The Furze Family
Variety Hour
“… even funnier than you’re imagining … These two multi-faceted performers are old-school style truly delightful; they’re cheeky and a little bit naughty.”
— (XS Entertainment)“I honestly thought that I might need to give my 16 year old Ventolin in the car on the way home – he’s not asthmatic – he was just laughing so much at The Furze Family Variety Hour.”
— Susan Hetherington, ABC Radio
Meet Red and Ginger Furze. They’re the only remaining members of a once-great traveling vaudeville family. Sadly, all the other members have left, got real jobs, died … or moved to the Gold Coast.
Now Red and Ginger must perform the entire show – even the bits they’re not quite sure about – all by themselves. Cringe as they crash through Uncle Joe’s famed Musical Interlude. Watch in horror as they attempt their mother’s lion taming act – without a lion. And reminisce with them as they recall little Baby June’s ill-fated sword-swallowing act – she only did it the once.
Imagine the Muppet Show, live on stage, with two people instead of a lot of muppets – that’s The Furze Family Variety Hour.
Featuring acclaimed performers, Leon Cain and Helen Cassidy, and original music by David Megarrity (Tyrone Shoelaces) and Samuel Vincent: this is an hour (and a bit) of pure comic power that will please audiences from ages 7–77.
Production images
Click on any of the thumbnails below to view.
Images: Lukas Davidson.
Production Team
Featuring: Helen Cassidy and Leon Cain
Director: Bridget Boyle
Music: David Megarrity & Sam Vincent
Sound design: David Megarrity
Design: Josh McIntosh
Lighting design: Tim CummingsVideo Teaser
Production History
Premier season at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts 2014 as part of the Brisbane Festival.
Originally developed as The Vaudeville Hour at La Mama Theatre June 2013. Creative development at Queensland University of Technology January – February 2014. Supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. The development has also been supported by La Mama Theatre, Queensland University of Technology and The Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts.