The Playwrights Database
WAYNE TUNKS
(1975 - )
Nationality:
Australian
email:
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Website:
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Literary Agent:
n/a
Wayne Tunks is an award winning writer known as "Sydney's most prolific Dramatist" - the Daily Telegraph. His plays have been performed in three continents and include the Subtle Art of Flirting, We'll Always Have Wagga, the Bridesmaid Must Die!, Hell Hath No Fury, the Burlesque Effect, Birthdays, Christmas & other family disasters, Go West and the critically acclaimed Silvertop Ash. Wayne also has written successful Theatre-in-education plays for Bamboo Theatre and Em's Entertainment that have played throughout Australia. In 2010, Wayne began working as a storyliner for Australia's longest running Drama series, Neighbours.
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below is a list of Wayne Tunks's plays - click on a Play Title for more information
37 Ways To Sat I'm Gay
Art is a Weapon
Beyond the Door
Birthdays, Christmas & other family disasters
Bridesmaid Must Die!, The
Burlesque Effect, The
Chain of Fools
Fag Boy & the Married Guy
Flame Trees
Girl from the West of the City, The
Girlie Show, The
Go West
Good Cut, The
Green in Mrs White, The
Hell Hath No Fury
Intervention
Paris In Hell
Petroleum
Proverbial Closet
Rules Of April, The
Silvertop Ash
Someday Suddenly
Subtle Art of Flirting, The
Tupperware
Unrequited
We'll Always Have Wagga
Words Like Freedom, Love & Betrayal
37 Ways To Sat I'm Gay
Synopsis:
these are stories of coming out, 37 different ways. From prehistoric to futuristic, from America to Australia, from city to county and from comedy to Drama, these are stories with heart. A young gay man's suicide is covered up, an are they or aren't they?' boy band, a wedding ceremony that will end badly and a boy ready to confess his sexuality to his whole school. . . Two soldiers on the front line in World War II, a teen unable to tell his parents, an AIDS patient clinging to life and Alexander the Great just after his wedding. . . these are just a few of the coming out tales in this heartwarming collection.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
-
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
http://Australianplays.org/ -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Gay, full length ensemble Drama/comedy 100 min
Parts:
Male: 8 Female: 4 Other: all cast plays multiple characters
Further Reference:
-
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Art is a Weapon
Synopsis:
-
Notes:
As part of the New theatre's 75th anniversary season, this show features a wide variety of short works from local writers. the title is the New's original slogan from 1932. - http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/72769
1st Produced:
New Theatre, Newtown, Nsw
30 Oct 2007
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
One Act
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/72769
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Beyond the Door
Synopsis:
One of the world's biggest quandaries has always been, what happens when we die? Is there really a heaven or hell? And if so, which way will you head? Six young people are about to find out when they suddenly find themselves in the waiting room of the Pearly Gates. As they form friendships and make foes, they begin to discover the true meaning of their own existence and they wait to be taken away individually for their judgement through the ominous door that sits behind them.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Mad Monkey Studios, Sydney
2000
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Birthdays, Christmas & other family disasters
Synopsis:
Follow one year in the life of the Church family as they celebrate Christmas, Birthdays and all kinds of family events that we all know only too well. there's Mum who just wants her family with her, and Dad who's happy to have his family around if they just shut up! Oldest son David is a successful record executive and he and his ex model wife, Abi, seem to have it all, while his sister Kate and her husband Martin are living hand to mouth. Sister Janine has just returned from two years in India with a new vow of celibacy and a baby bump and youngest child Peter is just trying to avoid the taunts of his older siblings. Throw in the neighbour, Kenny, who always seems to turn up during family get togethers. But this year something will happen that will change them all. You'll never look at your family get togethers the same way again.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Riverside Theatre, Sydney
18 Aug 2006
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
family Drama Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/69841
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Bridesmaid Must Die!, The
Synopsis:
Welcome to the society wedding of the year. Tomorrow Yasmine will marry Caleb, hoping the press will gatecrash. But tonight, Yasmine with her mother and her three bridesmaids have some celebrating to do. When the drinks start flowing, so do the secrets. Matron of honour Bree is secretly conducting an affair with the groom. Phillipa is being stalked by her very unstable ex, Lucas; and Yasmine's sister is a suicidal, lesbian, beatnik poet. This isn't a whodunit, it's a who's gonna get it!
Notes:
For 2006 Season was re-written with three Alternate endings, the show became interactive And the Audience got to choose which bridesmaid died.
1st Produced:
Riverside Theatre, Sydney
2004
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
black comedy Comedy
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 5 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/88653
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Burlesque Effect, The
Synopsis:
Set in the world of 1950's burlesque in Sydney, "the Burlesque Effect" sees straight laced suburbanite James falling victim to the seductive burlesque world when he ventures into the Scarlet Lounge and meets dancer Honey. Torn between the life he has and the one he desires, will James run away with Honey or stay with the wife who loves him?
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Newtown Theatre
27/2011
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
http://Australianplays.org/ -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Drama / Cabaret
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 7 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Chain of Fools
Synopsis:
Chain of Fools is an IR (Industrial Relations) law inspired Drama about an inner city supermarket about to be swallowed by a larger chain. With nowhere else to turn, the employees fight back the only way they know how. But will gaffer tape, rope and Anna Coren just get them into more trouble? This play will get you cheering for the underdog.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
political Drama Play/Drama one act
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/71590
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Fag Boy & the Married Guy
Synopsis:
What would you do if you found the school bully and tormentor from high school on Grindr, ten years later? Arranging a hook up, Will decides pay back is called for. Armed with sedatives, handcuffs, a scalpel and a camera hes ready for revenge. But will he lose control?
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Gay full length
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Flame Trees
Synopsis:
Tess has spent years in prison for arson. She started a fire that destroyed most of her home town and killed her best friend. Now she is back. The townsfolk are none too happy to see her especially her aunt and ex-boyfriend
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
-
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Australian Script Centre -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Drama
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Girl from the West of the City, The
Synopsis:
the murder of a beautiful young woman is just the start. This is a murder mystery cum social Drama set in the heartland of Penrith. these are six stories of the people left behind and how they deal with their grief, their love and their suspicion. the parents, the fiance, the flat mates and the boy next door whose obsession for her was reaching worrying heights. See their stories and find out which one killed the girl from the west of the city.
Notes:
the play contains filmed multi media elements
1st Produced:
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, Nsw, Australia
2008
Organisations:
Catalyst Theatre Company
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
murder mystery
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 6 Other: 1 non speaking female role
Further Reference:
-
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Girlie Show, The
Synopsis:
16 year old Sam already out and looking for love in all the wrong places. Natalie a pop singer about to make a big deal if only she can keep her sexuality hidden. Jason lusts after Derek. May a good Catholic is worshipping the wrong Madonna
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
-
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Gay full length
Parts:
Male: 8 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Go West
Synopsis:
Go West puts the spotlight onto the urban landscape and takes a close look at the inner workings of a dysfunctional Westie family. the Burns family will never win family of the year. Mother Donna became an alcoholic after the death of her husband and her five children don't seem to be fairing any better. This is best demonstrated by her twin seventeen-year-old sons, Kevin and Daniel. Kevin likes to get together with his mates and a baseball bat and beat up gay men. While Daniel, a straight A student and his family's only real hope, has just fallen in love with the boy he works with at his local record store. As Daniel and Ben's relationship starts to become serious, discovery by his family seems inevitable, and the results will be devastating.
Notes:
Please note that in the production two of the male roles were played by the same Actor
1st Produced:
Riverside Theatre, Sydney
31/2003
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Gay, full length
Parts:
Male: 8 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/22391
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Good Cut, The
Synopsis:
-
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Newtown Theatre, Newtown, Nsw
07 Feb 2006
Organisations:
Short & Sweet Top 90 Week 2
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
short play
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/78658
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Green in Mrs White, The
Synopsis:
the Green in Mrs White is an hilarious 1950's meloDramatic black comedy. Mrs White rules a small country town with fear and baking, but when a new family arrives threatening to topple Mrs White's rule, she won't be going down without a fight. You'll be dying to taste her sponge!
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
black comedy Comedy one act
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/71590
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Hell Hath No Fury
Synopsis:
Beware a woman scorned! the play follows hairdresser Roberta and the staff and patrons of her successful hairdressing salon. When life turns difficult, the women can only rely on each other for friendship and support. Featuring an amazing cast of sixteen women, this is a heartwarming Drama about love, revenge and hair products.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Newtown Theatre, Australia
21 Nov 2007
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Bittersweet Comedy Comedy
Parts:
Male: - Female: 16 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/72794
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Intervention
Synopsis:
-
Notes:
part of Short + Sweet Festival, Sydney 2010
1st Produced:
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
short play
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Paris In Hell
Synopsis:
Look who's dancing with the devil.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Seymour Downstairs Theatre, Chippendale, Nsw
24 Jan 2007
Organisations:
Short & Sweet Sydney Week 2
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
short play
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/79891
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Petroleum
Synopsis:
In the year 2032, petrol is the currency of the world. the government has crumbled and a petrol corporation runs a post apocalyptic Australia. But in a rural town in NSW a group of rebels are about to fight back. As the rebels take on the militia, sides will be swapped, people betrayed and lives will be lost. Gritty, raw and current, Petroleum, tells the story of the little guy fighting back the only way he knows how.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Fusebox Theatre, Marrickville, Nsw, Australia
19 Sep 2009
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Drama/Action
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/82319
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Proverbial Closet
Synopsis:
-
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Newtown Theatre, Newtown, Nsw
28 Jan 2004
Organisations:
Short & Sweet Sydney Week 4
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
short play
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/79068
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Rules Of April, The
Synopsis:
April and her two sisters have sworn off relationships after years of watching their parent's relationship fall apart. But all these years later as their parents finally divorce, the girls must decide whether they should keep the dating rules they wrote as teens or finally let go and commit. Rule Number 10 - Never ever fall in love!
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Newtown Theatre, South Newtown
14 Jun 2008
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
romantic comedy
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Silvertop Ash
Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Hamish lives on his parent's farm in rural New South Wales. He aspires to go to film school, but most of all, he aspires to get away from the pressure he feels in his town. Hamish fears his parents don't understand him and the school bully seems to be gunning for him with cruel taunts over his sexuality. His only refuge is his best friend Aaron. But when Aaron reveals his true feelings for Hamish, he can't help but feel pressure. Unable to find acceptance , Hamish feels lost, desperate and unsure where to turn. Detective Jack Keogh has been called into town to investigate Hamish's death. Hamish's painful story unfolds as Jack interviews the people most important in Hamish's life. His family, his best friend and the bully who taunted him, Jack starts to question why so many gay and lesbian teens turn to suicide.
Notes:
Was An official selection for the 30th Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
1st Produced:
Riverside Theatre, Sydney
2008
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
http://Australianplays.org/ -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Play/Drama 90 min. - - Gay, full length
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/81824
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Someday Suddenly
Synopsis:
Two Asians, an Indian, a Greek, a Jew, a Brit and an Aussie walk into a bar. . . Elle Wong refuses to date any Asian guys and is practically engaged to Jewish accountant Michael, much to the horror of her Greek best friend, Roula. But then she hires Indian bar man, Ravi, and meets his Japanese flatmate, Adam, her high school crush and his British girlfriend, Susana. Add her nagging Australian mother, Mary, and Elle is going to seriously have a bad week!
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Sidetrack Theatre, Sydney
2009
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
romantic comedy
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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Subtle Art of Flirting, The
Synopsis:
When eight Sydney singletons lives begin to become intertwined, they discover the in and outs of "the Subtle Art of Flirting". Can you really find someone decent at a laundromat? Is charging your trolley into someone else's considered flirting? What is the best pick up line to use at a funeral? these questions and more will be posed and answered in this romantic comedy for the stage.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
http://Australianplays.org/ -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
romantic comedy
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/66710
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Tupperware
Synopsis:
-
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Newtown Theatre, Newtown, Nsw
11 Jan 2005
Organisations:
Short and Sweet Festival
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Ten minute play
Parts:
Male: - Female: 10 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/79113
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Unrequited
Synopsis:
Why do the ones we love never seem to love us in return? A group of recent University graduates can't seem to leave the past behind. Falling in and out of love, but still holding on to the one flame they have always held. And fuelled by one tension filled evening, secrets will be shared, friendships will end, love will be discovered and one man must say goodbye to the only love he has ever known. But true unrequited love will never die.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Bittersweet Drama Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 3 Other: 1 non speaking woman role
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/71242
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We'll Always Have Wagga
Synopsis:
BElla had it all while attending Uni at Wagga: a promising acting career and the love of her life, Adrian. Ten years later she's back in Sydney, single and working in a cafe. Her latest ex-boyfriend Sonny is stalking her, her heavily pregnant ex-best friend Gina won't let her forget her woes and her co-worker Daria - an ex-cult member with serious mental problems - is no help at all! Her only salvation is her best friend Heath, who can't seem to stop telling people exactly what he thinks of them! Bella's life is ready to explode when Adrian walks into her cafe - and back into her life - with his fiancee, Josephine, in-tow. Life, love and the biggest inland city in NSW.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
romantic comedy
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/69094
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Words Like Freedom, Love & Betrayal
Synopsis:
Back in high school, these six friends were always together, but years later they have begun to drift apart. But now as the leader of the group Aaron is about to be released from prison, the friends will be brought back together to reveal the secrets that will change them.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Riverside Theatre, Sydney
2001
Organisations:
Tunks Productions
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
Booksellers:
Genre:
Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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