Scoundrels in the Cove, a CEMA Theatre Group production, will be in two parts – firstly in the Julia Street laneway, followed by dinner and a play at the former Canton Palace restaurant at 7 Julia St.
Part one will be set in a 1920s laneway with a wide range of characters including the notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor and other criminals, fortune tellers and ‘daughters of sin’.
The creative brains behind the production is Corey Williams, a travel agent by day and thespian at night.
He has dreamt of recreating his scoundrels since moving to Portland a decade ago.
The idea came from my past,” he said.
“I used to work at the old Dubbo gaol and one year we had all the ‘Lord Mayors’ of NSW attend a dinner at the gaol. We set up the long driveway as a slummy laneway and then put on a performance within the dinner.
“Ever since moving to Portland and being involved with the theatre group I could see the potential to do this project.
“Part one will be free for anyone and everyone to wander through the laneway and enjoy the street theatre, interacting with our scoundrels.
“Part two will be a two-course meal with a short play between main and dessert.”
There is a cast of 20 overall, including Mr Williams who is also the writer and director.
Scoundrels in the Cove is on Friday, April 12, from 6.30pm. Tickets cost $45 for the dinner and play, which can be booked through the Portland Arts Centre.
