Valley Artists

Date: 22-Dec-05
Author: Bob Philippe

‘The Finnys'

Rehearsals for Valley Artists' latest production, ‘The Finnys' are well under way. This exciting new play, written by Peter McDonough is being directed by Janine Oliver and stars Alan Glover, Bob Philippe, Clare Di Natale, Cordelia Howell, Fiona Young, Graham Bennett, Ken Barnett, Malcolm Goudie, Neville Newman and Peter Williams.

Valley Artists has a history of supporting the talents of local authors and playwrights and ‘The Finnys'is no exception. But this time, it is very definitely "local", in that it embraces local contemporary concerns. It began as a project for a film several years ago and was then commissioned as a stage production early this year. The result is a very funny satire of environmental and social issues that involves small communities and big business in modern Australia.

For a good night of entertainment for the whole family, before Christmas, don't miss ‘The Finnys' at

Laguna Hall, opening night December 10, then 11,14,16,17 &18th Dec. (please check show times).

Tickets at Wollombi & Laguna shops, or book on 4998 3419

See you there.

 

Residents Get Blown Away By September Storm

Residents of Wollombi Valley have just experienced a storm that one witness reported as being ‘one of the most ferocious seen in the Valley in recent history'. The edge of the storm was seen approaching in early September, and it didn't slow in intensity until the eye of the storm had unleashed enough art to blow the Valleys residents and visitors away.

I'm referring to the amazing amount of artistic presentations that stormed the valley in September. What an amazing thing that we are all a part of! In September alone, Laguna School held its, yet again, successful Annual Arts Show. The following night was the ever - popular ‘Alan Glovers Comedy Night'. Then there was the Film Festival, and the night after that, the Kooris turned it on for us with their stories and dance at the Corroboree. There's been some fantastic bands on at Laguna Store, and Peter Williams' exhibition at the (rapidly emerging) Wollombi Cultural Centre was a real treat. Also there's the Theatresports' Workshops that have just concluded after running for two months. And then, just in case we were getting bored, let's put on a sponsors night.

Thanks to tireless and unemotional Valley Artists crew, 120 sponsors were wined and dined at ‘The Other Wine Makers Dinner'. Swirling local wines, sniffing out the politics of ‘Wine versus Sex' in the great debate, or swallowing the incredible depths of the myths of wine marketing, our sponsors were served up a treat. The food was delectable and the local wines sensational.

Wonderfully lively multi-performances (singing & acting) by Clare Di Natale, Alan Glover, John Campbell, and Jonathon Poynter, with great music from the band ‘Tired and Emotional', ensured a fantastic night for our sponsors.

I can only think that Bacchus was looking over us that evening. The kitchen at Laguna Community Hall was used for the very first time in a formal dinner situation. And used well it was! What a treat to finally have a kitchen that we can all easily work in. Everyone that worked on the show deserves a huge thank you, with special thanks to all those that worked in the kitchen. Those guys just did not stop!

And how good was the Wollombi Valley Short Film Festival? The artistic quality and variety in style of film that was submitted to the selection committee by local community members, is something that we can all be very proud of. Documentary's, Mocumentary's, Com