Harlequinade (Australian TV play) explained

Genre:comedy
Director:Bill Bain
Country:Australia
Language:English
Producer:Les Weldon
Runtime:60 mins
Company:ABC
Network:ABC

Harlequinade is a 1961 Australian TV play based on the Terence Rattigan play Harlequinade. It was directed by Bill Bain[1] and aired on 20 December 1961 in Sydney, 7 February 1962 in Melbourne, and 29 May 1962 in Brisbane.[2]

It was the first adaptation of Terence Rattigan on Australian television.[3]

Plot

A middle aged couple, Arthur and Edna are appearing in a stage production of Romeo and Juliet in a small town. They meet a woman who claims to be Arthur's daughter from his first marriage.

They realise they are too young to play star crossed lovers.

Cast

Production

It starred Cherrie Butlin who was the daughter of Billy Butlin; she had lived in Australia for three years.[5] The set was designed by Philip Hickie.[6]

Reception

The Sydney Morning Herald called it "skittish and affectionate".[7]

Notes and References

  1. Filmink. Forgotten Australian TV Plays: Harlequinade. Stephen. Vagg. April 12, 2021.
  2. TV Times. An ageing Rome and a nagging Juliet. 16. 24 May 1962.
  3. News: 20 December 1961. Advertisement. Sydney Morning Herald. 8.
  4. News: Actress is a casting director . . Australia . 10 May 1967 . 11 February 2020 . 5 . Trove .
  5. News: Sydney Morning Herald. December 11, 1961. Cherrie's New Play. 16.
  6. News: The Age. TV Guide. 1 February 1962. 29.
  7. News: Sydney Morning Herald. December 21, 1961. 5. "Harlequinade" on Television.