SUDS Presents: The Popular Mechanicals
Event description
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.