November 2013

Crash Test Drama had its second ever Sunday show last weekend and it was smooth-running and a lot of fun. We staged seven brand new plays never before performed in Sydney.

Starting off the night was "Falling For Harry", written and directed by Warren Glover. This play did rather well for itself, winning Best Play from our judge and Best Actress Runner Up for newcomer Katie Lees, who performed alongside Terry Ryan. It has been invited to the Crash Test Drama 2013 Season Two Finals on 22nd December and we look forward to seeing it again soon.

Second up was "Weekend With The Boys", written by Suzy Wilds and directed by the ever-helpful Tom Richards. This fun play was brought to life with strong performances by Bill Jordan and James Gallaway.

Third was "Suicide Pact" written and directed by Kathy Petrakis. It featured more great acting from Kim Do, Loueen Winters and Jennifer McGrath. Kathy was given the Playwright's Encouragement Award for her interesting use of structure, as in, not just one 10 minute continuous scene!

After a short interval was Ruth Fingret's "This Too Shall Pass" which Ruth both wrote and directed. Some top acting in this piece saw Rosemary Ghazi win Best Actress and Valentino Arico win Best Actor Runner Up.

Next was "Un Faustian", written and directed by Nir Shelter. It starred Best Actor winner Jim Gosden, Dudley Levell, Fran Bowick and Nir himself stepping in to take on a role. Another good effort!

"Fairy Story" was next, written by Peter Woolf and directed by Jacque Vickers. This fairy tale turned upside down starred Greg Wilken, Mariama Whitton, Vee Malnar and Bernice Breckon, with a walk-on role from writer Peter. It won the Popular Vote and will be back on 22nd December in the Finals.

Finally, we had "Android Upgrade", written by Vee Malnar and directed by Joy Roberts. It starred Debbie Tilley, Katherine Wasiel, and a very robotic Michele Mattiuzzi. Coming second in the Popular Vote, it's also won a spot in our Finals.

A big thank you to all the actors, writers and directors who put their creative efforts together to make the show happen. A special mention to Rosie for hosting the show.

The Results

Judge Deborah Mulhall had the difficult job of picking the winners from tonight's batch.

Best Actor: Jim Gosden

Best Actress: Rosemary Ghazi

Best Actor Runner Up: Valentino Arico

Best Actress Runner Up: Katie Lees

Best Director: Nir Shelter

Best Play: "Falling For Harry"

Popular Vote Winner: "Fairy Story"

Popular Vote Runner Up: "Android Upgrade"

Playwright’s Encouragement Award: Kathy Petrakis for "Suicide Pact"

Falling For Harry, Fairy Story and Android Upgrade are advancing through to the Crash Test Finals on 22 December 2013. See you all there!