Join us for the Official Launch of the Incognita@Montsalvat program - the first in a series of new initiatives for Montsalvat as it celebrates its 90th anniversary year - featuring a reading of new Australian play ‘Til The Boys Come Home. Come hear all about everything on offer for the Performing Arts at Montsalvat this year, including workshops, intensives, masterclasses and theatrical events, as well as meet the team behind this new initiative, plus special guests!

The evening will include a full reading of the new World War II play 'Til The Boys Come Home with special guest actors including Alan Fletcher (Neighbours), Sarah Hallam (Wentworth, Warnie), Stephen Lopez (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, La Brea), Paul Rochford (The True History of the Kelly Gang), Sally McLean (Preacher, Utopia), Liza Dennis (Rosehaven), Billy Smedley (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries), Phoebe Anne Taylor (Torch Song), Sass Pinci (Queen Evil), Gemma Carfi (La Brea) and Siobhan Larkin (Walking Shadows).

Your ticket will include a complimentary drink on arrival. Further drinks will be pay as you go at the bar.

Please note: this event will be photographed and filmed. By purchasing a ticket you agree to be photographed and filmed during the evening as part of the audience.

The Cast — Alan Fletcher, Sarah Hallam, Stephen Lopez, Sally McLean, Sass Pinci, Billy Smedley, Phoebe Anne Taylor, Paul Rochford, Liza Dennis, Gemma Carfi & Siobhan Larkin will be taking to the stage live on Friday February 16 to showcase *'Til The Boys Come Home* in front of a live audience

EVENT DETAILS:

DATE/S:
Friday, February 16, 2024

TIME:
6.30pm arrival for 7pm start

VENUE:
The Barn Gallery, Montsalvat, 7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham VIC

CAST FOR READING INCLUDES:
Alan Fletcher (Neighbours), Sarah Hallam (Wentworth, Warnie), Stephen Lopez (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, La Brea), Paul Rochford (The True History of the Kelly Gang), Sally McLean (Preacher, Utopia), Liza Dennis (Rosehaven), Billy Smedley (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries), Phoebe Anne Taylor (Torch Song), Sass Pinci (Queen Evil), Gemma Carfi (La Brea) and Siobhan Larkin (Walking Shadows).

ABOUT THE PLAY:

It is May 1942.

The Japanese are striking out against the Allied Forces on land, sea and air, the defence of Port Morseby on the Kokoda Track is about to begin, the declared pacifist, John Curtin, is Prime Minister of Australia and a murderer stalks the Melbourne blackouts, killing women at random.

‘Til The Boys Come Home is a tale from the Australian home front of WWII - primarily focused on the women who kept the home fires burning.

Through the lens of history, this play celebrates the extraordinary contribution and resilience of women - our mothers, aunts and grand-mothers - who saw Australia through one of the darkest times the world has known.

ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT:

SALLY McLEAN

An award-winning multi-hyphenate creative, Sally McLean began her work in the entertainment biz in her mid-teens and has since performed lead, guest and supporting roles in numerous Australian, US and UK film, theatre and television productions.

A graduate of The Actors Institute UK, Sally’s notable screen acting credits include the lead role of “Angie Powers” in the BAFTA Award-winning BBC miniseries Bootleg opposite Tim Robinson, lead guest role of “Stacy” in the AACTA Award-winning ABC TV series Utopia opposite Celia Pacquola and recurring guest roles of “Miss Giddens” in the AACTA Award nominated ABC/CBBC TV series The Worst Year of My Life – Again! opposite Tiarnie Coupland and “Barb” in the cult hit USA Sony/AMC TV series, Preacher opposite Pip Torrens & Christopher Kirby.

Predominantly working on screen, Sally is also an experienced dramatic Shakespearean actor with Musical Theatre roots and has played over thirty lead and supporting roles in theatre in both Australia and the UK. Highlights include roles in the West End premiere of the drama Annabel’s Requiem, what is believed to be the first all-female production of Macbeth in the UK and the professional Australian premier of the hit off-Broadway musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.

She is currently the Creator/Director and lead ensemble member of the multi award-winning digital series Shakespeare Republic for which she was named the winner of the prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award for Best Digital Series in the USA in 2017, which saw Sally join the ranks of fellow CINE alumni such as Steven Spielberg (the then CINE President) Oprah Winfrey, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, Jim Henson, Mike Nichols, Robert Altman, Spike Lee, Billy Crystal, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese and Sydney Pollack, among others. Fellow award winners that year were Christian Slater’s Mr Robot, Variety’s Actors on Actors and National Geographic’s M.A.R.S. series.

To read more about Sally's work, CLICK HERE.

*The rear of the Barn Gallery at Montsalvat. Photo by Sally McLean*

ABOUT THE INCOGNITA@MONTSALVAT PROGRAM:

Incognita Enterprises is delighted to be partnering with the prestigious and historically significant Arts venue, Montsalvat, located in breath-taking surrounds in Eltham, Victoria, just 37 mins drive from the Melbourne CBD, where we will be offering a program of workshops, masterclasses and live theatrical events across the year.

Come join us for writing workshops, acting masterclasses, Shakespeare classes and other Performing Arts educational offerings for teenagers and adults. Attend entertainment industry Q&A sessions each month with experienced actors, directors and others to learn more about the film, television and theatre industries. Come along to our monthly play readings, where professional actors will read new plays from emerging and experienced playwrights.

Later in the year, we are excited to be offering two theatrical events that you won’t want to miss. A very special theatrical production, written for Montsalvat’s 90th Anniversary celebrations and a large scale immersive promenade Shakespeare theatre installation – both featuring professional actors and showcasing the Montsalvat Resident Artists’ talents and works. More information to come on both these events, so make sure you subscribe to our mailing list, so you don’t miss out!

We look forward to seeing you at beautiful Montsalvat in person!

Full Information about the Incognita@Montsalvat program: https://events.incognitaenterprises.com

MAIN HEADER PHOTO:

Still from proof-of-concept teaser for TV version of play: Sally McLean and Nadine Garner as characters from 'Til The Boys Come Home. Photo by Shaun Herbertson.