Showcase of local talent

The showcase of local artistic talent, known as the Cultural Laboratory, will be returning to the Peninsula Theatre on Friday, May 9.

As usual, the regular event will host a wide variety of presentations.

Cori Hopper from Eaglefoot Films will present their short film concept for "Three Dares".

The writer, director and producer will talk about the idea and how it grew into a film shot entirely on the Coast.

Directed and produced by Cori Hopper and Jason Van Genderen who recently won the award for Best Film and Best Cinematography at the Geelong 24 Hour Shoot Out Film Festival, "Three Dares" is the story of three guys who lose their jobs and get together to each perform a dare.

In another presentation, a local poet known simply as RJN takes poems and ballads from the 16th and 17th Centuries and recycles them in an often bizarre fashion.

RJN will recite these poems in his own inimitable style whilst Rowena Fitzgibbons (who has previously danced at the Lab) will accompany and interpret his poetry.

Umina Beach poet and songwriter Lisa Butler will talk at the Cultural Laboratory about her passion for songwriting and for the Central Coast, and the challenges of putting together a song-writers' conference at Ettalong.

"I'd like Ettalong to become known as songwriters' heaven," Ms Butler said.

"There is so much potential in this community, an annual Conference that gathers producers, poets, songwriters and industry people from around Australia, will give us the opportunity to shine."

The conference is scheduled to be held at Ettalong Beach Club and Mantra Resort from June 6 to 9.

Matt Gairdner is the owner of Kantara House and also runs a demolition business.

On seeing the huge amount of waste generated in the demolition business, Matt turned it into a salvaging business and so began his trajectory as the funny character "Supacycla" with the serious message of recycling.

Able to recycle tall buildings with a single blow, "Supacycla" will sing and dance about recycling and will appear with special guest stars Rosie the Red Hen, Benny Bopper the Pollution Stopper (Matt's four year old son) and a bucket of worms (heads up in the front row).

Local group U-Bouddi Swing Band will perform some of their laid back musical offerings.

An exciting group of retirees who gather together as a clan, the band refuses to be told how to dress, how to think or what music they should listen to.

Like a breakaway youth group, the U-Bouddi Swing Band plays for the sheer joy of it.

Two young performers from Youth In Performing Arts will also perform at the Lab.

The Cultural Laboratory gives audience members the opportunity to "sample" local people's work, hear their stories and discuss their ideas in a relaxed atmosphere, according to Laycock Street Theatre marketing officer Ms Lisa Kelly.

The event will be held at the Peninsula Theatre on the corner of Ocean Beach Rd and McMasters Rd, Woy Woy, from 7:30pm on May 9.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for child/concession (includes open forum and supper).

For more information and bookings please contact 4323 3233.

Press release, 16 Apr 2008 Lisa Kelly, Laycock Street Theatre