New Team Takes Over Old Fitz

New Team Takes Over Old Fitz

It was announced today (November 3, 2014) that the 2015 programming and management for the Old Fitzroy Theatre at the Old Fitzroy Hotel in Woolloomooloo has been awarded to Red Line Productions, run by Andrew Henry, Sean Hawkins and Vanessa Wright. Red Line Productions most recently produced Howie The Rookie at the Old Fitz Theatre, directed by Toby Schmitz and starring Andrew Henry and Sean Hawkins.

The Old Fitzroy Theatre has been home to a diverse range of world class, independent theatre since 1997, and a new energy in 2015 will reinvigorate the theatre and its programming. One of the many fans of the Old Fitz Theatre is actress and writer Kate Mulvany. “The Old Fitzroy isn’t just a theatre. It’s a renowned stomping ground; a melting pot of masters, new and old; a shoulder-to-shoulder adventure for audiences and artists alike. It’s shimmering, it’s theatre as it should be. And I’m so thrilled to be an ongoing supporter of its stories.”

The program for the first six months of 2015 will be announced on November 23. So what is in store? Andrew Henry said, “Part one of our season we’ve called REINCARNATION. We literally got on the phone to friends and peers and said ‘What have you got?’ What will be announced on November 23rd will be six mainstage shows taking us to July - it is a collection of the shows suggested by those people we called. We will also be announcing two Late Shows which will be the first of many that will be either extraordinary short plays, works in development and new shorts that will kick off at the Fitz from around 10pm after the mainstage show concludes. Our mainstage shows kick off in January with Masterclass by Gareth Davies and Charlie Garber; then we have a Sydney premiere, a return of a brilliant Australian play (that I have been dying to see,) a brutal American masterpiece, a gorgeous family struggle presented by one of the most exciting producing houses in the indie scene and an absolute tour de force for a brilliant actor and a brilliant director.

“Sydney needs a well-run, intimate small theatre venue,” Henry added. “The Fitz is so damn special. We are privileged to be embarking on a journey that hopefully will excite every single storyteller in Sydney. We want every single person who loves theatre in Sydney to come to the Fitz on November 23rd and join us for the season launch plus jugs are just $9.50! The Fitz is the best fucking night out in Sydney hands down! On this date our website will launch and tickets will go on sale. We will also be opening up submissions for the second six months of the 2015 Season. One and all are invited to our season launch, so get on down to the Old Fitz on the 23rd and check out what it has in store for you."

Toby Schmitz looks forward to seeing what lies ahead. “Andrew and Sean are theatre animals, and Vanessa Wright has all the same vigour to her,” he said. “I predict a well patronised, well supported tenure at this unique, idyllic, and to me sacred theatre space. They have proven in this season of Howie the Rookie that terrific acting, some finessed lighting and a couple of chairs are all a company needs to compete with the great story telling institutions in Sydney. In fact they’ve got an edge. The space itself, it’s wholly unique, perfect for theatre of any kind.

“In discussing their first season they impressed the fuck out of me. What they have planned is an extremely appealing program for theatre lovers: plays we should have seen by now, or haven’t for too long, texts that can be given attention by a small company, paired with actors that give me goose bumps – actors you know you need to see more of.

Ewan Leslie also loves the Old Fitz Theatre. “I came to Sydney in 2000 and the only way I was able to flex my theatrical muscle was at the Old Fitz. I worked behind the bar there for five years as well. I would do shows Tuesday to Sunday, and would serve drinks on Monday. I've been given many great opportunities over the last five years, and I owe all of them to the Fitz. I've made all my great friendships there, and I met my girlfriend of 13 years there. I've watched people I worked with become leading lights in the industry and write the odd blockbuster musical. I did Shakesperealism by Josh Lawson in 2005 and I don't think I've had as much fun onstage since. I couldn't be more thrilled that Andrew, Vanessa and Sean are taking the reins. It doesn't just feel right, it feels perfect.”

OLD FITZROY THEATRE SEASON LAUNCH

Date:                     Sunday November 23

Time:                     From 5pm

Venue:                 Old Fitzroy Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo

Free and all welcome