Colouring Competition to Bring Larry to Life
20 June 2005
The Shepparton Art Gallery is holding a colouring competition for children in the region as part of its campaign to ‘Bring Back Larry’.
Director, Ms Leanne Willis, said the competition was open to everyone in the community under 14 years to show their support for the gallery’s campaign to resurrect the vandalised sculpture.
“We have been inundated with calls from residents, particularly parents, who have expressed the distress their children have felt at the loss of ‘Larry’ in the community,” Ms Willis said.
“The colouring competition will be an excellent way for the community, especially the children who love Larry, to become involved in this campaign.”
The gallery’s intention is to raise funds so that artist Pamela Irving can create a new version of “Larry” the dog in the same size but constructed from steel and cement, and covered in mosaic.
The winner of the competition will receive a miniature version of Larry, valued at $250, generously and proudly donated by the Shepparton Art Gallery.
“Come to the gallery to pick up an entry form and help us bring Larry back to life!”
Entries will be received until Friday 22nd July and will be displayed in the foyer of the Eastbank Centre, Welsford Street, Shepparton. Only one entry per person will be accepted.
To donate to help with the rebuilding of Larry, the sculpture by artist Pamela Irving that was vandalised at the Shepparton Art Gallery, contact the gallery on 5832 9861, visit them at the Eastbank centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton or write to Bring Back Larry c/o: Shepparton Art Gallery, Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton, Vic 3632. All donations are tax deductible.
Acclaimed Novel ZigZag Street Comes to Stage
19 June 2005
Meet Richard Derrington. Richard is twenty-eight and single. More single than he’d like to be. More single than he’d expected to be, and he’s not coping terribly well…
The acclaimed novel by Nick Earls, ‘ZigZag Street’, is now a play, and it’s coming to the WestSide Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday 5th July.
The Council’s Manager for Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said the play told the story of Richard Derrington and his attempts to find himself and reclaim his life after his girlfriend left him six months earlier.
“Richard is trying to renovate his grandmother’s house in ZigZag Street, Red Hill, but finds his efforts are stalled,” Mr Robson said.
“The more he tries to be a nineties man, the more he tries to be desirable, the more he searches for calm, the more things get more out of control.”
‘Zigzag Street’ covers six weeks of Richard’s life in the house his grandparents built – six weeks of rumination, chaos, poor judgement, interpersonal clumsiness and, eventually, hope.
Adapted from Nick Earls’ novel by Philip Dean and described as a ‘comic masterpiece’,
‘ZigZag Street’ features fantastic ideas, funny situations and clever writing.
‘ZigZag Street’ will be performed at 8.00 pm on Tuesday 5th July at the WestSide Performing Arts Centre. For bookings or more information, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511, or drop into the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
Puff the Magic Dragon – Brought to Life on Stage in the School Holidays
15 June 2005
A highlight of this school holidays will be two performances of the delightful ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ at the Eastbank Centre on Wednesday 29th June at 11.00 am and 1.00 pm.
‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ was first presented at Playbox Theatre in January 1981. Since then, it has toured throughout Australia and New Zealand extensively, playing to enthusiastic audiences eager to see this musical on stage.
The Council’s Manager for Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said that it was a high energy musical with a multi-talented cast.
“Garry Ginivan Attractions continues to be known as Australia’s leading producer of quality children’s theatre and their presentation of ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ is another fine example of their success.”
“There will be the classic pantomime characters, audience participation and this timeless story will appeal to all ages, especially the very young – and young at heart!” Mr Robson said.
The musical is based on the popular song written by Peter Yarrow and Leonard Lipton. Garry Ginivan’s original concept, script and lyrics are supported by the original score by Faye Bendrups.
‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ follows a number of successful Garry Ginivan productions such as Peter Rabbit, Possum Magic the Musical and Pinnochio.
This will be a great way to entertain the family in the school holidays!
‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ will be presented at 11.00 am and 1.00 pm on Wednesday 29th June at the Eastbank Centre, Shepparton.
For bookings or more information, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511, or drop into the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
Help the Art Gallery Rebuild Larry
9 June 2005
After a cowardly act of vandalism on the Shepparton Art Gallery’s canine sculpture “Larry” by artist Pamela Irving, the Greater Shepparton community is fighting back. A campaign has been launched to rebuild the sculpture which was, in the words of Pamela Irving, “a happy and welcoming character to the gallery’s entrance”.
Mayor of Greater Shepparton, Cr Anne McCamish, said she had received an overwhelming response from the community, in particular children and younger people, about Larry.
“Since the pointless destruction occurred, so many people have approached the Council and the Shepparton Art Gallery to express their disappointment at Larry’s departure. Due to the support received, and after discussions with artist Pamela Irving, we have decided to rebuild Larry and are seeking the community’s support,” Cr McCamish said.
“Our community will not ‘roll over’ to the pointless vandalism of this wonderful piece of public art. Our intention is to raise funds so that Pamela Irving can create a new version of “Larry” the dog in the same size but constructed from steel and cement, and covered in mosaic,” she added.
“While Larry was insured, we are launching a public campaign seeking contributions to assist in his rebuilding and to support public art in our community. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who appreciate the cultural and artistically diverse nature of Greater Shepparton.”
“I encourage anyone interested in donating and showing their support to contact the Shepparton Art Gallery, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton on 03 5832 9861. Donations are tax deductible,” the Mayor added.
Background information on Larry’s lively life:
1992 Melbourne City Council commissioned Pamela Irving to make a sculpture for the Melbourne City Square. She produced a bronze dog called Larry Latrobe. Larry quickly won the hearts of the locals as well as tourists and visitors alike.
1995 In the dead of a winter night in 1995, Larry was stolen from the City Square causing a public uproar and a plea for his return in Melbourne’s media. He was dognapped, and remains unrecovered to this day!
In an effort to flush Larry of out of hiding, the Melbourne City Council built a 3 metre high float of Larry for the Moomba Parade. The float was then taken to Japan to be Melbourne’s ambassador in the Midosuji Parade, Osaka. The float won the award for Best Float in the Parade.
1997 A kind benefactor, Peter Kolliner, paid for Larry to be recast for the City of Melbourne. Larry was reinstated, this time with very secure footings. The City Square has been refurbished with Larry relocated on the corner of Swanston and Collins Street Melbourne where he remains an icon.
The Moomba Float was given to Pamela Irving and lived on her verandah for some time. It was the base for the sculpture installed at the front of the Shepparton Art Gallery in September 2004.
2004 The fiberglass-coated bright blue Larry was installed at the Shepparton Art Gallery. It was a perfect replica of Larry La Trobe, as in the city square of Melbourne. “Larry” was donated by the artist to the City of Greater Shepparton and a private Foundation (the Fairley Foundation through Perpetual Trustees) paid for him to be fibre glassed.
2005 Larry was intentionally and foolishly destroyed by vandals.
NOW THE GREATER SHEPPARTON COMMUNITY REBUILDS LARRY
Piano Virtuoso As You’ve Never Seen Him Before
9 June 2005
Greater Shepparton audiences are invited to witness a not-to-be-missed performance from one of the most outstanding musicians in the world today, pianist Roger Woodward.
Appearing at the Eastbank Centre on Saturday 25th June from 8.00 pm, this is a Roger Woodward Australian audiences have never seen before.
The Council’s Manager for Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said Woodward’s piano virtuosity is as compelling as ever, but it is his ability to captivate his audience that steals the show.
“In the world of classical music, few people have earned global respect and admiration quite like this acclaimed pianist,” Mr Robson said.
In his career, Woodward has developed a prodigious repertoire of traditional concertos and chamber pieces in addition to his command of twentieth century music.
“His mastery will be on display in rare and exciting fine music experience.”
Roger Woodward will perform at 8.00 pm on Saturday 25th June at the Eastbank Centre.
For bookings or more information, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511, or drop into the Eastbank Centre, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
Comedy’s Best Take Roadtrip to Shepparton
9 June 2005
Looking for a night of stand-up, in-your-face, knock-you-down comedy? Look no further, the circus that is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is coming to town!
Shepparton will welcome the talents of some of the best comedians on the international circuit with the arrival of this ever-popular event on Wednesday 22nd June.
This year’s line up (subject to confirmation) includes the varied and hilarious performances of Matt King (UK), Tommy Dean (USA) and Australian comedians Nelly Thomas, Justin Hamilton and Elbowskin.
Boasting television credits including The Glasshouse, Sunrise, Good News Week, Rove Live and Skithouse, and countless stand-up and festival appearances, these performers are some of the finest and funniest comedians the world has to offer.
Greater Shepparton City Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said the travelling roadshow was an exciting inclusion the annual calendar for Riverlinks.
“It’s such a wonderful opportunity for regional centres to host some of the world’s best comedians each year when the roadshow comes to town,” Mr Robson said.
“Every year our audiences turn out in strength in anticipation of a really great night out, and this year’s event is proving to be no exception. A special feature of this year’s presentation will be that we are using it as a way of raising funds for Shepparton’s Community Fund, and we strongly encourage people to support this very worthwhile campaign.”
The Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow will be presented at 8.00 pm on Wednesday 22nd June at the Eastbank Centre.
For bookings or more information, please contact the Riverlinks Box Office on 5832 9511, or drop into the Eastbank Centre,
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton.