SUDS Presents: The Popular Mechanicals

Written by Keith Robinson and Tony Taylor

19th-29th of October

The Cellar Theatre

Directed by Charlie Papps

Assistant Directed by Kieran Casey

Produced by Jadzia Stronell

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“A funny thing happened to me on the way to the theatre this evening. Anyhow…”

‘The Popular Mechanicals’ is an Australian comedy that follows the story of the dimwitted theatre troupe of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Instead of following the quarrels of lovers or marital strife of the fairies, we see what the mechanicals did in between the scenes of the play, attempting to cobble together a performance which is worthy of the courts’ eyes. Its comedy and absurdism is complimented by the fact that it really doesn't take itself too seriously, leaning into the stupid, the dense, and the fun. It is an homage to vaudeville, clowning, bad puns and sight-gags, not afraid to embrace its own stupidity. It isn't as worried about plot as it is about making the audience laugh and feel good.

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CAST

Quince: Milla McInnes

Bottom/Mowldie: Amber Broadbent

Flute: Nicki Weiss

Starveling: Sara Fahey

Snout: Hugh Finlayson

Snug: Wesley Stewart

PRODUCTION CREW

Director: Charlie Papps

Assistant Director: Kieran Casey

Producer: Jadzia Stronell

Assistant Producer: Mali Lung

Set Designer: Mariika Mehigan

Set Assistants: Tom Findlay

Costume Designer: Bella Wellstead

Assistant Costume Designer: Will Stormont

Lighting Designer: Luna Ng

Lighting Assistant: Stuart Rich

Graphic Designer: Amelia Vogelsang

Photography: Lone Bromley

CONTENT WARNINGS

Sexual Referances

Coarse language

Sexist language

Strobe lighting

SUDS COVID-SAFE POLICY

At SUDS we want to prioritise the safety of our members and audiences, and so we have strict COVID measures in place.

All individuals entering the Cellar must be double-vaccinated and must use the QR code to check in at the door.

It is required that while in the space, audience members will keep masks on at all times.

Audience numbers are kept below full capacity; social distancing should be observed whenever possible. This will be facilitated by spaced seating.

Hand sanitizer and spare masks will be available in the space.

For any questions or concerns about the show, please contact us at suds.thepopularmechanicals@gmail.com

SUDS acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which this event is taking place: the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. Sovereignty was never ceded, always was, always will be Aboriginal land.