Rehearsals are underway for David Berthold’s definitive original production of Holding the Man, adapted by Tommy Murphy from the book by Timothy Conigrave, ahead of the first performance at La Boite’s Roundhouse Theatre in February.
After sell-out seasons in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and London’s West End, Berthold will recreate his iconic production for a special encore season at La Boite as part of the company’s 2013 Mainstage season. The production features an all-new Queensland cast including Eugene Gilfedder, Jai Higgs, Helen Howard, Lauren Jackson, and QUT alumni Jerome Meyer and Alec Snow as John Caleo and Timothy Conigrave.
“It’s like coming back to an old friend,” Berthold said. “I’ve been with this show since 2006, but haven’t touched it since 2010 when we did it in London, so it will be terrific to rediscover the play.”
Breathtakingly honest and achingly funny, Holding the Man is one of Australia’s great love stories. It’s a heart-wrenching account of a 15-year relationship that weathered disapproval, separation, temptation and ultimately, death.
It’s a production that celebrates the theatrical, with more than 100 costumes and a versatile set designed by Tony Award-winning original designer Brian Thomson (The Rocky Horror Show, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert The Musical, The Boy From Oz Arena Tour).
“Four of the six actors play about ten different characters each, which means a lot of super-quick costumes and wig changes,” Berthold said. “Backstage is completely frantic. Meanwhile Alec Snow, as Tim Conigrave, never leaves the stage.”
Holding the Man smashed box office records for Griffin Theatre Company in 2006 and enjoyed four sell-out seasons in Sydney, transferring to the Sydney Opera House and Belvoir, before moving to the Brisbane Powerhouse, Melbourne Theatre Company and into London’s West End. At the Brisbane Powerhouse, the production played just six performances and sold out before opening night.
Tim Conigrave and John Caleo met in high school in the mid-1970s. Tim was in the school production of Romeo & Juliet and had a crush on John. John was the captain of the football team and wanted to play for Essendon. By the end of high school even their school yearbook acknowledged them as the year’s cutest couple.
“Mostly, I’m looking forward to seeing the audience reaction again. It’s a story that really does affect people deeply,” said Berthold.
Director: David Berthold Cast: Eugene Gilfedder, Jai Higgs, Helen Howard, Lauren Jackson, Jerome Meyer and Alec Snow
Designer: Brian Thomson Costumes and Puppets: Micka Agosta Lighting Designer: David Walters Composer & Sound Designer: Basil Hogios
Holding the Man
Season: 16 February - 16 March.
Venue: Roundhouse Theatre
Address: 6-8 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove Village
Bookings: (07) 3007 8600 or online at: www.laboite.com.au
For more information, visit: www.laboite.com.au for details.
Holding the Man
Season: 16 February - 16 March.
Venue: Roundhouse Theatre
Address: 6-8 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove Village
Bookings: (07) 3007 8600 or online at: www.laboite.com.au
For more information, visit: www.laboite.com.au for details.
