Codgers July 30, 2008

Riverside Productions and Steady Lads present Don Reid’s CODGERS at Riverside Theatres from Wednesday 30 July. This new Australian comedy is about ageing, racism, inclusion and acceptance, all wrapped up in people’s secrets. This winner of the prestigious Rodney Seaborn Playwright’s Award 2006 includes a talented ensemble of Australian actors - Ronald Falk, Ron Haddrick, Edwin Hodgeman, Jon Lam, Graham Rouse and Henri Szeps.
“I think you are on to something quite special – a thoughtful comedy about the changing face of Australia,” said director Wayne Harrison to playwright Don Reid.
Five senior Aussie men, four of them mates since war service, meet one morning each week in a gym. They exercise together; chew the fat, laugh, tease and sing. They solve the problems of the world, agreeing to disagree.
But some surprising and disturbing elements enter to test and challenge their comfortable relationships with one another and to the world around them. Secrets, differences and loss of trust threaten to destroy the long-established friendships. Amidst the back strain and biceps, the jokes and the secrets, they learn that ‘difference’ is more a matter of point of view; that 'you wouldn’t be dead for quids' and, no matter what, that you gotta laugh!
Henri Szeps, who plays the youngster and philosopher Rod Dean, is best known for his role in the acclaimed television series Mother and Son. He has also been seen onstage in Dead White Males for the Sydney Theatre Company, Operator and currently QED for Ensemble and in his Helpmann Award winning role for Cabaret.
Ronald Falk (Keith “Sar-Major” Weston) appeared in the feature film Stars Wars: Episode II and has also had extensive experience in stage and television. Stage credits include Inheritance, School for Scandal and Neil Armfield’s A Cheery Soul for Sydney Theatre Company. He has also been seen in television series All Saints and Blue Heelers.
Ron Haddrick plays the jokester Jimmy McMurtrie. Ron has countless credit to his name including Othello and The Tempest for Bell Shakespeare Company, Festen and Away for STC, and television’s All Saints and Water Rats.
Edwin Hodgeman, who plays nature’s gentleman Les, has appeared in Bell Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and the Taming of the Shrew and Influence for the STC. On film, Edwin is familiar from appearances in Shine, Look Both Ways and more recently Hey, Hey It’s Esther Blueberger.
Jon Lam (the newcomer Stanley Chang) has appeared onstage in the East Coast Theatre Company’s Empress of China for B Sharp and In Shelia’s Case for the Short & Sweet festival. Jon has also appeared in the short film Troubled Water as well as the features Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolution.
Graham Rouse, who plays Patrick Guinness, the family man and proud conservative, has appeared onstage for the Old Tote and the Nimrod in the ‘70s in A Hard God and Travelling North and later for the STC, the Ensemble and Company B in Paul. His television work includes A Country Practice, Always Greener and All Saints.
“Don Reid’s witty and gentle play gives so much laughter and a few tears-it must be seen by all and sundry.” - Margaret Whitlam
“I told Don I doubted I could write a piece with such an all-embracing glow of observation, understanding and humanity.” - Alan Seymour, playwright (The One Day of the Year)
Cast Ronald Falk, Ron Haddrick, Edwin Hodgeman, Jon Lam, Graham Rouse and Henri Szeps Director Wayne Harrison
Associate Director Christopher Hurrell Designer Nicholas Dare Lighting Designer Nicholas Higgins
VENUE: Riverside Theatres, Cnr Market and Church Streets, Parramatta
DATES: Wednesday 30 July – Saturday 9 August
TIMES: Fri 1 Aug, Sat 2 Aug, Wed 6 Aug, Fri 8 Aug, Sat 9 Aug at 8pm; Thurs 7 Aug at 6:30pm; Sat 2 Aug & Sat 9 Aug at 2pm; Wed 30 July, Thurs 31 July, Tues 5 Aug at 11am.
SINGLE TICKET PRICES:
Wed-Thu Eve & Sat Matinee Adults $49, Conc & Groups $44, 30 & Under $36, 16 & Under $31
11am Matinees $36
Fri & Sat Eve Adults $52, Conc & Groups $47, 30 & Under $39, 16 & Under $34
RIVERSIDESAVER PRICES:
Wed-Thu Eve & Sat Matinee Adults $41, Conc & Groups $36, 30 & Under $32, 16 & Under $27
11am Matinees $32
Fri & Sat Eve Adults $44, Conc & Groups $39, 30 & Under $35, 16 & Under $30
BOOKINGS: Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au

Official Website: http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au