“The Big Five-O” was presented in September 2003

“The Big Five-O”

By Lorna Bol.

Directed by Lyn Stanley

Villanova Players are proud to present the world premiere of "The Big Five-O" by Brisbane author Lorna Bol, a stormy new play about a family divided by crisis.
Against a backdrop of a sweltering Brisbane summer, Lorna Bol's play addresses modern day issues between sisters, parents and extended family members including fifty years marriage.
A colourful display of relationships and emotions as Rose attempts to organize her parent’s 50^th wedding celebrations.

Villanova Players is proud to be presenting the premiere performance of this powerful play.

The Cast

(click on the character's name for an image)

Glynne Liddy	Vera
Kate Osborne	Connie
Elizabeth Morris	Bea
Trish Carroll	Rose
Michael Byrnes	Wal

The Crew

Director's Notes (By Lyn Stanley)

The contentious issue of family relationships has been selected by Lorna Bol as the subject of her new play. The cast is quickly discovering that the topic of family difficulties is something to which most people can relate.
Much discussion about our own family dynamics has occurred and we have discovered that we have much in common - we have decided that you can't live with them but you can't live without them.
Some of us are finding comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone in our family difficulties - they happen in the best of families.
The cast and I are enjoying the challenge of working with this very new script by Brisbane Playwright Lorna Bol.
"The Big Five-O" looks at the issues of family dynamics, family secrets, and family loyalties - Trish Carroll has been heard to say "another sister play!!" (Trish has been in "Crimes of the Heart", Hotel Sorrento" and "Dancing at Lughnasa").
All jokes aside, it is a play about families - we all have them, and I think we would agree that we can't live without them, but hell, it's hard to live with them!

Come along and join my cast as we perform the world premiere season of "The Big Five-O".

The Author - Lorna Bol

Her Plays:

"Treadmill" was premièred at La Boite, and subsequently presented at the Stables Theatre, Kings Cross Sydney, and has received many productions by small theatre companies throughout Australia.

"But I'm Still Here" was also premièred at La Boite, has been published by Playlab Press, and likewise has received many productions . It is studied in Australian schools and colleges.

One act play "They Had To Go", premièred at Arts Theatre during a one act play competition, was also published by Playlab Press in a book of "Five Award Winning Plays".

"A Special Place" premièred by Brisbane Theatre Co. at the Cremorne Theatre Brisbane.

Film script "Ruby" based on Treadmill and jointly funded by AFC and QFC had its premiere vewing at the Lyric Theatre in the Queensland Performing Arts Complex.

Co-author of "Happy Birthday East Timor" as a participant in a funded script development project with writers Richard Fotheringham and John Bradley and a group of actors - premièred at La Boite Theatre. In a second funded project, with writers Errol O'Neill, John Bradley, six actors, and director Ric Billinghurst, developed three scripts exploring the theme of the Brisbane Electricity Strike, and its effect on workers and local residents.

"Bed and Breakfast" produced by Baywrite Theatre Company at the Community Centre Byron Bay.

One act play "Keeping Mum" premièred by Baywrite Theatre Company at the Drill Hall theatre Mullumbimby.

"The Fossil" rehearsed reading by Baywrite Theatre Company at the Community Centre Byron Bay.

"All In The Mind" rehearsed reading by La Boite.

"The Big Five-O", we are pleased to say, is being premièred by Villanova Players, September 2003.

Work in Progress:

“The Big Five-O” will play at McElligott Theatre St Laurence's College, Stephens Road, South Brisbane
Sat 27^th Sept, Wed 1^st, Thu 2^nd, Fri 3^rd, Sat 4^th Oct at 8pm,
Matinees Sun 28^th Sept and Sat 4^th Oct at 2pm. Prices: $15 / $12 / $5
Air Conditioned - Free Off-street Parking.   Bookings Ph. (07) 3395 5268