Garrick Theatre Presents Musical Tribute to Gallipoli

GARRICK Theatre is paying tribute to those involved in the Gallipoli campaign, as part of 2015's 100-year commemoration in April.

Split in two halves, Garrick Salutes Gallipoli features old-time music hall entertainment and a melodrama written by well-known local Guildford resident Bernard Doyle.

Arranged, compiled and directed by Kerry Goode and Susan Vincent, the music hall features World War I songs such as Keep The Home Fires Burning, There's A Long Long Trail A Winding and There's Something About A Soldier.

"It incorporates what was happening in Australia with the excitement of an adventure for our young lads going overseas and doing their bit for king and country," Goode said.

"They said goodbye to their wives, mothers, daughters and sweethearts, not really knowing what lay ahead of them.

"We then switch to the streets of London where music hall was very popular.

"The second half of the program is the melodrama Shirl's War, set in Australia."

Originally joining Garrick Theatre in 1970, Goode has performed in a veritable plethora of productions over the years, also appearing with Playlovers, Limelight, KADS and Marloo Theatres.

In January, she was named best actress at the annual Finley Awards for her role in Cranford last year, also picking up a similar award at Garrick Theatre's annual awards night.

"It was the role Dame Judi Dench played in the BBC TV series so everyone now calls me 'Dame Kerry'," Goode said.

"With the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli looming, the small, intimate Garrick Theatre seemed ideal for a tribute show.

"We have a talented cast and they all work well together."

The show is also something of a family affair with Goode's sister Colleen Hopkins and daughter Colleen Bradford - a doctor in real life - playing nurses in the show.

Garrick Salutes Gallipoli plays at 8pm April 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24 and 25 with 2pm matinees April 12 and 19.

Tickets are $25, $22 concession, $20 children and include a wartime supper of pea soup, bread rolls, Anzac biscuits and lamingtons - book on 9378 1990 or bookings@garricktheatre.asn.au.

Garrick Theatre is at 16 Meadow Street, Guildford, opposite the Stirling Arms Hotel and Guildford Town Hall.

Photo credit: Mulder Photography.

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