Jilted Fiancée Sues Rock Star - a very serious crime!
The Loosely Woven troupe gave 12 performances of Trial by Jury to full or over-flowing houses around NSW. They tapped "the vibe" at four historic courthouses and had a rollicking reception at the National Folk Festival.
taking it on the road
Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury was by far the most ambitious project ever undertaken by Loosely Woven, community-based performance troupe, in its 24-year history. The production was a logistical as well as artistic challenge. A total of 21 cast members, multiple crew, plus a seven-person music ensemble travelled to perform at 10 locations around the state.
By the two final shows at the National Folk Festival in Canberra, the company had already performed to packed houses in several northern Sydney suburbs, including Humph Hall, and in original historic courthouses in Carcoar, Murrumburrah, Boorowa and Gunning.
cast and crew
Christine Logan's skilled direction, with able musical assistance from Opera Australia's Peter Alexander, helped the cast sparkle. Lesley Braithwaite's Angelina, was a delightfully, self-absorbed damsel determined to get her due. Greg Thompson, the 'rock star' defendant, owned his role as unconcerned philanderer. Wayne Richmond excelled as the doddery Judge.
The whole troupe rose to the challenge: Counsel, Usher, Bridesmaids, Court Reporter, Foreman, Jury and public gallery – and the seven-person musical ensemble. Behind-the-scenes contributors ensured success: Assistant Director; those responsible for posters, photography, make-up, sewing, props; and the three rehearsal pianists.
brilliant performance!
Julie Bishop's review
"Who would have thought that a community group of Loosely Woven singers and musicians could put on such a brilliant performance of this Gilbert and Sullivan operetta?
They were fortunate to have an expert director in Christine Logan, from Endangered Productions – who really helped the performers add an entertaining sparkle to the show. Lesley Braithwaite was a delightful Angelina, totally in character as a self-absorbed young woman determined to get her due for breach of promise of marriage. And Greg Thompson, as the 'rock star' defendant, made a good job of playing an unconcerned philanderer."
Its inspiration
Trial by Jury draws on Gilbert's training and brief practice as a barrister. Its breach-of-promise trial going awry reflects a common law tort of Victorian times. It is a non-too-subtle dig at judges, lawyers, the law and the legal system. As the opportunistic, unscrupulous Judge boasts:
Though all my law be fudge
Yet I'll never, never budge
And I'll live and die a judge
And a good Judge too!
like to be involved in future productions?
We welcome all kinds of volunteers. There are opportunities for volunteers to learn and share skills our upcoming production of Peer Gynt.
Suggest someone for our Social Inclusion Program. It provides creative opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised through disability or disadvantage.
Become a mentor or mentee. We particularly welcome skilled, creative, arts practitioners, perhaps retired, Super Citizens who are willing to act as mentors.
Get a paid gig. Our productions provide work opportunities for professional musicians, singers, and actors.