Women Behind Bars in WA Premiere of Prison Musical
THE WA premiere of a musical following the lives of women in a British prison – and their relationships in a variety of traumatic circumstances – is Blak Yak Theatre’s July / August 2016 offering.
Directed by Lorna Mackie at the Chrissie Parrott Arts space, Bad Girls – The Musical is based on the UK TV series featuring female inmates in the fictional Her Majesty’s Prison Larkhall.
It is the story of new, idealistic Wing Governor Helen Stewart and her battles with the entrenched old guard of Officer Jim Fenner and his sidekick Sylvia Hollamby. A love story also develops between Helen and charismatic inmate Nikki Wade.
The musical is written by the authors of the TV series, Maureen Chadwick and Ann McManus, with music and lyrics by Kath Gotts.
“While dark, the show is beautiful, touching and genuine,” Mackie said. “It is also very funny with decidedly black humour.
“It has strong themes of domestic violence and rape but is ultimately a story of triumph over adversity.”
Mackie said she faced a few challenges in presenting the musical.
“The Chrissie Parrott Arts space, while perfect for the show, has no pre-existing audio-visual technology,” she said.
“It is literally a blank space and we are bringing everything into it for the show.
“The musical is also set in a British prison so a range of accents need to be portrayed effectively.”
Involved in theatre since her mid-teens, both in the UK and Australia, Mackie had an initial career singing in a ladies’ jazz and blues group before participating in a range of roles on and off the stage.
She took several years off to study but soon rediscovered her passion for theatre and, in WA, has been involved with Marloo, Garrick, Blak Yak and Roleystone Theatres in a plethora of productions.
Mackie has scored numerous awards and nominations for musicals she has directed, including The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Avenue Q, Funny Business, Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens and Reefer Madness.
Bad Girls – The Musical continues her love of alternative musicals.
“I relished the opportunity to direct a show primarily about women,” Mackie said. “It explores a number of subjects such as violence, manipulation and more but from a very human perspective.
“While the show has its grand moments, it never loses sight of the human component.
“The show also has a truly beautiful score with witty and funny music.”
Bad Girls – The Musical plays at 8pm July 28, 29, 30, August 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 with a 2pm matinee August 7. Tickets are $25, $23 concession – book at www.blakyak.com.au.
Chrissie Parrott Arts is at 4 Sussex Street, Maylands.
Images (from top): Hayley Currie, left, and Samantha Warne appear as “the two Julies”, Helen Kerr as Denny Blood, Shel Dockley (Sarsi Elsberry) & Sherryl Spencer as Noreen Biggs in the WA premiere of Bad Girls – The Musical. Photographer: Michael McAllan.
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