The Smell of Money is a witty play written by Queensland local, Peter Maden. It centres around the Helensvale Jets Aussie Rules Football Club which has been on a losing streak since the world began. A committee meeting reveals that their only star player is constantly in trouble with the law. The President is reluctant to suspend him in the hopes that he may just win them their first game before the season ends. They are in desperate need of new club shirts for the players as their current ones are hanging by threads. To top it all off, they are completely out of funds.
Image courtesy of Ted Auguste
Dennis Delaney, who has been sentenced to a hundred hours of community service for a drink-driving charge has been assigned to assist the club. Without a cent to his name, to be able to commute to the club, he asks his brother to drive him. It sounds simple enough, except that his brother works for a limousine company. When Dennis is dropped off in a limousine, the club president immediately misconstrues that Dennis is a wealthy entrepreneur sent to get the club back on its feet. In their desperation to find a solution, they place all their hopes on Dennis who doesn't have the first clue about business, let alone running a club.
Image courtesy of Ted Auguste
Peter Maden is to be commended on not only writing a hilarious play but also playing the role of Lance, the Club President. Credit also to Helen Maden for choosing such an entertaining cast and creating such a fabulous set. There was so much attention to detail in this play that I felt as if I was sitting in on the committee meeting. The cast delivered their lines with such ease that one could easily forget they were actors.
Image courtesy of Ted Auguste
You don't need to like, or even know anything about footy to enjoy this play. It's funny, moves along at a good pace and there's something in each of the characters that we can relate to in some way. Come along and support a great Australian playwright and the awesome talent sitting right under our noses.
Image courtesy of Ted Auguste
Community theatre is intimate and special in its own way. I certainly appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into every production. Treat yourself to a night out at the theatre. It's cheaper than dining out and will enrich your mind with a new experience.
Javeenbah Theatre is a small intimate, air-conditioned theatre located in Nerang. It is beautifully set up with tables and chairs al fresco where you can meet friends prior to the show and enjoy drinks and nibbles at the fully licensed bar. There is also comfortable seating indoors. Opening night tickets include a light supper after the show giving you an opportunity to socialise and meet the cast and crew. Javeenbah is an Aboriginal word meaning 'The Meeting Place'.
I recommend you book in as early as possible, especially if you are planning to go as a group, as Javeenbah is a small theatre with limited seating.
Image courtesy of Ted Auguste
Performed at Javeenbah Theatre, Nerang, QLD
Directed by: Helen Maden
Assistant Director: Sandy Wilcox
Stage Manager: Linda Furse
Sound Design: Peter Maden, Helen Maden
Sound Engineer: Szab Szilagyi
Lighting & Sound: Colin Crow
Set Design: Helen Maden
Cast
Lance (Club President) - Peter Maden
Phil (Club Treasurer) - Bob Allen
Marie (Club Secretary) - Libby Bancroft
Karen (Committee member) - Lilias Davie
Norm (The Coach) - Brett Neale
Dennis - Patrick Monteath
Richard Withers - Sean Curran
The Judge - Linda Furse
Reviewed on 19 November by Jacquelin Melilli
