October 2014

October 13 2014

Before the sky opened up on Monday night, 42 actors rocked on in to the New Theatre to audition for a role in a play for the evening. With 32 main roles to fill, a few people had to miss out.

First play for the evening was "Trivial Expectations" written by David Saunders, who won the Playwright 's Encouragement Award, and directed by Billie-Rose Crane. A witty and fast-paced script starring Best Actress Runner Up, Hilary Park, Christine Firkin, Wendy Morton and Best Actor Runner Up Richard Carwin.

Second play was "The Last Three Blondes" written by Phillip McDonald and directed by Alex Broun. Genevieve Kennedy starred as Marilyn Monroe and was awarded Best Actress for her performance. Michela Carratini starred as Grace Kelly, Rosemary Ghazi starred as Princess Di with Dudley Levell as the Photographer. The play was awarded the Best Play Runner Up and wins a spot in the Crash Test Finals on Mon 15 December.

Third up for the night was the very witty "Brainstrust" written and directed by Craig Delahoy. "Brainstrust" won both the Judge’s Choice for Best Play and the Popular Vote as voted by the audience. Strong performances by Garreth Cruikshank, Nick Subjak and Justine Scali. This play will be back at the Crash Test Finals on Mon 15 December.

Last up before interval was "The Dead Ex" written by Vee Malnar and directed by Tom Richards, starring Michael Smith, Caitlin Burley and Lisa Hanssens. "The Dead Ex" won Popular Vote Runner Up.

After the interval was "Fountain Story" written by Wayne Guy and Directed by Felix Carlyle. A funny and over-the-top play that also ran over time, closing off in 15 minutes 40 seconds. Wonderful performances by Isaac Owen, Mimi Parfitt, David Attrill, Lance Rice and walk on role by Wayne Guy.

Next up was "Pecan Pie" written and directed by Peter Shelly, who also won Best Director. It starred a cast of Uma Kali Shakti, Zoe Tomaras, Mariama Whitton and Best Actor winner James Parbery.

Seventh play for the evening was "Shelter" written by Pete Greenaway and directed by Jacque Vickers. It told the story of life in a dog shelter for the dogs’ point of view. With wonderful performances by lovely humans Jen Jackson, Leilani Loau, Cerise Kofoed, Joseph Hallows and Jeremy Mohamed.

Last up for the evening was "The Last Wave" written by Robert Grant and directed by Ann Elbourne. With a stellar cast of Alan Long, David Vilernak, Kat Morel and Badai Maftuh-Flynn. Also featuring wonderful sounds by James Gallaway, Thomas E S Kelly, Joshua Parker, Edric Hong and Paul Byrne.

The Results

Judging the evening was Georgie Edwards, the MC and Co-Coordinator of Crash Test Drama.

Best Actor: James Parbery

Best Actress: Genevieve Kennedy

Best Actor Runner Up: Richard Carwin

Best Actress Runner Up: Hilary Park

Best Director: Peter Shelley

Best Play: "Brainstrust"

Best Play Runner Up: "The Last Three Blondes"

Popular Vote Winner: "Brainstrust"

Popular Vote Runner Up: The Dead Ex

"Brainstrust" and "The Last Three Blondes" have both won places in the Crash Test Finals to be held on Monday 15 December 2014.