Book and lyrics by Doug MacLeod
Music by Yuri Worontschak
Adapted from the book I Sang for my supper by Margaret Fulton
Presented by The Present Tense Ensemble and Theatre Works
November 2012 Season as part of the Selected Works program
Directed & Musically Directed by Nathan Gilkes & Bryce Ives
Set Design Andrew Bellchambers
Lighting Design Scott Allan
Sound Design Marcello LoRicco
Directors Notes:
For members of the Present Tense ensemble (mostly born in the eighties) it staggers us to think at some point not so far in our recent past, Eggplants and Olives were strange foreign items not to be found in Australian kitchens or supermarkets. It may seem cliche to say, but we have come a long way.
Australia is certainly not a perfect nation, not even close, and the recent misogyny in our Parliament reminds us that there will always be new challenges to overcome, particularly for women.
Tonight we passionately say despite all of this, we have indeed done a lot of growing up. The Australia of Margaret Fulton’s youth is a distant memory, and in its place sits a vibrant multicultural country, that eats exceptionally well. Food is crucial to the development of modern Australia, and Margaret Fulton is central to all of this.
We love that this is the story of a strong Australian woman. Margaret Fulton is more then just an icon, she has lived her life to the fullest and always been authentic and true. She was not an invented brand. Her brand was authentic, honest and reflected her integrity.
We’ve taken a huge risk in developing Margaret Fulton: Queen of the Dessert. As a group of artists we have chosen to allow the work to organically develop and grow. This is a constant work in development and we’ve actively decided to stage this season on the smell of an oily rag, away from the pressure of commercial investors, giving us the chance to breathe, to grow and develop with an audience. You are crucial to this vision.
The goodwill shown towards this work is testament to our belief that communities want more local and creative musical theatre work. Over one hundred individuals donated to our Pozible campaign. Theatre Works and the City of Port Phillip gave us the assistance to get this idea off the ground and realise this season. Many, many, many individuals have sent us tea towels and cookbooks. We are thankful for all the love, good will and support that has been offered.
I must thank the Present Tense ensemble, our guest artists and production team. I’d also like to thank the kitchen cabinet: Doug MacLeod, Yuri Worontschak, Nathan Gilkes and Sean Bryan, for their tireless work in developing this show. Doug and Yuri have been working on this idea for quite a few years, their passion and dedication is infectious and I hope we have served them well.
Finally, we do this for Margaret Fulton. Her support, input and encouragement has been invaluable. If this work achieves nothing else, we hope it lets Margaret know, on behalf of us, that Australia loves her very much.
Critical Response
"This Theatre Works production was one of the most life-affirming and delightful shows I saw all year; for charm and freshness itbeat major touring productions such as Annie hands down. The only times I wasn't smiling in this fresh new Australian musical about the life of national living treasure Margaret Fulton was when I was wiping away tears, during its deft transitions from comedy to pathos. If it has a return season, kill to get a ticket."
Richard Watts, 3RRR
"On the strength of this production, stage and music directors Bryce Ives and Nathan Gilkes are marginal no longer. A rare and delightful theatrical savvy operates at almost every level of this production, from the hyperactive backing singers through to the lighting operator. The show is on from the moment the audience enters the space, and the energy doesn't flag in 90-plus minutes and more than a dozen songs. That savvy isn't the only thing holding the show together, of course - MacLeod's words and Yuri Worontschak's varied and likable music have a terrific stand-alone appeal - but the integration of design, stage action and choreography enhances MacLeod and Worontschak's creation and shows it to its very best advantage."
Chris Boyd, The Australian
"A joyous celebration of the life of a great Australian, and the country that grew up with her, Margaret Fulton Queen of the Dessert is ninety minutes of delectable enjoyment, as lightly whipped and deliciously sweet as any of the pavlovas on display. With a hard working supporting cast of four playing a range of colourful characters around Fulton, Directors Bryce Ives and Nathan Gilkes have achieved a zany, almost improvised feel. The action takes hold in the opening minutes and never lets up, leaving the audience smiling even during the more sentimental moments."
Simon Parris, Theatre People