Tag Archives: 1977

“Soapbox Circus” 1977 interview, National U newspaper

In June 1977 “National U”, the newspaper of the National Union of Australian University Students, published an interview with Ponch Hawkes and Mick (Microphone) Conway of Soapbox Circus (later to become Circus Oz). Much of the interview was about the record album that had just been released, “Matchbox and the APG – The Great Stumble Forward”.  L 36245,  Festival Records.


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“Radio Active Horror Show” – preview – The Age, 5/7/1977

The Radio Active Horror Show has been described as “An Australian anti-nuclear musical by John Romeril and the A.P.G. (Australian Performing Group). “Things are crook, just take a look, we’re in more pooh than Winnie”.” (Source: AusStage.) It played at the Pram Factory from 7 July to 21 August 1977. The APG members involved were Kerry Dwyer, Ursula Harrison, Wilfred Last, Richard Murphet, Margot Nash, Hellen Sky, Carol Porter, Greig Pickhaver and John Romeril (writer).

(The play was also performed in Sydney, at the New Theatre, Newtown, opening on 29/4/78. The Sydney cast and crew were not from the APG.)

Below is a copy of a PREVIEW by John Stevens of the APG production. The full title of the preview is “See this and freak out”.


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“Phar Lap …” brochure (Turf Notes) – 1977

The Australian Performing Group staged “Phar Lap – it’s Cingalese for lightning, y’know”, written by Steve Mastare) (aka Stephen Mastare, Stephanie Mastare and Ess Mastare), at the Pram Factory theatre in March and April 1977.

Director: Paul Hampton. Cast: Susy Potter, Claire Dobbin, Phil Motherwell, Alison Richards, Wilfred Last, Greig Pickhaver. Design: Micky Allen, Carol Porter. Lighting: Ian McKenzie. Original Music: Andrew Bell. Poster: Bob Daly. Props :Ursula Harrison. Costume: Freda Rowed. Sound Operator: Margot Nash.

Below is a copy of “Turf Notes”, a publicity brochure for the programme.

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“Smack in the Dacks/Smackin the Dacks” bad reviews – 1977

It’s fair to say that Melbourne theatre critics, Leonard Radic and Neil Jillet, did not like the APG’s “Smack in the Dacks”. Below are copies of their reviews: Leonard Radic in The Age (Nov ’77) and Neil Jillett in The Herald (21/11/77).

Picture, The Age, Nov “77

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Poster for The Radio Active Horror Show – July 1977

The Radio Active Horror Show was written by John Romeril and the group.  Credits for cast, crew, writers, publicity and other persons (excluding office workers) are on the back of the poster.

Poster – A3 – top half
Poster – A3 – bottom half
Poster – A3 – back – top half
Poster – A3 – back – bottom half

Soapbox Circus performs “Smackin The Dacks” (or “Smack in the Dacks”)

Soapbox Circus and the Matchbox band performed “Smackin The Dacks” at the front theatre of the Pram Factory from 17 November to 24 December 1977. Below is a copy of the brochure/programme for that season (including advertisements), plus copies of two APG PR papers. (Updated 11/10/2021)

Leading performers: Alan Robertson, Jon Hawkes, Robin Laurie, Laurel Frank, Helen Sky, and Michael Price. Band: Tony Burkys, Jim Conway, Mick Conway, Rick Ludbrook, Gordon MacLean, Peter Muhleisen, and Colin Stevens. Credits also are given to Bob Daly, Richard Murphet, Carol Porter, Rose Chong, Margot Lindsay, Kelvin Gedye, Ponch Hawkes, Tim Caldwell, Sue Broadway, Chips Mackinolty, Richard East, Mary Duggan, Fay Mokotow ” and an antfarm of friends and helpers” including: Charlie Aarons, Sally Clifton, Eve Glenn, Ursula Harrison, John Konig, Bayne Laurie, Esther Naylor, Shuvus and Mark Tanner.

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