Scotland Island is well known as a haven for artists and musicians. But it also has a rich theatrical tradition.
This week (Friday, 1 March) sees the opening of Secret Island, a new comedy written by long-term island resident Bogue Anthill. The production draws entirely on talent from Scotland Island and the western foreshores, particularly Elvina Bay. The play will be performed on 1, 2, 8 and 9 March (Friday and Saturday evenings), starting 7.30 pm. Tickets cost $30 ($15 concession) and are available from www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1161762. The show starts at 7.30, with a bar and hot food available from 7 pm.
For the opening night (Friday 1 March) a glass of sparkling wine will be included in the ticket price, and a special, late ferry will be laid on to take mainlanders to Church Point after the show.
The play is highly contemporary, touching on local, as well as national and international issues. It’s a farcical romp that delves into the world of espionage and counter-espionage. The action is set mostly on Scotland Island and the western foreshore. While that might seem preposterous, it’s worth remembering that Pittwater has some associations with Cold War spycraft: www.pittwateronlinenews.com/The-Petrov-Safe-Houses-In-Pittwater.
Larry Woods and Betsi Beem play two Russian spies intent on infiltrating Pittwater offshore life
Scotland Islanders Roy Baker and Emma Harvey take on the roles of Pat and Wendy Harris, recently-arrived Scotland Island residents
The play will be performed in Scotland Island Community Hall (Catherine Park, close to Tennis Court wharf). Constructed by residents in 1982, the hall has, over the decades, been home to countless theatrical performances. These have included Sinbad (1983), The Wizard of Oz (1985) and Camelot (1987). Plays continued into the 1990s, along with regular reviews that consisted of comedy sketches performed by locals. This theatrical tradition suffered a hiatus during the pandemic, but was revived last year with Two Catherines: a Twisted Scotland Island Tale. Much of the cast from that play reappears in the forthcoming production.
During the play Scotland Island artist Nettie Lodge parodies the more pretentious side of the artistic world
Ian White, retired teacher and Pittwater councillor, but still senior deputy fire captain of Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade, takes a break from his more serious island responsibilities
Written by Bogue Anthill, who developed his comedic talents through the production of skits for island reviews as well as short films, Secret Island draws on his intimate understanding of the quirks of life on Pittwater.
The play is directed by Sophie Lepowic. An international Belgian/Australian actress, Sophie has starred in a number of feature films. She has also trained in direction at NIDA. Formerly a resident of Avalon, Sophie now lives in Elvina Bay.
Roy Baker
Editor
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter
Secret Island
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