Kirstie Francis is holding auditions for the cast.
Camera IconKirstie Francis is holding auditions for the cast. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Auditions open for black comedy at Rockingham Theatre

A staff reporterWeekend Kwinana Courier

THE next production at Rockingham Theatre is written by one of Australia’s most successful authors.

Elizabeth Coleman’s It’s My Party (And I’ll Die If I Want To) will be auditioned at Rockingham Theatre on June 22 and is a comedy about Ron Patterson, who believes he has 111 minutes to live, so he decides to invite the kids around for party pies, pavlova and a strict schedule of events.

As he tries to tie up the loose ends of his life, all the juicy neuroses of his very dysfunctional family come out of the closet, and his well-planned final party completely unravels.

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This comedy is inky black in its subject matter of imminent death, made hilarious by the absurdities and frustrations surrounding Ron and his wife Dawn, with her unrealistic yet steadfast belief that life is neat, tidy and measurable.

The play brings to the forefront issues that most families have in their lives, with a couple of secrets thrown in and a laugh a minute right to the very end.

Coleman’s writings include Secret Bridesmaids’ Business, This Way Up, episodes of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. She co-wrote the popular drama series Bed of Roses, with Jutta Goetze, as well as writing several episodes of Blue Heelers.

Director Kirstie Francis said the cast she will be looking for is Ron (the father, aged about 50 – 60), his wife Dawn (in the same age bracket) and the couple’s three offsprings, Michael (35), Debbie (32) and Karen (28).

There is also a cameo role for an undertaker in his mid to late 30s. The play will run from August 25 to September 9.

Further information and an audition pack can be obtained by calling Kirstie on 0403 166 404 or by emailing her at o1murph@hotmail.com.

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