Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company’s two-week run of Death of a Salesman, opening Friday, October 18, is almost ready to take to the stage.
Cast member and local doctor Will Hardy is eager to spread the word that this show is good.
Raised in Melbourne, Will studied medicine at Monash University. During his studies he had medical placements at both Sale and Bairnsdale. While in Sale Will joined Sale Theatre Company and was cast as Ram in their production of Heathers. He had enjoyed being in theatrical productions at school and felt that joining a local theatre group would be a good way to become involved in the community while studying.
“I made some great friends in Heathers, so signed up for Boy From Oz in 2024 when I moved back to the area. To my surprise I landed the lead role of Peter Allen. Death Of a Salesman and my character, Happy, is quite a change in tone from my previous stage experiences but I’m absolutely loving the challenge,” Will said.
Will has a musical background as both his parents are accomplished flautists. He himself has a licentiate music diploma for the recorder so it is safe to say that music is in his blood.
Leaving behind a supportive family back in Melbourne, including his partner and a twin brother – both of whom are high school teachers and also great musicians – has been difficult but Will says he’d love to perform with them in a show at some stage.
“I find theatre so rewarding because you get to see such visible growth in people – not just the play itself, but also in how close a group of people can become working towards the same goal. Working in medicine isn’t much different. I’m on a rural GP training program and my colleagues at work are all supportive and welcoming. My focus as a doctor is about community and I think being involved in community theatre is just a natural extension for me,” Will said.
As has become tradition with the October play for Production Line, all profits from opening night will be donated to a local charity, with this year’s recipient being St Vincent de Paul Assistance Centre Bairnsdale. Attendees on opening night will be greeted with a complimentary glass of bubbly and supper provided by long term sponsor, New Leaf Cafe.
Death of a Salesman will open on Friday, October 18, for a total of six performances over two weekends, concluding on Sunday, October 27.
More information can be found on the Production Line website and Facebook page, as well as the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub website.
