Luminaries of Aussie stage and screen to light up free twilight concert

Simon Burke and Katrina Rettalick as Harry and Sarah in Company

A stellar line up of Australian theatre, television and film legends will grace the stage for a free concert at the University of Western Sydney’s Parramatta campus on the evening of Saturday 29 March.

The concert is part of a free community Autumn Fair being held at the campus throughout the day to help mark the University’s 25th Anniversary.

At 6pm the historic grounds of the Female Orphan School (opens in a new window) at UWS Parramatta – the oldest three storey building in Australia – will transform into one of the country’s most beautiful outside theatre spaces.

Wayne Harrison AM, former director of the Sydney Theatre Company and a much sought after creative producer, will direct the special concert to be hosted by Simon Burke, one Australia’s most accomplished and versatile performers (The Devil’s Playground, Les Miserables, Brides of Christ, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, Play School).

The show will star:

• Amanda Muggleton, legendary leading lady of Australian stage and screen (Prisoner, Mad Max, Soulmates, Educating Rita, Hello Dolly, Shirley Valentine)
• Katrina Rettalick, singer, actress and musician (The Addams Family, Falsettos, A Little Night Music)
• Amanda Bishop actress, singer and comedian (At Home with Julia, Wednesday Night Fever)

The free concert is destined to be a hit with smaller members of the family too, as members of the recent Parramatta Riverside Theatre production of the stage-hit Annie also perform.

Mr Eric Sidoti, UWS Parramatta campus Provost and Director of the Whitlam Institute, says the stage is set for a very special evening.

“What an evening this is going to be. To see the likes of Simon Burke and Amanda Muggleton performing, framed by the grandeur of the Female Orphan School, really is going to be something special,” says Mr Sidoti.

“The University is so very pleased to have the generous and enthusiastic support of Robert Love and his Riverside Theatre team and international Director Wayne Harrison, who have thrown their full support behind this concert and have helped bring it to life.

“The line-up of such well-known and highly-respected Australian performers promises something for everyone - a little bit of family fun, a touch of irreverence, and some old-fashioned cabaret. All in all, it promises to be an event for not only the Parramatta, but the entire Greater Western Sydney community that’s surely not to be missed.

“We have a great concert, a spectacular setting, and we want nothing more than to have our families, friends and neighbours come to the beautiful Parramatta campus on 29 March to share this 25th anniversary with us. So pack a rug and come along.”

What: UWS 25th Anniversary Autumn Fair and Concert
Where: UWS Parramatta campus, corner of James Ruse Drive and Victoria Road, Rydalmere
When: Saturday 29 March 2014
Times: 11am-3pm for the Autumn Fair, 6pm for the Concert
Cost: Free
Tickets: Outdoor concert is free, but bookings essential, contact 02  8839 3399 or visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au (opens in a new window)
Parking: Car parking is available on campus on the day and is also free

Ends

26 March 2014

Media contact: Amanda Whibley, Manager Media and Public Relations