The Gremlins is a theatrical foray comprised of a band of miscreants, determined to launch the world’s cheapest airline. Described as “slapstick comedy at its best” (The Advertiser) and “silly and absurd, wonderfully imagined, and full of surprises” (Great Scott), the production received acclaim and rave reviews from Adelaide Fringe Festival 2016.

Joining the cast is Sydney based Daniel Gorski, known for his lively appearance on Hoopla Doopla (ABC kids), touring with Live Nation, and THE VAUDE-VILLAINOUS MR.GØRSKI (Adelaide Fringe). He joins a cast of bright Brisbane locals including Thomas Albert (Dirty Sexy Politics,
Public Toilets Private Words), Kristian Santic (The Wasteland Project MA, Little Boxes, Eye Resolution), and Caitlin Armstrong (The Show Must Goon, Public Toilets Private Words).

The Gremlins have appeared at Woodford Folk Festival, Cairns Festival and Anywhere Festival 2012. The act is a unique clown and spectacle comedy project conceived by Bent Schematic – the collective headed up by visual theatre makers Alex Podger and Jenna Koda (Woodford Folk Festival Fire Event, Little Boxes), and director Hayden Spencer (Clown Vincente; Dralion by Cirque
du Soleil).

Spotting a gap in the cheap flight market, the Gremlins are determined to undercut any competition offering ‘super-economy’ fares on board their hastily built aircraft – which appears to be built from car parts, stolen building materials and a lawn mower.

The production will take place at and serve as the swan song for Red Hill Skate Arena, scheduled for development in July this year. Built in the 1920s, the popular arena was gutted by a fire on the premises in 2002.

The Gremlins
Old Skate Arena, Red Hill, Brisbane
5 May – 21 May 2016
www.anywherefest.com

How were his children to cope? Leaving behind a family once so prominent within society, The Mayne Effect explores the turbulent lives of five very different individuals. Two of the children descended into madness, whilst the others fought most of their lives to clear the family name. This production investigates the madness and scandal that haunted generations, and poses the question, “can wealth buy you forgiveness?”

Flowers Theatre Company in association with the 2015 Anywhere Festival presents the World Premiere, The Mayne Effect. This period drama recounts the story of a tragically doomed family who are ostracised from society after their father, Patrick Mayne, confesses to murder on his deathbed. The play will focus on themes such as relationships, mental health issues and most importantly, hope. Hope is an interwoven message throughout the show, and one which links to the stunning bannister that can still be seen today in the children’s family home, Moorlands, Auchenflower. It reads, “sursum corda” – lift up your hearts.

This new play will be performed in Harris Terrace, a beautiful heritage listed Georgian six-rowed venue that links from one house to the next. The audience will follow the action from room to room as it unfolds, and in doing so will experience a taste of Mayne family life like never before.

This is a story that resonates deeply within the heart of Brisbane, especially as it focuses on a family so prominent within society during the 1800’s. The Mayne family owned much of Brisbane’s land, and in fact Patrick’s children are the largest benefactors in building the University of Queensland’s St Lucia Campus. UQ would not stand where it is today without their generous donation.

The story is also being told in a very different and perhaps controversial manner that will enthrall audiences. Their recounting of this gothic tale will leave you laughing one moment, and crying the next. The production is linked to the National Trust Festival whose theme this year is quite aptly Conflict and Compassion.

The Mayne Effect
7 – 24 May 2015
Harris Terrace, 68 George Street, Brisbane
www.flowerstheatrecompany.com