Stars, Comedy, Art, and Immersive Theatre

Astronomer Geoff Wyatt, comedy manager Shane Smith, artist Brad Spalding and writer/director Duncan Maurice are my guests today.

My first guest: Geoff Wyatt, Senior Astronomer Educator at Sydney Observatory, shares his observations of the night sky – stars, constellations and planets and talks about lunar eclipses, telescope viewing, exhibitions and special events.

The Sydney Observatory stone building with its distinctive copper telescope domes is set in gardens atop Observatory Hill. From its beginnings in 1858 as a centre of scientific research for the colony of New South Wales, Sydney Observatory is now a museum and educational centre.

The exhibits and programs reflect the rich history of the site and of Sydney Observatory as an astronomical observatory, timekeeper, signal station and meteorology centre. Recent archaeological excavations have provided insight into the use of Fort Phillip at the site (next to the Signal Station), and archaeological programs are offered at Sydney Observatory. Free Self-Guided walking tours are also available.

Sydney Observatory – Upper Fort Street, Millers Point.

www.sydneyobservatory.com.au or 9921 3485

My next guest: Shane Smith, General Manager, Sydney Comedy Festival 2014. This year’s jam-packed program features over 165 shows in 30 venues across greater Sydney. The Festival’s massive line-up features international comedy stars, local comics, rising stars and special events including Cracker Night, The 10^th Anniversary Big Birthday Bash, and the Secret Shows.

The 10^th annual Sydney Comedy Festival

22^nd April to 17^th May 2014

More info: www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au or SCF Box Office: 9020 6966

My next guest: Artist, Brad Spalding chats about his new exhibition, ‘Melt’ which investigates the interplay of colour and light. Brad Spalding lives in the Snowy Mountains – his artwork is strongly influenced by the majestic and raw beauty of the alpine environment, capturing the spirit of the mountains with its constantly changing colour and light. The Melt exhibition displays captivating alpine landscapes alongside playful depictions of skiing in Australia.

Brad Spalding – Melt         16 April – 10 May 2014        Stanley Street Gallery,1 / 52 – 54, Stanley Street, Darlinghurst.

More Info: www.stanleystreetgallery.com.au  or  9368 1142

My final guest: Writer and Director, Duncan Maurice, chats about an exciting new theatre production with a twist, The Silence Came. This immersive theatre experience uses three levels of a 165 year old house as the stage – the audience invited to explore as the story unfolds in each room. Traditional theatre ‘rules’ are broken as the production allows the audience to determine their own story – roaming freely amongst the actors and on stage to mould the action.

The Silence Came

Mondays 7.30pm – 21st and 28th April and 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th May 2014        The Commons, 32 Burton Street, Darlinghurst.

More info: www.thesilencecame.com

YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEWS WITH MY GUESTS:

Thanks for your company

Margaux