It's time to report on the results of the BIG VIDEO RECORDING DAY at the Williamstown Little Theatre.
It was ALL GOOD! Everything worked like a dream: the set for the WLT's next show was absolutely perfect for shooting our songs and the cast, pianist and crew all performed quite brilliantly!
And now we have three of the songs up on YouTube ready for the public to have a look at. So far we have: "Fight for your rights, don't let the bastards win", "I'm tired of being old" and "The Computer Song".
My hard-working and over-extended son, Marcus, has promised to use some of his precious Christmas holiday time to do some more editing and should get a few more up 'soon'. (Doesn't editing always take three times as long as one expects?)
Until then, go to YouTube and simply search for Silly Old Buggers and the three songs will appear for you.
And if you happen to know any more producers who might be interested, send them along to have a look too.
Happy viewing!
Return to: http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
or: http://www.gillianmwadds.com.au/
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
SINCE CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL - What's happened?
I'm very happy to report that our performances for Seniors' Week at Chapel Off Chapel went off beautifully. Lots of audience and lots of laughter - as we have come to expect!!
And it was just great to see the show on a larger stage with good lighting and good raked seating for the audience. The cast were also extremely happy to find themselves with roomy, well-lit dressing rooms with all mod. cons. - absolute luxury!
We were MORE than happy with all the help the lovely people at the Chapel gave us with bumping-in, running the show and generally making us feel welcome and very comfortable. All of them were unfailing cheerful and helpful, and we express our grateful thanks to all involved: Rachel, the manager, Simon, our technician and the many front-of-house staff.
We were very happy to welcome a few representatives from Production Companies - both Melbourne and Interstate - who have expressed some interest in the show's future. To that end, after quite a lot of planning and organisation, a DVD has been recorded for promotional purposes. This will help prospective producers 'sell' the show to possible sponsors and backers.
At the moment, the video footage is in the hands of the editor and we hope to have a final product ready by the end of November.
Once that's done, I'll be trying to get a few minutes of it up on the website for public viewing and promotion.
Until then... continue to 'watch this space'.
Return to: http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
or http://www.gillianmwadds.com.au/
And it was just great to see the show on a larger stage with good lighting and good raked seating for the audience. The cast were also extremely happy to find themselves with roomy, well-lit dressing rooms with all mod. cons. - absolute luxury!
We were MORE than happy with all the help the lovely people at the Chapel gave us with bumping-in, running the show and generally making us feel welcome and very comfortable. All of them were unfailing cheerful and helpful, and we express our grateful thanks to all involved: Rachel, the manager, Simon, our technician and the many front-of-house staff.
We were very happy to welcome a few representatives from Production Companies - both Melbourne and Interstate - who have expressed some interest in the show's future. To that end, after quite a lot of planning and organisation, a DVD has been recorded for promotional purposes. This will help prospective producers 'sell' the show to possible sponsors and backers.
At the moment, the video footage is in the hands of the editor and we hope to have a final product ready by the end of November.
Once that's done, I'll be trying to get a few minutes of it up on the website for public viewing and promotion.
Until then... continue to 'watch this space'.
Return to: http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
or http://www.gillianmwadds.com.au/
Monday, September 14, 2009
WATCH A VIDEO OF THE FINALE
There aren't any videos on the website as yet so if you'd like to watch - and hear - the finale of the show when it was at the Swiss Club, you can do so right here.
All you have to do is click on "May" on the listing on the left of the screen.
Then click on:
SILLY OLD BUGGERS - FINALE 24.5.09
If you have a slow connection, start the video and let it run to the end (with any stops and starts) then play it again. It should now run smoothly right through.
NOW you can ring Chapel Off Chapel (8290 7000)
and book your tickets for the 5th or 6th October!
OR
Click below to get back to the SOBs website and leave a comment for us.
We hope to see you at the show!
Return to: http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
Monday, September 7, 2009
WEBSITE NOW UPDATED!
As per the previous post on this blog - "everything you need to know" is now on the web itself.
Bookings for the Chapel Off Chapel season opened on 7th September so it's great to know that visitors to the site can get the latest info without having to check out the blog as well.
CHANGE OF TIME!!! - 11 am (not 10)
There's a trifling correction to the times I've been advertising! I checked out both the Seniors' Week site and the Chapel Off Chapel site and discovered that the morning session is not 10am as I believed, but 11am. I guess anyone who books will find this out when they buy tickets but I do hope I haven't misled too many people.
Cast are about to begin refresher rehearsals - when we can find a date and time that suits everyone - and we're all looking forward to seeing how the show goes in a bigger venue with more stage space. We loved working at Swiss House but can't deny that there was JUST enough space for cast to move around the furniture and sometimes sightlines were difficult for audience members. At the Chapel, we have a spacious stage, heaps of proper lighting and a fully raked auditorium. Absolute luxury!
We'll also be taking some good publicity photos and video at the new venue which, with a bit of luck, will eventually be up on the website.
And we hope to see lots and lots of new people at the Chapel on 5th and 6th October.
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
or: www.gillianmwadds.com.au
Bookings for the Chapel Off Chapel season opened on 7th September so it's great to know that visitors to the site can get the latest info without having to check out the blog as well.
CHANGE OF TIME!!! - 11 am (not 10)
There's a trifling correction to the times I've been advertising! I checked out both the Seniors' Week site and the Chapel Off Chapel site and discovered that the morning session is not 10am as I believed, but 11am. I guess anyone who books will find this out when they buy tickets but I do hope I haven't misled too many people.
Cast are about to begin refresher rehearsals - when we can find a date and time that suits everyone - and we're all looking forward to seeing how the show goes in a bigger venue with more stage space. We loved working at Swiss House but can't deny that there was JUST enough space for cast to move around the furniture and sometimes sightlines were difficult for audience members. At the Chapel, we have a spacious stage, heaps of proper lighting and a fully raked auditorium. Absolute luxury!
We'll also be taking some good publicity photos and video at the new venue which, with a bit of luck, will eventually be up on the website.
And we hope to see lots and lots of new people at the Chapel on 5th and 6th October.
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
or: www.gillianmwadds.com.au
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ....
There’s been a bit of a hold-up in updating the website but we don’t let that worry us.
All the pages of the website (apart from the home page) are still live and all relevant, so feel free to flick through the pages.
You can find out what the show's all about, read about the cast with pictures and bios, read the history of the show's development and lots of other stuff.
FOR UPDATES AND BREAKING NEWS ...
all you need to know is here, on this blog.
Just scroll down to find:
Just scroll down to find:
Audience comments,
Stills photos,
A video of the finale,
ALMOST all you could wish for....
The web update WILL happen eventually!
CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL PERFORMANCES:
12 Little Chapel St., Prahran. 3181
Four performances:
Monday 5th October, 10am and 2pm
& Tuesday 6th October, 10am and 2pm
Bookings open on Monday, 7th September.
All Tickets: $10
Phone: 8290 7000 or Online: http://www.chapeloffchapel.com.au/
Monday, June 29, 2009
CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL - Alteration to dates
A bit more discussion with Chapel Off Chapel has led to some new information re our season there in October, 2009.
We are now booked for FOUR performances and the dates & times are:
Monday, 5th October - 10am and 2pm
Tuesday, 6th October - 10am and 2pm.
Because it's for Victorian Seniors' Week, tickets are an amazing $10 each.
You will be able to book on 8290 7000 or in person at the venue, 12 Little Chapel St., Prahran, 3181 (Melways Map: 2L Ref.J10.
Tickets will be on sale from early September (date yet to be decided).
Disabled Toilet: Yes
Wheelchair access: Yes
Watch this space for further developments - and booking date.
Return to: http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
or: http://www.gillianmwadds.com.au/
We are now booked for FOUR performances and the dates & times are:
Monday, 5th October - 10am and 2pm
Tuesday, 6th October - 10am and 2pm.
Because it's for Victorian Seniors' Week, tickets are an amazing $10 each.
You will be able to book on 8290 7000 or in person at the venue, 12 Little Chapel St., Prahran, 3181 (Melways Map: 2L Ref.J10.
Tickets will be on sale from early September (date yet to be decided).
Disabled Toilet: Yes
Wheelchair access: Yes
Watch this space for further developments - and booking date.
Return to: http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
or: http://www.gillianmwadds.com.au/
Monday, June 8, 2009
STILL ALIVE AND KICKING! YESSS!!
We're very happy to report that Chapel off Chapel - a very nice venue in the Melbourne inner suburb of Prahran - has bought three performances of Absolutely Silly Old Buggers! A VERY short season , I know, but it's good to know that while we're waiting for that elusive Production Company to take us on, the show will still be out there in the public eye keeping audiences entertained.
So - if you missed out on the earlier season, or if you want to see it again (and some people have already said they do!), put these dates in your diaries:
Sunday, 4th October - 2.30 pm
Monday, 5th October - 10 am and 2.30 pm.
These are the opening dates of Seniors' Week and I'll post the booking dates and ticket details as soon as I know what they are.
Cast, Director, Musical Director and Production Team are meeting soon to discuss the possibility of doing a slightly extended version. Remember, we had to cut the show to the bone for the 60-minute spot in the Comedy Festival and now there's the possibility of re-inserting a couple of songs and/or some of the dialogue.
It's a great excuse for a reunion and a catch-up of news and gossip, anyway. There was such an enormous amount of energy and fun generated while the show was running, we're all suffering withdrawal symptoms and need to get back together again.
Still getting regular hits on the ASOB website so we know we're not yet forgotten. Those Silly Old Buggers will keep on rockin' for a long time yet!
Back to: http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
or: http://www.gillianmwadds.com.au/
So - if you missed out on the earlier season, or if you want to see it again (and some people have already said they do!), put these dates in your diaries:
Sunday, 4th October - 2.30 pm
Monday, 5th October - 10 am and 2.30 pm.
These are the opening dates of Seniors' Week and I'll post the booking dates and ticket details as soon as I know what they are.
Cast, Director, Musical Director and Production Team are meeting soon to discuss the possibility of doing a slightly extended version. Remember, we had to cut the show to the bone for the 60-minute spot in the Comedy Festival and now there's the possibility of re-inserting a couple of songs and/or some of the dialogue.
It's a great excuse for a reunion and a catch-up of news and gossip, anyway. There was such an enormous amount of energy and fun generated while the show was running, we're all suffering withdrawal symptoms and need to get back together again.
Still getting regular hits on the ASOB website so we know we're not yet forgotten. Those Silly Old Buggers will keep on rockin' for a long time yet!
Back to: http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
or: http://www.gillianmwadds.com.au/
Sunday, May 24, 2009
WEBSITE BEING UPDATED
It's Monday and I've spent most of last week getting all the stuff ready for updating the website. It's now with the webmaster - my very clever and obliging son, Conrad - who will be getting the work done on it as soon as he has the time available.
Seeing he does all this work in his spare time, don't expect it to be up and running overnight. Just keep checking and it will all happen in the fullness of time!
The final figures are in from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and I'm extremely happy to report that we not only covered expenses but actually made a small profit! WHAT a relief! We don't have to sell the house, sell my husband for medical experiments, or go on the streets!
Lots of promotional packages have gone out to prospective production companies and there is definitely some interest out there. All we have to do is convince someone that we have a successful, money-making, popular show to put before the public. And there are a lot of people who were in our audience who believe just that!
It's been a wonderful - if exhausting - experience. Hopefully, it will now find someone who will take it further.
return to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
or: www.gilianmwadds.com.au
Seeing he does all this work in his spare time, don't expect it to be up and running overnight. Just keep checking and it will all happen in the fullness of time!
The final figures are in from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and I'm extremely happy to report that we not only covered expenses but actually made a small profit! WHAT a relief! We don't have to sell the house, sell my husband for medical experiments, or go on the streets!
Lots of promotional packages have gone out to prospective production companies and there is definitely some interest out there. All we have to do is convince someone that we have a successful, money-making, popular show to put before the public. And there are a lot of people who were in our audience who believe just that!
It's been a wonderful - if exhausting - experience. Hopefully, it will now find someone who will take it further.
return to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
or: www.gilianmwadds.com.au
Monday, May 18, 2009
Audience Comments - all good!
Well, of course they'd all be good, wouldn't they? I'm not going to put them up here if they're NOT, am I?
Although, to be really honest, there is one that came from the website that expresses some surprise about a certain subject in the play - and I am publishing that one too.
Here they are...
QUOTES FROM SATISFIED CUSTOMERS –
Some from Feedback Form on http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
Some sent by card or letter, some standing around talking after the show.
NOTE: I have obtained permission to use these quotes but have undertaken not to publish addresses. These can be verified with me if necessary.
COMMENTS:
Absolutely Silly Old Buggers was thoroughly entertaining with clever and amusing lyrics. It obviously makes connection with its audience who clearly enjoyed it.
Alan Hopgood (Writer/Actor)
I loved Silly Old Buggers, found it very entertaining, the writing, performing, music etc was right on. – John Gauci, Producer/Director
" Absolutely Silly Old Buggers is a delicious look at aging. A warm, poignant and very amusing blend of songs and pithy dialogue performed by a talented cast. I highly recommend the show for all age groups!"
Alan Fletcher - "Neighbours" actor
The computer song was cool. It should be on YouTube. Matthew (17 yrs.)
"F****ing Brilliant........S.O.B." - Stefan Dennis (actor)
Received from Website:
Name of sender: Michele
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
Dear team and cast...
Went to your show at the swiss club last night-I am a confessed Melbourne Comedy Festival advocate (I could have said junkie!)and chose it out of the extensive program.
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the show...it was great fun but made some very true social and personal comments. I guess I was surprised a bit by the force of the "pull the plug " song while amused by the great lyrics and characterisation throughout...as a just 50 something is this what I have to look forward to? No not at all! but yes in some ways the resonance with reality was clear.
Congratulations on a great performance full of so much life and fun and music! Hope the rest of the festival is a resounding success for you!
Regards
Michele
Name of sender: eleanor robinson
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
absolutely fabulous show, did not stop laughing during and after show on Sat.night, so much so that I am bringing a friend on Tuesday night 21/4/09 as I want to have more laughing medicine, which is much better than any pills the m.d. hand out.
Please let me know if tickets are available for Tuesday night 21/4/09. either by e.mail or ringing me on 0438384166.
Name of sender: eleanor robinson
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
Gillian, thoroughly enjoyed show for the 2nd time last night, every bit as good as the first time. Sincerely hope we can organise to have them perform at a few retirement villages in our area we have quite a few villages.
Name of sender: traci hunter
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
Hi guys, have to tell yu my daughter, Miranda,(almost 22) and I saw the show on Friday night, 24th, and laughed ourselves silly. We thought you were all brilliant and can't wait for the next production. Talk about mirror images! traci 65.
Name of sender: Jac
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
The response from our Club members, men and women alike, was absolutely fabulous! (About half of our members attending were male.) They all enjoyed it immensely and talked about it all the way home on the train. Then one of our members spoke about at our last meeting. We all had a great time.
Jac. Corbett
Name of sender: Fay Ben David
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
'Absolutely Silly Old Buggers' was a delight. We all enjoyed it thoroughly. The performers did themselves proud and it all came together beautifully. When's the next one?
Fay
Name of sender: Lesley
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
Please give my congratulations to the four members of the cast…they were marvellous! I loved Martin in the ‘it is’ song, and was spell-bound by the duet by Paul and Helen. And Chloris was great all through, as were they all. Please give them an extra round of applause.
Lesley Bear
Name of sender: Barb Oliver
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
Laughed and laughed – and then cried all through the Barcarolle. Fabulous night!
Barb.
After the show: - At the bar, around the tables:
Absolutely Silly Old Buggers was absolutely hilarious. When is it showing again? Loved it! Marilyn
Artists clear and precise. Very, very funny and easily understood.
Alex.
Hilarious, laugh out loud moments fill this play. Toe-tapping songs add to the commentary, reflecting on the various aspects of ageing graciously as Silly Old Buggers. Brilliant cast.
Andrew & Nerida Leeman
I thoroughly enjoyed the show and if I could I’d go again. The music was fantastic and the lyrics clever and very funny. I’d give it twelve out of ten!
Peter Sadler
There it is, folks! The vibes are all good and we're hoping we'll have some good news to share before too long! Stay tuned...
Return to: http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
or: http://www.gillianmwadds.com.au/
Although, to be really honest, there is one that came from the website that expresses some surprise about a certain subject in the play - and I am publishing that one too.
Here they are...
QUOTES FROM SATISFIED CUSTOMERS –
Some from Feedback Form on http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
Some sent by card or letter, some standing around talking after the show.
NOTE: I have obtained permission to use these quotes but have undertaken not to publish addresses. These can be verified with me if necessary.
COMMENTS:
Absolutely Silly Old Buggers was thoroughly entertaining with clever and amusing lyrics. It obviously makes connection with its audience who clearly enjoyed it.
Alan Hopgood (Writer/Actor)
I loved Silly Old Buggers, found it very entertaining, the writing, performing, music etc was right on. – John Gauci, Producer/Director
" Absolutely Silly Old Buggers is a delicious look at aging. A warm, poignant and very amusing blend of songs and pithy dialogue performed by a talented cast. I highly recommend the show for all age groups!"
Alan Fletcher - "Neighbours" actor
The computer song was cool. It should be on YouTube. Matthew (17 yrs.)
"F****ing Brilliant........S.O.B." - Stefan Dennis (actor)
Received from Website:
Name of sender: Michele
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
Dear team and cast...
Went to your show at the swiss club last night-I am a confessed Melbourne Comedy Festival advocate (I could have said junkie!)and chose it out of the extensive program.
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the show...it was great fun but made some very true social and personal comments. I guess I was surprised a bit by the force of the "pull the plug " song while amused by the great lyrics and characterisation throughout...as a just 50 something is this what I have to look forward to? No not at all! but yes in some ways the resonance with reality was clear.
Congratulations on a great performance full of so much life and fun and music! Hope the rest of the festival is a resounding success for you!
Regards
Michele
Name of sender: eleanor robinson
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
absolutely fabulous show, did not stop laughing during and after show on Sat.night, so much so that I am bringing a friend on Tuesday night 21/4/09 as I want to have more laughing medicine, which is much better than any pills the m.d. hand out.
Please let me know if tickets are available for Tuesday night 21/4/09. either by e.mail or ringing me on 0438384166.
Name of sender: eleanor robinson
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
Gillian, thoroughly enjoyed show for the 2nd time last night, every bit as good as the first time. Sincerely hope we can organise to have them perform at a few retirement villages in our area we have quite a few villages.
Name of sender: traci hunter
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
Hi guys, have to tell yu my daughter, Miranda,(almost 22) and I saw the show on Friday night, 24th, and laughed ourselves silly. We thought you were all brilliant and can't wait for the next production. Talk about mirror images! traci 65.
Name of sender: Jac
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
The response from our Club members, men and women alike, was absolutely fabulous! (About half of our members attending were male.) They all enjoyed it immensely and talked about it all the way home on the train. Then one of our members spoke about at our last meeting. We all had a great time.
Jac. Corbett
Name of sender: Fay Ben David
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
'Absolutely Silly Old Buggers' was a delight. We all enjoyed it thoroughly. The performers did themselves proud and it all came together beautifully. When's the next one?
Fay
Name of sender: Lesley
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
Please give my congratulations to the four members of the cast…they were marvellous! I loved Martin in the ‘it is’ song, and was spell-bound by the duet by Paul and Helen. And Chloris was great all through, as were they all. Please give them an extra round of applause.
Lesley Bear
Name of sender: Barb Oliver
Request news updates: Yes
------------------------- COMMENTS -------------------------
Laughed and laughed – and then cried all through the Barcarolle. Fabulous night!
Barb.
After the show: - At the bar, around the tables:
Absolutely Silly Old Buggers was absolutely hilarious. When is it showing again? Loved it! Marilyn
Artists clear and precise. Very, very funny and easily understood.
Alex.
Hilarious, laugh out loud moments fill this play. Toe-tapping songs add to the commentary, reflecting on the various aspects of ageing graciously as Silly Old Buggers. Brilliant cast.
Andrew & Nerida Leeman
I thoroughly enjoyed the show and if I could I’d go again. The music was fantastic and the lyrics clever and very funny. I’d give it twelve out of ten!
Peter Sadler
There it is, folks! The vibes are all good and we're hoping we'll have some good news to share before too long! Stay tuned...
Return to: http://www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au/
or: http://www.gillianmwadds.com.au/
Friday, May 8, 2009
VIDEO WORKING! Now for some stills...
Yesss! I've just checked the new video upload and it's working beautifully. The duration is about 2 minutes 45 seconds and if your connection is a bit slow and it keeps stopping - bear with it for the first run through. Once you've suffered through the stopping and starting process, you can start it again and it will play straight through for you.
Now it's time for a few photos .....
There's lots of talk about the Silly Old Buggers happening out there and I'm pleased to note that our website is still getting 15 to 25 hits per day even though the show finished nearly two weeks ago - so someone is interested!
The promotional package is ready to go and will be sent out to likely production companies early next week. Wish us luck!!!
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
SILLY OLD BUGGERS - FINALE on Friday, 24/4/09
Well! I THINK I've uploaded a video clip - the finale of our show! It took forever to load and I'm still not quite sure it's working - but I'll publish it and see what happens.
If it's okay, I'll put a few stills from the show up as well.
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A VERY successful season!
It's over a week since the season in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival at Swiss House finished - two weeks of excitement, achievement and very real success. Whew!!
We started the season with some bookings and I confess to sleeping very little for the two weeks prior to our opening. My main worry was: What if nobody comes?
I saw the first performance on Tuesday, 14th April and knew that I had no reason to worry about the state of the show itself. The whole thing went with a bang and cast and audience obviously enjoyed themselves. From then on, ticket sales steadily increased. We had a good review in the Age - three stars - on Monday, 20th April and during that second week our audiences grew bigger and bigger and more and more enthusiastic.
We had people staying back to talk to us after the show asking about how they could get to see it again. Would it be travelling around the suburbs? Were there tickets available so they could come again and bring friends? Cards and addresses were exchanged so people could keep in touch with latest developments and I now have quite a list of potential supporters.
We've had regular feed-back from happy audience members through the Silly Old Buggers website and it's still getting between 15 and 24 hits per day, so there is still plenty of interest out there in the show.
My job now is to put together the whole promotional package and see if I can find someone prepared to take the show on as a commercial proposition.
I spent the first few days after we closed trying to edit a video together which would include some close-ups as well as a long shot of the whole show - only to end up totally frustrated. My computer is not powerful enough to do all I want it to do and it seems that my software is also not quite new enough to recognise my new video camera. I haven't time or money to spend on updating and learning new technology so have ended up with just the one straight-through video of the performance on Friday, 24th.
We had a big and very enthusiastic audience that night which means lots of applause, clapping along and a few cheers in the background, and that can't be bad! The limitations of the venue - lighting, distance, framing, etc. - are a problem but I think the end result is adequate as a demonstration of what the show is like and how it was received.
The rest of the promotional package will have the tickets sales summary (which is really quite impressive), some still pics, the Age review and a selection of comments from audience and VIPs who were there and enjoyed it.
I'll be updating this blog again fairly soon, when I've finished the promotional stuff and have time to add some pics and maybe a video clip. I just can't face all that technology again right now!
So - keep your eye on this blog for further developments.
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
or: www.gillianmwadds.com.au
We started the season with some bookings and I confess to sleeping very little for the two weeks prior to our opening. My main worry was: What if nobody comes?
I saw the first performance on Tuesday, 14th April and knew that I had no reason to worry about the state of the show itself. The whole thing went with a bang and cast and audience obviously enjoyed themselves. From then on, ticket sales steadily increased. We had a good review in the Age - three stars - on Monday, 20th April and during that second week our audiences grew bigger and bigger and more and more enthusiastic.
We had people staying back to talk to us after the show asking about how they could get to see it again. Would it be travelling around the suburbs? Were there tickets available so they could come again and bring friends? Cards and addresses were exchanged so people could keep in touch with latest developments and I now have quite a list of potential supporters.
We've had regular feed-back from happy audience members through the Silly Old Buggers website and it's still getting between 15 and 24 hits per day, so there is still plenty of interest out there in the show.
My job now is to put together the whole promotional package and see if I can find someone prepared to take the show on as a commercial proposition.
I spent the first few days after we closed trying to edit a video together which would include some close-ups as well as a long shot of the whole show - only to end up totally frustrated. My computer is not powerful enough to do all I want it to do and it seems that my software is also not quite new enough to recognise my new video camera. I haven't time or money to spend on updating and learning new technology so have ended up with just the one straight-through video of the performance on Friday, 24th.
We had a big and very enthusiastic audience that night which means lots of applause, clapping along and a few cheers in the background, and that can't be bad! The limitations of the venue - lighting, distance, framing, etc. - are a problem but I think the end result is adequate as a demonstration of what the show is like and how it was received.
The rest of the promotional package will have the tickets sales summary (which is really quite impressive), some still pics, the Age review and a selection of comments from audience and VIPs who were there and enjoyed it.
I'll be updating this blog again fairly soon, when I've finished the promotional stuff and have time to add some pics and maybe a video clip. I just can't face all that technology again right now!
So - keep your eye on this blog for further developments.
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
or: www.gillianmwadds.com.au
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
PAST THE HALF WAY MARK AND ROCKIN'!!!
So-o-o happy with the way it's all going and so-o-o-o relieved that the bums have arrived to go on the seats!
Audiences are loving it, ticket sales are increasing daily, and some Very Important People are coming to see us and making very encouraging noises.
I've just put the Age review up on the Comedy Festival website for all the world to see and I'll add the link here: http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/arts-reviews/absolutely-silly-old-buggers-a-musical-celebration/2009/04/20/1240079576255.html
I'm afraid there's been a bit of false advertising for this particular blog. It says on the ASOB website: "Click here for opening night pics, videos, etc." Well - there are NO opening night pics because we were all so busy talking and laughing (with relief as well as happiness!) that no one thought to actually take out a camera.
Plenty of work to do still with ticket sales, comps, and any further publicity we can manage so not a lot of time for blogging.
The end of the season is approaching and I'm pretty sure those silly old buggers will be due for a rest. They've certainly earned one!
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
or: www.gillianmwadds.com.au
Audiences are loving it, ticket sales are increasing daily, and some Very Important People are coming to see us and making very encouraging noises.
I've just put the Age review up on the Comedy Festival website for all the world to see and I'll add the link here: http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/arts-reviews/absolutely-silly-old-buggers-a-musical-celebration/2009/04/20/1240079576255.html
I'm afraid there's been a bit of false advertising for this particular blog. It says on the ASOB website: "Click here for opening night pics, videos, etc." Well - there are NO opening night pics because we were all so busy talking and laughing (with relief as well as happiness!) that no one thought to actually take out a camera.
Performance photos are being shot tonight and I will get them up on the web ASAP.
I have taken videos of a couple of performances for archive purposes and had intended to put excerpts on the blog but unfortunately, with the available lighting and the distance from the stage, they're just not good enough for that. We'll have to make do with the stills.
JOY-FM had a terrific interview with Maggie and Jan last week and podcasts of two different broadcasts of this will be on their website at the end of this week. When they're available, I'll blog the link.
Plenty of work to do still with ticket sales, comps, and any further publicity we can manage so not a lot of time for blogging.
The end of the season is approaching and I'm pretty sure those silly old buggers will be due for a rest. They've certainly earned one!
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
or: www.gillianmwadds.com.au
Thursday, April 16, 2009
OPENING NIGHT ...AND ALL'S WELL
It's Friday morning now, following a VERY successful, official "Opening Night" after the two previews on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The cast were brilliant and the whole show buzzed with energy. The audience was also brilliant and greeted every song with applause - and we even received effusive compliments from audience members who weren't there as friends or relatives!
All this bodes well for the rest of the season.
On Wednesday the cast took part in the Prime Time Comedy for Grown Ups at the Melbourne Town Hall and did a great job show-casing the show. Many of the audience there greeted the song "We're tired of being old" with nods and great cheers of recognition. We expect to see some of them at our venue in the next few days to enjoy the whole thing.
I'll be doing some videoing over the next couple of performances and hope to get an excerpt or two up on this site and on the Comedy Festival site as soon as possible.
Keep checking this site for the latest news.
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
or: www.gillianmwadds.com.au
The cast were brilliant and the whole show buzzed with energy. The audience was also brilliant and greeted every song with applause - and we even received effusive compliments from audience members who weren't there as friends or relatives!
All this bodes well for the rest of the season.
On Wednesday the cast took part in the Prime Time Comedy for Grown Ups at the Melbourne Town Hall and did a great job show-casing the show. Many of the audience there greeted the song "We're tired of being old" with nods and great cheers of recognition. We expect to see some of them at our venue in the next few days to enjoy the whole thing.
I'll be doing some videoing over the next couple of performances and hope to get an excerpt or two up on this site and on the Comedy Festival site as soon as possible.
Keep checking this site for the latest news.
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
or: www.gillianmwadds.com.au
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
UP AND RUNNING!
The Silly Old Buggers had a very successful first preview with lots more in the audience than we expected or, in reality, could have hoped for. Considering we're virtually unknown, it's very encouraging to find that people are turning up to 'have a look'.
We had some great reactions from a few 'strangers' in the audience (i.e. NOT friends or relatives!) who took our brochure away with them and enthusiastically said they would tell their friends to come and see it. Can't be unhappy with that!
We stayed and had a glass of wine and a beautiful meal downstairs in the Swiss Club with a few friends and 'fans'. A great wind-down. Our very genial host, Roger Moullet and hostess, Corinne made us feel very welcome and we're all looking forward to tomorrow night.
Tomorrow is Prime Time for Grown Ups at the Melbourne Town Hall - 3pm start. With our early showtime of 6pm, we're very grateful to be the first show on after the intro. It's just a short sample of about 12 or 15 shows in the festival and runs for about one and a half hours.
No photos or video of the show yet to put up here yet - I'll probably take some on Saturday night, when the show is a little more 'run-in'.
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au to read all about the show and the cast, etc.
or: www.gillianmwadds.com.au - to learn a bit about who I am.
We had some great reactions from a few 'strangers' in the audience (i.e. NOT friends or relatives!) who took our brochure away with them and enthusiastically said they would tell their friends to come and see it. Can't be unhappy with that!
We stayed and had a glass of wine and a beautiful meal downstairs in the Swiss Club with a few friends and 'fans'. A great wind-down. Our very genial host, Roger Moullet and hostess, Corinne made us feel very welcome and we're all looking forward to tomorrow night.
Tomorrow is Prime Time for Grown Ups at the Melbourne Town Hall - 3pm start. With our early showtime of 6pm, we're very grateful to be the first show on after the intro. It's just a short sample of about 12 or 15 shows in the festival and runs for about one and a half hours.
No photos or video of the show yet to put up here yet - I'll probably take some on Saturday night, when the show is a little more 'run-in'.
Back to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au to read all about the show and the cast, etc.
or: www.gillianmwadds.com.au - to learn a bit about who I am.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Prime Time Comedy
As we're part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we've arranged to be part of the showcase of comedy: Prime Time Comedy - A well mannered afternoon for grown-ups.
This is taking place in the Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday, 15th April (the day after we open) and consists of 5-minute spots from 14 comedy shows playing in the Festival. It runs fom 3pm to about 4.30pm and you can read all about it here: http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/season/2009/show/prime-time-comedy-a-well-mannered-afternoon-for-grown-ups/
This is a great opportunity for potential audiences to see what's on offer and should be very valuable in getting more of those bums on our seats.
We've almost run out of brochures so I'll be getting some more printed when I get to Melbourne and we'll have them for the Prime Time Comedy show.
Time's running out and it's all getting closer and closer...... Tomorrow night is our FIRST PREVIEW!
Return to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
This is taking place in the Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday, 15th April (the day after we open) and consists of 5-minute spots from 14 comedy shows playing in the Festival. It runs fom 3pm to about 4.30pm and you can read all about it here: http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/season/2009/show/prime-time-comedy-a-well-mannered-afternoon-for-grown-ups/
This is a great opportunity for potential audiences to see what's on offer and should be very valuable in getting more of those bums on our seats.
We've almost run out of brochures so I'll be getting some more printed when I get to Melbourne and we'll have them for the Prime Time Comedy show.
Time's running out and it's all getting closer and closer...... Tomorrow night is our FIRST PREVIEW!
Return to: www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
Countdown to opening night.....
Everything is ready to go - well, almost!
Cast, Director and Musical Director are all working very hard rehearsing, Production Manager is getting all technical and stage stuff ready, and Producer/Marketing/Publicity Department (me!) is trying to pull all threads together and make sure the whole crew is supported and we get those bums on those seats!
It's now only TWO days to our first preview - Tuesday, 14th April at 6pm.
Setting up this blog is my latest activity so I can upload the VERY latest news and information about how the show is developing and how it's being received. I'll be able to add pictures, video and reviews. With a bit of luck, they'll be good reviews and will help sell the show to future audiences.
The cast have been wonderful in making themselves available for interviews in the past couple of weeks and have sung and laughed their way through radio chats with Julie Houghton at 3MBS, Julie Howard at ABC-FM and John Gunn on 3CR. I may see if I can add audio to this blog so we can use bits of those interviews - not sure about that yet.
IT expert Conrad has given me the instructions about setting this all up and he will handle the technical detail of linking it to the Silly Old Buggers website. www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
I won't have anything much that's new until we open but WATCH THIS SPACE!
If you want to know a bit more about me and what I do, you can visit my website: www.gillianmwadds.com.au
Cast, Director and Musical Director are all working very hard rehearsing, Production Manager is getting all technical and stage stuff ready, and Producer/Marketing/Publicity Department (me!) is trying to pull all threads together and make sure the whole crew is supported and we get those bums on those seats!
It's now only TWO days to our first preview - Tuesday, 14th April at 6pm.
Setting up this blog is my latest activity so I can upload the VERY latest news and information about how the show is developing and how it's being received. I'll be able to add pictures, video and reviews. With a bit of luck, they'll be good reviews and will help sell the show to future audiences.
The cast have been wonderful in making themselves available for interviews in the past couple of weeks and have sung and laughed their way through radio chats with Julie Houghton at 3MBS, Julie Howard at ABC-FM and John Gunn on 3CR. I may see if I can add audio to this blog so we can use bits of those interviews - not sure about that yet.
IT expert Conrad has given me the instructions about setting this all up and he will handle the technical detail of linking it to the Silly Old Buggers website. www.sillyoldbuggers.com.au
I won't have anything much that's new until we open but WATCH THIS SPACE!
If you want to know a bit more about me and what I do, you can visit my website: www.gillianmwadds.com.au
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