2004 continued to be a fruitful year. The Itchy Feet Pep Band in which I play the wacky Drum Major 'Angelo' performed at Beechworth and Bendigo's Easter Festival. Also the comedy marching band appeared at the Monbulk Jazz Festival in November and did a gig for the Salvation Army at the World Congress Centre in Melbourne.

There were more school performances taking me to Tasmania in May. South Australia in June and August. A Brisbane tour in July. A Western Australia tour in August/September taking me to such places like Perth, Kalgoorlie, Albany, and Esperance. In between all the interstate tours were Victorian schools scattered throughout the year. There were also some corporate and community performances as well as a special trip to Port Lincoln in South Australia.

Of course all these destinations are reached by road. I spend a large amount of my time travelling in a station wagon car, seeing the countryside as it passes by. No matter what, rain hail or shine the show must go on! The experience of working in all sorts of country halls and school venues, all shapes and sizes certainly presents challenges. Some of the school venues in Western Australia are under cover areas (some parts exposed to the elements) Not really ideal for staging theatrically presented shows, but somehow the excited response from the students make the uncomfortable conditions fade into the background.

One of the schools in Adelaide South Australia, (Blair Athol Primary School) after seeing one of my performances asked me to come in 2005 and work with them for the month of March as an artist in residence. I decided to present my production 'See Saw' a playground in balance, especially written for the participation of Primary School students. More details are written in the 2005 year.

2005 started with preparation for my artist in residency at Blair Athol Primary School in March. I needed to revise the script and music as well as make changes for the better. This is the second time the show 'See Saw' (especially designed for a cast of primary school students) will be presented. The show's aim is to enhance and broaden the skills and experience of children so as to help balance their lives ahead.

Later February I did a performance at the Adelaide Festival Centre in the Space Theatre, and also came back to the Space Theatre in August for 2 sold out performances of 'Train of Thoughts'.

Early March through to early April completely engulfed me in the artist in residency project funded by Carclews Youth Arts Program for Blair Athol Primary School in Adelaide South Australia.
Once again the teachers and students gave me their full enthusiastic support. Together we rehearsed and finally staged the show for families and the wider community as a whole. The entire school population of over 200 students were involved from approx. 5yrs to 12yrs. The production 'See Saw' a playground in balance was delivered successfully, and for all those involved, a great deal of positive learning took place. A project of this size could not have happened without tremendous effort put in from a vast number of people. The teacher who got it all started and worked so creatively behind the scenes was none other than Vicki Sandstad. She was a pleasure to work with, and so were the rest of the staff. The students entered into the spirit of the project with great gusto, which made the preparation of such a huge undertaking a delight. For me the project finished with great memories. I wish all the best to each and every student who took part, and hope that you each will help balance the world in your own unique way.

Almost immediately after this event I was thrust into a different mode as 'Angelo' the wacky drum major with The Itchy Feet Pep Band. We travelled to Kunming - China for an International Cultural Festival. There were various dance and music groups represented from mainly other Asian countries such as Shri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore etc. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet and greet other artists from other cultures.
Kunming is situated in the middle of Yunnan and is the capital. Yunnan is an ethnic province in China. Kunming has a sub-tropical climate remaining reasonably steady throughout the year. It is 1892 metres above sea level and is a city inhabited with many minority nationalities. At the festival the band performed at a large stadium spectactular, street stage shows, a parade amidst a beautiful flower park, and a stage show at a historical tourist location called The Stone Forest. All in all the experience was fantastic. There were spontaneous moments shared by the variety of Cultural Groups attending. There were the times when we danced arm in arm and conga line style with other colourful costumed performers from other lands. The time when the Red Army Band mingled and jammed with our band striking up 'Click Go the Shears'. The whole trip demonstrated that the arts is a very powerful means of bringing people of contrasting backgrounds together harmoniously.

After returning from China, there were more school shows in country Victoria and another trip to Tasmania in May. Following on from this a 7 week tour began spending a small part of the time in South Australia and the rest in Western Australia. This time I performed in places like Busselton, Bunbury, Perth and Geraldton. On the way we saw in the wild quite a few emus, lots of kangaroos, dingoes, and wedge tail eagles.
I even went to see Cirque du Soleil's 'Quidam' while they were in Perth. They actually had set up right opposite where I was staying. It was good to look out from my window over the enormous tent. It reminded me of the days as a child when the circus came to my small country town. How I looked in awe as the massive canvas of the circus tent was hauled up the very tall king poles. Even though I spend most of my time performing in non circus venues my heart will always remain firmly embedded in the circus.

Not so long after the WA trip I came back to South Australia for a week of schools finishing with the 2 Adelaide Festival Centre performances at the Space Theatre. There were some more Victorian Schools, then in early October did a week in Tasmania sponsored by the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania. This was all part of 'Seniors Week'. As things drew closer to the event I realised what a wonderful concept it was. My show which tells the story of an old vaudevillian who lives with just his memories to comfort him, is an ideal performance for young and old. The tour was filled with some very touching moments. The shows were a mixture of day performances at schools and evening community public performances. Older people were invited to schools to sit amongst the younger and watch a performance that took all ages on a journey presented by my old man character 'Nelligan'. It was wonderful to see all ages together enjoying themselves and feeling their warmth as an audience. It is very rare these days to have a situation where all ages can come together and experience something wholesome. So many people came up afterwards with so much positive feedback. It was good spiritual 'medicine' for me as I went about my business as a performer. It once again kept me remindful of the fact that the talents I have are not for me to keep, but to share.

At this stage as Christmas draws nearer, I have 1 or 2 schools left, some Itchy Feet Gigs and some Corporate events. I'm also looking forward to giving my time free to a fund raising event organised by The Salvation Army in Cranbourne (Melb. suburb) This is to raise money for a New Guinea boy who has serious burn injuries needing extensive operations. He has had several operations already over the years, but is needing more medical attention. This is a very important event for me on the calendar, and an opportunity where at least I can give 1 free performance for the year to such needy cases. If you can help this young fellow from New Guinea please contact me and I'll put you in touch with The Salvation Army representative.
 

2004 seems to be developing into an interesting year. The Itchy Feet Pep Band is booked once again to perform in the Chinese New Year Parade and other appearances in Hong Kong from 20th to 26th Jan. The band is also appearing at the Beechworth & Bendigo Easter Festivals. There are school tours planned taking me to Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia. I'm performing my slackwire act at the Shepparton Festival 6th & 7th March and as time goes on I'll fill you in with more detail. Remember if you wish to see one of my performances, just contact me, and I'll be happy to let you know where it is.

It is now early April, and have had no time to get the news up to date. The year has got off to a great start with (as mentioned earlier) The Itchy Feet Pep Band going to Hong Kong. The organisers couldn’t put us all on the same flights so some of us had to stay a little longer. By the time I left Australia and returned it was a total of 11 days away.

The Band performed in the Chinese New Year Parade receiving fantastic responses the entire length of the parade route. Their were thousands upon thousands watching the parade live, and millions more watching it on television. I had never seen anything like it before. There were masses of spectators going back at least 50 metres from the barriers, of whom some I would imagine could hardly see, but still they waited patiently for a glimpse. The Chinese people were very appreciative and laughed at the gags along the way.  

During the Bands visit there were media appearances, a dinner with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, some sight seeing and shopping, plus static performances in shopping centres. All in all we had a tremendous time. I even learned to speak a little Chinese.  

Not long after being back my attention needed to be focused on a huge school project under the heading of ‘artist in residence’. Two schools in Sth Gippsland (country Victoria) - Foster Primary and Fish Creek Primary teamed together to get a grant from the Victorian Government which enables a performer to come into the school to work with students over a period of time. During this time the artist would introduce them to skills and experiences that would give them an insight into a career or lifestyle they wouldn’t normally see. My style of working is - I workshop the kids training them in circus and theatrical skills, then cast and rehearse them in a theatrical production displaying for family and friends the kids skills within a story structure.  

A teacher from Fish Creek first contacted me and started the ball rolling.
My creative juices were put into action, and after some time of turning my brain inside out a wonderful concept came to mind. I called the show

                                     See Saw - a playground in balance.

The whole idea was to get children to think more for the person on the other end of the see-saw of life. To consider one another in our ups and downs. To be aware of the fact that we are each unique individuals. That there is no one in the world just like ourselves, and that we each have special ways that can help to keep the world in balance.  

The show evolved after I began the project.  With the students teachers and parents support, I wrote a 60 min show, and directed 2 different casts representing over 300 students from prep to yr 6 all in 3 weeks. The 4th week were the performances. My approach to the production was that I didn’t simply want the audience to see kids just doing circus skills. I wanted them to see kids being kids, but with a deeper underlying base that would involve the audience emotionally causing them to come out more ultimately enlightened. Amazingly everyone gained something positive for themselves. The results were incredible. I was glad I did it.

The kids performed up to standard, and impressed parents and teachers alike. It proved to us all that kids have so much potential, and can surprise us all when given challenges. They certainly made the show come alive and it definitely wasn’t the normal primary school presentation. The originality, meaning and style of show gave the kids a unique experience that will hopefully go with them a long way into the future.

November 2003
After Canberra we travelled all the way to Port Fairy (on the Sth West Coast of Victoria). where I was to present my slackwire act at the150th Agricultural show. The weather was a drizzly showery day with some sunny patches, so it was good to be under a tent for the event. I also roved about in my character 'Nelligan' (an old entertainer). Those who attended the activities, rose to the occasion. Some people came up and said how much they enjoyed my appearances at The Port Fairy Folk Festival earlier in the year, as well as the Fun 4 Kids Festival in Warrnambool. (both of these events were held in the same region) As it turned out the day went off without a hitch.
The show's secretary Pauline, and her husband Geoff were our billets. They were very hospitable, and I'm sure when I pass through that area once again I'll drop in to catch up.

From Port Fairy, we travelled to Heywood further west, for a performance and workshops at the local Primary School. We were met by warm & friendly staff, and the day flowed smoothly. After we packed the car, we then headed to Bendigo arriving well into the evening. It was good that the next day was a day off. We had a lazy day as it turned out, but the next day we made up for it with me performing 3 sixty minute shows at Kennington Primary School (one of Victoria's largest country schools). Like a runner, I paced myself making sure my energy output was consistent. The students were so energetic themselves over the 3 shows, it helped keep my energy up as well. The following day I visited Holy Rosary Primary School performing for Kindergarten to yr 2. I don't do performances just for kinder kids, however a Kindergarten Teacher friend asked me, so we arranged for her kids to see the show along with some older children from Holy Rosary. The kids also let off a lot of steam over 2 circus workshops, which was great. That particular day was a very warm day, which left me saturated after the performance. After some cool drinks and ice-creams we finally headed back to Melbourne, but not for long. After 2 days at home we then made our way to beautiful Lakes Entrance about 3.5 hrs east of Melbourne. There were performances scheduled in country halls at different locations for several smaller schools in the district to attend. Bus loads of children came from all over the place. They were fantastic. Splitting their sides with laughter, and raising the roof with noisy cheers. The young audiences were so fresh and inspiring. After another successful trip, once again we headed back to Melbourne in time to do a suburban school, then travelled to Colac to do another 2 shows at Colac Sth West Primary. All went very well with everything falling into place.

Just as the school shows are winding down for the year, it's great timing that Itchy Feet Pep Band has a burst of gigs to follow on.
The very next day after getting back from Colac, I boarded a bus with the band to go to Lorne ( a popular tourist coastal town)
We performed there for a corporate function representing conference leaders. They really enjoyed what we delivered, which as a result have most likely channelled more bookings our way for other events. Oh, I almost forgot about the band's gig at the Monbulk Jazz Festival the week earlier. Monbulk is situated up in the mountains on the out skirts of Melbourne. A very lovely winding drive beneath tall gum trees etc. Monbulk received us with open arms, and already have booked us for next year. I was surprised that several people came up and said they have seen us in Bendigo, Ballarat and as far as Adelaide at the Police Tattoo. We have a crowd that seem to come out of the woodwork as we travel about. It's amazing to know after all these years they still love The Itchy Feet Pep Band. Last Sunday the band also did the Harvest Picnic at the Werribee Park Mansion.
There were loads of people in picnic mode all dotted about on blankets placed on lush green grass. As the band worked their way in-between and around the crowd, an audience gathered thus creating a great atmosphere for 3 good shows. This week did a lot of office work towards planning
for 2004, as well as an evening school performance thrown in as part of a yr 3 sleep over at the school. The Itchy Feet Pep Band is also appearing at a Salvation Army Function on Saturday, 6th December at 3;00 at the Besen Centre, Burwood, Melbourne.

Before the year ends I must take this opportunity to let all of you know, (who have played a part in making 2003 run smoothly) that I appreciate your support, and look forward to further great experiences along life's track.
 

October 2003
Did the performance 'Train of Thoughts' for The Salvation Army Training College in Parkville, Melbourne. It went over fantastically with an appearance from my character Pedro Di Grigio to warm the crowd up. This booking came from contacts made from other Salvo events.
It's amazing that some members of the audience are following me around to these events, because they say they love seeing my shows. If any of you read this, I want to say I really appreciate your friendly support.

Have continued doing some more schools in the Melbourne area, including such schools as Siena College, Footscray City College & University High School. Again the response from the performances couldn't be better. (look out for feedback)

Left for a 'dogs dinner style of tour', in other words it took me all over the place. Those of you who know the layout of Australia and the State of Victoria will see the distances involved. I started off in the beautiful region of Wodonga, east off the Hume Highway in a little town called - wait for it! Tangambalanga. It was such a tranquil spot. Mountains in the distance and a long vast lake to accompany us. Then the next day we travelled to Canberra (Australia's Capital City). For two days we presented the show in schools there in front of  enthusiastic audiences.

September 2003
Began this month at yet another school - Camberwell Grammar. Their magnificent theatre lended itself very well to a presentation of 'Train of Thoughts'. The staff member who has the job of looking after the theatre was very friendly and helpful. After lots of different and varying school venues, adjusting and adapting, it's refreshing when a performer gets a chance to deliver their talents in a well equipped theatre.

After a few more schools around Melbourne and country Victoria, members of The Itchy Feet Pep Band including my character 'Drum Major Angelo' headed off to the Adelaide Sensational Police Tattoo at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. This time instead of travelling by plane with the band, I went by car as I had some Adelaide schools booked immediately after the Tattoo. As opening night drew nearer, I was greatly looking forward to performing a new routine with new music. Even during rehearsals at the venue, we further shaped the act we were to present. It was amazing to see how the act was developing within the performing space.

Finally we had a chance to show our act to an audience. Approx 4000 of them. It was rewarding to hear the claps, and laughs coming down upon us from all corners of the stadium. Each show we did was an experience in itself. For me it was a little sad when the season was over. I could have gone on some more, as the opportunity to work in front of a large crowd helped equip me with better performing skills.
I felt I was just warming up, and the act too was showing more room for development. Yes, a few more nights would have fulfilled my performing appetite. All in all the whole event was very successful.

While mixing and mingling with the backstage crew and other bands it was tremendous to meet once again people I'd met last time. They were very encouraging showing the same admiration towards Itchy Feet as they did previously. One person who was a pleasure to meet was a chap by the name of Ernie. He is a retired police officer and got the job of being my motor cycle rider. Our act began with Itchy Feet being chased by a police motor cycle complete with side car and my character 'Drum Major Angelo' as passenger. Ernie was a pleasure to meet and had many an interesting tale to tell of his days with the force. After the event, Ernie further extended his hospitality by inviting me out for dinner. It was a most memorable evening filled with interesting conversation and good company.

After the Adelaide Police Tattoo I commenced a week of schools in Adelaide suburbs. The shows went off very well with once again teachers commenting on how the performance 'Train of Thoughts' was the best they've seen at a school. It was very encouraging to hear these words as being on the road has it's moments of despair. I take my work very seriously, and always put my heart and soul into what I do. Underneath our extravert exteriors us performers can be fragile creatures, so when a positive comment comes along it's so refreshing.
Great feedback is coming in all the time, with pictures and drawings from the students. When I sought it out there will be links to it from the news page on my website.

August 2003
Did more schools around Melbourne. Spent a lot of time preparing Itchy Feet Pep Band's bass drum for a new act we are including in the Adelaide Police Tattoo. In this routine my character, Angelo the Drum Major will roll on top of the drum while one of the percussionists performs a drum solo. While balancing on the drum, Angelo will also twirl 4 gold hoops in different ways. In order to perform this, the bass drum needs to be strengthened internally, and the outside of the drum needs to be built up in-between the chrome braces so it will roll steadily. The internal part of the drum was solved with 2 bike wheels placed inside, then the tyres inflated to achieve the right pressure against the inside wall of the drum. After a little experimenting, and when it finally worked, I breathed a sigh of relief, because I needed to feel safe with my body weight going through the balancing motions. When one is performing such skills, I feel it's important that the mind is not concentrating on the risks, but rather concentrating on the character that is needed to sell the routine to the audience.

On the 14th 15th 16th 17th of August my time was taken up with exhibiting my wares at Melbourne's 2nd Showbiz & Entertainment Expo, designed to attract future clientele. I felt some areas at the event were worthwhile, but on the whole, most people that attended wanted to be performers rather than hire performers. Anyway, my experience for the second year in a row was still good and brought about some positives for my company. The idea of holding such an event has a lot of potential for the showbiz industry, however more needs to be done to make it effective. Perhaps a different approach from another angle might help. eg. attract the public to the exhibition by having more of a market place of entertainment that first captures the imagination - the emphasis being on entertainment, then once the public are captivated the spotlight then leads them behind the scenes, where the support base of businesses are that contribute to making the showbiz wheel go around.
 

July 2003
This year is the first time I have visited the Fun 4 Kids children's festival. This is held in the coastal Victorian town of Warrnambool. This event has grown and grown over the years, and is such a fantastic idea for all the kids, and big kids at heart. Everything one can think of for kids is there in one location, all under the heading of fun, which I must say is something that can be lacking in this modern world of ours. This event gave me a chance to perform my slackwire act as I performed it at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. It went over very well with the audiences of all ages, and I look forward to more such opportunities. It's always good to do other things in my repertoire. This keeps me on my toes, and helps me not to go rusty.

The Itchy Feet Pep Band met to play through new music arranged from a record written by Billy May in 1955. This music is fantastically Dixie!
The band have adapted the music to suit their instrumentation, and should capture the feel of the routine we're after. Of course this is all in preparation for The Sensational Adelaide Police Tattoo in which we are a part of mid September. Bit by bit the script is evolving, and we guarantee the audiences will be delighted. It is also a healthy thing for the band to try something fresh. Older members have now joined the newer members from scratch to begin rehearsing all as one team on one level. After Adelaide some parts of the new act has the potential to be broken up into other areas of the band's work, which will make all the efforts at rehearsals go further.

June 2003
Late May I did another stint of schools in country Victoria and Melbourne suburbs, then headed early June to the State of Queensland for 2 weeks of schools in Brisbane suburbs. While there, television station Channel 9 contacted me about doing an interview and filming parts of the show in regards to a story on memories of Brisbane's World Expo '88. Back in 1988 I was very privileged to be engaged as the only solo artist for the entire 6 months of expo. They were wonderful times filled with treasured memories, so it was a delight to be featured in a story about those experiences. My stay in Brisbane was also a good chance to catch up with friends I have met over the years.

Late June I presented 'Train of Thoughts' in a theatre for the Warburton Winter Festival. Warburton is set on the edge of Melbourne amongst the mountains in a beautiful part of Victoria.

While this is all going on, a team and I are preparing for The Itchy Feet Pep Band's 2nd appearance at the Sensational Adelaide International Police Tattoo. This is a new routine with new music, which will add an extra challenge to our rehearsals. It's great that the organisers invited us back again after the first event 2 years ago.  For me it's always an exciting time to be amongst some of the worlds best marching bands, and for us to have an opportunity to deliver our special brand of marching band comedy in the midst of such an event, is certainly a privilege. Television Channel 7 filmed the occasion and will be aired later around Australia.

May 2003
At the end of April, and in the first week of May did more Melbourne schools with the performance 'Train of Thoughts' Where ever this show is staged the feedback is fantastic. I think the show (strangely enough even after 14 years of presenting it) has improved immensely. I'm always discovering more effective ways of working within the structure of the performance.

Friday 9th of May, I put the car on the ferry for the Island State of Tasmania for a 2 week tour of schools. This trip took me to country areas such as Richmond (a convict historical town), and further Nth East to a place called St Mary's. We then went through to Devonport, Burnie, Ulverstone and Smithton in the Nth West. It was a great trip, with once again the responses being the best that anyone could ask for. Here is just one of the school's feedback which I must say is very encouraging.
'A superbly crafted show illustrating the magnificent world of non-verbal communication. Obviously a very experienced, skilled artist who shares his talents with humour and warmth. Several teachers commented to me that it was the best show they had seen.'  St Mary¹s District School Tasmania

After all the work that goes into achieving a high level theatrical experience for the students, it's very strengthening for my inner spirit to know that the blood, sweat & tears are not shed in vain. I must say a big thankyou to St Mary's District School and all the others for their warm responses throughout our journey. (please see other school feedback in other parts of the news page, or go to the performance page, then click schools, then click schools feedback)

April 2003
Once again The Itchy Feet Pep Band did wonders at the Melbourne International Flower Show. I've lost count of the amount of times we've appeared in those beautiful gardens surrounding the historic Carlton Exhibition Buildings. The crowd were very friendly towards us, which helped make our job a lot easier. I think somehow flowers bring out the best in people.

The Itchy Feet Pep Band fly out of Melbourne for the Sydney Agricultural Show appearing from Sat 12th to Thur 17th April.
It's fantastic that we have a chance once again to strut our stuff at the the Sydney. Ag. Show. It has been 2 or 3 years since we were there last. The crowds always flock around when we hit the streets, and the entertainment staff are just tremendous to work with. The venue for the Sydney. Show is in the heart of what used to be the Olympic site.

No sooner we got back from Sydney, Itchy Feet piled on a bus and headed for the Beechworth Festival Sat 19th April. This is the first time we have appeared there. The people out and about at the festival were more than amazed to see shining brightly in the sunshine, a fully decked out comedy marching band playing havoc in the streets! It wasn't something they were expecting. The surprise element gave a real buzz in the air, and the locals accepted us with open arms. We gave a street roving performance, then marched in the street parade. Beechworth is set in the far North of the State of Victoria, off the Hume Hwy (Melbourne to Sydney) to the right of Wangaratta. It's tucked in amongst beautiful surrounding countryside.

After a day's spell, the band Itchy Feet then headed to Central Victoria to our good old stamping ground, Bendigo  for their Easter Festival. We are booked for the Street Parade and a show on Mon 21st April. Over the years we have performed there with always a great response from the audiences. So much so that the crowds treat us as one of their own. They always gather to see a show long before we are due to start, which is always a good sign.
It's so nice to know that there are places like Bendigo that warmly welcome and remember us as we travel from gig to gig. There are people that often come out of the woodwork where ever we are and make mention of the fact that they have special memories of The Itchy Feet Pep Band entertaining them somewhere in this vast land of ours.

10.03.03

Port Fairy Folk Festival

Performed at the Port Fairy Folk Festival just recently, the long weekend of Sat 8th, Sun 9th & Mon 10th of March 2003. It was a fantastic experience. It was amazing that so many people came out of the wood work to express how much they enjoyed my contribution. Performing one's art can be a lonely experience some times, so it's greatly encouraging to receive positive feed back.

At the Festival I performed over 3 days 3 Slackwire acts and 3 times where my character Nelligan roved. People seeing the wire act proved helpful for those times when they came across Nelligan roving. After seeing Nelligan in the wire act, they realised that there was more to Nelligan than meets the eye.

The chance to be part of the festival was also a good time to meet new performers as well as catch up with performer friends that I haven't seen for some time. The net working at such an event was tremendous, so I returned to Melbourne feeling very much on a high. From this I have been now booked for the Port Fairy Agricultural show on November 1st 2003, so looks like I'll be back in that neck of the woods again.

The Itchy feet Pep Band

Meanwhile I'm rehearsing with The Itchy feet Pep Band (comedy marching band) for shows coming up at the International Flower Show in Melbourne as well as for the Sydney Show.

Schools begin for 2003.

Soon I'll be in the Mildura area once again on Mon 24th March 2003. During this week I'll also go to Robinvale and Kyabram. Also 2 weeks are being planned in Tasmania for May & 2 weeks in Queensland for June. Schools in South Australia will also take place in September around the Police Tattoo that Itchy Feet are booked for.

30.11.02

Melbourne Festival October 2002

Recently I had a wonderful opportunity to be involved in the play Knot @ Home by Australian writer, Scott Rankin. There were 5 associate directors with Scott overseeing the whole production. The work told real stories by real people (not actors) of displacement and homelessness with rope knots symbolically portraying the knotted tangles that we incur along life¹s road. The journeys of street kids, indigenous people, and refugees from such places as East Timor and Afghanistan were heart breaking and beautifully told through the mediums of film, visual theatre, and words. 

Well known Australian Actor, Kerry Armstrong from the film Lantana fame translated the refugee stories as we heard them told in the language of origin. The play was a major hit at the Melbourne Art's Festival leaving an emotional effect on all those who saw it, as well as all those who had the privilege of participating in it. My part did not show me in my normal roles. In fact the focus was not on me at all. It was rather on the puppets I manipulated depicting the refugee journey. I found it very challenging, and was moved emotionally with each performance. 

The cast and crew were just amazing. There were no stars, and everyone worked as a team. They were from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, and I found by being around these people whose realistic purpose was to help make this world a better place by sharing their own gutsy personal life stories, gave me so much inspiration. 

The project was produced by ground breaking company Big hArt, who over the years have won Government and Arts awards for their work in the fields of the Arts and marginalised people. As a theatrical piece, the rehearsals and process of development was fascinating to watch. The way Scott the writer/director handled the sensitive, tough and fragile personalities of the cast members was to be admired with the utmost respect. He created with the help of a great deal of dedicated and beautiful people a brilliant work as well as having that tremendous knack of encouraging the raw talents of those involved. 

I'm sure as a result of Knot @ Home the experiences had by all will go on to enrich this world we share.

The Showbiz and Entertainment Expo Nov 8,9,10, 2002

For the first time in Melbourne an exhibition was organized for the purposes of bringing together and displaying all facets of the showbiz industry. It was a fantastic idea and presented for businesses an ideal opportunity to showcase their wares as well as giving a chance to network within the industry. The means to connect under the same roof with the general public regarding all manner of needs associated with the fields of Entertainment and the Performing Arts helped prove there is still no business like show business.

When I first heard about it, I thought it would be great to get Wobbly Wire Productions out there in the market place once again. The organizers were very helpful and right from the word go I found the whole project a worthwhile exercise. It is too soon to tell whether I will receive more work from having been an exhibitor, but meanwhile I remain optimistic. What I do know is, that people took the leaflets and brochures, and a great deal of interest was expressed. Also the event provided me an impetus to create some display images, print more promotional material etc. Once I'd dressed the space I was given and the display was up and running I was certainly pleased with the results.

There were blown up images of the characters at least 2metres high and ideas that gave the display a sense of more than one dimension. Even though the crowd numbers at the overall exhibition were down, (being the first) I believe that as the expo develops on a yearly basis, public attention and exhibitors will increase making it a very effective promotional event for the showbiz industry.

The Itchy Feet Pep Band
 
The band has just done the David Jones Christmas Parade at the Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne, and have various Corporate events booked prior to Christmas.
In 2003 the band is booked for the Ballarat Tattoo in January 24th 25th 26th and the Sensational Adelaide International Tattoo on Sept. 18th 19th 20th and looks likely to be part of the Melbourne International Flower Show once again early April and the Royal Sydney Show from the 12th of April.

School Student Reviews Yr 8 Geelong College

I visited Geelong College back in September with my school performance Train of Thoughts and to my delight some year 8 students sent me written work expressing their experiences of the performance. 

The following are excerpts from these reviews.

"Train of Thoughts was a very self-explanatory and visual show. Peter Gray explained this story line extremely well and without the help of words. In conclusion Train of Thoughts was a great experience for me as a drama student, and helped me to get ideas for our clowning unit. It clarified that clowns can have mental and physical journeys. I did not know this as such, and it opened my eyes to the possibilities of clowning." - Drew Lawson

"Train of Thoughts was a fabulous show that taught me a new side of performance that I hadn't seen before. I particularly liked the fact that Peter Gray could include both clowning and acrobatics into one. Peter's character was to me someone I could easily identify with. We all at some stage of our lives want to do something that may be we can't do any more because of certain reasons, but we can still do it in our imaginations. I didn't feel at any stage in the show I was at a performance. I felt I was inside this man's head and that he was sharing his life with me. Over all I conclude that Train of Thoughts was a fabulous performance and the consistency and presentation was astounding."
- Stephanie Gainey

"Peter Gray is obviously not only a very talented actor, but also a very skilful performer of tricks. He finishes his acts well with the grand finale leaving all that have witnessed it in awe." - Tom Nice

"Peter Gray has the talent of balance, juggling, expressing emotion and miming. His act was the life of an old man, who slept, ate, lived on the streets. His old picture that he kept so close to his heart and polished lovingly showed the treasure in the old man's life. His ability to walk on a raised rope, and to change costumes proved him great. His non use of words didn't matter as his skill in the acting was so great his performance made sense to even the youngest of audience. Seeing such a professional actor and performer was an honour for a student who studies his profession." - Lydia Kim

"Peter was very talented with the way he interacted with the audience. I liked how Peter was not a typical clown with big make up and a colourful wig, but an old man who looked back on his life as a clown and how he treasured those moments. Also what impressed me was the way he used music to show the audience what was going on. His timing was brilliant and I loved the way he improvised.
I also loved the way he trusted his audience members when they helped him, and how the audience trusted him." - Pip Hyatt

"Train of Thoughts is definitely one of the most imaginative, innovative, funny, fantastic and lively clown shows I have seen in my life, if not the best. The actor/clown Peter Gray has a very definite sense of communication and interpreted his act amazingly. What was so amazing was that through the whole act, he did not speak, though I don't really define it as mime. It was thoughtful, yet hilarious, with a slightly melancholic touch. The method of communication he used actually enriched the show immensely. Using his body and face so well is rarely seen. To show what you mean and your emotions without words is mind blowing. I found that I felt for the old grandpa." - Brigit Skilbeck 

24.09.02

Rowville Salvo Event

I have pleasure in announcing a public performance of 'Train Of Thoughts' to be staged on Friday 27th of September 2002 at the Rowville Community Centre, Fulham Road - Rowville (suburb of Melbourne, Australia) to help raise money for the Rowville Salvation Army.

Show time is 7pm and supper is provided. If interested in tickets ring - Rowville Salvation Army on 03 9701 0491

I have been mainly flat out with school performances or Corporate and do not do that many public, so if you live in the area, here is a chance to come along. Nelligan my old man character would love to meet you. It would make his night! 

09.09.02

SCHOOL TOURS 

The school performances have been going really well. It's great seeing the student's faces as they travel through the performance with me. It is like we are on a journey together. The only difference is that I know what's coming next. I get a lot of enjoyment out of uncovering the surprises I have in storage. Each audience gives the performance 'Train Of Thoughts' a new and fresh feel, and even after 12 years of it being in production I'm still learning how to make it more interesting. It's amazing just what happens during the performance that in turn gives me a new idea, or a moment that comes from the audience that helps me understand my audience better.

Schools I have recently been to: 

21.07.02

The school holiday program called 'Going Bananas Under the Big Top' at St Johns Diamond Creek was fantastic. It was a great way to spend the first week of the school hols fully occupied doing what I enjoy, and that is seeing kids excitedly going about learning circus skills. 

The idea isn't to expect them to become circus performers, rather it is to help them to discover more about what life can offer them, and what they can offer life. They had a lot of fun as they challenged themselves to tackle the various things before them. I only offered simple ideas that they could go home and make or collect. Nothing amounted to too much expense. I wanted the kids to have a sense of what can happen in their backyard with a little imagination thrown in. Games can be created that keep the body fit and co coordinated while stimulating the imagination.

In the planning of these circus workshops, I decided to design certificates to be given to each child participating so as to add a greater incentive for them to attend each day. The idea certainly worked, which saw kids arriving regularly eager as beavers to continue the challenge. Also I gave them goals to try and achieve, and when they succeeded they scored a star to add to their certificate. I tried to make the certificate as professional as possible so it would have more of a valuable appearance. Something they will be more inclined to treasure.

click here to see certificate

At the end of the week the kids got a chance to perform their skills for their family and friends, and after that I presented my performance 'Train of Thoughts' At the conclusion of the night while in character I presented the kids with their certificates, and it was so meaningful to see their faces light up as they took with them a record of their achievement.

Of course something like this, could not have happened without the support of a dedicated team of voluntary helpers associated with the 'Going Bananas Under the Big Top' program. I thank them very much for inviting me and for their support.

The school holidays are now over and I'm now back presenting my performance 'Train of Thoughts' and workshops in schools.

01.07.02

This week I'm involved in a school holiday program which is great, because this fits in very well between my school performances. St John's Anglican church, Diamond Creek, Melbourne Australia, is having a circus theme and I have the pleasure of running two workshops a day plus the performance 'Train of Thoughts' at the end of the week Friday 5th July 2002. I'm looking forward to once again applying my techniques along the lines of how I learned as a child. ie through my imagination- playing games. The children participating hopefully will have a more interesting holiday as a result. This type of work keeps me in touch with the art of communication, and having a variety of opportunity is always good for sharing one's wares.

28.06.02
Teacher's Notes

Have been working on extra activity material to go in the teacher's notes that schools receive when they book 'Train of Thoughts’ (performance suitable from 5yrs upwards right through to Secondary and tertiary level students) The teacher's notes incorporate not only discussion starters about the show and live performance in general, but they also get circus skill activity diagrams giving a simple introduction into the world of circus. They are very easy to follow, and do not deal with advanced skills or equipment. The students notice that everything I present to them in regards to equipment can be either made at home or collected. I try to remind them of their imagination, and how much we can learn by playing in the backyard ie. if they're fortunate to have playing room at home. Of course I do not expect all the students to be heading for a circus or stage career, but if their imaginations are expanded, and their bodies are more co-ordinated they are bound to have more interesting life ahead.

Emerald Nth Queensland Tour

I had such a fantastic time in Emerald Nth Queensland presenting my performance for schools 'Train of Thoughts' I must thank teacher David Jackson for inviting me and organizing the whole event. I also spent a bit of time planning my workshops for schools prior to going to Emerald. There were at least 40 workshops booked in the schedule, and I thought I'd revamp my approach to my workshops. In the 1970s I did all my workshops via a character that didn't talk at all. (See character sitting on railway tracks Early Days page) Even when I was involving the students in circus skills, this character didn’t talk. I remember that it worked very effectively, but as time went on I started to take workshops as myself (out of character). It took me a while, but I eventually realised that my workshops weren’t the same as my earlier ones. I couldn’t for a long time work out why. As the Emerald school workshops approached I decided to include some of the magic ingredients that I once used in the 70s. I decided to do just enough to create a character with a false nose and hat, and took the workshop making the visual the main focus and not the talking. I also used music to back the action as well as the words. This approach I discovered worked very much in my favour and all the planning made it worthwhile. The student's were taken on a journey via their imagination, and as a result they were excitedly learning along the way.

IMAGINATION!

In the workshops I took as myself, the missing secret ingredient I discovered from this whole exercise was IMAGINATION! Now I feel I'm back on track with my workshops. As a result I had a wonderful time in Emerald Nth Queensland watching student's eyes lighting up as they entered the world I created for them, which was basically my backyard, and the experiences I had playing as a child. At the moment I'm still touring schools, which I enjoy very much, but while this is all going on, I'm working on promotional design projects to help diversify my work experiences. I would like more opportunities as I've had in the past in Cabaret and Corporate, but meanwhile there is never a dull moment. My imagination is always directing my attention to something.

Take care!
Regards Peter

30.03.02
The Itchy Feet Pep Band at The International Flower Show.
I'll be performing as 'Angelo' the drum major with The Itchy Feet Pep Band at the
International Flower Show - Melbourne, Australia. Place, date & times are as follows

Carlton Exhibition Gardens

Wednesday April 10th - 2 Shows - 2.30pm & 3.30pm
Thursday April 11th - 2 Shows - 2.30pm & 3.30pm
Friday April 12th - 3 Shows - 3pm (2nd show time to be decided) & 6.30pm
Saturday April 13th - 3 Shows - 3pm (2nd show time to be decided) & 6.30pm
Sunday April 14th - 2 Shows - 2.30pm & 3.30pm
 
Over the years our appearances at this event have proved very successful. Autumn is a beautiful time in Melbourne. Add the International Flower Show and you have a great reason to get out and about. For us, its an ideal setting to entertain a whole range of people.

School Tour - Northern Queensland.

Tuesday April 16th commences a 3 week school tour of Emerald & district - inland from Rockhampton, North Queensland. This was made possible by Emerald State High school drama teacher David Jackson, and a grant from PCAP, inland from Rockhampton. I'll be performing my 50min solo show 'Train of Thoughts' featuring the slackwire as well as taking workshops for ages ranging from prep to year 12. David Jackson has put in loads of work towards this tour, and I'm looking forward to meeting staff and students very much.