Lismore Theatre Company is preparing for its first show of 2023, Hungry Ghosts by James May to be staged Friday and Saturday nights and matinees on April 28, 29, 30 and May 5, 6, 7.

Hungry Ghosts exposes the heart and soul of the gritty side of life on the fringe of Sydney in the lead up to the 2000 Olympics. It exposes the addictions and obsessions that torture the lives of these often misunderstood people. Hungry Ghosts is James May’s first full-length play and this will be its premiere. 

James, who is now a Northern Rivers resident, lived in the Darlinghurst Kings Cross area in Sydney in the 1990s. 

‘Hungry Ghosts was inspired by the colourful characters I met. As a young queer person, it was a wild place to be. It was lively and fun but risky and dangerous. I was thrilled with Sydney but found it ruthless and raw. Drugs, villains and HIV/AIDS were a constant threat. The title, Hungry Ghosts was coined from my own drug experience. In the 1990s, Sydney was changing quickly. I wanted to capture this tumultuous time in the play.’ James May said.

Director Junia Wulf has selected her cast and rehearsals began in mid-January. 

‘I’m so excited to be directing my first show with LTC’ Junia said. Having been on stage in Neighbourhood Watch, this is a wonderful opportunity to work with a cast of five actors to bring James May’s play to life with the assistance of the highly experienced Sharon Brodie as Producer.

Lily, played by Krystal Winter is sweet and is doing her best to improve her life

By contrast, Elyse Dallinger plays Shayne, a deeply troubled bad egg. 

Crystal Amber is Aunt Ruby, the mother to all who wants desperately to reconnect with her own family.

Sarah-Jane Loxton plays Crazy Horse, a little eccentric who oozes with love.

As the only male in the cast, John McPherson plays Lester, the landlord, a seedy character living in the shadow of his mother.

Hungry Ghosts will run over two weekends at Rochdale Theatre Goonellabah. Tickets will soon be available on line at www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au ($25/$20) Group bookings of 10 or more can be made by contacting jennydowell@hotmail.com or 0402651394. Warning: this play is suitable for 18+.  It contains adult themes, drug use and coarse language.

LTC is also welcoming new actors to join a program of acting workshops on Wednesdays Feb 1, 8, 15 and 22, 7 - 9.30pm. 

The workshops are free to members. The fee of $15 for non-members includes a year membership and insurance. Please email admin@lismoretheatrecompany.org.au to register.

On Saturday 11 February 10 - 11.30am there is a thank you high tea for Front of House volunteers and anyone interested in becoming a volunteer is also invited to attend. Please register by contacting Jenny Dowell (details above) or via the post on our Facebook page.