Staging something special in Deepwater

Something very ordinary but also extraordinary happens in Deepwater about every two years. 

For the past four decades, a cast of friends and newcomers come together and make time to learn lines, create props, sets and costumes, and engage with choreographers, stage managers, lighting and sound technicians. 

They are the Deepwater Players. Some have been call for decades, others are taking their first stab at the stage. In the small town on the New England Highway, people have been putting themselves out there for the good of the community for over 40 years.

The profits raised by ticket sales support local groups, charities, and not-for-profits which make this community hum.

This year they are presenting Uncle Jack, a 1999 play by Australian writer Judith Prior. Judith is a popular  mainstay with community theatres, schools, and with musicals and plays across Australia.  

Jenny Sloman was the Players’ original director for decades. Since her retirement two plays ago, the troupe take turns directing their productions. This year, Chris McIntosh is taking the cast of nine in hand for the Prior script. He said Jenny is providing her skilled and experienced advice for this year’s play, which is set in a small Australian town with very relatable themes. 

“It’s a comedy about a slightly dysfunctional family. Harold and Maude are having their wedding anniversary, and so the family are coming together,” Chris said.

“Uncle Jack is the black sheep of the family. He’s lived away for quite some time, and he wasn’t actually invited.”

Without giving too much away, chaos ensues.

Chris is a Deepwater native, and like many of the ensemble actors, was gently persuaded to join the cast over 20 years ago, but found it a great benefit.

“Being involved in it has been a real boost for me. The first time I got talked into being one of the Players, I was horrified,” he recalled with a chuckle.

“(I thought), ‘This is absolutely not me. Why did I do this? Why did I agree to this?’ And all through rehearsals I was terrified, and once I got through it, I thought, ‘That was fantastic.’” 

Cathy Wheatley at 75 is one of the original members of the Deepwater Players. She plays ‘Gran’, the family matriarch, in Uncle Jack.

“She has bit more than a touch of dementia, and very deaf. It’s a fun role,” Cathy said. 

She prepares for the role by putting herself into the elderly woman’s position and evokes relevant experiences of her own.

“I speak very loudly, and I try to imagine that. I just get myself into that. I’m 75, so it could be me!” she said. “Though, I think Gran, she’s waiting for a letter from the Queen, so she’s in her 90s.”

Michael Burge has been a cast member and producer alongside his husband Richard Moon for several years. He plays Gran’s son Harold, who is Uncle Jack’s brother. He explained the play seems light, but addresses deeper concepts about families and relationships. He said as the play progresses, it’s evident how the characters’ natures are clearly drawn from their mother’s influence.

“You can see where they get everything from. This is the skill of Judith Prior. It seems so light, and fairy floss of story, but in actual fact, she’s making quite a comment about country towns and the way that they work,” he said.

“Because all of the shenanigans that Jack and Harold go on about, (Prior) keeps Gran out until the beginning of act 2, and you can see where all the family traits come from when she comes on.”

Cathy said over the years, the players haven’t locked themselves into any particular genre. From Shakespeare to high comedy, to dance, and serious drama, they ensemble decides what they want to present.

This year’s production hearkens back to their very first performance of Dimboola, the Australian classic by Jack Hibberd. 

The 1969 play has similarities to Uncle Jack, set in the small Victorian town where a wedding is taking place. But the Players felt the world, and its cultural and societal norms had long evolved from that script, and Dimboola might even have an adverse effect on attracting cast and an audience.

“It would mean we weren’t doing what we always wanted to do for the community. We wanted that community involvement,” Cathy said. 

Chris said the play a creative outlet for many people in the area, and praised the ensemble as he navigated his director’s role. 

“It’s a great team. We’ve got some experienced people on the team,” Chris said. 

In Deepwater and beyond, there is already fervour building for this year’s play. Cathy said even before they choose a play, there is always eager enthusiasm for the biennial productions. The combination of a well-staged play, and the support of local charities has been a success.

“People will often say to us then, ‘When are you putting on? Is there going to be another play?’” she said

“They come now, from Inverell, Tenterfield, from Glen Innes, from the Gold Coast. People have heard about this fun night.”

The Deepwater Players are Cathy Wheatley, Denis Haselwood, Katie Newsome, Michael Burge, Catie Macansh, Richard Moon, John Westcombe, Wendy Lockwood, Jen Daly, – Denis Haselwood  

This year’s crew is director Chris McIntosh, producer Jen Lanz, assistant producer Michael Burge, stage manager Mari Grantun, and choreographer Lindy Alt. 

Uncle Jack will premiere with a preview event on 16 October, and formal opening night 19 October. There are six main performances, including one matinee. 

Tickets are now on sale for the Deepwater Players production of Uncle Jack, and can be found at events.humanitix.com/uncle-jack

Top image: Original Deepwater Player Cathy Wheatley on stage at the Deepwater School of the Arts Hall. (Photo: Michèle Jedlicka)