Presented by Western Standard Productions
Looking for the time of your life?
Carried a watermelon or two?
Maybe you just had a huge crush on Patrick Swayze?
Welcome to the Dirty Fame Flash Candles Club, the answer you’ve been searching your VHS and cassette tapes for.
Inspired by the spirit of the 80s, this cabaret-style comedy quasi-musical with dance routines and strange rituals features the best songs of all time (obviously) and more than a couple of cult movie references.
Four ordinary women living in South-East Queensland, come face to face with their biggest challenge yet: middle age – caring for children and parents, maintaining careers and propping up friends while trying to hold it all together.
They seek refuge in each other…and the Dirty Fame Flash Candles Club: a place where you too can indulge your inner 80s movie star.
Come join this footloose foursome and satisfy your yearnings for a fearless, frivolous night of dirty dancing, songs, one liners and memorable freeze frames.
So, smack on your best iridescent lipstick, kick off your Sunday shoes and let that crimped hair loose – you’re about to have the time of your life!
The Thursday 27 April show is Auslan interpreted.
This project was developed with support from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
MORE INFO
Western, is a British-born, Brisbane-bred mum of two who holds a first class Honours, Masters of Philosophy, University Medal, was Valedictorian of her University and is a Churchill Fellow, the prestigious national award reserved for “Australians striving for excellence”. Dirty Fame Flash Candles Club is the first major production for her new company, Western Standard Productions.
Along with Melissa, the show stars multi-skilled performers well known to Brisbane audiences: Bridget Boyle, Lizzie Moore and Neridah Waters. With decades of theatre, music, dance, cabaret and touring experience between them, they’ll light up the stage with absurd but familiar characters who head the executive committee of a kooky club: the Dirty Fame Flash Candles Club.
The project was funded by Arts Queensland and is the brainchild of producer/creator Melissa Western who was inspired by the experience of performing in the inaugural Common People Dance Eisteddfod at the direction of Western’s great friend and collaborator Neridah Waters.
“I’ve been a professional performer for almost 20 years, travelling all over Australia and the world and absolutely nothing compares to the electricity in that Spiegeltent with dozens of predominantly middle aged, ordinary people living their 80s dreams dancing on stage. Grown ups are desperate for permission to play.” says Western.
CAST AND CREW
An original concept by Melissa Western
Starring:
Bridget Boyle as Molly Estevez
Lizzie Moore as Sam Sheedy
Neridah Waters as Tracy Bacon
Melissa Western as Fran Grey
Creative Allsorts – Fiona Macpherson and Brad McDonald
Lighting Designer – Steven May
Musical Director – Peta Leigh Wilson
Costumes & props – Ana Draca, Rowenna Western, Fiona Macpherson, Brad McDonald
Associate Producer – Ray Serafin