Greetings my dear Friends,
"I'm not black!" Sandra Laing cries in our new film SKIN. The colour of Sandra Laing’s skin (Sophie Okonedo) colours her life. Born black of white parents Sandra is the centre of this true story played against the harrowing years of Apartheid. She is breaking the law if she lives as a black with whites, so her Dad (Sam Neill) devotes years to having her officially declared white.  But life is very complicated.  The struggle between tradition, the law and what is right is the strength of this film which actualises the sense of futility, desperation & remorse. “Exceptional true story – impressive.” (David Stratton); “A story with deep compassion, great beauty and triumph of the human spirit.” (Sunday Times, SA); “Tragic, enraging and uplifting.” (Entertainment Weekly). "An extraordinary story, one that only real life could invent. You won't forget this film in a hurry" (Urban Cinefile). SKIN has won multiple awards – see it here EXCLUSIVELY!   The book SKIN is based on - WHEN SHE WAS WHITE - by Judith Stone.  This true story is for sale here in our little book stall – a great read!  Limited number available at just $25, so be sure to get your copy soon.

I saw the Russian French thriller FAREWELL on Friday & what a thriller it is!  Based on little-known real events that led to the end of the Soviet bloc, this surprising and compelling story reveals the monumental results of Gregoriev's actions and Pierre's reluctant espionage.  “It's 1981, and a high-ranking KGB officer adopts a daring plan to end the corrupt Brezhnev regime; a man who decides that his government is doing the wrong thing and sets about, at enormous personal risk to expose it.” 4 stars.(David Stratton)  I highly recommend this historical thriller…I loved it!

Next week from London’s venerable Albert Hall comes the incredible musical Monty Python-esque performance created by Eric Idle of NOT THE MESSIAH (HE’S A VERY NAUGHTY BOY!) This hilarious take on The Messiah is billed as “like Handel, only funnier” & based on Monty Python’s LIFE OF BRIAN. This fabulously entertaining comic oratorio features the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, a host of superb soloists in the lead roles bringing us our favourite songs from Monty Python’s LIFE OF BRIAN.  With Rosalind Plowright, and Monty Pthyon’s Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Jones & Terry Gilliam. “Impressive, inventive music, beautifully performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, that echoes everything from Handel to Bob Dylan." (The Times) This lavish performance commemorates Python's 40th Anniversary – come and be a part of it. Two great shows – 12 noon this Saturday 31st July & Sunday 1st August. Tickets just $18; book your favourite seats now!

Do you have a heart for Africa?  UBUNTU is a raw and authentic film documenting the plight of street children in urban Africa. From the Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, this is a heart felt tale.  The Director Matt Nelson will be here for a Q and A after the screening. This fundraiser begins with dessert at 7.30pm on Monday 2nd August.  Tickets $19.50… a very memorable evening!

It’s been about 80 years since they were the talk of the town, but the COMEDIAN HARMONISTS still have an alluring magnetism. We have a special night to celebrate these magical musicians.  Beginning with desserts and wine before TRIO FORTE perform LIVE MUSIC of the era, we will experience the wonder of the COMEDIAN HARMONISTS. This film seamlessly blends the actual recordings of this famous male sextet – 5 vocals and one on piano - with wonderful acting and directing to create a true classic. The extraordinary film gives an account of the true story from the day they meet first in 1927 to the day in 1934, when they become banned by the upcoming Nazis, because three of them are Jewish. It’s an enticing film, a masterpiece told in a loving and respectful way which generates genuine interest in the men and their music- the true brotherhood of men who love to sing.  Come along and be entranced!  Friday 6th August from 7pm for nibbles & drinks.  Tickets just $22.50

The New York Met Opera’s TALES OF HOFFMAN by Offenbach is a fascinating psychological journey based on the life of the major 19th Century German romantic author E T Hoffman.  Both the Nutcracker & Coppelia ballets are based on his work; Directed by James Levine with Joseph Calleja in the tour-de-force title role and Anna Netrebko and Alan Held. Sat 7th Aug only at 11.30am. $18/$20.

Italian Nights are one of my favourites and I’m very much looking forward to this one.  We have Fredrico coming to transport us musically to Italy before the Oscar worthy film L’ULTIMO PULCHINELLA – THE LAST PULCHINELLA, a touching and beautiful drama.  Massimo Ranieri (one of Italy’s greatest singers) stars as the struggling middle-aged actor Michelangelo, who performs as a street artist in the Naples piazzas, singing and acting the ‘stories of Pulcinella’. His son Francesco flees to Paris after witnessing a Camorra crime, and Michelangelo follows him, even though he does not speak a word of French. With the help of an old friend Dorient and an ageless actress who lives in an abandoned theatre, the two put on a show that will reinvigorate their often strained relationship. THE LAST PULCHINELLA is a powerful film about a changing world and the power of theatre to bridge the gap between people.  The evening begins at earlier than usual at 7pm for Italian wine, beer and drinks with a wonderful selection of nibbles around our big cosy heaters.  You’ll enjoy this great night out - Friday 13th August at 7pm; tickets $22.50, great seats still available.

“EVERY SINGLE SATURDAY” is a new LIVE MUSICAL COMEDY. In a real coup, Avoca Beach Picture Theatre has this before the Sydney NIDA season opens! It’s a heart-warming musical comedy which celebrates the laughter & tears of being a young sporting protégé’s number one fan - the drama on the sidelines is every bit as intense as the drama on the field. EVERY SINGLE SATURDAY with its laughter, tears, romance and reconciliation taps into the Aussie spirit of competition and 'a fair go'. It will touch you... and leave you standing and cheering!  There are 2 shows only, Saturday August 14th at 4pm (tickets $28) and 8pm (tickets $35). Book early for the best seats!

We have a very powerful, emotional drama coming to the Theatre. We were blown away at the preview of the new film MATCHING JACK about the unbreakable bond between parent and child …but did you know that it was one of our very loyal patrons – LYNNE RENEW – who wrote this extraordinary piece?  Lynne wrote it out of a place of vulnerability and with a very real authenticity.  MATCHING JACK sensitively captures the power of love and the triumph of the human spirit.  All the actors give an extraordinarily real performance - James Nesbitt is huggable as the Dad who has is own healing ways.  However it is Kodi Smit-McPhee’s performance that deserves an Oscar (and, I believe, will win him many awards) – your heart will ache for him!  We have a wonderful RED CARPET Event for you.  Starting with drinks, Lynne will introduce the film and after the screening of MATCHING JACK will talk more with you.  And you are in for another treat on the night! St Fiacre’s Distillery are bringing some of their Award Winning Australian Fruit liquors for you to taste!  Friday 20th August at 7pm. Tickets just $15.50. Be quick to book your favourite seats!

• 29th July – SKIN begins
• Sat 30th July and Sun 1st August – NOT THE MESSIAH from London’s Albert Hall
• Mon 2nd August – African film UBUNTA – one screening only
• Thurs 5th August –SECOND HAND WEDDING begins
• Fri 6th August – SPECIAL EVENT - Comedian Harmonists film with Trio Forte Live.
• Sat 7th Aug – New York Met Opera’s TALES OF HOFFMAN – One Show Only
• Fri 13th August – ITALIAN EVENING – The Last Pulchinella.
• Sat 14th August – LIVE STAGE SHOW – Every Single Saturday
• Thurs 19th August – MATCHING JACK begins
• Fri 20th August – A NIGHT WITH THE WRITER for MATCHING JACK

Next week we have a great film starting – and in English!  Our family previewed the New Zealand film SECOND HAND WEDDING and every one of us thoroughly enjoyed it, still smiling each time I think about it!  It’s in the genre of 4 Weddings, Nottinghill and Love Actually, and will have you leaving the Theatre with a huge grin on your face. EXCLUSIVE TO AVOCA and one not to miss!

See you very soon, at the Theatre!
Beth