Background

Written during Covid lockdown, the show is inspired by a book that has travelled with Dianna Nixon since it turned up, mysteriously, in her childhood.

This first production was made possible with support from You Are Here and their ACT Govt-funded In Good Company program. Check out their website: https://www.youareherecanberra.com.au/events/the-gentlemans-companion/

Designed to help get venues open and thriving again, this program directly supported independent performing artists hit hard in the Covid pandemic. With these funds, Dianna was able to engage the brilliant Christopher Samuel Carroll to act as dramaturg and director, and to employ two AUSLAN performance specialists (Brett Olzen, Deborah Hayes) to broaden the access to the show. We were able to employ a photographer/videographer, Zhenshi van der Klooster, and a marketing specialist, David Pearson, and to purchase sound equipment which Dianna retains for use in future performances. So the financial support was well distributed, and also meant Dianna received a fee for this performance.

Project Status

Our most recent show was at Yazzbar, Yass on October 8th 2023. This is the perfect venue for us. Intimate, cosy, vibrant, great cocktail bar, yummy food. We are coming back to Yazzbar on Sunday November 3rd AND 10th at 4pm.

Tix on sale here: https://www.musictheatreprojects.com/2024/09/29/tickets-on-sale-the-gentlemans-companion-at-yazzbar/

The show comprises readings of tales & recipes from said cocktail book, & an iconic poem; chatty anecdotes about life, dating, politics, and a sprinkling of rock anthems associated with iconic male artists, with Dianna’s pre-recorded piano accompaniments as backing.

Technical requirements 

Dianna Nixon, a solo performer, can bring most things required for the performance – sound equipment (headset mic so that she can rove in the venue), speakers, laptop for playback of backing tracks, music stand, props and small musical instruments. If the venue has sound setup, Dianna can plug into this system, with assistance from the venue.

Venue must have – cocktail bar and bartender capable and keen to reproduce the five iconic recipes, as well as a piano, table and chair seating for audience, and, for Dianna, 2 tables (for speakers & laptop), a small square table or long piano stool (for props and instruments), and a tall bar stool with a back.

Important dates and activities

Returning to YazzBar in Yass on Sunday November 3rd AND 10th at 4pm. Tickets on sale via Dubbo-based 123tix.