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Welcome to Matt Byrne Media!
• Hot Shoe Shuffle
• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• Caddyshack & Other Dangerfields
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The Fabulous Tap Brothers!

Hot Shoe Shuffle tapping into town
Matt Byrne Media
Book by Larry Butrose & Cathryn Riding
Director: Director Matt Byrne
Choreographer: Sue Pole
Musical Director: Rodney Hrvatin
Matt Byrne Media will tap everyone’s troubles away this winter with the David Atkins’ red hot tap spectacular Hot Shoe Shuffle from July 8 to August 1.
The tap dance celebration will play Adelaide’s Arts Theatre from July 8 to 18, Elizabeth’s Shedley Theatre from July 23 to 25 and Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre on August 1.
The cornball story of the seven zany Tap Brothers’ unlikely bid for Broadway stardom, is Australia’s biggest worldwide musical hit, having conquered the West End, Broadway, and enjoyed several national sellout tours.
The show will feature stunning sets, the original costumes from the David Atkins’ production, a bevy of Tap Girls and a live big band on stage delivering classic hits from Puttin’ On The Ritz, to Ain’t Misbehavin’ and It Don’t Mean A Thing!
But the best part is the MBM cast is completely local, with seven of Adelaide’s finest musical performers taking up the challenge to play the Tap Brothers.
Producer/director Matt Byrne said “we are grooming and training a terrific bunch of guys who are working their butts off for this fabulous show.”
“Choreographer Sue Pole has been conducting intensive workshops with the guys since February and they have taken to tap like ducks to water,” Byrne said.
“Michael Williams (Spring), Rohan Watts (Buck), Craig Brooker (Tap), Brendan Cooney (Tip), Matthew Brookes (Slap), Angus Smith (Wing) and Thomas Phillips (Slide) are going to tap everyone’s troubles away.
“They play a bunch of show-off showbiz brothers who stand to inherit $2 million if they can perform their long lost father’s hit show, the Hot Shoe Shuffle. The catch is they have to include April _ a sister they never knew they had _ in the act ... and she has two left feet!
“Melanie Smith has been a real find in the Rhonda Burchmore role of April, she is a special talent. And old hand Max Rayner is having a ball in his triple role.”
Byrne said this Hot Shuffle had several extra surprises.
“It is the first Hot Shoe Shuffle to also feature Tap Girls who are doing an amazing job working with the guys,” he said. “And we have managed to track down the original Hot Shoe Shuffle costumes, so they will get another chance to dazzle audiences.
“To think our guys are wearing original costumes worn by Aussie showbiz legends like David Atkins, Dein Perry, Adam Garcia and Rhonda Burchmore is a real buzz for us.”
Rodney Hrvatin is musical director, Sue Pole is choreographer, Mike Phillips is lighting designer and Anne Humphries is the costume co-ordinator.
Hot Shoe Shuffle will run at: the Arts Theatre from July 8-11 and 14-18 at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. shows on July 11 and 18; Elizabeth’s Shedley Theatre from July 23 to 25 at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. show on July 25, and Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre on August 1 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Bookings are available on 8262 4906, Bass on 131 246 or VenueTix on 8225 8888. Ring 8586 1800 for Renmark. Go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.
Arts Theatre (City)
Shedley Theatre (Elizabeth)
Chaffey Theatre (Renmark)
More Information:
Matt Byrne on 041 933 5966 or via email: mbm@adelaide.on.net

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• 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!
A musical that spells success!
Sept 30 - October 19 2009
CAST ANNOUNCED!!!!

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Matt Byrne Media
• Music and Lyrics by William Finn • Book by Rachel Sheinkin.
• Director Director Matt Byrne • Musical Director Emma Knights .
• Choreographer Rebecca Payne
Ever watched those mega-brain kids in those American spelling contests on the TV and wondered why you would put your child through that pressure cooker?
Equally are you sick of having teachers who can't spell, passing on their spellcheck skills to the next dumbed down generation?
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a one act musical comedy with music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin that wonderfully satirises the whole spelling bee phenomenon.
The show centers around a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School (however, Putnam County, NY does have a village called Putnam Valley).
Six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally-quirky grown-ups.
It's a show with a heart and a humurus that will keep you spellbound!
The 2005 Broadway production, directed by James Lapine, won two Tony Awards, including Best Book.
Please note: An unusual aspect of the Bee is that three or four real audience members are invited on stage to compete in the spelling bee alongside the six main contestants!
This is the show that people who know and love musicals will kill to get a part in - start boning up your spelling, singing and acting skills right now!
CAST ANNOUNCED
Robyn Brookes
Rona Lisa Peretti: The #1 Realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champ and returning moderator.
Amy Hutchinson
Olive Ostrovsky: A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual.
David Gauci
William Barfée: A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts. Notorious for his "Magic Foot" spelling method, one working nostril and touchy personality.
Chantel Mayes
Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre: Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, with two overbearing men as parents. She is a bit of a neat-freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year.
Michelle Brow
Marcy Park: A recent transfer from Virginia, Marcy placed 9th in last year's nationals. She is the poster child for the Over-Achieving Asian, and attends a Catholic school called "Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows." She is also not allowed to cry.
Josh Penley
Leaf Coneybear: Leaf gets into the competition on a lark. He comes from a large family of former hippies and makes his own clothes. He spells words correctly while in a trance.
Paul Rodda
Chip Tolentino: A boy scout and champion of the 24th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment.
Rohan Watts
Mitch Mahoney: The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-con, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students.
Director Matt Byrne will also be playing the role of Vice Principal Douglas Panch.
Performances:
Goodwood Institute Sept 30 Opening at 8 p.m. October 1-4, 6-11 at 8 p.m., Oct 3 & 10 at 2 p.m.
Shedley Theatre Oct 15-17 at 8 p.m. & Oct 15 at 2 p.m.
BOOKINGS: 8262 4906 BASS OR VENUETIX
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Thanks to Tim Freedman from All Pro Audio for his ongoing support
of Matt Byrne Media

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CADDYSHACK & OTHER DANGERFIELDS
Matt Byrne Media
MAXIM'S WINE BAR
Wed-Fri & Sun Until March 22 at 8 p.m.
CRITIC'S RAVE ABOUT RODNEY!!!
"Pure gold, this show certainly gets my respect." db magazine.
"A+ for Rodney!"
INDEPENDENT WEEKLY A+!!!!
When US comedian Rodney Dangerfield died in 2004 he was probably best remembered in Australia for two roles: 1980’s ‘Caddyshack’ alongside Chevy Chase and Bill Murray, and Oliver Stone’s ultra-violent 1994 flick, ‘Natural Born Killers’ in which Dangerfield bravely played a leering, abusive, incestuous father to the pert Juliette Lewis. Dangerfield’s decidedly low-brow shtick as the foul-mouthed misogynist was developed through decades of hard work on clubs and on TV variety shows such as Johnny Carson and Dean Martin.
Matt Byrne is well known to Adelaide audiences. His considerable history in theatre and comedy give him the confidence to approach a demanding one-man show like this. In the role of Dangerfield, Byrne’s pliant face provides good mimicry of the late comedian. But it is in the rapid-fire delivery of Dangerfield’s one-liners that Byrne shines. Switching between Dangerfield reciting his life story, to Dangerfield on stage (not that there’s much difference!), and with a minimum of props, Byrne captures the essence of the character.
While we’ve all heard the jokes before – it is the poignant tying together of the neglected child, Jacob Cohen, with his later alter-ego, the crass Dangerfield that gives the show its depth. Matt Byrne clearly isn’t Rodney Dangerfield, and the faux American accent sometimes goes awry, but as Dangerfield himself would have said, please, somebody, give the guy some respect!
Maxims Wine Bar, until March 22.
***** A+ - Peter C. Pugsley.
DB MAGAZINE
Rodney Dangerfield might've died just over four years ago, aged 82, but through the unique and astute impersonation skills of local theatre identity, Matt Byrne, he lives again with 'Caddyshack & Other Dangerfields.!
Renowned for his crude, over-the-top wisecracking and belligerent one-liners, found in movies such as Caddyshack and Back To School, Dangerfield may never have earned much respect from the movie high-browed and critical side of the industry, but as revealed here there was certainly a lot more to the man than met the eye.
For an hour-and-a-half Byrne takes on the role of Dangerfield and passionately tells of the comic legend's rise from poverty to a life of money, heavy drinking, marijuana use and depression.
Told pretty much in chronological order, Byrne could have easily taken the Wikipedic path and simply rattled off the whole diatribe of facts and hearsay; but here's the twist.
By meticulously recreating every twitch, shrug and tug of the tie, Byrne not only presents a comprehensive biograpical account of an otherwise overlooked entire life, but manages to respectively turn this show into an actual autobiographical telling, by cleverly creating an almost seamless script, largely made up of Dangerfield's best known gags.
It's here that fans, and even those not in the know will take great delight in reliving some of the most memorable and off-quoted verbal uppercuts in comedy history.
And for those Caddyshack afficionados out there, you're going to absolutely revel in Byrne's fast-forwarded re-enactment of almost every one Dangerfield's scenes from the movie.
Pure gold, this show certainly gets my respect.
Maxim’s Wine Bar, Feb 25-27, March 1, 4-6, 8, 11-13, 15, 18-20, 22.
***** - Steve Jones.
THE ADVERTISER
MATT Byrne has chosen to premiere his latest tribute show, Caddyshack & Other Dangerfields, about comic legend Rodney Dangerfield at this year's Fringe Festival.
Byrne is convincing enough in his portrayal of Dangerfield. Small snippets of song and sound effects are used as a prompt for Byrne to launch into an aspect of Dangerfield’s life, be it his school days, married life, family life, or his experiences as a performer.
He manages to meld many of Dangerfield’s classic jokes into the history of his life as he battles for respect in the entertainment industry and in life in general.
Byrne interacts well with the crowd, and while his faux American accent wavered at times, Byrne should further grow into the role as he performs more shows.
If you are a Rodney Dangerfield fan this show will satisfy. If you aren’t too familiar with Dangerfield’s work, you should still enjoy a laugh at some of his timeless jokes.
Maxim’s Wine Bar, Feb 25-27, March 1, 4-6, 8, 11-13, 15, 18-20, 22.
*** Rating: 3 Stars - Ben Hyde.
ADELAIDE THEATRE GUIDE
"Local theatre producer/director/performer Matt Byrne, on the other hand, deserves plenty of respect for his portrayal of this clever, complex and very funny man.
Byrne uses the intimate space effectively, moving around and engaging the audience, using all of Dangerfield's trademark nervous mannerisms.
Byrne disappears into the role and captures the funnyman's spirit, and that is what gives this show its spark.
Lovers of old-school American standup should also consider making their way to Norwood to catch the show, there are plenty of laughs to be had from some classic material."
*** Rating: 3.5 Stars - Jamie Wright.
SUNDAY MAIL
The prolific Matt Byrne channels the 1980s icon, the boggle-eyed, no-respect-muttering Rodney Dangerfield.
The show is a one-man tribute to all things Dangerfield and is told in the first person _ the man on stage talking about himself, his life and demons, all the while dropping the oneliners that made him so famous.
Not having seen the actor's 1980 cult movie Caddyshack and having only a passing familiarity with his personality, there was no better way to learn about the rude and crude comic than standup style.
With highlights from Caddyshack and plenty of oneliners, the audience was kept laughing with Byrne's impersonation skills.
*** Rating: 3 Stars - Rosetta Mastrantone.
RIP IT UP
Adelaide audiences will know Matt
Byrne Media for their wonderful
satirical ensemble productions on facets
of Australian society. Caddyshack And
Other Dangerfields presents the talented
Matt Byrne solo, dedicating his time to
the memory of Rodney Dangerfield - to
show respect for one who had done so
much for others. This is essentially
90 minutes of Byrne being a stand-up
comic telling stories from Dangerfield’s
life with jokes coming at a mile minute
at a relentless pace – a big call for
anyone. He must be commended for the
sheer volume of jokes
noticeably in the second half, and
the neat use of musical inserts to break
up the vignettes, to properly exploit the
more poignant moments.
- Michael Coglan.
Matt Byrne presents
The Rollercoaster Life & Times
of much loved
blue collar comic
RODNEY DANGERFIELD
with Caddyshack Highlights
MAXIM'S WINE BAR
194A The Parade, Norwood
Upstairs, opposite Norwood Town Hall
Feb 25-27 & Mar 1, Mar 4-6 & 8, Mar 11-13 & 15, Mar 18-20 & 22
Adelaide Fringe 2009
BOOK on 1300 374 643.

Caddyshack star Rodney finally gets respect
Matt Byrne tees off as Rodney Dangerfield in one-man 19th hole tribute for Fringe
After a lifetime of making people laugh at his problems, Rodney Dangerfield is finally going to get some respect.
Adelaide theatre identity Matt Byrne will present the World Premiere of his 19th hole tribute, Caddyshack & Other Dangerfields, at the 2009 Adelaide Fringe, at Maxim’s Wine Bar, Norwood from February 25 to March 22 at 8 p.m. Glenn Vallen will direct the show.
The colourful American comic, who shot to movie stardom as the Condo King Al Czervik in the cult golfing classic Caddyshack, lived an amazing roller coaster life, from 1921 to 2004.
“After decades battling his way to the top, becoming a regular on the Ed Sullivan and Johnny Carson shows, in 1980 Dangerfield agreed to appear in a low brow, low budget golf comedy called Caddyshack,” Byrne said.
“He was 59 years old and a movie unknown, but his low brow humour, killer one-liners and colourful loser personality proved a big hit with audiences. Caddyshack had a great cast with Chevy Chase, Bill Murray and Ted Knight in their prime, but it was Dangerfield who stole the show.
“Movie critics panned Caddyshack and described it as forgettable, but it has gone on to make $40 million and become one of the most quoted movies of all time, especially in Adelaide!”
Adelaide theatre identity Matt Byrne, who paid solo tribute to British comic legend Benny Hill back in 2006-7, will now stand up for Rodney Dangerfield.
“I wanted to do a show for Caddyshack fans but I also wanted to tell Rodney’s story and give him the respect he so funnily sought,” he says. “So you get his incredible story plus some outrageous Al Czervik highlights from Caddyshack.
“Benny Hill was the touchstone of British entertainment in the 20th Century and Rodney Dangerfield proved to be just as funny and fascinating for America.
“Jacob Cohen _ Rodney’s real name _ was born in Babylon, New York and grew up in the Great Depression and it shaped his often difficult life. From singing waiter to house painter, aluminium siding salesman to truck driver, actor to comedian, screenwriter to night club owner, and producer, to devoted father, Rodney did it all.
“After 10 years banging his head against brick walls he quit comedy at age 28, but in typical Rodney style he was going so bad when he quit, he joked he was the only one who knew.
“Second time round at 40, his born loser persona hit a note with Americans and he became a comedy legend, a permanent picture of sweaty unease, nervously tugging at his red tie as he delivered his sharply timed, self-deprecating lines. The tie now proudly sits in the Smithsonian Institute.”
Caddyshack & Other Dangerfields runs at Maxim’s Wine Bar at 194a The Parade, Norwood (upstairs opposite Norwood Town Hall) from February 25 to 27 & March 1, March 4 to 6 & 8, 11-13 & 15 and 18 to 20 & 22 (no Saturdays) at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $25.00 and bookings are available on 1300 374 643.
Go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.

Al Czervik: "Matt Byrne's gonna do what! "
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Matt Byrne Media in Association with Irish Albert presents the
LEST WE FORGET
Anzac Day Variety Concerts
**** Starring Toni Lamond ****
SCOTT THEATRE
Kintore Avenue, City
April 25 at 2.30 p.m. & 7.30 p.m.
Toni Lamond to star in Lest We Forget Anzac Day Concerts at Scott Theatre
Legendary star joins Scott Theatre celebration to remember Aussies at War
Evergreen Aussie entertainer Toni Lamond will join Matt Byrne and Irish Albert to present two Anzac Day Lest We Forget concerts at the Scott Theatre, to honour and celebrate the memory of Australians in the theatre of war.
Producer Matt Byrne said the Lest We Forget variety concerts on April 25 at 2.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., would cover the music and the memories, from Gallipoli to Vietnam.
“Having a legend like Toni Lamond leading the way will make it an even more special day for Adelaide audiences,” Byrne said. “Toni is a living legend, a real showbiz trouper.
“The support for the WW1 and WWII diggers has always been fantastic and we will dedicate the first half to their memory. We’ll have pipe bands, dancers, and singalongs featuring the songs that we forged in people’s hearts during those times.
“The second half however will move forward to the Vietnam War and pay tribute to the troops and the entertainers who went over to support them.
“They fought an unwanted war, now we want to celebrate their memory and sacrifice, and provide appreciation they never received when they first came home.”
Co-Producer Irish Albert is a stalwart of previous Anzac Day concerts.
“It’s a very special day for the armed services, their families and the nation,” he said. “We celebrate their sacrifice, their patriotism and the freedom that is their gift to all of us.”
The concert will feature pipe bands, Highland dancers, live music led by musical director John Kings, along with comedy sketches and touching tributes.
Byrne said Anzac Day had come to mean “so much to every Australian generation.”
“It really is our national day and we believe people would like the chance to come together after the march is over,” he said. “We want to remember the people who fought and the people who entertained them in some of our nation’s darkest hours.”
The emphasis will be on variety, with everyone from Bob Hopeless, Benny Hill, Billy Connolly, Elvis Presley, Prince Charles and even Camilla Parker=Bowles putting in an appearance. There’ll also be a sneak peek of Byrne’s July show, Hot Shoe Shuffle.
“We’ll have singalongs, some touching recollections and celebrate the life we are free to lead.”
Lest We Forget will run at the Scott Theatre in Kintore Avenue, in the City, on Saturday, April 25 at 2.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.Admission will be $20 Adults and $15 Concession with part proceeds to Legacy.
You can book on 8262 4906, BASS on 131 246 or VenueTix on 8225 8888. Go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au for further details.
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Isabella wins Cooper's Award
& Two Oscarts for Miss Daisy
Isabella Norton has won two major awards for Amateur Theatre for Driving Miss Daisy. Isy won the Cooper's Award for Individual Excellence in the 2009 Adelaide Critic's Circle Awards. She received the prestigious award for her performance as Miss Daisy Werthan in MBM's SA Premiere of Alfred Uhry's Driving Miss Daisy. Now she has won the Advertiser Oscart Award for Best Actress. Congratulations Isy on your richly deserved awards. We are all so proud of you. In your 60th year in theatre you have shown that great skill ages like fine wine. MBM also won the Advertiser Oscart for Best Play. It is a great acknowledgement of the excellent team effort and will prove great motivation for a return season at Holden Street next April 15-25.

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Miss Daisy The Pick of Adelaide!
CRITICS RAVE:
"With a Pulitzer Prize on the mantelpiece even before Bruce Beresford's film vanquished allcomers, Alfred Urhy's discreetly subversive and sometimes poignant Driving Miss Daisy is given a thoroughly satisfactory account in Matt Byrne's latest venture.
This touching story of a cranky Jewish widow, consigned to the back seat of the car following the engagement of a driver my her well-meaning son, is risky business on stage. The slightest lapse of focus _ or, worse still, taste _ can render a gently funny story a cloying, sentimental mess.
Not so, here, thanks's Byrne's light touch and three excellent actors.
Theatre stalwart Isabella Norton is quite superb as the cantankerous Miss Daisy, investing the role with wisdom and insight. Also drilling deep into a solid character is David Grybowski as Boolie, her devoted son. AS with the Oscars when Morgan Freeman was unconscionably denied the gong for best actor, the role of the kind and gentle chauffeur, Hoke, holds it all together. Rohan Richards is singularly convincing.
The episodic nature of Driving Miss Daisy _ not to mention the need for a car _ is a challenge on stage but is effectively covered with mainly suitable incidental music."
Peter Burdon, The Advertiser.
"Isabella Norton is remarkable as Miss Daisy. She connects with the character so convincingly I surprised myself by being moved to tears more than once.
Rohan Richards brings subtle gestures and nuance to Hoke, making him all his own. David Grybowski brings a broad American physicality to his character.
Holden Street's Studio was filled almost to capacity, and word-of-mouth will surely make this show popular until its season close on November 1."
Rosetta Mastrantone, Sunday Mail.
Matt Byrne Media has given Adelaide audiences the chance to experience this wonderful piece of theatre.
Byrne’s production is almost as smooth as a ride in a finely tuned Oldsmobile. His straightforward, non-complicated direction allows the situations and characters to be the focus of attention. Costumes, under the supervision of Jude Menz, are suitably era appropriate; Glenn Vallen’s sound design is crisp and clean; and, David Brow’s lighting shows promise.
Isabella Norton gives a star performance as Miss Daisy. Her emotions run the gamut and the audience experiences each one with her. This ‘grande dame’ just has to look and her intentions are crystal clear. Norton changes from regality to fragility, and haughtiness to humility as easy as a good driver would change gears.
Rohan Richards impresses with his portrayal of Hoke.
In the supposed smallest of the three roles, David Grybowski is excellent and every appearance counts. He makes the part of the son more appealing than Dan Ackroyd did in the film version.
Drive any make of car to Holden Street Theatres to visit this “Miss Daisy”.
Brian Godfrey, Adelaide Theatre Guide
"Driving Miss Daisy is a gentle, humane look at the turbulent years between 1948 and 1973 in the American Southern city of Atlanta and it still holds the audience’s interest and sympathy. Matt Byrne has cast and directed his performers well and the play is nicely suited to The Studio of the Holden St Theatres.
Isabella Norton as Miss Daisy is snappish, warmly concerned about her fellow humans and quite cynically funny about her pretentious daughter-in-law. Rohan Richards gives us a good servant in Hoke Coleburn who manages to retain his dignity and self esteem. David Grybowski as the son Boolie managed to imbue his chorus character with real life and certainly helped to bring the unseen character of his snobbish wife into reality.
Driving Miss Daisy is a good play that tugs pleasantly at our heart strings and well worth the two hours in the theatre."
Myk Mykyta, Radio Adelaide.
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MBM News Update!
2009 Program Announced
• Caddyshack & Other Dangerfields!
A Tribute to Rodney Dangerfield
with Caddyshack Highlights
Feb/March - Adelaide Fringe 2009

• Hot Shoe Shuffle!
The David Aktins Tap Spectacular
July/August 2009

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One Enchanted Evening for Hire!

One Enchanted Evening
Matt Byrne Media presents the romantic and fun evening out imaginable for your Corporate Event.
After its big success with the Out Of The Square series in May/June, One Enchanted Evening is now available for hire for your Special Eventing or Event.
Port Noarlunga Arts Centre manager Jean Morris said the audience reaction the show was "unbelieveble."
"Everybody LOVED it.
Veolia Environmental Services SA Boss Dean Dowie raved about the show :
"It was a special evening for our big dinner at the Grainger Studio, everyone loved the show."
Hear immortal romantic numbers from the greatest musicals in history, from a talented group of Adelaide musical theatre's most polished performers.
From South Pacific to Les Miserables, My Fair Lady to The Sound Of Music, Guys And Dolls to Kiss Me Kate and Anything Goes to Priscilla, you will enjoy the big numbers from the biggest musical hits in history.
Every song is a memory and there’ll be a touch of humour too ... it’ll be One Enchanted Evening.
Ring Matt Byrne on 041 933 5966 to arrange your Enchanted Evening.

One Enchanted Cast.
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Ring Matt on 041 933 5966 for further details.
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GO 'OVER THE HILL'
with Matt & Benny!
"BYRNE DOES THE BENNY HILL SCHTICK BRILLIANTLY!" - A.T.G.

Byrne went Over The Hill with Benny
to the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe and the 2007 Adelaide Fringe and now he'll take the show to you!
"Byrne doesn’t quite so much impersonate Hill as reincarnate him!" - Three Weeks!
"We had a great success with Footloose at the Keith Michell back in February and now we're taking Benny on the road!" Byrne said.
"Benny was a genius who made the world laugh and we're sure his fans would love to see the show in their local theatre or venue.
"You'll hear Ernie The Fastest Milkman In The West and many other songs and poems but the main purpose of the show is to tell the story of the greatest TV comedy star Britain ever produced.
"I also have the lovely Samantha Phillis as my Hill's Angel who adds some real glamour and curvature to the show - and she's also very funny!"
“Find out so much more about the cheeky cherub who at one stage had 18 million British tuning in to his show every week."
Byrne received rave reviews for the show in Edinburgh & Adelaide:
"In his first person story telling, poetic recitals, and, most of all, his songs, Byrne doesn’t quite so much impersonate Hill as reincarnate him. Sometimes, when the lights are faded, you need to double take to ensure Hill hasn’t actually returned from the grave." - Three Weeks Magazine, Edinburgh.
• “Byrne does the Benny Hill shtick brilliantly: the rolling of the eyes, the cheeky salute, the sneaky tongue poking out – it brings the house down!"
- Adelaide Theatre Guide.
• “Byrne brings forth a flood of fond memories when he re-enacts skits, poems and songs from the late, great British comedian ... one must salute the opening night success.” - Messenger.
• “He delivers a production to enthral die hard Hill fans and tickle the fancy of those not familiar with the legend.” - Sunday Mail.
Hill’s real name - Alfred - and the fact that he changed it to honour one of his great comedy heroes Jack Benny, are just some of the fascinating facts, secrets and insights which will be revealed in this one-man tribute to Britain’s greatest ever comedy export.
The show features poems, insights and wonderful songs like Ernie The Fastest Milkman In The West, Unlucky Luke and plenty of Yakety Sax!
Byrne, who has researched the origin, rise and fall of the legendary British comic, said Hill was “a cheeky enigma who set the standard for TV comedy but ironically found live performance scary.”
“Who would have thought that a man who made so many people laugh was never as comfortable playing to a live audience,” Byrne said. “Speedway fan, circus clown, boxing fanatic and a man who avoided celebrity, retreated to the Riviera to write his shows, doted on his auntie ... nobody really knew Benny Hill.”
Over The Hill will run at the Keith Michell Theatre on Friday, June 1 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $15 and bookings are available on (08) 8633 8500 or www.countryarts.org.au/northern
For further information/images & interviews contact Matt Byrne Media on 041 933 5966 or go to www.mattbyrnemedia.com.au
Pricks for Hire!
MBM's 2006 Fringe sensation is available for hire: contact MBM for more information on 041 933 5966. Over The Hill for Hire!
MBM's one-man Benny Hill tribute is available for hire: contact MBM for more information on 041 933 5966.
One Enchanted Evening for Hire!
MBM's fabulous tribute to the great musicals is available for hire: contact MBM for more information on 041 933 5966.
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