Sideshow Alley Brief Synopsis

A story of love and the discovery of identity in a world of prejudice.

SIDESHOW ALLEY is set in a Boxing Troupe in an Australian travelling Sideshow in the 1950's, an era that wore the facade of morality and conservatism. Three lives are brought together in this curious sideshow environment of 'freaks' and 'misfits'. These people were seen to live on the very edges of acceptable behaviour and were regarded by the country towns they visited as fascinating but forbidden. Socially ostracised and separate, these small communities created their own worlds. A place where dwarves, giants, pygmies, blacks, whites, orientals could co-exist, knowing the perception that the outside world had of them, but also knowing that they could make a living offering exotic curiosities, escape, danger and illusion.

Add to this the human heart with its unpredictability and determination to love where it chooses. Unfortunately, the world demands consequences and loving is not as simple as one might like. 'Billy' is a boxer in the troupe, his Italian girl, 'Rita', works as the Fortune Teller and 'Gypsy'. They seem to be in love. A stranger, 'Alec', visits the Sideshow and is brought into the sanctuary of the troupe. He is charismatic and handsome. Both Rita and Billy are drawn to him and both fall in love with him. For Rita it is the difficulty of infidelity and dealing with the perceptions of a woman's role at this time. For Billy, it is the realisation that he is loving beyond the bounds of anything that was regarded as acceptable in the 1950's in Australia. Unable to control their feelings and deny their hearts, they find themselves living lives that are filled with secrets and lies. Inevitably, truths surface and the Piper must be paid.

Woven through the story is the constant presence of the boxing ring where fighters are set against local contenders. Why is it that men fight? What is the fascination of the gladiatorial? Why are women drawn to these fights? Why is the human capacity for blood lust released when people participate in crowd events of testosterone, aggression and suppressed sexuality?

The relationship between Alec, Rita and Billy is played against the distinctive world of the Sideshow, with its coloured banners and bizarre characters...characters that are able to move through the piece as “the eyes in the darkness” and constantly observe events. They remind us to ask just who are the freaks and misfits in this world? The Sideshow on the move allows the piece to be played against the expanse of the Australian landscape and provides stark contrast to the sweat and blood claustrophobia created inside the boxing tent.

SIDESHOW ALLEY is a story of the human heart. It is an observation of love and forbidden love and the problems and prejudices encountered by the people involved in this strange and ostracised life...a life that was the lot of the sideshow 'freaks', the fighters, the vagabonds and the outcasts!

Sideshow Alley has a cast of 16 named characters. The original production was scored for a 6 piece band - Keyboard (Conductor), Violin, Bass (Acoustic and Electric), Cello, Wind ( Combination of Clarinet, Flute, Tin Whistle, Alto Sax), Percussion ( Kit, Timpani, Marimba - Various).

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Sideshow Alley Show History

SIDESHOW ALLEY won the inaugural Pratt Prize for Music Theatre in 2002. The competition, established by The Pratt Foundation and administered by The Production Company attracted over 140 entries in its first year from Australia's finest writers of new Australian Music Theatre.

The $80,000 prize was awarded to Gary Young and Paul Keelan by Jeanne Pratt. This enabled the writers to workshop the musical in 2003 under the direction of acclaimed Australian director, Gale Edwards.

Following further development, SIDESHOW ALLEY premiered at The Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre in February 2007. The production was produced by Chris Paterson (Picture This Productions), Jim McPherson, Michael Lasky and The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).

Later in 2007, SIDESHOW ALLEY won the prestigious Helpmann Award for "Best Original Score". The Australian Cast Recording of the show was recorded in January 2007 and is available through Middle Eight Music.