Date premiered 18 February 2015 Original language English Setting 1950s | Place premiered Capri Theatre Adelaide Genre Comedy/Mystery | |
Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Live is a 2015 show that recreates the experience of attending a 1950s radio drama recording. The show was inspired by the golden era of radio drama and staged three mysteries, as the audience would've seen them in the 1950s. The show recreates the experience by using authentic sound effects, sets, costumes and props. The show also features minimal audience interaction and the actors are able to "break," as the cast are playing actors playing characters - so they are aware of the audiences' presence. The show was adapted, directed and produced by Benjamin Maio Mackay.
Contents
Original Adelaide Fringe 2015
The original production was performed in the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2015 and premiered at the Capri Theatre. The show featured Benjamin Maio Mackay, Michael Allen, Julia Sciacca, Eden Trebilco , Therese Hornby, Jennifer Barry and Brian Knott.
The show was set in the 1940s and the line up of shows included Dragnet, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar and Candy Matson. Maio Mackay, Trebilco and Sciacca played the leads in each respectively.
Revised Touring Production 2016/2017
In 2016 it was announced that Preachrs Podcast OnLine & OnStage would present a new version that would tour around Australia.
The revised show is set in the 1950s and features two Candy Matson stories and one Johnny Dollar story. The cast now includes Benjamin Maio Mackay, Julia Sciacca, Eden Trebilco and Jennifer Barry. The show is adapted and directed by Benjamin Maio Mackay. It opened in September 2016 in the Sydney Fringe.
Critical reaction
The show received a number of 2016 Broadway World Award Theatre Nominations, including; Best Actor (Maio Mackay and Trebilco), Best Actress (Sciacca), Best Supporting Actress (Barry), Best Director (Maio Mackay) and Best Play.
“There’s something utterly charming about the radio plays of the 1950s, and this production captures that charm perfectly...Close your eyes and you’re back in the 1950s listening avidly as the latest instalment spirals out of the wireless!” 4 Stars - The Adelaide Advertiser
“Great experience. An opportunity that doesn’t come along often – a trip back in time to the sounds of yesteryear.” - Radio Adelaide
“If you have a hankering to revisit the entertainment of another era, this is an excellent way to do it.” 4 Stars - Rip it Up
“A fabulous show” - The Clothesline
"This was an enjoyable performance that improved with each story and entertained the audience. Thanks to the direction and it took us back to a time when entertainment consisted of well-scripted plots, vocal talent, and minimal sound effects—even those who had never experienced authentic radio drama were enthralled by the talent on stage and engaging stories." Highly Recommended Show - Fringe Review UK
"It was a lovely way to spend 85 minutes." - Yaniism
"The show is well thought-out and put together and provides an entertaining experience for the audience." - Adelaide Theatre Guide
Seasons
Guest Stars
The 2016/2017 version features a guest star in every performance. They have 6 lines across the play, but remain onstage the entire show. A variety of media personalities, musical theatre performs and TV stars have taken on the role. No guest stars appeared in Mount Gambier.