Early logo of Tasmania’s Old Nick theatrical company
A TASMANIAN INSTITUTION
If you ever visit Hobart or Launceston in Australia’s island state of Tasmania in April or May, in certain circles the gossip will be about the upcoming Old Nick Company’s University Revue. An event that has conservatively entertained over 600,000 people since its inception – a number exceeding the state’s current total population.
The author of the Outback Adventures series is one of the many thousands who have performed ludicrous acts on the Revue stage at some time of their lives. In his case, ranging from playing the royal Prince Phillip to dancing the Can Can in a display of the sexiest of legs.
The irreverent, student-based company is one of Australia's oldest dramatic societies. Based in Hobart and established in 1948, the Company’s name was chosen as a parody of London’s Old Vic Company which had toured Hobart with Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh the previous year.
ALWAYS TAKING THE PISS
Risqué, clever and always funny, its annual Uni Revue plays to capacity houses in Hobart and Launceston over a three-week season, with annual audiences reaching 4,000. A satirical comedy, it humorously critiques societal and political events, pokes fun at state, national and international politicians, current affairs, well known people and events - in fact, just about anything.
Named "Old Nick", the colloquial term for the devil, as a nod to the rebellious spirit and subversive nature of the show’s writers, scripts, actors and crew. Its logo features Lucifer, complete with long tail and trident.
BUT THERE’S ALSO SERIOUS STUFF
Funded by the profitable annual Review, the company has expanded its repertoire and now stages a variety of theatre - ranging from Shakespeare to pantomime and many original works. It has provided a starting point for many of Australia’s directors, actors, writers, technical staff and administrators.
AND PART OF THE ACTION/ADVENTURE NOVELLA OUTBACK DRAMA
An Old Nick Company Uni Revue becomes the launching pad for Larry Devine, one of the main characters in Outback Drama.
In the story, Larry becomes Australia’s favorite star of stage and screen, his drive for fame drawing him to remote Central Australia where one of Hollywood’s greats is featuring in a major blockbuster.
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