2009   Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell

 Gambler, journalist,fervent alcoholic and four times married, Jeffrey Bernard writes a column for the Spectator magazine chronicling Soho life as well as offering a very personal philosophy on Vodka, women and races courses.

Set in the saloon bar of his favourite Soho pub, 'The Coach and Horses', Bernard passes out in the lavatory. When he awakes in the early hours of the morning, he finds himself alone and in the dark. Unable to contact the landlord, he is resigned to spending the rest of the night with a bottle of Vodka whislt desperately searching for a cigarette, all the while narrating a story of hilarious anecdotes and witty reminiscences which are enacted by two actors and two actresses who bring to life the various characters who populate Jeff's world.

The play originally starred Peter O'Tool then later succeeded by Tom Conti.

Dates; May 7th-16th 2009, @ 8.00pm

Venue; 'The Bakery', 3 Rose St, Upper Ferntree Gully

Tickets; $23/$20 Concession/groups of 10 or more

Bookings; 9735 2802/ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

 

 

 Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell

 

Cast and Crew

 

 

MALCOLM SUSSMAN

 

Malcolm is a veteran of numerous productions. His last appearance on stage was as George Pye (another boozy character) at Peridot Theatre in 'Humble Boy'. He counts among his favourite roles - Henry VIII in 'Katherine Howard', an earlier Henry (the second of that name) in 'The Lion In Winter', Doctor Miranda in 'Death and the Maiden' (also directed by John Bishop), Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice' and Sir Toby Belch in 'Twelfth Night'. His association with John Bishop goes back more years than both would care to acknowledge. In the first instance, John was directed by Malcolm in Ustinov's 'Love of Four Colonels' but the directorial boot has been firmly on the other foot since that time; however, Malcolm has a number of other directorial credits to his name, including 'Separate Tables', 'Our Town', 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie', 'Much Ado About Nothing', 'The Good Doctor' and most recently 'The Lady in the Van'. This is Malcolm's first Swamp Fox production and he is really looking forward to working in the intimate 'Bakery @ 1812'.

 

 

 JANINE EVANS

 

 

This is Janine's first appearance for Swamp Fox Productions at 'The Bakery', but she's certainly been around (theatre-wise). Recent roles include Kath in 'Don's Party' at Heidelberg Theatre Company, Jessie in 'Night Mother' at Beaumaris Theatre Company and Lenya in 'Bullshot Crummond' at Williamstown Little Theatre. Other farourite roles include Helga in 'Allo Allo', M'Lynn in 'Steel Magnolias' and Candy in 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest'.

 

 

 

PIP LE BLOND

 

 

 Pip has worked for many theatre companies over the years including Peridot, Waverley, Knox, Sherbrooke and her home ground The 1812. As well as treading the boards, she has also acted in Film and Television. Her stage roles have been quite diverse ranging from Beatrice in Shakespeares 'Much Ado About Nothing' to a  dog in 'Sylvia'. In this her first procuction in the 'Bakery' with Swamp Fox, she gets the opportunity to show her versatility with a variety of characters and she is enjoying the challenge that comes with this style of theatre. Enjoy! 

 

 

 

 ALASTAIR RICE

 

 

Alastair's love for theatre comes from his parents who, along with a good friend, started a theatre company in Leicestershire back in the 1950's. He worked with four companies in Cheshire before arriving in Melbourne in 1997 and acting with various groups around the metropolitan area including Lilydale, Mitcham, The Basin, Sherbrooke, Heidelberg and most recently Peridot in the mid 2008. He is really excited to be working with Swamp Fox for the first time and getting the opportunity to play a host of different characters from the old country in 'Jeffrey Bernard'.

 

 

KASPAR SUSSMAN

 

 This is Kaspars first production with Swamp Fox and he is looking forward to working with director John Bishop and such a talented cast. Kaspar's previous shows include 'Home Is Where Your Clothes Are' and 'Much Ado About Nothing' at the 1812 Theatre. He worked with John previously on 'Rough Justice'  at the Athenaeum (Lilydale) Theatre and was rewarded with a Lyrebird award. In his spare time (what's left of it), Kaspar is enjoying another production. He is a proud first time father to a daughter Pippa who arrived in late 2008. Kaspar enjoys most sport and regularly plays a mean game of basketball.

 

SUSAN MOON

 

Sue has been involved with Sherbrooke Theatre Company for the last 30 odd years as an actor, stage manager, committe member, and front of house co-ordinator. In that time Sherbrooke has moved from it's original venue in Belgrave Heights to Upwey, to Monbulk, to Knox and finally to the current venue at Doncastor. She became a Life Member with Sherbrooke several years ago. She previously stage managed for John Bishop when he directed A.B Facey's 'A Fortunate Life' at Sherbrooke nine years ago. Although the large cast and tiny stage created some 'interesting' back stage moments, 'A Fortunate Life' provided wonderful memories for everyone involved. Sue was delighted when John asked her to stage manage this production, and she looks forward to working with this very talented cast and crew.