Four Flat Whites at Castle Hill

Castle Hill Players gets their 2018 Season underway with Roger Hall’s hugely successful comedy, Four Flat Whites in Italy, opening at The Pavilion Theatre on Friday 2 February and continuing until Saturday 24 February.

Retired librarians, Adrian and Alison, have planned their long awaited trip to Italy with great friends, Tim and Erica, but when Tim falls and breaks his ankle the whole adventure is in serious peril.  New neighbours, Harry and Judy come to the rescue when they spontaneously offer to go on the trip in place of Tim and Erica.  It’s clear from the start our 4 travellers are mismatched – different life experiences, attitudes, budgets and political beliefs - but beggars can’t be choosers and Adrian and Alison are grateful the trip can go on.

We’ve all experienced the trials and tribulations of world travel with delayed flights, accommodation that doesn’t measure up and exorbitant restaurant bills.  Add to that Alison’s insistence on organising every last minute of the day on a shoestring budget and there are bound to be some awkward moments and stony looks.

The past never leaves any of us and as these 4 individuals get to know each other and reveal their true selves the trip becomes a time of healing and understanding as friendships grow stronger and love shines through.

Director, Carol Wimmer, who herself is widely travelled, recognised all too easily the comedy within the script and fully appreciated the irony and pathos in the dialogue.  ‘There are some beautiful moments shared between the characters, which reveal so much about their individual personalities, flaws and strengths.  I have long wanted to stage this play, and I am thrilled by the production and the commitment by so many talented people to bring it to the Pavilion stage.’

Castle Hill Players pride themselves on presenting a very high standard of performance and 4 Flat Whites in Italy upholds the tradition very well.  The cast features Stephen Snars as Adrian, Annette Emmerton as Alison, Larry Murphy as Harry and Margaret Olive as Judy, ably supported by Aurel Vasilescu and Michelle Masefield who play several character roles including a countess and a Roman centurion.

The set, a visual delight of handpainted backdrops and ingenious theatrical techniques, proved to be an intensive labour of love for Set Designer and builder, Steve Wimmer, and the finished effect pays dividends.  Lighting and sound create mood and atmosphere and audiences are bound to be swept away by the sights and sounds of Italy, as they enjoy the ‘adventure before the dementia’ as Adrian puts it.

Full details and bookings are online at www.paviliontheatre.org.au or call 02 9634 2929.  The Pavilion Theatre is located within Castle Hill Showground, entrance is at the lights located between Gilbert and Carrington Roads, Castle Hill.

Ticket prices:  $27/$22.  Generous discounts for groups of 10 or more.

Images (from top): L-R Michelle Masefield, Stephen Snars and Aurel Vasilescu; L-R Larry Murphy, Margaret Olive, Stephen Snars and Annette Emmerton; Director, Carol Wimmer. Photographer - Chris Lundie.

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