Pioneer’s life brought to the stage

A South West pioneer’s story is being brought to the stage this weekend by Stark Raven Theatre.

Wollaston: A Man and A Mission , directed by Andy King, has been in rehearsal with actors Tony Martin, Sigari Luckwell and Jess Brittain, for the past few months.

Playwright Norm Flynn adapted the story from the Wollaston Diaries and drew inspiration from the church at Picton, now known as St Mark’s Anglican Church.

John Wollaston arrived in Western Australia in 1841 as an Anglican who was the first Arch Deacon in the State, Mr Flynn said.

Mr Wollaston was a pioneer of the region establishing parishes and building churches in Picton and Albany while dealing with a challenging environment.

“There is beautiful language used capturing Bunbury’s history in an entertaining way,” Mr Flynn said.

“Wollaston was a warm-hearted man with a lot of wit and this is portrayed in the play.”

Mr Martin, who plays John Wollaston, is no stranger to the stage having appeared in many South West Opera Company performances and numerous concerts.

Ms Luckwell will play Mr Wollaston’s wife Mary bringing a wealth of theatrical experience to the stage. Ms Brittain, who is a graduate of the WA Conservatorium of Music, will delight audiences with her musical talents, playing cello throughout the performance.

The first performance is on tomorrow night at 8pm at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School’s theatre auditorium, followed by performances on Saturday at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm.

Tickets can be purchased from Central Newsagency Bunbury, online at www.trybooking.com/NCLU or at the door.