Nature of Event: Barry Versus Kelly – The tragic story of Australia’s folk hero, Ned Kelly and the judge who hanged him. A musical drama by Felix Meagher (with additional music by Lou Hesterman and Cyril Moran) about the trial and execution of Ned Kelly in November 1880. about the Trial of Ned Kelly, the classic confrontation between two very different kinds of Irish Australians – Sir Redmond Barry & Ned Kelly.Feedback suggests that , over 138 years later, this is as as close to the story as you can get.
Barry Versus Kelly focuses on the confrontation between Ned and the Judge, Sir Redmond Barry.Barry, whose harsh sentencing of Ned’s mother, Ellen, to three years goal. In 1878 sparked the Kelly Outbreak, is haunted by Ned’s last words to him.” I will see you where I go.” Barry is fiercely determined to see Irish rebels like Ned Kelly punished, but he fears he might be making a martyr out of Ned. Declining in health and suffering delusions, Barry wrestles with his conscience and the fears that his family in Ireland sees him as a traitor. Meanwhile Ellen Kelly, on the day before the hanging, sings to Ned that he is the Loyal Son. Barry finally signs the papers that condemn Kelly and in a dying speech asks that his family be told that “I took a rebel with me.”
Featuring the actors/singers
Ned – Anthony Penhall, Ellen Kelly – Cora Browne, Judge Barry – Felix Meagher, Governor of the Goal John Castieau/ Police Commissioner Standish – Colin Driscoll,
Chief Secretary of Victoria John “Red Kelly – Matt Hadgraft, Chloe – Lucinda Barratt
MUSICIANS Cyril Moran & Lou Hesterman
A woman at the Beechworth show said – “I felt I was right there – Felt how those people must have felt!“
Lynette Williams said of the Mansfield show. “It was brilliant. I highly recommend it!”
Steve O’Callaghan said, “One of the very best stage shows I have seen!”
Where: The Celtic Club at the Metropolitan Hotel, 42 Courtney St (corner Blackwood St) North Melbourne
When: Saturday August 31 8.15pm
Bookings necessary: Tickets www.trybooking.com/BDVPO
Tinteán 