PAKENHAM theatre lovers are in for a treat with the imminent staging of the The Lost WWI Diary, starring Damian Callinan.
The play tells the story of Damian’s obsession from a young age with the Anzac legend.
Intrigued by the mystery surrounding the identity of two Diggers from a family photo, he sets out on a quest to put names to the faces.
While holidaying in Warrnambool, the discovery of a war diary in an op shop may finally link him to the legend.
A renowned stand up and character comedian, Damian (Backyard Ashes, Spicks and Specks, skitHOUSE, 774 ABC Radio) brings to life the pages of the diary as we meet Paddy Callinan and his “push” as they set off for “The Big Show”.
Along the way we meet Stanza the prankster poet, Bluey the outspoken union leader, Mocka the mumbling ladies man, Depot the scrounger and Pirate whose ability to talk could be the weapon that turns the war.
Damian combines detailed research, hilarious but believable characterisations, black humour, absurdity and deft writing to swing the mood of the story from rollicking farce to aching pathos in a heartbeat.
In giving it a five-star review, the Herald sun called the play “… a cleverly written and pitch-perfect delivery of a piece of theatre … the humour is topical, witty and best of all, it feels real”.
In 2010, Damian received a third nomination for the prestigious Barry Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for The Merger (his 10th solo show), which he continues to tour nationally.
The Merger is currently in development to be made into a feature film with the backing of Screen NSW, to be directed by Mark Grentell.
His other award winning shows include Sportsman’s Night (Barry Nomination and Best Comedy Melbourne Fringe), Spaznuts (Piece Of Wood Comedians Choice Award at MICF), Proxy Heroes (Barry nomination) and his comedy dance show The Cave the Rave (ABN Amro Edinburgh Foreign Exchange Award).
The Lost WW1 Diary has already been picked up for extensive national touring in 2015 to coincide with Gallipoli anniversary celebrations.
He has just also just completed a Playing Australia funded national tour of ‘Road Trip’ with Mickey D and a documentary film crew.
The team visited 23 towns, spending 48 hours in each before presenting a 90-minute show based solely on their experience in the community.
Damian was recently seen in cinemas as one of the ensemble lead actors in the cult hit Backyard Ashes. He will also soon appear alongside Rhys Darby in an coming episode of It’s A Date on ABC TV and is currently directing The Loman Empire a sitcom re-imagining of Death Of A Salesman for the Melbourne Fringe.
Damian Callinan: The Lost WWI Diary will be staged on Thursday 6 August, from 7.30pm, at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
Tickets are $34 for adults and $30 concession.
