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DEAD MEN TALKING
We will be back in 2021. Interested in a performance? Send an email bodgieproductions@gmail.com
DEAD MEN TALKING was first brought to the stage in March 2015 and to date has notched-up over 250 performances, the majority were ‘house full’ shows. Several venues added an additional show by public demand. The 90-minute play, written by and featuring Max Cullen and Warren Fahey, has proven to be a popular success. The spirit of the two poets continues,
The following video – filmed at Humph Hall, 2015. provides a short taste of the play.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFxUu5B9gjw
ABOUT THE SHOW
Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson left extraordinary legacies to Australia and they should never be forgotten. As the world increasingly succumbs to the never-ending and somewhat inevitable pressure of ‘one world culture’ it is vital that small nations like Australia fight back to show their uniqueness. Our national identity was born in the bush and is one of feistiness and determination where pioneers battled with bushfires, floods, droughts, insect plagues and, quite often, authority and the banks. They also fought loneliness and despair but somehow-or-other came out the other side to build this great nation.
Lawson and Paterson emerged at a time when we needed masterful storytellers who would talk to us in our own language and at our own level. They both took the old bush stories and songs and gave them back to us in a colloquial literary catalogue that bridged the gap between bush and city. They gave us a unique voice that still rings true blue today.
Dead Men Talking is a one hour 15 minute stage musical devised by Max Cullen and scripted by Max Cullen and Warren Fahey.
The lively one-act show finds the two legendary literary figures having a casual drink at the Leviticus Bar & Grill, Heaven’s Gate, and yarning about their legacies. Slightly cantankerous, yet grateful of their old friendship, Henry Lawson (Max Cullen) and A. B. ‘Banjo’ Paterson (Warren Fahey) discuss each other’s lives including their famous ‘War of Words’ in The Bulletin. They recite poems, sing songs and generally banter – and have a laugh about life’s changing circumstance.
Dead Men Talking appears to have hit a solid nostalgic note with audiences who delight in seeing Lawson and Paterson strutting the centre stage and the show has (to use an old show biz phase) “has been packing them in” across Australia. The veteran actors have committed to perform the show “for the next couple of years”.
OVER 250 SHOWS
Rouseabout Records has released a ‘Dead Men Talking’ CD
(distributed MGM) featuring cuts from the show. It’s heavenly!
Tk 1. Welcome to the Leviticus Bar & Grill. 1.13
Tk. 2. Banjo and Henry recite their own welcoming verse. 1.34
Tk. 3. Reedy River (Henry Lawson). Henry. 1.34
Tk. 4. The Bushman’s Song (A.B. Paterson). Banjo. 3.22
Tk. 5. When I First Came To This Land (Lawson/Trad). Henry. 2.24
Tk. 6. The Billygoat Overland (A.B. Paterson). Banjo. 1.52
Tk. 7. The City of Dreadful Thirst (A.B. Paterson). Banjo. 4.32
Tk. 8. The Shearer’s Dream (Henry Lawson). Henry. 2.14
Tk. 9. Why Does A Man Get Drunk? Henry. 1.07
Tk. 10. Fleas – Bush Dance Tune. Banjo. 1.07
Tk. 11. The Bush (Henry Lawson) versus The City. (A.B. Paterson) Henry & Banjo. 0.28
Tk. 12. Faces In The Street (Henry Lawson). Henry. 2.44
Tk. 13. Kyle’s Schottische – Bush Concertina Tune. Banjo. 1.24
Tk. 14. Clancy Of The Overflow (A.B. Paterson). Banjo. 3.01
Tk. 15. Our Andy’s Gone With Cattle Now (Henry Lawson). Henry. 1.30
Tk. 16. The Road To Hogan’s Gap (A.B. Paterson). Banjo. 4.43
Tk. 17. The Blanky From The Bush (Henry Lawson). Henry & Banjo. 1.14
Tk. 18. Freedom On The Wallaby (Henry Lawson). Banjo. 2.52
Tk. 19. The Jolly Dead March (Henry Lawson). Henry. 1.37
Tk. 20. Waltzing Matilda (A.B. Paterson). Banjo. 4.09
Tk. 21. Farewell Old Friend. Henry & Banjo. 0.38
Tk. 22. The Poets OF The Tomb (Henry Lawson). Banjo & Henry.
Tk. 23. Celestial Ending 0.39.
KEEP UP TO SPEED WITH LATEST NEWS AND SHOW DATES
‘LIKE’ the Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/deadmentalkingshow
After the ABC screened a segment on the ABC TV News and then a 15 minute ‘Australia Wide’ documentary were inundated with enquiries. We love hearing from would-be presenters, large and small. We enjoy working with community groups and, as our first year has shown, we seem to attract loyal audiences. If you would like Dead Men Talking in your region please start the ball rolling by emailing wfahey@bigpond.net.au or use the contact email for this website.
ABC TV ‘Australia Wide’ 15 minute program with Philippa McDonald.
ABC TV News story on Dead Men Talking.
ABC TV story on the ‘Australian Wide’ program by Philippa McDonald.
SMH Spectrum Arts story on Dead Men Talking.
Cover story Australian Senior newspaper
http://www.thesenior.com.au/digital-paper/nsw-digital-papers/
Some reviews and feedback of DEAD MEN TALKING
“Cullen and Fahey’s ‘Dead Men Talking’ is a lively banter between our two best-loved dreamers and poets. They bring the two legends to the centre stage in a way that evokes a different Australia. A wonderful experience full of humour, warmth and friendly, nostalgic yarning.” ABC TV
Wonderful to catch ‘Dead Men Talking’ in Orange, it lifted the Banjo Paterson Festival to new heights this year, some audience members had seen the show 2 or 3 times. DON’T MISS THIS SHOW you will love it.
Melanie Hall (performing bush poet with Mel & Sue)
Two Trocadero performances at the National Folk Festival and both full. Well done.
Pam Merrigan, Director NFF.
Great show. Kept me enthralled for all of it. I would highly recommend it.
Kim Maree
YES!! I saw ‘Dead Men Talking’ at NFF, and it was Soooo much fun! Would be very easy to take in again. I loved it.
Di Clifford
We’re looking forward to welcoming Dead Men Talking to Orange, NSW for the Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival, lots of excitement here for the show!
Taste Orange
The Orange show has sold out!
Taste Orange
I am working to get the show across to Norfolk Island – it would be a hit.
Broadcaster Radio Norfolk. Ken Stockton
Your forthcoming show at Oberon to be presented by the Friends of Oberon Library – has completely sold out.
Celia Ravesi
The Tuggeranong Arts Centre was delighted with the show – and sold all but four seats in the theatre – a great success.
Rainy Worm, CEO
We thoroughly enjoyed your show last night- from start to finish. Double the time would not have been too much! I am encouraging you to keep going. Not only are you entertaining, but you are also ensuring our great heritage is transferred to the next generation.
David Calderwood, Maitland.
We were absolutely thrilled with the success of the two Blackheath shows. Such positive response from the community – they are still talking about it.
Bill Pixton (Rotary Blue Mountains Sunrise Club)
You really made people smile. The room was full and full of joy.
Publican Lee Anderson (Tea Gardens Hotel)
We’ve sold out and can’t fit another person into the room.
Jodie Evans (Crackenback Restaurant & Guesthouse, Jindabyne).
“it’s an absolute celebration of the bush and that’s why it appeals so much to the people here”.
Reviewing the show, Milthorpe Murmurs writer Laurie Williams
You filled the Berrima Gaol for our Breakout Weekend. We’re very, very happy.
Berrima Rotary
Production notes for presenters: The show travels light and is extremely flexible and suited to just about any venue. Max and Warren are happy to perform in theatres, libraries, living rooms and hotel saloons. The stage setting is a simple set up of table, two chairs and a few props.
Marketing aids: Advertising blanks, poster blanks, press release for local use, promotional photographs and a promotional CD album titled ‘Dead Men Talking’ featuring audio cuts suitable for local radio. Both Max and Warren are available for media interviews.
NB: High rez images available on request
(above two images Ben Pearse Photos)
Above two images Phil Blatch.
Max Cullen is a celebrated Australian actor for stage and screen. He is best known for roles in The Flying Doctors, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, My Brilliant Career and The Great Gatsby. He has won more awards than you can poke a stick at including a Logie, Sydney Theatre Critics Award, Film Critic’s Circle Award and several AFI Awards. Born in Wellington, NSW, and now living in Gunning, he has a great affinity for the bush and the stories that contributed so much to the Australian identity. In Nov/Dec 2015 Max joins Geoffrey Rush in the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of King Lear.
Full bio – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Cullen
Warren Fahey has been collecting and performing Australian bush traditions for well over 45 years. He is a regular on ABC radio and television. Author of 30 books, including the centenary edition of A.B. Paterson’s Old Bush Songs (ABC Books 2005) he has been honoured with the Order oF Australia, Prime Minister’s Centenary Medal, The Bush Laureate Lifetime Achievement Award and, in 2010, Australia’s highest prize for services to music, The Don Banks Music Award. He prefers to say he is a graduate of the Dingo University of the Outback.
Full bio – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Fahey
Web page – http://www.warrenfahey.com.au/performance/dead-men-talking-stage-play/
Two short clips from the Tuggeranong Arts Centre sold out performance in May 2015
DEAD MEN TALKING
YOU RECENTLY MISSED:
Final 2020 shows before COVID knocked us out of the ring….
4th March Trebatha Elizabeth Bay
5th March Mark Moran Village Vaucluse
7th/8/9/10 March Adelaide Fringe Festival – 5 shows in the Fortuna Spiegeltent, Rundle Park. Bookings https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/dead-men-talking-af2020?fbclid=IwAR1eyDO0CGq4q8T8T5dlSP8Ws9VzzAzQ77ks2GxPYucYV9XS5Dg1YG9E5Gs
11th March Courthouse Auburn, Clare Valley, Adelaide Fringe. Bookings
9th May – Pearl Beach Progress Association, Pearl Beach NSW Central Coast https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/dead-men-talking-tickets-94560038621
Queensland tour … June/July – now 2021
2020 VICTORIAN TOUR
Sun 27th Oct Fish Creek Victoria
2pm Fish Creek Community Hall $35 https://www.trybooking.com/BEYUS
Mon 28th Oct Wonthaggi Arts Centre
2pm & 6pm Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre box office 56712470.
online https://www.trybooking.com/BEWKO
Supporting Wonthaggi Life Saving Club
Tues 29th Oct. Cube 37 Theatre @ Frankston Arts Centre
2pm & 6.30pm shows. Book at box office 97841060
Supporting Frankston Hospital.
https://artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/Whats_On_-_Buy_Tickets/Dead_Men_Talking
Wed 30th Oct Kanturk Country Retreat
Special Performance in the Sixth Hole Log Cabin @ Kanturk.
Tix $85 with supper and wines. Book with Sally at 0427293464
Supporting Frankston Hospital homeless outreach.
Thurs 31st Oct. Geelong Trades Hall
7.30pm showtime – online https://www.trybooking.com/BEUOC
Fri 1st Nov. 7.30pm Ballarat Trades Hall
7.30pm online https://www.trybooking.com/BEUMQ
Sat 2nd Nov. 2pm Ballarat Trades Hall Matinee
online https://www.trybooking.com/BEUMQ
Sat 2nd Nov. Bendigo Trades Hall 8pm
Online https://www.trybooking.com/BEUNU
Sun 3rd Nov. Rushworth 2pm
Rushworth Shire Hall – celebrating 150th Rushworth Shire Hall.
Online https://www.trybooking.com/BEKSY
and our last show for 2019
Sat 9 Nov SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Hopewood House
Tickets $39.95 or ticket and dinner $109.95
https://www.facebook.com/events/1377329402391488/
AND YOU MISSED THESE…..
August – Royal Australian Yacht Squadron
July 19th Newcastle City Library. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/dead-men-talking-newcastle-library-tickets-63420688988 SOLD OUT
August 17th Sydney Folk Festival. see www.sydneyfolkfestival.com.au
June 14th Henry Lawson’s Home, Waverton – SOLD OUT
June 20TH CARRAWOBITTY RURAL RETREAT, FORBES, NSW. 7.30pm $40 includes light supper. Bookings 68512050. 3 SHOWS ‘FULL HOUSE’ contact@carrawobitty.com
June 21st OBERON LIBRARY, presented by FOOLS. Tix from library. FULL HOUSE
July 7th NATIONAL THEATRE BRAIDWOOD. FULL HOUSE 4pm showtime. Tix $35 (Con $30) enquiries 0455832979. tix Braidwood Visitors Centre. online https://circlemusic.iwannaticket.com.au/event/dead-men-talking-MTc5Nzc
July 9th DALTON Public Hall7pm Tix $35 (Family of 3 concession). Light supper. Bookings Dalton Post Office. or Call Rob 48456207 FULL HOUSE
July 10th SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE, CIVIC, ACT. – 7pm showtime
Bookings 62571225 www.smithsalternative.com
July 11th WOLLONGONG CITY DIGGERS CLUB. 7.30pm show. Tix $30/$20 https://events.humanitix.com.au/dead-men-talking-warren-fahey-and-max-cullen
July 12th BUNDANOON WINTERFEST. FULL HOUSE Bundanoon Soldiers Memorial Hall. Showtime 7pm. Tix $35 (incl b/f). At Village Grocer & Store. Online http://www.trybooking.com/BBVJQ
July 13th School of Arts, ROBERTSON. 4.30 showtime. Enquiries Michael 0428456273. FULL HOUSE
July 14th TARALGA – The Argyle Hotel. 12 Noon – lunch to follow.
Bookings 0427969561 FULL HOUSE
YOU MISSED THESE PERFORMANCES
SYDNEY SHOWS TO CELEBRATE THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF HENRY LAWSON’S BIRTHDAY.
July 8th. 2pm Sutherland School of Arts – SOLD OUT
July 8th – 6.30 pm Show – now available – SOLD OUT
July 9th Como School of Arts – SOLD OUT
Aug 6th – 6pm . Petersham Bowling Club
Aug 7th 6.30 Sydney Mechanics School of Arts.
Aug 8th . 6.30pm Blood Moon Theatre, Kings Cross
Aug 9th – 6.30pm Blood Moon Theatre
Aug 10th – 7pm Blood Moon Theatre
Aug 11th -12.30pm lunchtime matinee – Sydney Mechanics School of Arts
Aug 11th – 7pm Blood Moon Theatre
Aug 12th – 2pm matinee Blood Moon Theatre
Aug 12th 7pm Blood Moon Theatre
27th Oct. 7 pm Gunning. The Picture Show Theatre, Yass St, Gunning. $35 from 0248451889 Raising funds for the Gunning & Fish River Rural Fire Brigade Service. SOLD OUT. Second show announced – see below 4th Nov.:
28th Oct. 2 pm Griffith City Cinema, Griffith, Tickets $35 Tickets Cinema or www.griffithcitycinemas.com.au info 0269643102
29th Oct. 2 pm The Roxy Community Theatre, Leeton. Tix $35 from The Roxy or www.Roxyleeton.com.au Info 0269532074
30th Oct 7.30pm Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, Yarrawonga.
Presented by Lions Club of Katamatite. Tix $35 ph 0413186027
31st Oct. 7pm Yackandandah Courthouse. Presented by Yack Poetry Group.
Tix $35 (cons $30) from arts.yackandandah.com
2nd Nov. 7.30 pm Albury Entertainment Centre. Tix $34.90 (Concessions $29.90) Bookings 0260435610 www.alburyentertainmnetcentre.com.au Raising funds for Lions Club of Wodonga.
3rd Nov. 7 pm. Binalong. Binalong Mechanic’s Institute Hall. Tix $30 from Binalong Post Office and 02 62274303. In association with Binalong Arts Grounp Inc.
7pm Sat 4th Nov. Gunning. The Picture Show Theatre, Yass St, Gunning. $35 from 0248451889 Raising funds for the Gunning & Fish River Rural Fire Brigade Service. SOLD OUT
Tap the posters to enlarge
Been and gone 2017
8th July Sutherland- two shows SOLD OUT
9th July Como SOLD OUT
Just in case you have wondered what you missed in 2016
MAY
6th Cootamundra. Arts Centre Cootamundra. $25 Bookings 02 69424773 http://www.theartscentrecootamundra.org.au
7th 7.30pm Braidwood. National Theatre. Bookings 02 48421700 or Briadwood Community Bank or Visitors Centre. Tix $35 (cons $27.50)
8th 2pm Matinee for Mother’s Day – Braidwood National Theatre. as above bookings.
Tickets $35 (Cons $27.50) available from Braidwood Community Bank & The Braidwood Visitor’s Centre. Enquiries 02 48421700
Presented by the National Theatre Braidwood.
9th Cooma Little Theatre. Cooma. 8pm. Bookings www.trybookings.com
10th 11am Canberra. Theatre@Belconnen. Swanson St. Belconnen. Bookings 62640200
11th 7.30pm Canberra. theatre@Belconnen. Swanson St. Belconnen. Bookings 62640200
13th 2pm Club Sapphire, Merimbula. (doors open 1.30pm). Tickets $29 Bookings at Club Sapphire 02 64951306
14th 7.00pm Cobargo Hall (in association with Yuin Folk Club & Bermagui U3A).
Tickets $35 cons $25 – this will be a great night in a very friendly town. Credit card and bookings Call Corale 0427919010 tix $35 cons $25
15th Milton. 2pm matinee show at Milton Theatre (one of the best small theatres in NSW). Tix $39 including booking fee. from Country Leather 02 44553056 and www.miltontheatre.com.au
APRIL
8th Bonnell’s Bay Public School Hall. Morisset. Showtime 7.30pm.
Tickets $35 online http://www.deadmentalking-morisset.floktu.com
A fundraiser for the Bonnells Bay P&C. Phone bookings call Shirley Pollitt 49733936
15th fly to Melbourne transfer to Flinders Island
16/17 Flinders Island. Show Sat 16th in conjunction with Flinders Island Lions Club.
18th Geelong Grammar show – $admission by donation. Darling Theatre, Geelong Grammar, Corio.. Private show for GG Community
20th Victoria Theatre @ Sovereign Hill Museum. Bookings 53371199 or bosc@sovereignhill.com.au Tix $35 or $90 show & meal combo with ‘A’ reserve seating and a welcome drink.
21 Pearcedale (regional Victoria). 7.30pm Pearcedale Hall. In aid of the Pearcedale Fire Brigade. Tickets $35 from Sally Bird. 59787892 email bookings bird_s@bigpond.com
22nd MELBOURNE – Victorian Trades Hall Theatre, Lygon & Victoria Sts. Carlton. 7.30 for 8pm showtime . Note part of every ticket price includes $5 to the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre
Tix $39 online http://www.deadmentalking-melbourne.floktu.com/
MARCH
March 18th & 19th @ 7.30pm Henry Lawson Club Werrington.
and a 2pm matinee on Sunday 20th
Henry Lawson Club, Werrington (west Sydney near Penrith) – Tickets $35 con $30 from the Club or online http://www.hltheatre.com.au/Henry_Lawson_Theatre.html
10/11/12 Return Sydney season in conjunction with SMH Spectrum Now Festival. Venue: historic Pitt St. Congregational Church (5 minutes from Town Hall). Bookings and info http://www.deadmentalking-spectrum.floktu.com Tickets $38 con $29
264 Pitt St.
1845 Congregational Church.
Wonderfully venue and probably the
closest Max & Warren will get to Heaven.
FEBRUARY
17th Mudgee Brewing Company. 6pm show. Address: 4 Church St, Mudgee NSW 2850
Full house!
18th Orange Banjo Paterson poetry Festival. Ballroom, First Floor, Canobolas Hotel, Orange. Full house!
19th 7pm Phillip’s Hall, Blackheath Community Centre. Bookings and info http://www.deadmentalking-blackheath.floktu.com
20th 7pm Phillip’s Hall, Blackheath. http://www.deadmentalking-blackheath.floktu.com
These two shows were a community event proudly sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Blackheath and Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Club. Both full houses!
28 Feb to March 8th (Warren away cruising as guest speaker on the Queen Victoria)
Done and dusted. You missed these in 2015
OCTOBER. Last show of 2015 before Max joins Geoffrey Rush and Robyn Nevin in the STC production of ‘King Lear’
4th Berrima Goal. Rotary. Kangaroo March Concert. A special show to coincide with the Kangaroo March re-enactment.
SEPTEMBER
5th Sept .Kiama By the Sea Festival.
22nd Gunning. Kangaroo March. Gunning Showground.
Sydney Season – a smashing success.Venue: Federation Theatre, NSW Teacher’s Federation. 37 Reservoir street, Surry Hills (3 min. from Central Railway).
Aug 13th. 8pm. Sydney. Opening night in association with National Trust of Australia.
Aug 14th 8pm Sydney
Aug 15th 8pm Sydney
Aug 16th 2pm Sydney matinee
July 31 Oberon – 6.30pm @ Bob Hooper Memorial Hall – Presented by Friends of Oberon Library.
aug 1 Millthorpe – 7pm – @ Millthorpe School Hall. Community event for Nepal Disaster Fund.
2 Lithgow – 4pm Lithgow Workmen’s Club.
3 Hill End – 7pm – The Royal Hall. Hill End Arts Council
4 Bathurst – 7pm Bathurst Community Club,
5 Gulgong. 8pm Prince of Wales Opera House Gulgong.
6 Wellington. 7pm @ Services Club.
7 Yeoval. 7pm – Yeoval Public School.
8 Carcoar – 2pm @ Carcoar School of Arts.
9 Springwood – 2pm Blue Mountains Theatre., Springwood. Presented by the Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub.
June 19th Hornsby Folk Club
June 27th Thredbo – Crackenback Farm.
July 5th. Allambie Heights. Sydney. Humph Hall
2nd show 7pm –
July 10th Goulburn. 7pm @ St Saviour’s Cathedral.
July 11th Goulburn. 2pm @ St Saviour’s Cathedral.
Mid north coast NSW tour
Mon. 9th. March. Taree Library. 6.00pm. Taree Greater lakes Council.
Tues 10th March. Port Macquarie Library. Council.
Wed 11th March. Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Coffs Harbour.
Thurs 12th Sawtell Golf Club. Dinner Show. Coffs Art Arts Council
Frid 13th Memorial Hall, Bellingen.
Sat 14th. March. Kempsey. 2 shows in the same day for Macleay Valley Arts Council
2pm Matinee show at Oddfellow’s Hall, Kempsey and 7.30Pm show at Bandbox Theatre,
Sun. 15th Bowraville Theatre. 2pm matinee
Mon. 16th Forster Library. 6:30pm. Forster Great Lakes Council.
Tues 17th Tea Gardens Hotel. 3pm
4th April – National Folk Festival, Canberra
5th April. National Folk Festival Canberra
8th May. Maitland Regional Art Gallery
15th May. Tuggeranong Arts Centre – Canberra
2016 SCHEDULE – for the record
MAY – last show of season!
29th Brentwood Village at Kincumber, Central coast. 2pm matinee at Village. all welcome Tix $25 info 0418226891 bookings brentwoodresidents2251@gmail.com
Warren Fahey and Max Cullen are available for interviews.
Contact Warren Fahey 0418423050 wfahey@bigpond.net.au
The following photographs were taken by Graeme Morrison at the National Folk Festival 2015.
Click on images to enlarge.
