Rudy & Cuthbert are two job-seeking clowns bearing suitcases. After much deliberation, the pair decide to stage Reginald Rose\u2019s 12 Angry Men.<\/p>\n
Surprised to find an audience waiting in their seats, Rudy & Cuthbert soon realise what they thought was another day of rehearsals is their opening night.<\/p>\n
Directed by Surf Coast local Ellen Cressey, Ellen\u2019s son, Zelman Cressey- Gladwin, stars in the production alongside roommate Toby Blome.<\/p>\n
Zelman and Toby created the show during their studies at Melbourne\u2019s National Institute of Dramatic Art.<\/p>\n
Beginning with in-house performances and showings, the friends had faith Rudy & Cuthbert could take the national stage and have a stand-alone season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey (Zelman and Toby) worked jobs over the summer seasons to be in a position to hire the Sydney Theatre in 2018, and now Southbank Theatre \u2013 The Lawler,\u201d says Ellen.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the first year that Zelman and Toby were out of training themselves, so what was a nice relationship and partnership was the fact that even though Zel was my son, I could see his amazing individual talent and skill that he shared with Toby.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ellen \u2013 who studied at the Victorian College of the Arts and starred in Prisoner and Blue Heelers \u2013 says it\u2019s been a delightful process to watch her son\u2019s new creative ideas come to fruition with her experience in the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou never know how it\u2019s going to be taken, or for it to have success,\u201d she reflects.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe story is about the joy of friendship, discovery, absurdity, and the fact that really as humans, we all just need to rely on each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an act of, not disaster so much, but some things just not going to plan.\u201d Zelman\u2019s father, Neill Gladwin, was part of 1980s stand-up comedy duo, Los Trios Ringbarkus.<\/p>\n
The apple doesn\u2019t fall far from the tree, with Zelman sharing his parents\u2019 love for performing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a dream of mine since I was a kid to work with my mum, in whatever shape or form in the theatrical world,\u201d says Zelman.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has its moments, of \u2018mum this\u2019 and \u2018mum that\u2019, but we get along and there\u2019s that love there, for each other and for the show and the arts. I can\u2019t imagine doing it without her.\u201d<\/p>\n
The script for Rudy & Cuthbert was created by Zelman and Toby over a three-week brainstorming and rehearsing period.<\/p>\n
Using expressions and bodily movements without dialogue, Rudy & Cuthbert can be enjoyed by people of all ages and languages.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople say \u2018wow, no words \u2013 that\u2019s incredibly scary and difficult\u2019, but it\u2019s surprisingly comforting. There\u2019s just two humans and you see their emotion through facial shift and expression,\u201d says Zelman.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve (Zelman and Toby) spent three years with each other, and we know how each other acts and each other\u2019s habits.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful going through this experience and process with a friend, an amazing friend and an amazing work colleague.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zelman and Toby will bring \u201cRudy & Cuthbert\u201d to The Lawler at Southbank Theatre across a 10-day period from June 12 to June 22.<\/p>\n
Tickets are $39 per person, or $28 for concession cardholders. Get yours via southbanktheatre.com.au\/ rudy&cuthbert.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Rudy & Cuthbert are two job-seeking clowns bearing suitcases. After much deliberation, the pair decide to stage Reginald Rose\u2019s 12 Angry Men. Surprised to find an audience waiting in their seats, Rudy & Cuthbert soon realise what they thought was another day of rehearsals is their opening night. Directed by Surf Coast local Ellen Cressey, […]<\/p>\n