DIRECTOR RICHARD BLOMFIELD TALKS NUNSENSE

Bankstown Theatre Company is presenting the musical comedy Nunsense from October 24 to November 2. Director Richard Blomfield recently spoke to Stage Whispers about the show.

Only twelve out of 52 nuns remain alive in the convent after Sister Julia, Child of God, accidentally killed the rest with her vichyssoise. Upon discovering the disaster, Mother Superior decides they need to raise funds to bury the nuns.

With four nuns in the freezer and no funds, the remaining nuns decide to stage a variety show in order to raise the money to let the dead nuns rest in peace.

Stage Whispers: When did you first see Nunsense and what was your initial reaction to the show?

Richard Blomfield: I saw Nunsense when it first came to Australia in the late 80's with Joan Sydney, Robyn Arthur and Georgie Parker in the cast. I think I saw it 3 times all up during the run. I remember loving the irreverence of it, but at the same time thinking it was a very clever and affectionate look at a group of people that very few of us would ever encounter. I grew up in a very strict Baptist household, so I initially didn't get the specifics of some of the Catholic "in-jokes" but I certainly could relate from my own upbringing. I don't think I'll ever forget the sight of Joan Sydney rolling on the floor - she'd only ever been "Matron" from A Country Practice to me before that and I think the best feature of the show is characters doing the "unexpected"

SW: The show has a long and successful history in Australia with some of our biggest stars getting into the habit in the past. What do think keeps drawing Aussie audiences back in to the set of Vaseline to visit the sisters?

RB: The show encompasses many theatrical archetypes - the stern older authoritarian figure, the wise-cracking sidekick, the younger upstart, the ingenue - so there are plenty of opportunities for casting "stars" amongst the Sisters. Australia has a great depth of female stage talent and Nunsense allows for casting performers to capitalise on the best of their talents that maybe their TV performances don't allow us to see.

SW: Do you have a scene you are most looking forward to creating with the cast?

RB: Funnily enough, it's not the madcap mayhem of some of the show that has me most excited. 2 characters - Sister Robert Anne and Sister Amnesia have very poignamt moments in the show that I love and I hope the audience will too. The show pokes gentle fun at a serious institution in many ways but these moments are an acknowledgement of the depth of care &and goodwill that many people of faith show that perhaps the "church" itself may not.

SW: What do you think this cast has that will make this show a special experience for anyone who may have seen Nunsense in the past?

RB: We have a cast that have a great depth of experience on the Community Theatre circuit - amazing voices, great acting and their own special brand of performing. The beauty of Nunsense is that it is so well written and there are opportunities for each to capitalise on these strengths

SW:  Do you have a favourite Sister, and if so, why?

RB: With two weeks to go till opening night I don't think I should play favourites! I love all of the Sisters in different ways as each brings a different quality to the piece. When they do something totally unexpected it adds a whole new dimension to their characters and the show.

SW: What do you think of the Nunsense Sequels and how do they stack up against the original?

RB: To be honest I've never really got "into" these - not because they aren't good or funny, but perhaps I've been spoiled by my attachment to the original. I've seen videos of the various Broadway sequels but the original version was one of my earliest directorial efforts, so it has a special place in my heart.

SW: What was the first BTC production you ever saw? And how did it motivate you to take up directorial duties?

RB: Now we're talking ancient history! A friend from school played Liesl in the BTC production of Sound of Music in 1979 so a few of us went along to see it. When I became involved in Community Theatre myself I went to as many shows as I could afford and the BTC productions were always a priority. I joined the Company in late 1981 and was in almost every show for over the next 10 or 12 years. The many leading performers and production staff I met over that time, particularly Rick Burchall, Carole Craig, Diane Wilson, Greg Crease and Sandra Mackenzie all helped me learn & inspired me to step out as a Director & Choreographer with Oliver in 1991. I was fortunate enough to then direct a production of Merrily We Roll Along for THE Theatre Company at Ryde and then West Side Story with BTC the following year and I was "hooked" on directing. I love that people put their trust in you to help create something special - it's a privilege that I always try to honour and respect and not take for granted.

SW: What do you think will make Bankstown Arts Centre the perfect venue for this show? And, why do you think audiences need to check it out?

RB: The revamped Bankstown Arts Centre is a perfect venue for Nunsense - the audience are close to the action - don't be surprised if a Sister guides you to your seat or comes and sits next to you during the performance. Every seat in the house has a great view of the stage and we've turned the theatre into a wonderful home for the Little Sisters of Hoboken. I'm sure audiences will enjoy the laughter, the joy, the irreverence and the mayhem - after all, "We're here to prove that nuns are fun, perhaps a bit risque!"

NUNSENSE

Director Richard Blomfield. Musical Director James Court
Cast: Adele Gillies, Melissa Goman, Leonie Johnson, Dale Selsby, Katie Young ,Glenda Buchanan, Gloria Collins, Renee Dimech, Glen-Marie Hollebone, Jessic McSweeney, Ann Pantel & Joy Pennock

BANKSTOWN THEATRE COMPANY

OLYMPIC PARADE, BANKSTOWN

OCTOBER 24, 25, 26, 31 & NOVEMBER 1, 2, 2014

TICKETS www.bankstowntheatrecompany.com  phone 9676 1191

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