Doctor Zhivago the Musical Opening Night!

What's better than free tickets to a Musical?

Free tickets and sitting 2 seats away from Australian character legend, Chris Lilley!

Thanks to a lovely Great Aunty for getting us tickets to the opening night of one of the latest musical productions of Melbourne, Doctor Zhivago I was fortunate enough to relive the opening night experiences of Chicago, Fame and Mary Poppins once again. Held on Thursday the 14th of April, 2011 at Her Majesties Theatre, the red carpet was rolled out as local stars walked into the bar and theatre in fur to team with the theme of the Russian story which was about to unfold before their eyes. The carpet was home to the likes of Darynn Hinch, Alan Fletcher, Ronda Burchmore, well known presenters of the news past and present and even talented star of We Can be Heroes and Summer Heights High, Chris Lilley walked in with their 'plus ones' to witness the Musical of the film, Doctor Zhivago. It was lovely to see most people in fur hats and scarves on this Autumn evening however animal rights activists may not take the same perspective if it were real. What else could top off the night by personally given a front row seat to the show amongst celebrities! As we entered the auditorium I was fortunate enough to be able to speak to Chris Lilley as we briefly spoke about his latest series, Angry Boys. (on screens early May!) He was nice and modest and coincidently had seats 2 seats down our row!

This would have been the second production at Her Maj to be seated front row and I must say, rumours of the front row being a neck-breaker is absolutely false. These seats ultimately allow you to be further immersed into the production as you see not only the performance, the wig alignment to the actor's heads but the sweat and spit flying across the stage. (not at the audience.. that would be awkward, no need for another shower thanks!) To be honest I did not think that this musical would be my sort of style however I am extremely glad that I did take a day off work for this as it was SOOO worth it and changed my perspective. The voices were amazing, the set was spectacular, the acting was true, (even the crying!)  and the plot was a beautiful love story which had tears in the eyes of some of the audience. I heard sniffles a lady.. (quite possibly a well known figure... just not to me...) told me how touching and watery her eyes were. The sound effects were also brilliant and despite us knowing when a gun was to fire... I could still be surprised when it does and jump in my seat. Funnily enough, so did well known dancer Rhonda Burchmore as we jumped in unison and connected gaze as we quietly mimed a laugh as we were the only ones that jumped in out seats. Well at least I can say I had a moment with Rhonda right? haha. After the show there were camera and an interviewer going around and interviewed most of my relatives on their take on the show, including me and my sister. So if you see us in footage floating around, Let me know! 

Comedy Gala 2011

Since December my comedy gala ticket had been sitting in my 'ticket' draw on my desk (Yes, I dedicated a little draw to my tickets to future stand up and theatre shows) and today was the day they saw the blissful light of day.

The long awaited day began with a call as to a 'change of plans' to get to our destination thanks to the fantastically unreliable train system we have in Melbourne. However, it acted in our favour today as my best friend decided that she would drive us to the venue in St. Kilda. She hadn't driven solo around St Kiilda or the city so this was an adventure from the very start! In the spa of 10 mins, prior to her arrival to pick me up, I google mapped directions and grabbed dad's GPS... and the adventure began. To our surprise we managed to successfully get to the venue without getting lost (considered we are from the other side of town) and the real struggle was working out the ticket machine. Eventually working out the technicality of the machine, we ventured out to find a place to dine. After walking around for at least half an hour with our inner with Italy on our mind we had Italian and it was a great chance to catch up .

The evening proceeded as we entered The Palais Theatre full of eager punters set for a night of laughter! And so the night was just that... if not more, from side splitting laughter to a subtle exchange of a glance saying 'this hat guy is not funny.' It was great to see the gala live and unedited as I had always wanted to go since year seven. There were some fantastic acts from Zoe Lyons, Stephen K Amos, Steve Hughes, Laurence Mooney, Bob Franklin, Denise Scott, Cal Wilson, Reginald D Hunter.. the list went on and on! The show ended with the audience getting flooded with streamers and it was a great atmosphere! We took some photos whilst everyone forwarded out of the venue but I couldn't help but play in the streamers. Let's just say.. glitter and streamer were kept as a keepsake.

We then drove back to MacDonald's in a suburb closer to home and pig out as soon as we worked out how to get home and make sense of the crazy St. Kilda road markings!!! It was fabulash! Got home at midnight for an early morning of university the next day. We had such a memorable night. This is my favourite photo of the night, despite the bad colour and plastic arms in the shot, standing in streamers with the Gala sign truly captures the night that I hope will be annual from this year on!