Community theatre is a great way to find new friends when you’re new to an area, and Tim Carter is Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company’s newest recruit.
Moving to the area with his family during the pandemic didn’t allow for much in the way of establishing new connections. Having participated in theatre when he was younger, including The Merry Widow and Annie Get Your Gun plus numerous pantomimes as the “doddering old king or the doddering but wise wizard” Tim thought auditioning for Anything Goes, which opens on Friday, May 3, was a great way for him and his daughter Olivia, to make new friends and have some fun along the way.
“Olivia had been watching old videos of my earlier theatre performances and started nagging that she wanted to do a show with her daddy. And she’s having a blast, so I think we’ll definitely be back next year,” Tim said.
While Olivia can be seen in the ensemble, Tim staked his claim on the part of Lord Evelyn Oakleigh with some impressive baritone vocals in his audition.
“I didn’t really know what to expect when I auditioned, but I’m so glad I took the chance. Evelyn is pompous and clueless, and I’m having so much fun playing him,” Tim said.
Originally from the United Kingdom, but living in Australia for nearly a decade now, Tim said: “I’m a bit of a UK mongrel – born in England, raised in Scotland and living in Northern Ireland for a decade, so I’m loving the opportunity to channel some authentic Englishness with Evelyn.”
Joining him on stage as his reluctant fiancée Hope Harcourt, is AJ Manuell.
AJ first joined Production Line in the ensemble for Grease and returned for School of Rock in 2023. This is AJ’s first leading role but you wouldn’t know it when you see her as Hope.
With soaring soprano vocals and confident acting skills, you’d be forgiven for thinking AJ is a seasoned performer.
Asked what she likes about her character, AJ said: “I love that she wants to honour her mother’s wishes, but ultimately stands up for herself and isn’t willing to settle for someone she doesn’t love.”
Without giving away too much, love doesn’t run smoothly for the future Lord and Lady Oakleigh.
Returning to the stage as Hope’s mother Evangeline Harcourt, is long time Production Line member Susan Hawton.
Audiences last saw Susan in the memorable role of Mrs Peacock in Clue.
Developing a penchant for character parts with strong personalities, Susan said: “I really do love playing Evangeline. She has all the hallmarks of a proper lady – except a title and enough money to keep her in the manner she’s accustomed to. Although I’m not so sure her solution is very motherly.”
AJ said she thinks: “Hope would definitely agree that her mother’s solution isn’t exactly loving.”
It’s clear, though, that Susan and AJ have formed a great bond which translates well to the stage as mother and daughter.
Tim has also found some kindred spirits during the rehearsal process, saying that he’s made “great friends as I’d hoped, I’ve just had so much fun and I find myself laughing constantly – the script is genuinely funny.”
All three say they hope audiences will enjoy the humour in Anything Goes as much as they do the music and dancing.
Further information on the three-week run of Anything Goes, from Friday, May 3, to Sunday, May 19, including three Sunday matinees, can be found on The Forge Theatre and Arts Hub website or Production Line’s Facebook page and website.
