This Creative Industry Night was on Monday 28th November, at Sydney's famous ArtHouse Hotel. It was a big night... especially since it was our 2nd Birthday celebration! A lovely crowd of actors, producers, directors, writers, dancers, musicians, painters and many other creative artists who make-up our exciting artistic culture here in Australia, came along and had a great time.

***All photos courtesy of Mike Kery***

Getting into the Birthday mood was a breeze with our special guest, Peter Cousens, talking with merelyplayers' Bryan Cutts about the birth of his new exciting venture, Kookaburra Theatre - Australia's first truly national musical theatre company. The last few weeks have seen some wonderful offers of support and Peter announced that launch and fundraiser for Kookaburra is set for April.

Take a look at our events page and learn about the next merelyplayers event.

Creative Industry
Night #8

It is to be based at Sydney's Star City, and there are huge plans ahead. Peter talked about this wonderful enterprise which will generate more work for Australian theatre practitioners.

Peter's passion and energy was to say the least, absolutely infectious.

As usual the evening began featuring terrific performances by some of Sydney's wonderful creative talent. With a musical theatre theme, it was a dynamic and exciting showcase of fantastic talent.

The showcase was opened by the stunning and talented 'Miss Narelle', bringing such wonderful Broadway numbers as Memory from the musical "Cats", Ain't Misbehavin' (Thomas Waller & Harry Brooks) and Gershwin's Summertime - "Porgy & Bess". Miss Narelle was supported by well sought after musician, Andre Storer, playing the guitar.

Another talented and equally beautiful artiste, Stef Dawson delighted us with her voice, performing 'I could have danced all night' from the popular 'My Fair Lady'. Then she was joined by Daniel Prypchan and together they brought the awesome duet 'All I ask of you' ('Phantom of the Opera) to life.

The handsome Daniel then performed the solo, 'Johanna' from 'Sweeny Todd', a wonderful, resonant and beautiful voice indeed.

Then, we were well and truely treated to two excerpts from the new all Australian Musical (season at the Newtown Theatre NOV 24 to DEC 17, 2005) 'I Dream of Johnnie', which combines '60s psychedelia, Gilbert and Sullivan-style song and dance routines and guest appearances by mythical gods as it steers its protagonists - namely John Howard and Tony Abbott - towards retribution for their policies on refugees and industrial relations. The numbers presented were: ' It was not me, It was not us.' (performed by Rhys Wilson, Mark Daly, Adam Fraser and Micheal Gupta) and the solo 'Toxic Sludger' was brought to us by Mark Daly (pictured) . Click here to read about the show and the talented cast.

The audience rolled about the florr in fits of laughter, tapped and clapped in time to Daly's 'Toxic Sludger' - they brought the house down...

It was a terrific night of entertainment, fun and gentle networking - a great night for all Creative Industry People.