Caravan Promises Laughs to Open Javeenbah Season

Australian comedy Caravan, written by David MacDonald, is the opening show of Queensland company Javeenbah Theatre’s 2014 Playbill on January 24

The story follows Penny and Parkes and their oldest friends Rodney and Monica on their annual caravan holiday. They’re joined by bachelor friend Pierce who brings his very young and very new girlfriend Gwendolyn. Six people crammed into a caravan during days of incessant rainfall is bad enough, but, add to that the various secrets and scandals and a very awkward holiday ensues.

Director Barry Gibson says the cast of Caravan features many Javeenbah veterans.

“You’ll recognise some familiar faces from the Gold Coast theatre stages alongside some eager and talented newcomers, making for a well-rounded and harmonious cast,” he said.

“They’re having just as much fun on stage as the audience will have watching the show.

“Most of the actors have worked together before and there has been much hilarity while attempting to fine tune the slapstick blocking and the witty dialogue and gags,” he said.

Trevor Love once again takes to the stage (and the bed of several women) as the wishy washy Rodney Rice. No stranger to bedroom antics on stage, Trevor found himself in a similar compromising position in his last stage appearance at Javeenbah Theatre in There’s A Burglar in My Bed.

Playing his acid-tongued wife Monica is Javeenbah regular Naomi Thompson. 

The couple is joined by long-time friends, cantankerous Parkes Robinson (played by Noel Thompson) and his eager-to-please wife Penny (played by Libby Bancroft) for a two week holiday in their caravan. 

Also invited is old chum and perpetual bachelor Pierce (played by Clinton Brett) who has brought along his latest bit of fluff, Gwendolyn (played by Chantelle Wright) much to the disgust of the others. 

“It should be the makings of a wonderful holiday.  Except for the rain, the primitive conditions, the leaky roof, the secrets, the squabbles….,” Mr Gibson said.

“The audience may even recognise small parts of their own dysfunctional family holidays in the characters and the story line – either way it’s going to be a night of laughs.”

Caravan runs from 24 January – 8 February 2014 at Javeenbah Theatre. Tickets are $25.00 – phone 5596 0300 or visit www.javeenbah.org.auto book tickets.

Javeenbah Theatre is located on the Cnr of Stevens St and Ferry St, Nerang.

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