entertaining and thigh-slapping look at the social enigma that is a school reunion.
The Team:
Writers: Alex Lee & Veronica Milsom
Producer, Director, Publicist: Alex Lee
CAST
Kitty: Elke Osadnik
Garry: David Martin
Roger: Miles Bence
Lindy: Veronica Milsom
Stella: Samara Hodgson
Barman: Jonathon Scott
DJ DJ: Alister Newstead
Rowan: Jamie Caldwell & Myles Kendall
Susan: Karli Vulling & Belinda Crowe
Production details:
Venue: Mac Daddy’s Lounge Bar, 313 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Season: 26 September – 13 October 2007 (11 shows)
Porky Pies
2008 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Porky Pies returned from its sold out Melbourne Fringe season and this time the pies were porkier than ever! Two Straws delivered a funky new venue, some intriguing twists and script changes, a few fresh faces on stage and all your favourite familiar classmates! The Comedy Festival season was another hit for Two Straws, selling out Porky Pies and receiving some promising reviews.
The Team:
Writers: Alex Lee & Veronica Milsom
Producer: Alex Lee
Director: Helen Mcfarlane
Publicist: Libby Butler
CAST
Kitty: Elke Osadnik
Garry: Dom Phelan
Roger: Miles Bence
Lindy: Alex Lee
Stan: Josh Futcher
Barman: Erin Klein
DJ DJ: Alister Newstead
Rowan: Myles Kendall
Susan: Rose Girdwood
Production details:
Venue: Sentido Funf, 243-245 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Season: 25 March – 10 April (9 shows)
Musical Chairs
2009 Sydney Short+Sweet Festival (Top 100)
Synopsis
Harry’s Café is home to thugs and shifty late night deals. But if you really open your eyes, there is fun to be had even in the darkest of places.
The Team:
Writer, Producer & Director: Alex Lee
CAST
Claire: Rachel Davis
Charlie: Eden Porter
Christopher: Nick Musgrove
Harry: Sarah Howett
Hugo: Aaron Walton
Henry: Michael Kalenderian
Production details:
Venue: Newtown Theatre, King Street, Newtown South
Season: 10 – 15 February, 2009 (6 shows)
