FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 16 OCTOBER 2009
WHAT’S THE REAL STORY TIM?
Banned Busting Out! producers reject Theatre Royal excuses
Producer of Busting Out! Simon Bryce, rejected “the excuses” reported in the Tasmanian press by
Theatre Royal’s CEO Mr Tim Munro today regarding why Busting Out! cannot be presented at the
venue under his control.
“All our conversations and written correspondence with the Theatre Royal clearly confirm that the
dates of June 5,6,7 and 8, 2010 were being held for a presentation of Busting Out! With that
understanding the producers planned their statewide tour. Only when the theatre became fully aware
that this was a show about breasts were the producers informed that before the hire of the venue
could be contracted the theatre management wanted to consider whether the show aligned with their
“artistic policy”’, said Bryce.
Whilst it has been implied in the media by theatre management that the decision of whether or not
the show should be presented has been a logistical and financial one, the facts do not support the
case.
At no stage has the venue stated or even implied to Busting Out!, that proceeding with the hire is
only a matter of finding mutually convenient dates. In fact the opposite is the case.
•
The only reason provided to Busting Out! as to why the show cannot be presented at the
Theatre Royal is based on their perception of the show’s suitability.
•
Claims that the Theatre Royal does not have the resources to present the show are just not
correct. If Busting Out! comes to the Theatre Royal in the dates promised by the Theatre
Royal it would have done so at the commercial rental rate. Under these circumstances the
venue would not have to risk one dollar of their taxpayers funding .The opposite, they would
be guaranteed a rental return.
•
The costs of venue staff such as ushers and technicians etc would also have been borne by
the production, not by the theatre
Producer Simon Bryce said, “commercial hires such as Busting Out! pay the top tier rental and
guarantee venue staff wages. We are therefore about adding to subsidised venues’ resources and
income and not detracting from them. Tours such as Busting Out! create employment for theatre
staff across all of Tasmania.”
He added, “ Not only does Mr Munro seek to ban our show, a show he hasn’t seen; he has not so far
been prepared to honestly state his reasons why. His position taken in the media is simply not
consistent with the reasons provided to my office by his staff. A large part of the Theatre Royal’s
funding comes from Tasmanian people (through taxation) and I fear the Tasmanian people are not
being told the whole story.”
So the question is “who is to decide what Tasmanians see? We believe that decision should rest
with the Tasmanian people and not unelected theatre administrators.
With song, dance, sketches and tricks, Busting Out! is a comedy show rich is laughter, making
people feel good about themselves wherever they go. After 18 months of touring and after 200,000
tickets have been sold, Busting Out has established itself as a major success and does not require
Theatre Royal management enforcing some obscure artistic sensibility.
PAGE 2: Banned Busting Out! producers reject Theatre Royal excuses
Prior to creating Busting Out!, Emma Powell starred in Mamma Mia, Les Miserables and Fiddler on
the Roof (with Topol.). Co Star, Bev Killick is a leading stand up comedian who has appeared on
Kath and Kim and Beauty and the Beast.
Busting Out! is currently playing to sold out houses in New Zealand. Following a successful nine
week season in Melbourne earlier this year, the show returns to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre
from December 8.
Busting Out! is produced by Andrew Guild and Simon Bryce and written by Emma Powell. The
show is directed by Terence O’Connell and is performed by Emma Powell and Bev Killick. In 2010,
Busting Out! will return to New Zealand, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, before undertaking a
European tour of Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Busting Out makes women feel good about themselves and their bodies.
Brisbane Sunday Mail - Matt Byrne, 29 March 2008
A barrel of laughs from start to finish.
Illawarra Mercury, 19 May 2008
Liberating and empowering.
Sunday Telegraph, Sydney – Jo Liston, October 2008
Tasteful, clever, liberating and laugh out loud funny.
Sydney Daily Telegraph – Jenny Ringland, October 2008
One of the funniest things I’ve seen in a long time. It has warmth, heart and honesty.
Had the audience howling with laughter. Busting Out is an affirming lesson in body love and
esteem without the soapbox.
West Australian – Ara Jansen, 15 May 2009
The crowd roared and applauded
The singing gives this show pizzazz; Powell has a rich and powerful voice. Killick does
a mean Tina Turner.
Glossy design, big sound and a huge video screen to enlarge a double-D cup to something
inexplicable!
Herald Sun, Melbourne – Kate Herbert, 16 June 2009
“Absolutely brilliant. I would recommend this show to anyone looking for a hilarious and
liberating night out.” “I didn’t see one person in the audience who wasn’t laughing
hysterically.”
Wotzon.com – Melissa Cathcort, Wellington, New Zealand, 17 September 2009
Universal in its message, Busting Out is sure to appeal to all ages. I saw a classic example of
the power and magic of laughter tonight. I sincerely encourage you to see Busting Out –
you’ll laugh your tits off!!
Theatre Reviews on Line – Venus Stephens, New Zealand, 7 October 2009
For producer comment please contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493
Or direct to Simon Bryce 0409 002 374 Andrew Guild 0418 353 969
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