Former Hi-5 star Tim Maddren (centre) will tour the Riverina with a new show retelling the life of iconic poet Banjo Paterson. Photo: Supplied.
Banjo Paterson’s writings and poems have stood the test of time, elevating him as one of Australia’s most culturally impactful figures in literature.
Even 84 years after his death, Australians look to his work for inspiration and that is exactly what a former member of the children’s group Hi-5, Tim Maddren, has done for a show he is bringing to the Riverina.
Written and starring Maddren in partnership with Port Macquarie-based NSW theatre company Got Ya Back Productions, BANJO sets Paterson’s life events against new Australian dance and contemporary music.
“This [tour] is as much a win for regional Australia as it is for us,” Maddren said.
“We’re so proud to have made this show in regional NSW, for regional audiences, and then to be able to tour it this far from home.
“This Riverina tour is the outcome of a long process of development by producer Eastern Riverina Arts, and the Riverina Touring Network, a voluntary collaboration of performance venues and halls across the Riverina to bring quality shows to the region.
“The BANJO tour enjoys support from many in the Riverina and from Create NSW, to give our audiences access to the best theatre regional NSW has to offer.”
Teaming up with his wife, stellar dance choreographer Steph Maddren (So You Think You Can Dance, Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby), the pair worked hard to put together an intimate acoustic arrangement of Coldplay favourites, which will feature heavily throughout the show.
“Audience feedback has been stellar – the show described by patrons as ‘mesmerising’, ‘world-class’,” Maddren said.
”I remember one audience member saying, ‘I had tears running down my face of delight and awe … the whole performance was magic and it transported me to a beautiful place called Australia of old’.
“That’s a really moving thing to hear and it goes to show that people still resonate with Banjo Paterson and his work.”
BANJO has also earned praise from former NSW arts minister Ben Franklin.
“I highly recommend this incredibly moving experience. It is breathtakingly good,” he said.
BANJO will tour the Riverina from 8 to 21 March, playing at the Griffith Regional Theatre, Regal Estate in West Wyalong, The Arts Centre Cootamundra, Ganmain Hall and the Junee Athenium Theatre. The tour received Create NSW funding. Tickets are available here.
Loading ...
