A groovy reimagining of Sheridan's classic comedy The Rivals
In January 2025, Open Gardens SA and Blue Sky Theatre will present outdoor performances of Jack and The Absolutes in three SA gardens.
This January, Blue Sky Theatre will present outdoor performances of Jack and The Absolutes — a groovy reimagining of The Rivals set in 1969.
Jack Absolute is the lead singer of a successful pop group, and he’s in love with Lydia Languish, the wealthy Carnaby Street fashion designer. But Lydia has just returned from Woodstock, where she’s seen the light and wants to forgo fame and fortune and live a bohemian lifestyle with Johnny Beverly, the group’s chilled-out sound guy.
But Lydia’s aunt, Mrs Malaprop, can never allow such a lowly love connection. And Jack’s mother, Lady Antonia Absolute, is determined that her son marries well, whether he likes it or not.
Jack plans to disguise himself as his rival to win Lydia’s love. But he has more challengers than he realises — the rest of the band are planning to woo Lydia, too!
Director Dave Simms says Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s original comedy was written in 1775 and introduced the infamous Mrs Malaprop.
“She’s one of theatre’s greatest characters renowned for using the wrong words when trying to impress,” explained Dave. “You could say she’s a parsonage of great lexicographical dexterity and faultless electrocution!”
There will be nine shows in three venues during January, and the money raised will support various charities, including the Hans Heysen Foundation and Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation.
Join us in the garden for this confusion of unlikely lovers and mangled English adjectives.
Starring / Laura Antoniazzi / Robert Bell / Joshua Coldwell / Lee Cook / Emily Currie / Gabe Mangelsdorf / Lucy Johnson / Lindsay Prodea / Nicole Rutty / Georgia Stockham / Leighton Vogt / Director / Dave Simms
Jan 10, 11 & 12 VICTOR HARBOR
Jan 17, 18 & 19 HAHNDORF
Jan 24, 25 & 26 BLACKWOOD
Gates open at 4.30pm. The shows start at 6.30pm
Tickets $40
Gates open at 4.30pm
The bar is open, you can look around the garden prior to the show.
Show starts at 6.30pm.
We provide a seat in the auditorium for you to watch the performance.
30 minute interval at 7.45pm.
The bar is open at the interval.
Show ends just after 9.15pm.
It will be dark at the end so bring a torch if you wish. And remember it can get cool after the sun sets.
You’re welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy before the show and during the interval.
Bring your own rugs, chairs, tables, eskies for your picnic. (we only guarantee you a seat for the show)
There is a licensed bar selling Howard Vineyard red, white, rosé and sparkling wine, beer and soft drinks.
EFTPOS is available.
NO BYO ALCOHOL PLEASE. It’s a condition of our liquor licence.
Parking is free.
We will provide directions by email beforehand.
As we sometimes perform in private gardens, we cannot always guarantee good access if you have limited mobility.
We will provide a drop-off zone close to the auditorium where possible.
We recommend Wittunga as the most access-friendly. There’s disabled parking close to the garden, and the garden is flat.
If you wish to use your own wheelchair, please call us, and we’ll help you choose the best spot: 0475 309 435.
All tickets are sold subject to the Entertainment Industry Code of Fair Practice. Blue Sky Theatre and the venue accept no responsibility for any personal property.
REFUNDS AND EXCHANGES:
All transactions are final.
Unfortunately, no refunds are offered where the performance goes ahead, and you choose not to attend. Refunds on completed bookings will only be given if the performance is cancelled.
If a performance is cancelled, we will contact all ticket holders by email or phone to offer a ticket for another performance subject to availability, a credit towards a future show, or a refund (Refunds are exclusive of any booking fees). If you choose to accept an exchange, we cannot offer a refund at a later date.
WEATHER:
The event will go ahead, rain or shine. Please bring suitable clothing or protection from showers and hot or cold weather.
However, if the weather makes the event dangerous or the authorities declare catastrophic fire danger, Blue Sky Theatre will postpone the event to a new date or cancel.
We will use your preferred contact method to get in touch with information.
ACCESSIBLE SEATING:
If you have specific seating needs, please get in touch with us before booking to discuss your seating arrangements with our team. Call on 0475 309 435.
Do not bring your dog to the show.
No smoking at venues.
No BYO alcohol, please.
If you have any other questions or require further information about this event, please get in touch with Blue Sky Theatre on 0475 309 435 or hello@blueskytheatre.com.au
Keep up to date
Keep up to date about tickets and shows by joining our e-mail list. It’s easy.
(And we promise we won’t bombard you.)