John Farnham rumours continue

John Farnham rumours continue this month, with the recent appearance on Sound Relief, a fundraising concert for the victims of the February bushfires. On the eve of the performance, Farnham had dinner with manager Glenn Wheatley and CEO of Sony Music Australia, Denis Handlin; the dinner included discussion of Farnham recording a new album.

News Limited reported Handlin as saying, “We are now talking about the record, tossing around ideas for songs, writers and producers… I am pretty confident we will have a new studio album out from John Farnham this year”.

Farnham, whilst having retired from major touring in 2003, occasionally performs for fundraisers and other short-run events, and appeared on Sound Relief alongside Coldplay. Handlin also hinted that Coldplay may be asked to write a song for the album, which will appeal to fans who lapped up the combination at Sound Relief.

A representative for Handlin was able to confirm at least that there is discussion about it, stating that it was “early days yet and there’s no set plans”. No further information is currently available, but he did state that more news would be released in the middle of the year, and that an album would possibly be in stores this summer. 

Previous suggestions of a comeback for one of Australia’s foremost entertainers began when Glenn Wheatley suggested that it was on the books, but noted that he needed to “sit down with [Farnham] first and formulate what is the best approach”. Farnham himself denied new tours, during the Australia Unites telethon screened on Channel Nine recently. Perhaps the dinner with Handlin was what Wheatley had in mind.

If anyone has any news or updates to this article, please contact Backstage Jobs.

Written By : Naomi Guss

Alfred Hitchcock’s THE 39 STEPS

Fiery Angel in association with Edward Snape for Fiery Angel Ltd,

Andrew Kay & Associates and Tinderbox Productions Pty Ltd

present

The brilliant adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s famous 1935 film The 39 Steps, based on the book by John Buchan, is coming to Riverside Theatres for three performances only, from April 22 to 24.

Direct from triumphant seasons in The West End and Broadway, this hilarious, fast paced, action packed performance sees just four actors tackle 139 roles. The all Australian cast includes Mark Pegler, Octavia Barron Martin, Jo Turner and Drew Forsyth.

Directed by Maria Aitkin, The 39 Steps is a physical comedy, which follows the adventures of Richard Hannay (Pegler) a recurring hero in Buchan’s thrillers, as he uses his talents and quick wit to get out of a series of sticky situations. Hannay’s troubles start when he witnesses the murder of a foreign spy working for the British Government in his own apartment. He is then pursued across Scotland by police who assume that he is the guilty suspect. Hannay attempts to stay one step ahead of authorities whilst learning too much about a dangerous spy ring and trying to foil the villain’s dastardly plans.

Alfred Hitchcock is best known as a filmmaker of spine tingling thrillers and dark black comedies, including Dial M for Murder in 1954, Psycho in 1960 and The Birds in 1963. He was brought to international attention by the end of the 1930’s with The Man Who Knew Too Much in 1934, The 39 Steps in 1935 and The Lady Vanishes in 1938. After a move to America he went on to direct multi Oscar winning psychological thriller Rebecca in 1940. Alfred Hitchcock’s name is one that immediately evokes the thoughts of chilling, edge of your seat thrillers, and even after his death in 1980, his films have gone on to make millions of dollars with re-releases and theatre adaptations.

This classic old fashioned comic book style spy thriller is edge of your seat drama. The 39 Steps is jammed packed with action and incorporates trains, bi-planes, the Forth Railway Bridge, a Scottish bog and the London Palladium.

“…simply the funniest show I have seen in recent times. Wonderful, sharp performances, great clowning and fantastically lean writing. And to cap it all, a civilised running time that allows for a comfortable evening both ends.” Jennifer Saunders

The 39 Steps will be showing at Riverside Theatres from April 22 to 24 and at Glen Street Theatre from April 1 to 19.

http://www.love39steps.com.au

RIVERSIDE THEATRES, Cnr Church and Market Sts, Parramatta

DATES: April 22-24

TIMES: Wed 22 April 8pm, Thurs 23 April 8pm, Fri 24 April 8pm

SINGLE TICKET PRICES:

Wed & Thu Adults $50, Conc $45, 30 & Under $37, 16 & Under $33

Fri Adults $53, Conc $48, 30 & Under $40, 16 & Under $36

RIVERSIDESAVER PRICES:

Wed & Thu Adults $43, Conc $38, 30 & Under $33, 16 & Under $29

Fri Adults $46, Conc $41 30 & Under $36 16 & Under $32

BOOKINGS: Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au

GLEN STREET THEATRE, Cnr Glen Street & Blackbutts Road, Belrose

DATES: April 1-19

TIMES & BOOKINGS: Glen Street Theatre Box Office 02 9975 1455 or www.glenstreet.com.au