Mr HATTON - 1999-08-18
The Chief Minister announced earlier that the musical Cats would be coming to the Northern Territory later this year. Can he outline the response? The newspapers report a significant interest.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, as Territorians would be aware, in May this year the Northern Territory government officially secured arrangements for the Australian and world premier season of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of the musical Cats - Cats Run Away to the Circus. The Territory government, I’m very proud to continue to say, is committed to bringing major attractions to the Northern Territory, demonstrating to the rest of Australia that the Territory is worthy of consideration for a major touring production such as this.
I believe the success of this production will encourage promoters to bring other large-scale productions to the Northern Territory. It promises to be a significant event. It will focus a large amount of national attention on the Northern Territory and it gives Territorians an opportunity to access a world class production, something that I think is their right. The government is pleased to be able to make some contribution to ensure that this production comes to the Northern Territory.
It will be staged in a purpose-designed, 2000 seat, luxury, airconditioned big top with interior and exterior design themes incorporating strong Cats imagery. The production will run for about a week in Darwin and a week in Alice Springs. But the touring company will work up, prior to the actual season commencing in Darwin, for up to two weeks. During that time, I understand, it will provide opportunities for Territorians involved in the arts and drama in various ways to observe and participate in the preparations of a first-class production company.
I welcome the faith of the Really Useful Company. It’s an interesting name. Territorians may like to know it comes from Thomas the Tank Engine, I am told. And the logo of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production company is a Swiss Army knife, because it’s really useful. I think it demonstrates the lateral thinking of that entrepreneur. Also, the Ross Mollison group is involved and has demonstrated its confidence in the Northern Territory as the venue to launch their spectacular production.
Tickets are on sale now. I understand that over 5000 tickets are already sold - 3500 in Darwin and 2000 in Alice Springs. So the message for Territorians is, if you want to see this production please get in early. It will be a fantastic event.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, as Territorians would be aware, in May this year the Northern Territory government officially secured arrangements for the Australian and world premier season of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of the musical Cats - Cats Run Away to the Circus. The Territory government, I’m very proud to continue to say, is committed to bringing major attractions to the Northern Territory, demonstrating to the rest of Australia that the Territory is worthy of consideration for a major touring production such as this.
I believe the success of this production will encourage promoters to bring other large-scale productions to the Northern Territory. It promises to be a significant event. It will focus a large amount of national attention on the Northern Territory and it gives Territorians an opportunity to access a world class production, something that I think is their right. The government is pleased to be able to make some contribution to ensure that this production comes to the Northern Territory.
It will be staged in a purpose-designed, 2000 seat, luxury, airconditioned big top with interior and exterior design themes incorporating strong Cats imagery. The production will run for about a week in Darwin and a week in Alice Springs. But the touring company will work up, prior to the actual season commencing in Darwin, for up to two weeks. During that time, I understand, it will provide opportunities for Territorians involved in the arts and drama in various ways to observe and participate in the preparations of a first-class production company.
I welcome the faith of the Really Useful Company. It’s an interesting name. Territorians may like to know it comes from Thomas the Tank Engine, I am told. And the logo of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production company is a Swiss Army knife, because it’s really useful. I think it demonstrates the lateral thinking of that entrepreneur. Also, the Ross Mollison group is involved and has demonstrated its confidence in the Northern Territory as the venue to launch their spectacular production.
Tickets are on sale now. I understand that over 5000 tickets are already sold - 3500 in Darwin and 2000 in Alice Springs. So the message for Territorians is, if you want to see this production please get in early. It will be a fantastic event.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016