Codgers June 24, 2011

Riverside is thrilled to host the 2011 World Première of the film of the award-winning stage comedy Codgers on Friday, 24 June at 7pm. Five Aussie codgers meet at the gym each week to exercise, chew the fat, sling off, sing and have a bloody good laugh!

Amidst the jokes and the secrets, the back strain and biceps, they learn that difference is more to do with your point of view and that no matter what; you wouldn’t be dead for quids! This national treasure of a story lives again on the big screen, transformed into a unique piece of new Australian cinema.
Wayne Harrison (Director) and Grant Dodwell (Co-Director) direct this stellar cast of Ronald Falk, Ron Haddrick, Edwin Hodgeman, Jon Lam, Russell Newman and Shane Porteous.

“We return to Riverside Theatres with Codgers, this time on screen, to tell an important story about relationships and vulnerability. Poignant and relevant, Don Reid's story of six Aussie codgers addresses big issues - ageing, racism, diversity, inclusion, acceptance - without forgetting to laugh along the way. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to adapt this powerful and funny piece for the screen with a group of our finest actors,” said Director, Wayne Harrison.

Based in London, Wayne Harrison is a former CEO and Artistic Director of Sydney Theatre Company (1990-1999). From 1999-2003 he was the Creative Director of Back Row/Clear Channel Entertainment (Europe) and part of the producing team behind Gumboots, Tap Dogs, Slava’s Snowshow, Mum’s the Word and Fosse (Europe). Wayne Harrison directed the 2009 Australia Plays Broadway Concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. The concert was the subject of the Network 10/Ovation documentary The Road to Carnegie.

“In 2010 Kho Do’s film Mother Fish was the first film to be premièred in Parramatta under the banner of the Lord Mayor’s Première. This year I am delighted that Parramatta Council is able to host the world première of Codgers. Parramatta is a film friendly city with the Scout Filmmakers Guide to Parramatta (a joint initiative of Council and Information Cultural Exchange) providing location and other advice to film makers. Riverside Theatres hosts a diverse screen program that includes the Arab Film Festival, National Theatre Live, Indie Gems, new Australian films and screenings for kids, seniors and community groups. And with Liquid Cinema Parramatta Council has recently taken cinema to the banks of the Parramatta River,” said The Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Councillor John Chedid.

…astutely observed, insightful but above all warm and heartfelt…
Daily Telegraph
Codgers
Film Screening
at Riverside Theatres, cnr of Church and Market Streets Parramatta
DATES: June 24
TIMES: Friday, 24 June at 7pm
TICKETS: All tickets $20*
Following the screening the audience is invited to join the Codgers’ team for a Q&A and party.
BOOKINGS: Riverside Theatres Box Office on 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au
* A transaction fee applies when booking tickets