Privates on Parade, 11th February – 8th March 2014

In association with the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, Sydney’s New Theatre will be playing host to a very special production from the 11th February – 8th March, but be warned – it’s certainly not one for the faint-hearted!

Following the young protagonist Private Steven Flowers as he’s posted to Singapore during the 1948 Malayan Emergency, the play depicts a coming-of-age tale about a group of military misfits on their journey from boys to men, guided through love, loneliness and fear by their camp Captain ‘Auntie’ Terri Dennis, featuring plenty of tongue-in-cheek laughs along the way.

A light-hearted and comical tale, Peter Nichol’s play is juxtaposed against a much darker and more poignant backdrop, with political connotations of colonialism, revolution, homophobia and racism all seeping through into the topical comedy. However, with lashings of camp comedic gold laced throughout the production – singing, dancing, tongue-in-cheek laughs and even cross-dressing men – this one might not be suitable for your granny!

Described as a Kenneth Wiliams-esque remix of ‘Apocalypse Now’, Privates on Parade is based on Peter Nichol’s personal experience of serving as part of the entertainment unit in Singapore. The production previously won the highly regarded Lawrence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy when it first hit the stage in 1977 and was first produced by the New Theatre way back in 1989. Since then, a film starring John Cleese and many additional revivals of the heart-warming comedy have all enlightened audiences over the years, and this production is to be no different!

Directed by Alice Livingstone and featuring music by Denis King, Privates on Parade will be available to watch from the 11th February at the New Theatre – and with ticket prices starting at only $17, can you really think of a reason not to go!?

What: Privates on Parade
When: 11th February – 8th March 2014
Where: New Theatre, Sydney
More Info: www.newtheatre.org.au