ONCE upon a time former Wooroloo resident Chris Kennedy had a wish – to appear in a madcap fairytale that adults would enjoy.
Written and directed by John Grimshaw at Limelight Theatre, Fairytale of Sorts is partly inspired by the films A Knight’s Tale and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Kennedy plays four roles: Jack Spratt, Rumbleforeskin, Man-at-Arms and an executioner.
“These roles are all different and have their own challenges, whether it’s the simple peasant, Italian innkeeper or king’s executioner,” he said.
“I've tried to put a different spin on each and have been working with director John Grimshaw to bring them to life.
“The main challenges are trying to make the different accents believable, really using the stage and being a bit more over the top.”
After taking acting classes last year, Kennedy dove headfirst into auditioning for everything he could and appeared at Stirling Theatre in ’Allo ’Allo! in April.
“I heard about Fairytale of Sorts through word of mouth and contacted John directly,” he said.
“After he sent me the script, I was grabbed by the light-hearted comedy – it’s the kind of show that doesn't take itself too seriously.”
Grimshaw said audiences should expect nothing but pure fun.
“It may differ from many plays in that there’s no ‘take-home’ message,” he said. “It’s a play for those who adhere to the old saying laughter is the best medicine.
“Fairytale of Sorts harks back to medieval times, as we join the good folk of Partridgedale and meet with a host of lovable misfit characters.”
It’s the second time Grimshaw has mounted the show – but this version has several key differences to the debut production six years ago.
“After that first show, I was encouraged by my publisher to re-write the final third of the play to make it easier to stage,” he said.
“It differs in that several madcap characters from version one have been omitted and their places taken by new madcap characters.
“The final scenes differ greatly from the original but great care has been taken to ensure the new version retains the fun and lunacy of its predecessor.”
Fairytale of Sorts plays at 8pm June 28, 29, 30, July 4, 5, 6 and 7 with a 2pm matinee July 1. Tickets are $21, $18 concession – book atwww.limelighttheatre.com.au
or on 0499 954 016 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday.
Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.
