“Steeped in decades of our history (social, political, theatrical), surprisingly upbeat… a warm-hearted, very entertaining evening.” Sydney Morning Herald
“There is something special about Uncle Jack. Something about his voice, his stature, his laugh, his story – something powerful but humbling. It was that something that richoted people to their feet to give the man a standing ovation. It is most certainly, something that you won’t want to miss.” Australian Stage
“A well-crafted piece of theatrical cabaret. This show literally embodies a significant slice of theatrical and social history. An open-hearted crowd-pleaser.” Alison Croggon, Theatre Notes
Uncle Jack Charles is an Australian legend: veteran actor, Koori elder, activist and, until recently, heroin addict and cat-burglar. This is a show about his life – told by him.
From Stolen Generation to Koori theatre in the 70s, from film sets to Her Majesty’s prisons, Jack Charles v the Crown runs the gamut of a life lived to its utmost. Charles’s unswerving optimism transforms this tale of addiction, crime and doing time into a kind of vagabond’s progress – a map of the traps of dispossession and a guide to reaching the age of grey-haired wisdom.
This fleet-footed, light-fingered one-man show is a theatrical delight and a celebration of Black Australia’s dogged refusal to give up on getting on.
Featuring Jack Charles
Written by Jack Charles & John Romeril
Director – Rachael Maza
Dramaturge – John Romeril
Script Consultant – Melanie Beddie
Set and Costume Designer – Emily Barrie
Lighting Designer – Danny Pettingill
Musical Director – Nigel Maclean
Guitar and Violin – Nigel MacLean
Percussion – Phil Collings
Bass – Mal Beveridge
Audio Visual Designer – Peter Worland
Production Manager – Bronwyn Dunston
Stage Manager – Ashley Groenen
Photos by Bindi Cole
For booking enquiries, please contact:
Brad Spolding, General Manager
tel: +61 3 9329 9097
email: generalmanager@ilbijerri.com.au
