Jetpack Spontaneous Theatre Festival
Image: L to R: Bryce Halliday and Jim Fishwick. Photography by Michael Francis, Francis Fotography.
Spontaneous new life is overtaking a historic Newtown venue, with the Jetpack Theatre Collective bringing the Jetpack Spontaneous Theatre Festival to The Old 505 Theatre’s new location.
Jim Fishwick is one of the pivotal members of Jetpack Theatre, who have brought together this five-night celebration. “We’re in the middle of a very exciting time for improvised theatre in Sydney…we’re really starting to get some momentum…and we thought it would be great to get the whole community together and celebrate by doing a week-long festival,” said Jim.
Each night of the festival will showcase a new instalment of the acclaimed On The Spot Musical series, in addition to a late night line-up featuring a different improvised show by some of Sydney’s best improvised theatre groups.
Theatre groups bringing their improv talents to Jetpack Spontaneous include Impro Australia “who are one of the longest standing people when it comes to improvisation”; Lady Fingers, an all-female improv troupe fresh from an award-winning visit to Wellington; the Sydney Uni Drama Society who will be performing a show based on the game Werewolves; and Bard to the Bone, a group performing Shakespeare inspired shows on the spot.
Jetpack Theatre Collective have performed 12 shows in their first year of running. “We do works that are improvised, immersive or interactive,” explained Jim. “Our last show was on a boat, but we’ve also built mazes and chased people through them [for shows],” he added.
Their On The Spot Musical show returns for Jetpack Spontaneous after an award-winning debut at the Hayes Theatre last year, based off a word from the audience and a key board. Along with musical theatre buff Bryce Halliday, Jim will be directing the nightly show featuring a steady cast of four joined by two lauded guest stars from the musical theatre world each night. “Directing improvised theatre is a bit of a strange beast,” confessed Fishwick.
One would think after performing on some out-of-the-ordinary stages, a stage show would be rather straight forward. “All theatre is a challenge,” said Jim. “But once you’ve had the challenge of competing with power boats next door…it makes you appreciate how simple [standing on a stage] can be.” (AM)
Dec 15–19 (6:30pm doors, 7:30pm start). Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza Street, Newtown. $22-$33. Tickets & info: bit.ly/old505tix or find the Facebook event.
