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May 11, 2025

Newsletter for the Offshore Residents of Pittwater, Australia - Volume 26, Issue 1225

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of Pittwater, as well as our Indigenous readers

Wedding Island Opening Weekend: 'A Triumph'

Let no man stand in the way of an island celebration (l to r): Jess McGowan, Mara Syngros, Roy Baker & Sophie Lepowic.

Wedding Island, the latest Scotland Island comedy, opened this weekend to a standing ovation. Here's just a sample of some of the praise received so far:

Awesome opening night! Big effort from all the actors, director & support crew - Get your tickets and enjoy a good laugh. - Massive fun - Hilarious. - The laughter was constant. - Great show, we really enjoyed it. - Amazing. - The crowd was in stitches. - Hope everyone is feeling extremely proud. - Fantastic. - So funny! - Great job. - We loved it ! - So many laughs. - Very clever. - Another great night. - If you haven't got your tickets yet, I highly recommend you do! - Thanks everyone. - What a great laugh! - Well done all! - We didn't know what to expect but it was fabulous entertainment. - Highly recommended. - Loved it, another great night. - Fab production! Everyone was fantastic. - Another great play. - So proud of you.

If you haven't yet seen the play then it's not too late. The run continues this coming weekend, Friday 16 & Saturday 17 May. The venue is Scotland Island Community Hall, and there's a bar provided by the Pittwater Offshore Men's Shed. There's even free food! For full details and to buy tickets, click here.

Below, Scotland Island's resident theatre critic gives his honest, unbiased, if not entirely unsolicited review.

Play Time!

Bill Gye OAM

Oh my God, what's going on with this bloody island: (l to r): Roy Baker & Alix Ah-Pet.

Clearly, one person stood out as the star of this weekend's opening performances of Wedding Island. But before we say who, we must acknowledge the effort and energy of all involved in contributing so generously and capably to the long tradition of island plays.

The actors danced, sang, and strutted their stuff. They mostly remembered their words - and predominantly in the right order. We laughed a lot, even when I was rooted by a bush turkey while minding my own business in the audience (a trauma I’ll now need therapy for, of course).

I've got a uke!: Jess McGowan plays Steph, the mother of the bride.

The plot twists from the future back to the present, with echoes of Monty Pythonesque balaclava-hidden escape plans, medieval community vehicles, gourmet asparagus meals and much more - ending with what I think is technically a real wedding (if Harry really is a JP). Along the way, we also got a very cool permaculture blueprint (thanks Tracy - clearly the brains of the outfit) for how we islanders might survive in a post-Trump tech bro world.

Bogue Anthill pens another polished pile of golden gems. That boy does well at Swiftian type satire - Wedding Island being his second after Secret Island (2024). Lazy bastard also does co-production, lights and sound, set, props, wardrobe, animatronics, and choreography.

Sophie Lepowic, as director, pulls it off again like only a professional can, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout for a happy result. Playing Chloe, she channelled the real estate bridesmaid with a passion for commissions (no resemblance to people living or dead intended).

Still no reception! Nettie Lodge plays Trev, the phobic plumber.

Roy Baker, also co-producer and a rising star in the firmament of local community theatre ('Oh that I could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite space'), brings Monty to life as the self-important eco-groom with an ironic allergy to nature.

Mara Syngros, a great addition to the community, plays Tracy, the introspective activist bride. I’m sure several in the audience would have liked to be saying 'I do' there.

Alix Ah-Pet, stepping boldly into her first acting role, channels flair and comedic feel as Jade, the well-meaning but misguided celebrant. Between scenes, she doubled as a scene changing shadow in the night.

May Blackband, already confident beyond her years, blended playfulness and professional polish also as Tracy’s granddaughter. Her beating up Monty got some of the best laughs of the night, mainly because she seemed to enjoy it so much.

Grandpa Monty, tell me the story again! May Blackband as the granddaughter

Elise Nicol will, I am told, play the part of the granddaughter this coming Friday. Elise is another burgeoning island talent whose youthful charm, skill and commitment to the play are bound to shine through.

Jess McGowan commands the stage as Steph, the no-nonsense matriarch whose strength anchors the chaos around her. Her version of 'still call the Island home' hit a high note.

Nettie Lodge, as always, brings comic brilliance and visual flair to the role of Trev, the mullet-wearing plumber. A local treasure here if ever there was one.

Larry Woods, a stal-wart of the stage (we tried burning him off), brings roguish harm and poo jokes to the role of Harry. His comedic skills were only eclipsed by his riding skills - until he humped two members of the audience (did I mention that?).

Yes, Tuesday Discussion Group, I'm looking at you: Lizzie Brand as Elspeth, Craig's not-so-secret admirer.

Ian (Whitey) White - community personified - too well plays SIRA’s pompous and officious president. (Having been one myself, I’m sure any resemblance to people living or dead is coincidental and unintentional.)

Lizzie Brand, who also supplies many of the wonderful costumes, plays Elspeth (head of SIRA’s Rec Club), who seems to have a thing for retired military men with an authoritarian streak.

Gilly Unwin, the behind-the-scenes stage manager, as always kept the show on the road. Her continued support of offshore theatre is deeply appreciated.

A play is what it says it is - play time. The tradition of local community plays - by us, with us, about us, for us - that mocks and amuses is as ancient as campfires. Those having the courage to stand up and risk being thought of as silly (would you do it?) deserve applause. And for those hoping for a stint on Broadway - keep working.

As for the absolute standout person... well, you know who you are.

Cast & crew (l to r): Roy Baker, May Blackband, Alix Ah-Pet, Boyd Attewell, Larry Woods, Nettie Lodge, Sophie Lepowic, Lizzie Brand, Mara Syngros, Ian White. Missing: Jess McGowan & Gilli Unwin.