QUAMBATOOK - MEDIA ROOM
JOHN WILLIAMSON'S - QUAMBATOOK a NEW Australian Folk Musical is born!
A trip to Uluru by the Williamson family had sell-out audiences laughing, crying and celebrating the spirit of Australia.
The cast of fifteen very talented Australian performers entertained audiences at the EVAN Theatre, Panthers World of Entertainment in Penrith over four performances (7-10th February) with their wonderful interpretation of John Williamson's music.
The audience went back to the '50s to the small town of QUAMBATOOK in the Victorian Mallee district. QUAMBATOOK was John Williamson's hometown, where his deep love for the bush was born.
Perfectly cast, Mum (Belinda Wollaston), Dad (Darren Coggan) and the four Williamson brothers (Josh Russell (Johnno), Shardyn (Wil) & Makirum (Pete) Fahey-Leigh and Benson Anthony(Rob) begin their journey to the Rock - Uluru. Musical favourites included John Williamson's 'Old Man Emu', 'Raining On The Rock', 'A Thousand Feet' and the freshly penned ballad, 'The Joy Is In The Journey'.
John Williamson's QUAMBATOOK featured special appearances by country music stars Warren H. Williams (Albert) and Reg Poole (Silver-Haired Showman). Ami Williamson (Sheila) had audiences in fits of laughter with her hilarious interpretation of the stereotypical Aussie 'Sheila'.
Written by Simon Heath, the story was woven through the iconic music of John Williamson, who appeared as the Narrator for the show. As Director, Bernie Zelvis guided the cast superbly, in the demanding role of premiering the musical.
John Williamson's QUAMBATOOK - a New Australian Folk Musical for all the family that captures the spirit of our incredible country.
Many people have been asking how they can purchase copies of the Original Cast CD, the Program and the special Polo Shirt that were originally sold at the Quambatook shows.
Please CLICK HERE to obtain all details...
 Darren Coggan, Belinda Wollaston and the 'Williamson boys' |
 The Winged Fiddler and Johnno |
 Ami Williamson as 'Sheila' |
 Cast performing 'Raining On The Rock' |
Download the QUAMBATOOK press release in MS Word format (28kb) or Adobe Acrobat PDF format (6kb)
Cast List - Adobe Acrobat PDF (10kb). Photos below...
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 Warren H. Williams, John Williamson, Reg Poole ...publicising Quambatook during the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival |
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Quambatook rehearsal photos:
 Josh Russell |
 Makirum Fahey-Leigh |
 Shardyn Fahey-Leigh |
 Benson Anthony |
 Darren Coggan and Josh Russell |
 Ami Williamson |
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QUAMBATOOK is a family musical.
The tale of a young hero, his quest for a prize and his determination to overcome all that stands in his way.
It is 1955 and in the small Victorian farming town of QUAMBATOOK, eleven year
old Johnno is on a mission and nothing is going to stand in his way.
For years he and his family have happily sat around the radio, listened, sang and
played along with the songs from The Silver Haired Showman's weekly radio show. But ever since Johnno heard the Showman describe his experiences in the Northern Territory at Uluru, he's had only one desire; to see and experience the big red rock for himself.
As holiday time approaches, Johnno sets out to convince his parents and brothers that instead of taking their regular annual vacation at the seaside they should follow the Silver Haired Showman's lead and go to Uluru.
Convincing the family to drive the dusty outback roads to Uluru is only the beginning of Johnno's difficulties. As beautiful as nature can be it also made travelling the outback in 1955 very, very difficult.
Whether or not they make it to Uluru isn't important, Johnno's Mum tells him, the
fact is The Joy is in the Journey...
© 2007 John Williamson/Quambatook Pty Ltd/Simon Heath
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