Step back in time to the golden age of radio comedy! When the wireless was the centre of the entertainment universe, Ada and Elsie's unique brand of comedy was broadcast around Australia for sixteen years. 'Ada & Elsie: Wacko-the-Diddle-oh!' recreates the spirit of 1940's live radio entertainment. The comedy, the music, the live sound effects, the audience participation, the off-air drama - including being banned by the Postmaster General! According to reviews of the time Ada and Elsie were 'ribald in a ladylike way and most gently vulgar. And very, very funny!' Before Kath & Kim, before Eddy & Patsy, before French & Saunders, there was Ada & Elsie!
- Venue Format
- Theatre, Hall, Black Box Venue
- Technical Rating
- Touring Party
- 3 Performers, 1 Stage Manager, 1 Tech
- Considerations
Running time is 60 minutes. A good sound system is the most critical technical requirement.
Now based in Adelaide after twelve years in Melbourne, Prospect Productions Pty Ltd is a producer and developer of film, television and theatre. Principals Rob George and Maureen Sherlock have been responsible for many high quality, original and entertaining feature films, television mini-series, long form television and dramatic and comic stage plays as well as documentaries, cabaret productions and published novels. Among their most successful productions are the Emmy Award-winning telemovie 'Captain Johnno', the top-selling children’s book 'Pink Fluffy Slippers', the Award-winning stage plays 'Errol Flynn’s Great Big Adventure Book For Boys' and 'Percy and Rose.' 'Lovers and Haters' about Australia’s most colourful and controversial Premier, Don Dunstan, played to sell-out audiences at the 2008 Adelaide Festival Of Arts. The award-winning 'Alzheimer’s the Musical: A night to remember!' has had several productions in Melbourne and Adelaide, toured extensively around Victoria and had a sell-out season at the Gilded Balloon during the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Our most recent production 'Ada & Elsie: Wacko-the-Diddle-oh!' premiered to great acclaim at the 2014 Adelaide Fringe Festival and subsequently toured to Melbourne and regional areas.
- Company Website
- prospectfilms.com
Unique Selling Point
Through the story of stars of Australian radio Jack Davey, Ada and Elsie audiences get to experience the lost art of radio variety shows. As well as being hugely entertaining, the show gives audiences the thrill of live sound effects created right before their very eyes and invites them to participate in creating them.
Marketing Materials
Quality artwork for posters, flyers & photographic images Full length dvd of the show (for marketing purposes only) Highlights reel available on dvd and vimeo Many excellent reviews and articles from the Adelaide Fringe season Website Press releases
Community Engagement
Apart from being an entertaining show, it is a showcase of the lost art of radio entertainment. Teachers, students and drama groups may well feel inspired to explore foley effects in the classroom and other theatre productions. We also find that appearing on local community radio stations showcasing the sound effects engages people.
Comments/Reviews
Penelope Debelle 'The Advertiser'
Media Review
Before TV killed the radio star, Ada and Elsie were the talk of the town. Their mock primness was cut with saucy references and double innuendos. The show weaves in and out of radio skits and the characters of Dorothy Foster (Ada) and Rita Pauncefort (Elsie) giving depth to a show dedicated with love and laughs to radio’s golden days. (Read More)
Samela Harris 'The Barefoot Review'
Media Review
These stars of the golden days of radio were risqué. No bad language, but endless play on language. Sherlock’s scripting is deft. She has a lovely sense of Aussie nostalgia and the show is well researched and well-rounded. Of course it comes with some precious material – well worth reviving. It’s quite the cultural treasure trove. (Read More)
Rip It Up
Media Review
The audience gets to experience what it was like to create the atmosphere for the radio audience. And what a hoot it is! You’re encouraged to cheer and stomp as these two prissy ladies deliver their saucy humour. Really strong perfomrances from the three-person cast, as well as a fascinating journey into a genre that has faded into the past. (Read More)