May

~ Noel Coward... ‘Still Life’ – Beleura Radio Players ~

Late morning start! Includes: Lunch and Performance

Taking you back to the days when we sat in front of the Radio enthralled and in our imagination saw wonderful things. An ensemble of elegantly attired actors recreate those heady days, reading this celebrated play by Noel Coward, directed by Stephanie Daniel, definitely a must see!

Date:  May 28, 29 & 30

Time: 11.30am-3pm

Cost: Adults $30 (Concession $25) and Children $10

June

 Florence – Young as Ever!

Wendy Grose becomes Florence Young

singing and dancing her way

through the highlights of a fabulous career

Sheer magic – all the sparkle and boisterous razzamatazz of the music hall used to tell the story in song and dance of the life of one of John Tallis’ favourite Aunts – Florence Young:

“Those were the days, too, when Aunt Florrie Young (Mother’s sister) visited us, bringing with her a whiff of the glamorous theatrical world outside in which she starred, and presents for us all!.  John Tallis 1986”

A musical journey through the life of Sir George Tallis’ sister-in-law whom the great Melba encouraged. Florence’s voice was considered superb but she preferred the musical and lyric comic opera stage rather than Melba’s world of grand opera.

Written and directed by Stephanie Daniel. Costume by Heather Peake.

Dates: Thurs 18 June

Time: 1pm for Event and AFTERNOON TEA

Cost: $33 / Concession $28

Dates: Fri 19, Sat 20 June

Time: 9.45am for House & Garden Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost: $40 / Concession $35

~ The Magic Pudding ~

Norman Lindsay

… A storybook comes to life… animated in costume and mask…!

Children friendly days at Beleura, one of the great pleasures in life is to introduce young minds to the fascination of the past – history – the olden days, as in “Like you know, it rocks” when grandma was as young as she still is. During school holidays, we are presenting performances of Hansel and Gretel starring Stephanie Daniel, and The Magic Pudding starring Stephanie Daniel and David Tredinnick, both wearing a variety of hats. In the morning, a shortened child friendly highlight tour of the house and garden. A day when, through young eyes, we can relive our youthful years.

Stephanie Daniel and David Tredinnick read Norman Lindsay’s “The Magic Pudding” – much magic indeed … Sir George Tallis knew Norman Lindsay, “He particularly enjoyed some very happy hours with the ‘bon vivant’ Norman Lindsay and was impressed by his art and conversation” The Silent Showman, Joan and Michael Tallis.

“The Magic Pudding has been a source of wonder and amusement for nearly 90 years; no matter how much the reader gets out of the story, there is, as with the Pudding itself, always something left. But to its author, artist and writer, Norman Lindsay (1879-1969), the book was a ‘little bundle of piffle’. Written as a distraction from the horrors of World War 1 and his brother’s death on the Somme, he thought it held him back as a serious writer. The story arose out of a professional disagreement Lindsay had with fellow writer, Bertram Stevens, who thought that fairies were the most popular subject for a children’s story. Lindsay believed it was food. The pudding won! The National Library of Australia, from Australian Great Libraries National Treasures. To be read against a background using Norman Lindsay’s original illustrations, for which we thank Denise Gadd who has allowed us this privilege.

A new edition of The Magic Pudding will be available for purchase.

Dates: Tues 30 June (repeated Wed 1 July / Fri 3 July)

Time: 11am for Family Friendly Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost: $30 Adult / $10 Child

July

~ The Magic Pudding ~

Norman Lindsay

… A storybook comes to life… animated in costume and mask…!

Children friendly days at Beleura, one of the great pleasures in life is to introduce young minds to the fascination of the past – history – the olden days, as in “Like you know, it rocks” when grandma was as young as she still is. During school holidays, we are presenting performances of Hansel and Gretel starring Stephanie Daniel, and The Magic Pudding starring Stephanie Daniel and David Tredinnick, both wearing a variety of hats. In the morning, a shortened child friendly highlight tour of the house and garden. A day when, through young eyes, we can relive our youthful years.

Stephanie Daniel and David Tredinnick read Norman Lindsay’s “The Magic Pudding” – much magic indeed … Sir George Tallis knew Norman Lindsay, “He particularly enjoyed some very happy hours with the ‘bon vivant’ Norman Lindsay and was impressed by his art and conversation” The Silent Showman, Joan and Michael Tallis.

“The Magic Pudding has been a source of wonder and amusement for nearly 90 years; no matter how much the reader gets out of the story, there is, as with the Pudding itself, always something left. But to its author, artist and writer, Norman Lindsay (1879-1969), the book was a ‘little bundle of piffle’. Written as a distraction from the horrors of World War 1 and his brother’s death on the Somme, he thought it held him back as a serious writer. The story arose out of a professional disagreement Lindsay had with fellow writer, Bertram Stevens, who thought that fairies were the most popular subject for a children’s story. Lindsay believed it was food. The pudding won! The National Library of Australia, from Australian Great Libraries National Treasures. To be read against a background using Norman Lindsay’s original illustrations, for which we thank Denise Gadd who has allowed us this privilege.

A new edition of The Magic Pudding will be available for purchase.

Dates: Wed 1 July, Fri 3 July

Time: 11am for Family Friendly Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost: $30 Adult / $10 Child

~ The History of Lace with Patricia Begg ~

... Winter Fireside Talks …

Last year’s Winter Fireside Chats with Patricia Begg focussed on porcelain. This year her other great love, lace, will be her subject. Indulgence of a serious nature – followed by a gracious afternoon tea hosted by that mistress of belles manières – Patricia.

These days lace is usually worn on garments not seen. The ability to wear lace – once reserved for the Princes of the Church – later the aristocracy and eventually, after the Industrial Revolution, everyone else (that is everyone else who mattered) is wonderful social history. Patricia, with her uncanny ability of bringing a subject to life will introduce you to this fascinating subject – everything you wanted to know about the lace on the bottom of your petticoat.

Dates:         HANDMADE Lace - Thurs 2 July  (repeated on Thurs 13 Aug)

                  MACHINE Lace – Thurs 16 July  (repeated on Thurs 27 Aug)

Time: 9.45am for House & Garden Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost: $40 / Concession $35

Mid-Winter Fireside Readings

~ Abbie by Dane Chandos ~

Never heard of Lady Abbott-Acland, the heroine of Dane Chandos’ novels Abbie and Abbie and Arthur? – think Auntie Mame crossed with Hyacinth Bucket – very amusing and superbly brought to life by Stephanie Daniel.

Date: Thurs 9 July

Time: 9.45am for House & Garden Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost: $38 / Concession $33

~ A Winter Afternoon with Richard Vaudrey, Cellist ~

and the Lorelei Trio

Earlier this year Richard Vaudrey, Elina Yasumoto and Lucas O’Brien, who are The Lorelei Trio, gave truly breathtaking concerts at Beleura in the Indian Summer Recital Series (on a cool and wet evening); a jaw-dropping experience which has set a new benchmark.

Date: Wed 22 July

Time: 1pm for Event and AFTERNOON TEA

Cost: $33 / Concession $28

August

~ Melba Memories ~

An Afternoon with Dame Nellie Melba

Any theatrical portrayal of arguably the most famous Australian of all time could be daunting. An afternoon with Dame Nellie Melba is based on her ghost written autobiography Melodies and Memories and this performance brings the great Melba to life – an appropriate event in the Melba Room, also an appropriate event at Beleura. Melba was a frequent house guest of Sir George and Lady Tallis. The return of a very popular production.

Devised by Stephanie Daniel

Stephanie Daniel trained in London, and has worked in theatre, radio, voice-overs, film-dubbing, audio books, film and television, in the UK, Germany, Canada and Australia. Since 1987 she has been the producer of Children’s Talking Books,

and is currently Artistic Director of theatre performances at Beleura.

Dates: Thurs 6, Fri 7 Aug

Time: 1pm for Event with AFTERNOON TEA

Cost: $33 / Concession $28

          An ‘Occasional Lecture’

~ Grave Stories of the Queen Victoria Market ~

and the strange inscriptions ‘loved ones’ find

engraved on their headstones

Occasionally, a special person evades the public radar. Celestina Sagazio, senior historian for the National Trust is one such. Erudite, possessed of a scholarly approach leavened with an elegant wit, Celestina is intrigued by the byways of Marvellous Melbourne’s rich history – her subject is one she enjoys – sepulchral monuments. She wrote an illustrious book about cemeteries and heads sell-out tours of the Melbourne General for the National Trust, Celestina’s subject for this occasional lecture.

Date: Tues 11 Aug

Time: 1pm for Lecture with AFTERNOON TEA

Cost: $28 / Concession $23

~ The History of Lace with Patricia Begg ~

... Winter Fireside Talks …

Last year’s Winter Fireside Chats with Patricia Begg focussed on porcelain. This year her other great love, lace, will be her subject. Indulgence of a serious nature – followed by a gracious afternoon tea hosted by that mistress of belles manières – Patricia.

Last year’s Winter Fireside Chats with Patricia Begg focussed on porcelain. This year her other great love, lace, will be her subject. Indulgence of a serious nature – followed by a gracious afternoon tea hosted by that mistress of belles manières – Patricia.

These days lace is usually worn on garments not seen. The ability to wear lace – once reserved for the Princes of the Church – later the aristocracy and eventually, after the Industrial Revolution, everyone else (that is everyone else who mattered) is wonderful social history. Patricia, with her uncanny ability of bringing a subject to life will introduce you to this fascinating subject – everything you wanted to know about the lace on the bottom of your petticoat.

Dates:         HANDMADE Lace -  Thurs 13 Aug

                  MACHINE Lace –  Thurs 27 Aug

Time: 9.45am for House & Garden Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost: $40 / Concession $35

September

~ Curiosi-TEA and Shakuhachi ~

An afternoon tea like you’ve never experienced before

Anne Norman will read poems and excerpts

from her book Curiosi-tea

Ably hijacked by Camellia Cha

An afternoon of hilarious spontanei-tea, ostensibly focused on tea … well it starts in antiqui-tea, ends in infini-tea and has a great deal of frivoli-tea and immorali-tea in between.

Readings and tea tastings will be interspersed by music performed on shakuhachi with guest artists and tea friends. Including a tasting of teas from China, Japan and Taiwan.

Date: Fri 4 Sep

Time: 1pm for Event and AFTERNOON TEA

Cost: $33 / Concession $28

~ The Royal Collection ~

Presented by Anthony Knight

In 1999 when I was at the Johnston Collection (a must visit! Contact 03 9416 2515), I was accepted into the Attingham Royal Studies Course at Windsor Castle. I sometimes speak about this astonishing collection and the privileged experience of staying and studying at Windsor Castle, and will do so at Beleura in September.

Dates: Thurs 10, Fri 11 Sep

Time: 1pm for Event with AFTERNOON TEA

Cost: $28 / Concession $23

~ Hansel & Gretel - Children’s Days ~

Children must be accompanied by grown ups!

Fabulous school holiday program for the children

Don’t be the one who missed out…

Hurry… bookings filling fast!!!

A very popular performance – repeated

One of the astonishing gardens within the Garden at Beleura is the Hansel and Gretel garden, a Theatre Tableau . Originally created for grown ups, this most eccentric expression of John Tallis’ taste has been adapted for children. A special presentation by Stephanie Daniel, Heather Peake and Dianne Paterson.

On this day, children will be encouraged to take part in this re-creation – (with not an iPod, Play Station or Nintendo in sight) – which will start with morning tea, a ramble through the garden, the discovery of the hidden garden, the telling of the tale and afterwards a children’s lunch party in the courtyard, weather permitting, or in the gatehouse.

As in previous years, proceeds will go to The Royal Children’s Hospital.

Dates: Tues 22, Wed 23, Thurs 24 Sep

Time: 10.30am for MORNING TEA, Event and LUNCH

Cost: $25 Adult / $10 Children

October

~ JCW In Concert ~

A Musical Travelogue of Yesteryear

“Brought to you at huge expense, with no costs spared – lavish scenery and spectacular dresses” – well, that’s what they used to say – a sparkling show with all the stops pulled out. This amusing, serious and very popular concert performance is an exclusive to Beleura and was devised by Rick Burchall, who is also the star of the show. He is accompanied by Jan Hall. A lively romp through the golden period of J.C. Williamson Ltd based on anecdotes, song and piano, covering the time Sir George was the Australian Theatre. The production will highlight such greats as Laurence Tibbolt, Dame Clara Butt, Sir Harry Lauder and John Brownlee.

Directed by Stephanie Daniel

Date: Thurs 1 Oct

Time: 9.45am for House & Garden Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost: $38 / Concession $33

Date: Fri 2 Oct

Time: 1pm for Event and AFTERNOON TEA

Cost: $33 / Concession $28

November

~ The Fourth Annual Sir George Tallis Oration ~

Given by Ken Boucher

… To celebrate the arrival of

Sir George Tallis in Australia

on Saturday 24^th November 1886 ...

This year, Sir George Tallis Orator will be Ken Boucher from The National Theatre School who will speak about the wonderful challenges, surprises and achievements he finds guiding young people to stardom. The National Theatre School, run with great economy – worthy of help, the school stages some terrific productions charged with the raw energy of youth

Ken Boucher began his professional career as a producer/director for ABC Radio, mainly in the national Drama and Features Department. He left the ABC to do the post-graduate Directors’ Course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) which led to a career as a freelance theatre director and dramaturg. His production credits include plays for Sydney’s Nimrod, Griffin and Marian Street theatres, Playbox in Melbourne, The State Theatre Company of South Australia, Theatre ACT and a number of University and community groups. He has been involved in the work of the Australian National Playwrights’ Centre and has assessed and developed new work for NIDA, the ABC and the Griffin Company. Prior to taking up his present role as the Director of the National Theatre Drama School in St Kilda, Ken was Course Co-ordinator at Sydney’s Actors College of Theatre and Television.

Date: Tues 24 Nov

Time: 9.45am for House & Garden Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost: $38 / Concession $33

~ A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens ~

… And again – The house will be decorated for Christmas…

This year should be a sensation – lots of Christmas lights everywhere

and the famous Charles Dickens readings by Stephanie Daniel will entertain as always

There are few tales in the cannon of English Literature which so truly evoke the spirit and tradition of Christmas than Charles Dickens’ “ A Christmas Carol”, so nostalgically depicted in the snow and glitter of English Christmas greeting cards. Stephanie Daniel, in costume, reads from Charles Dickens’ much loved Christmas tale.

Date: Fri 27 Nov (repeated 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th December)

Time: 9.45am for House & Garden Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost:  $40 / Concession $35

December

~ Opera In The Garden ~

This year a concert arranged by The Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust – drinks in the courtyard, then the concert and afterwards a light supper. Your admission will help fund a Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust Scholarship within the Masters of Opera Program at the University of Melbourne

Dates: Fri 4, Sat 5 Dec

Time: 5pm for DRINKS on arrival, Performance and LIGHT SUPPER

Cost: $70 / Concession $65

~ A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens ~

… And again – The house will be decorated for Christmas…

This year should be a sensation – lots of Christmas lights everywhere

and the famous Charles Dickens readings by Stephanie Daniel will entertain as always

There are few tales in the cannon of English Literature which so truly evoke the spirit and tradition of Christmas than Charles Dickens’ “ A Christmas Carol”, so nostalgically depicted in the snow and glitter of English Christmas greeting cards. Stephanie Daniel, in costume, reads from Charles Dickens’ much loved Christmas tale.

Date: Tues 8, Wed 9, Thurs 10, Fri 11 Dec

Time: 9.45am for House & Garden Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost: $40 / Concession $35

~ The John Tallis Birthday Concert ~

The Birthday Concert is fast becoming one of the musical events on our calendar. This year we are very proud to present The Hamer Quartet with Michael Dahlenburg, Cello.

Michael held a Peninsula Music Society Bursary funded by the Tallis Foundation and plays a fine cello which the Tallis Foundation helped purchase.

Date: Tues 15 Dec

Time: 9.45am for House & Garden Tour, LUNCH and Event

Cost: $38 / Concession $33

2010

~ Especially for Valentine’s Day 2010 ~

The Questcot Players will present:

‘The Proposal’

by Anton Chekhov

at

Beleura

Dates: Sunday 14 & Tuesday 16 February 2010

Time: to be advised : please telephone Beleura

Cost: to be advised : please telephone Beleura

To make a booking for any of our fabulous Events

Please telephone Beleura on

(03) 5975 2027

All tours of the house and garden will be conducted by Guides

associated with the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society Mornington (ADFAS)

Beleura celebrates

’Seasons in the House’

… we have excelled ourselves!

Click on the

‘Hours & Garden Tours’ tab

at the top left hand corner of this page

to see our schedule

Don’t be the one who missed out!

To book please telephone Beleura

(03) 5975 2027