The Dapto Chaser
By Mary Rachel Brown
2015 / GRIFFIN THEATRE, SYDNEY
2016 / HOTHOUSE + WAGGA WAGGA TOUR
2017 / TEMORA, ARMIDALE, MUDGEE + COOTAMUNDRA TOUR
For the Sinclair family, the cut-throat world of greyhound racing is a religion. And their beloved dog Boy Named Sue is more than a greyhound; he’s their heart and soul on four legs.
With the crucial Winnebago Classic on the horizon, Cess Sinclair has one shot at reversing his family’s fortunes for good. Against all the odds, Cess is betting on a miracle.
The Dapto Chaser is warts and all Australian comedy that gets it hands dirty with the adrenaline, sweat and guts of the dog racing sub-culture. The Sinclairs are a family trapped in the pressure cooker of gambling addiction and when things don’t go to plan, they are forced to gamble the most important commodity of all – their relationship to each other.
Playwright Mary Rachel Brown wrote The Dapto Chaser perched in the bleachers track-side, while director Glynn Nicholas will be going on an all-schnitzel diet to get it over the line.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director Glynn Nicholas
Producer Dino Dimitriadis
Set and Costume Designer Georgia Hopkins
Lighting Designer Toby Knyvett
Sound Designer Daryl Wallis
Stage Manager Cara Woods
WITH
Danny Adcock (Griffin Season), Noel Hodda, Jamie Oxenbould, John McNeil (2016 and 2017 Tours) and Richard Sydenham
Production Patron The Robertson Foundation
2015 Presenting Partner Griffin Theatre Company
2016 + 2017 Tour Co-Producer Critical Stages
The Dapto Chaser was commissioned and originally produced by Merrigong Theatre Company.
WHY DID WE DO IT?
We don't talk easily about class in this country. Or addiction. This is an Australian classic, a heart-warming comedy with a heart-wrenching underbelly. Plus Mary Rachel Brown is one of the best writers in this country - a fearless visionary unafraid to tackle the hard issues. - Dino Dimitriadis
THE RESPONSE
“Brown wrings humour from every twist of the plot and the play glows in this well acted and thoroughly realised production ” - Sydney morning Herald
funny, rude, illuminating and a fine play that’s meaningful and extremely entertaining. Not to be missed” - Stage Noise
“Like a canine on cocaine, The Dapto Chaser is a get up and go show. Run to see it” - Australian Stage
