An Interim First Draft of a Proposed White Paper On the Sub-Committee’s Preliminary Findings From an Initial Non-Binding Enquiry into THE STATE OF THE TASMANIAN ECONOMY

by Jonathan Biggins

10 - 12 April 2014
Theatre Royal

Commissioned by Blue Cow Theatre; World Premiere production.

Blue Cow Theatre moves to the main-stage of the Theatre Royal Hobart to present the world premiere of a wickedly funny play from one of Australia’s most perceptive political satirists, Jonathan Biggins, co-creator of the ever-popular annual Sydney Theatre Company Wharf Revue.

Steve and Max, two middle-ranking Tasmanian public servants, are enlisted to solve the state’s financial woes, and given just four weeks to do it! In a period when political correctness has overwhelmed us, Biggins’ satire is punchy and refreshing, but even when he is pointing out our most frustrating foibles he does so with affection and Aussie good humour.

It’s a laugh-out-loud comedy about… us!

PRODUCTION

Director Robert Jarman
Designer William Dowd
Lighting Design Aron Webb
Sound Design Craig Wood
Lighting consultant Tim Munro
Stage Manager Matthew Andrewartha
ASM (Rehearsal) Jeffrey Michel
ASM (Performance) Eloise Kirk
Set construction Jon Bowling, Jake Sanger
Set artwork William Dowd
Marketing John Xintavelonis
Graphic Designer Karen Kluss

CAST

Scott Farrow Max 
John Xintavelonis Steve 
Jane Longhurst The Women 
Guy Hooper The Men 

WHAT PEOPLE SAID ABOUT “THE STATE OF THE TASMANIAN ECONOMY”

“It’s been a long time – too long- since a local professional adult theatre company have presented a new full length play on Tasmania’s premiere main-stage. So Blue Cow’s production of this crackling satire by humourist and veteran Australian theatre writer, Jonathon Biggins, is particularly welcome. … For Hobartians this has been a rare treat - our best professional actors in a main stage play about Tasmania today. Blue Cow are building a new confidence in Tasmanian theatre – including this generous invitation to laugh at ourselves.” – The Mercury

 “…a comedy marriage made in heaven, set in Tasmania.” – Stage Whispers

This production was assisted through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts.