Prize-winning and internationally acclaimed author Elliot Perlman was inspired to write his latest novel The Street Sweeper while living in Manhattan opposite the renowned Sloan Kettering Hospital. Seven years in the making, it explores memory, love, racism, guilt, astonishing heroism and unexpected kindness.

Spanning the 20th century to the present and the globe from New York to Melbourne, Chicago, Warsaw, Berlin and Auschwitz, The Street Sweeper explores how breathtakingly close we are to lives, that at first seem so far away, and how it is that the stories of only very few of those lives survive to become history.

Informed by first person interviews conducted across the globe, by meticulous research and even by some of the author’s own family story, The Street Sweeper is epic in scope and a devastating, page-turning, remarkable feat of storytelling.

About the Author:
Melbourne-based barrister Elliot Perlman came to prominence with his debut novel Three Dollars (1998) won numerous awards including the Age Book of the Year and Betty Trask Awards (UK), and which was also shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award, before being turned into a film starring David Wenham and earning Elliot an AFI Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. His follow up, The Reasons I Won’t Be Coming (1999), was a national bestseller in the US; named a New York Times Book Review “Editor’s Choice” and received the Steele Rudd Award for best Australian short story collection.

His third book, Seven Types of Ambiguity (2003) cemented his international reputation. A national bestseller in the US, France, the UK, Germany and Australia; it was deemed “a colossal achievement… a tour de force” by The Observer (UK) and “a complete success” by Le Monde in France, A New York Times Book Review “Notable Book of the Year” and “Editor’s Choice” it was also short-listed for the Miles Franklin Award.

Tickets cost $49 and include a two course meal.

Her new book, Miles off Course is the exciting sequel to A Decline in Prophets (2011) and her debut novel A Few Right Thinking Men (2010), which was shortlisted for the prestigious 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book. Don’t miss Sulari when she comes to Glen Street Theatre to speak first hand about her latest literary triumph.

About the book:
Opening early in 1933 in the superlative luxury of the Blue Mountains’ Hydro Majestic hotel, Miles off Course finds Rowland Sinclair and his companions ensconced in croquet and pre-­dinner cocktails, that is, until the Harry Simpson, vanishes.
An Indigenous stockman, Simpson has a hold over the Sinclair brothers that is both mysterious and unusual. The Hydro Majestic is rapidly abandoned for the High Country of NSW where Rowland searches for Simpson and becomes embroiled in a much darker conspiracy.

“This latest instalment once again follows Rowland and his entourage of bohemians into an extraordinary time in Australian history. It brings Rowland to the Snowy Mountains, which is my back yard, and drags him into a rural hotbed of abduction, murder and global subterfuge,” says Sulari.

“An elusive killer, a charming sleuth … glossy, original and appealingly Australian.”
The Australia Women’s Weekly

“A devilish sense of humour.”
Australian Book Review

“A sparkling crime series … Evelyn Waugh meets Agatha Christie.”
The Age

Tickets cost $49 and include a two course meal.

Following David Scheel’s Music at the Glen Concert, MAESTRO: A Celebration of Musical Eccentrics, Glen Street Theatre will host a special lunch in Sorlies Restaurant.

Treat your loved one to a delicious light lunch and unwind with a glass of bubbly. Plus you will get to meet David Scheel!

Lunch will be served from 12.30pm.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Menu includes:
Mini gourmet assorted quiches
Butternut pumpkin pie
Creamy egg and watercress sandwich
Chicken and almond finger

Mini custard fruit flan
Baileys rocky road fudge
Toffee strawberries
Rosewater meringue

Special guest appearances from the Chorus’ quartets and the Manly Warringah Pipe Band offer a show with variety and some surprises.

Northern Beaches Chorus is the Community Choir winner of the 2011 Sydney Eisteddfod.

Absolutely Acappella! has been made possible with the support of a Warringah Council Cultural Development Grant.

Running time: 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one interval.

Batfa Award-winning actress Miriam Margoyles is coming to Glen Street to share her rare and wonderful insight into the life and times of Charles Dickens.

Miriam is performing her one woman tour-de-force, Dickens’ Women, exclusively at Glen Street in February. And now you also have the opportunity to share a literary lunch with Margolyes as she reveals her ‘behind the scenes’ insight into all things Dickens.

Presenting her comprehensive and entertaining exposé of Dickens, his writing, and the real-life women who were the influence for the characters in his novels, Margolyes’ visit to Sydney in 2012 also coincides with the bicentenary of Dickens’ birth. So there’s plenty to get excited about!

Tickets cost $49 and include a two course meal.

Published in 1902 by Frederick Warne, The Tale of Peter Rabbit has transported countless children to Mr McGregor’s vegie patch for over a century; it’s set to reach a new generation with this classic stage production that kids will love! Adapted by Australian writer and award-winning producer Garry Ginivan (Possum Magic, Wombat Stew, My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch) and with an original score by Mark Jones, Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit seamlessly interweaves the tales of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and Mr Tod, and is designed to delight children and adults alike.

With Beatrix Potter as the Narrator/Storyteller and Peter Rabbit, Cousin Benjamin Bunny, Old Mr Bunny, Tommy Brock, Mr Tod and (a three-metre high!) Mr McGregor – Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit will be the highlight of children’s theatre in 2012.

“More bounce than a bag full of baby bunnies.”
Herald Sun

“[Beatrix] Potter fans hang on every familiar word and there is a timeless appeal for both children and nostalgic adults alike.”
Adelaide Advertiser

“…This captivating musical breathes new life into [Beatrix] Potters familiar friends with a mixture of playfulness and old-worldly charm.”
The Western Australian

Performance Times:
Thursday 19 July – 10.00am and 11.45am
Saturday 21 July – 10.00am and 11.45am

Tickets go on sale 3 January 2012.

Brunie has a voice of outstanding range and power, caressing the lyrics of a song as only she can. Her infectious smile and total commitment to her audience gives her a rare touch of class.

Brunie has long admired Shirley Bassey, so it was no great surprise when she decided on her latest venture The Ultimate Tribute to Shirley Bassey. You’ll be impressed by how well Brunie can recreate Bassey’s greatest hits, such as Goldfinger, Kiss Me Honey, This Is My Life and I Who Have Nothing.

Brunie’s interpretation of Dame Shirley Bassey’s music is second only to the great lady herself. So if you love Bassey, you will love this show!

Running time: 1 hour and 20 minutes, no interval

ADD ON – Subscribe to Glen Street’s 2012 Season and you can purchase discounted tickets to this production.

Inspired by his own family history, performer Darren Coggan connects us to an iconic part of our heritage. Personal and exceptional stories of Australians at war are woven into songs that provide an intimate perspective of the tales that have helped shape our nation.

War Stories takes you on an insightful journey into the lives of the Australians behind the lines. We reminisce about the generation of women who stayed at home and kept the country running. We celebrate the mateship, humour and courage in the Gallipoli trenches. And we honour our Indigenous diggers, a story rarely told.

Awarded Heritage Song of the Year at the 37th Golden Guitar Awards, Darren’s beautiful performance brings a warmth and integrity to the narrative. War Stories is a salute to the Australian spirit and how we find the strength to shine in the most intense and heart-breaking situations.

From the performer who brought you Peace Train: The Cat Stevens Story don’t miss Darren Coggan in this inspirational new work.

Cast: Darren Coggan
Director: Ken McBeath
Produced by Cognoscenti Entertainment

Running time: 2 hours and 20 minutes, including interval

Click here for ticket prices

Shifting Sand is a new work richly inspired by the beach and the ocean. From the delicate play of light on the surface of the sea to the raging fury of winter storms, TaikOz’s thunderous taiko drumming and dynamic movement seeks to capture the beauty, majesty and force of the ocean.

‘Taiko’ is the Japanese word for ‘drum’ and TaikOz is Australia’s leading taiko drumming group. A TaikOz performance is more than just the beating of drums: it incorporates a complete world of drumming, song and dance that harks back to ancient Buddhist and Shinto rituals. It is a reflection of contemporary musical life, irrespective of nationality. A TaikOz performance is not only for the ears and the eyes, but is felt throughout the entire body. It is a truly visceral experience.

For a sneak peak of what you can expect from this sensational concert, check out some of the highlights below.

Cast: members of TaikOz
Composer & Director: Graham Hilgendorf
Lighting Designer: Joshua Emanuel
Produced by: TaikOz

Running time: 1 hour and 50 mins, including interval

Click here for ticket prices