Growl Theatre will bring a touch of 1950s mischief to the stage this month with Breath of Spring, a British comedy about a group of older residents who begin an unlikely criminal enterprise.
Written by Peter Coke and directed by Dale Murison, the play centres on a stolen fur. When a former army officer and other residents attempt to return it, they discover they enjoy the intrigue so much that they form a syndicate to steal and return furs.
Dale said the production was “purely escapist fare” and “very reminiscent of the British comedy films of the time” such as The Lavender Hill Mob and The Ladykillers.
“I think it is a thoroughly enjoyable, light-hearted British comedy about a diverse group, looked upon by society as senior citizens, who seize upon the chance to add a bit of excitement to their dreary routine,” she said.
Revival Comedy, Stage Props, and Koala Conservation Support
She said that although the title referred to the stolen mink, Breath of Spring could also indicate a “fresh look at life, an awakening, so to speak, from lying dormant”.
“And in a way, this is what happens to the characters in the play,” she said. “There is a lovely quote that I think sums it up, ‘It’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years’.
“There are no villains, just a group of gentle characters who, through their hit-and-miss exploits, come to embrace the idea that you are never too old to keep your life interesting,” she said.
Growl Theatre founder and artistic director Jason Sharland, who plays Brigadier Albert Rayne, said the theatre had enjoyed the opportunity to revive a play that had been popular in the past.
“I loved the message about ageing and staying engaged in life,” he said.
“Not that we’re encouraging our audiences to form their own crime syndicates.”
He described his character as “a hugely productive person who needs something purposeful to do”, adding, “We all need something beyond ourselves.”
The production will also support koala conservation through a partnership with the Queensland Koala Society (QKS), with 15 per cent of ticket proceeds donated to the organisation. Vintage furs donated to Growl Theatre by community members will feature in the production, giving the garments a new life on stage while helping support wildlife conservation.
Jason said the partnership offered a way to turn concerns about the use of fur into something positive.
“Hopefully, making a donation to QKS can help us to do something future-focused,” he said.
Audiences can also make an optional additional donation to the Queensland Koala Society when booking tickets.
Breath of Spring
- 6-15 November
- Growl Theatre (Windsor School of Arts Hall)
- 381 Lutwyche Road, Windsor
- Book your tickets here.
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