We welcome to the stage one of our newest member companies – Rumoured Productions, offering us a locally written play no less.

Wasted Sunsets is written, directed and crafted in every other way by Mike Pitman, including the original music.  The performers have all been hand picked and the end result is an amazing comedic insight into the psyche and complexity of creative human beings.  Mike started writing Wasted Sunsets around 15 years ago as a one hour one act play for Fringe which very quickly blew out to a two act full production piece which he now lovingly brings to the stage.

The lyrics of Wasted Sunsets by Deep Purple speak of life reflection, choices made and missed, time slipping away along with eternal hope.  In many ways the characters in this play all go through this process with a backdrop of live music played by extremely talented musicians.

The first Act, whilst a little slow to get going, was specifically designed to introduce the characters and set the scene for the reformation tour as it were.  We first meet Rick, Guitarist/Songwriter performed by Mike Pitman himself tucked away trying to write the next hit single for their soon to be launched album.  Enter Jenny, wife of Brian, another band member performed by Lauren Weber to bring the Sex portion of our Sex, Drugs & RockNRoll trilogy.  Along comes Roger, Bass Player played by Sean Wellsmore to become the gooseberry in this little tryst.  Rick and Roger are the music and lyrics of the group.

Next we are introduced to Andy, Drummer and his new age girlfriend Stephanie played by Mark Gulliford and Heidi-Rae Abbey respectively.  Stephanie’s almost monologue with Roger (she doesn’t stop to take a breath) about feelings and quiet places is so stereotypically clever, you can’t help but laugh.  When the three boys get together and start to jam, you begin to wonder how this band every broke up in the first place.  Finally to round out Act One we are introduced to Bruce, Band Manager played by Rodney Hutton and Peta, journalist for Rolling Stone Magazine, played by Sahra Cresshull.  Bruce in particular with his mix of pushy organiser vs his ability to conflict/ego manage the band is well portrayed.

Act two opens at the start of the World Tour in a run-down backstage dressing room of a London Concert venue.  The set dressing in particular was incredible with actual posters of never to be forgotten bands lining the walls, presumably who had all performed at the venue.

We are now introduced to the final two members of the band.  Brian, Lead Singer and Egocentric extraordinaire performed by Gavin Cianci.  Brian struts his stuff in black leather getting all those inclined in the audience on the edge of their seats.  Geoff, Keyboard Player who is the most cultured of the group, speaks well and has an unbiased insight into all the personalities within the band performed by Gus Smith.

We are taken on tour with the band and get unfettered backstage access before and after each concert.  We witness the tensions as they build with the band having such a gruelling schedule and constantly being in each other’s pockets.  Finally we witness the crashing downfall and learn why the band was put back together in the first place.

There are many lines to be drawn between life imitating art in this production and we sincerely hope that Mike continues to write, produce and direct into the future.  Welcome to the TASA Family Rumoured Productions and well done.

Please go along and support our Adelaide talent.

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