THE NIGHT THE STARS CAME OUT TO PLAY
Hosted this year by Rove McManus with co-host Monique Dykstra and improvising musician Benny Davis, the galaxy of stars included Wil Anderson, Gep Blake, Nikki Britton, David Callan, Ewan Campbell, Kate Coates, Daniel Cordeaux, Daniel Doody, Murray Fahey, Happy Feraren, Heather Garriock, Dan Ilic, Amanda Keller, John Knowles, Jay Laga’aia, Alex Lee, Steve Lynch, Joji Malani, Nicola Parry, Jioji Ravulo, Lisa Ricketts, Jane Simmons, Adam Spencer, Linette Voller, Steve Walsh . . . and more.
The passion for this lineup event began 20 years ago and at the end of the evening we were privileged to stay behind and hear from Director and producer Julie Dunsmore about the very good intention of supporting CanTeen Charity. Her passion to rally for the charity that supports extraordinarily the kids either themselves living with Cancer or have family challenged by this incredible disease.
This show is an amazing tribute to this woman as much as the Theatresports community behind the rallying cry. How special also for the audience to also hear from two young ‘leaders’ behind the CanTeen team, Abby and Nate.
During the night we had the chance to support an extraordinary array of prizes given by the special guests and others to raise always much needed funds in support of all the charity does. We all felt good donating in a longer than usual interval – but can I tell you the longer than usual show was worth the love and money.
From the outset we were all ‘warmed’ by warm up from veteran audience wrangler Ewan Campbell then an explosion to follow of the hippiedom themed peace, love and mung beans. Host and co host Rove and Monique introduced the stars.
6 teams of terrific talent it was very hard to tell the native players to the guests first timers. Many in the audience were owning up to being first time in Theatresports land, but the captains of teams engaged thoroughly with the audience stakeholders. Consistently we were enthralled by the playing technique and tease. There were extraordinary feats of mystery and mayhem.
One final splendid outcome was the winning team. Although every team was a winner, the We’ve Got A Matilda Daniel Doody, Heather Garriock (former Matilda), Adam Spencer and David Callan were the team out in front and on top. Scoring was remarkably clarifying and the scoring on target throughout.
The audience were certainly rewarded with consistent entertainment. After songs, Broadway musicals, puppets, genre rollercoaster, animal characters, pre 21st century tv shows in gibberish – there absolutely was something for everyone.
Happy to share here their thanks to our performers, musicians, celebrities, guest judges, crew, volunteers,sponsors who have all donated so generously their brilliance, time, talent and financial support for Theatresports® Celebrity Challenge and Canteen.
2023 CELEBRITY THEATRESPORTS, from 4.00pm Sunday 27th August 2023, at the Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Road, NEWTOWN, NSW.
INFORMATION – https://www.enmoretheatre.com.au/event/celebrity-theatresports/
