Photo: Shootin’ Sadie creator and actor, Natasha Soonchild. Image supplied by Natasha Soonchild.
A HOMEGROWN night of Wild West-inspired theatre created by Nundle-based artist Natasha Soonchild is set to tour the small halls of the New England North West from late April, brought to audiences by Arts North West On Tour’s annual Pocket Productions program.
Soonchild will hit the stage in the title role of Shootin’ Sadie, an acclaimed one-woman show written and developed in Nundle and directed by Gwenda Blackwell.
A multi-talented performing and visual artist, Soonchild will inhabit multiple characters for the production, narrating Sadie’s story of adversity and triumph through the entertaining and accessible prism of the Wild West genre.
“We’re saddling up and getting ready to hit the road with Shootin’ Sadie in just a few weeks!” Soonchild said.
“Sadie’s journey is one of adversity and strength revealing the moral compass that guides her conscience. She has true grit.
“I’m lucky enough to have special guest musician John Krsulja performing as the opening act for the show. I’ve seen John in rehearsals and he is bringing something super special to the evening!”
An established acoustic musician from Nundle, Golden Guitar-winning Krsulja will perform a blend of Folk, Rock and Country in his pre-show set.
Wild Ride
First stop on Sadie’s wild ride will be the DAG Sheep Station, Nundle on Saturday April 17, after which the show will continue to The Australian Poetry Hall of Fame at Guyra on Thursday April 22.
A year since the Hall reopened, owner James Warren is excited to be presenting Shootin’ Sadie as the first touring production at the town’s revived Arcadia Theatre.
“After a 50-year pause as an entertainment venue, the town of Guyra once again has a community entertainment and arts hub which Shootin’ Sadie will help revitalise,” he said.
To book for the Guyra performance, head online to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/147473522275 or contact the venue on 0423 478 656.
Moving audiences
The Shootin’ Sadie tour comes just five months since Arts North West On Tour brought Country Witches Association to the region, a tour of raucous comedy and original song from acclaimed performers Mandy Nolan and Áine Tyrell.
Keeping the performing arts venues of the New England North West from going dark is a mission for Arts North West’s touring coordinator Michael Burge.
“We’ve all endured the pandemic with strict limits on the performing arts,” Burge said.
“It’s heartening that we have now reached a time when venues can play to full capacity, although it’s critical that COVID-safe operations continue.”
“I saw Hell Ship at the Chapel Theatre Glen Innes this month, a one-man show written and performed by Michael Veitch, a whole year since the original tour had to be postponed.
“Michael’s play was a gripping and very moving theatre experience, and audiences across our region gave Arts North West On Tour the same feedback.”
“Arts North West On Tour is committed to attracting excellent touring shows. We encourage New England North West residents to support their local venues by following them on social media and keeping abreast of what’s coming soon to a theatre near you,” Burge said.
The Shootin’ Sadie Tour
Contact each venue for more information on performance times and ticketing.
Saturday April 17 DAG Sheep Station Nundle 67693486
Thursday April 22 Australian Poetry Hall of Fame Guyra 0423 478 656
Friday April 23 Currabubula Hall 0427 000 633
Saturday April 24 Kelvin Hall 1800 KOALAS
Thursday April 29 Yetman Hall 0400 970 866
Friday April 30 Deepwater School of Arts 0431 269 104
Saturday May 1 Uralla Central School 0412 424 718
Sunday May 2 Sunnyside Hall Tenterfield 67363500
