Artistic Director's Note
Nicholas Cannon
There is something wonderful about revisiting a show from the early days of your career. Nothing shows growth like reflection. Twelve years ago, I created Mopoke Theatre Productions and our inaugural production was the Old Maid and the Thief, with Penny at the musical helm. Remounting this production with Penny once more has been a joy. Breathing fresh life into this funny, poignant show has been a reminder of how much support our opera community has shown Mopoke over the years and how bright the future looks with such a community gathered around us.
Celebrating over a decade of creating, opportunities and creative expression through Mopoke Theatre Productions has been rewarding and humbling. Thank you all for your continued support.
A special thanks to Macintyre Howie-Reeves and Jessica Mills for making this iteration of the show come to life, all while of course starring, directing, promoting, booking and a host of other duties required to put on a show as a small independent company. The addition of the Telephone to the evening is the icing on the cake. Thank you also to you, our community, our audience. Without you, where would we be? You are the reason and we thank you.
THE TELEPHONE - SYNOPSIS
Ben visits his girlfriend Lucy with a very specific purpose: he wants to propose marriage before leaving on a long trip. However, every time he tries to ask the question, Lucy is interrupted—by her ever-ringing telephone.
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As Ben’s frustration grows, Lucy cheerfully drifts from one phone call to another, discussing trivial gossip and chatting endlessly with various friends. Despite multiple attempts, Ben never gets a chance to speak more than a few words.
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Finally resigned, Ben comes up with a clever solution: he leaves the apartment and calls Lucy on the telephone. Ironically, this works. Lucy is thrilled to receive the proposal over the phone and enthusiastically says yes.
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The opera ends with a lighthearted duet celebrating love and the modern marvel of the telephone.​
Please note there will be a 20 minute interval following The Telephone.
THE TELEPHONE - CREATIVE TEAM AND CAST
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THE OLD MAID AND THE THIEF - SYNOPSIS
One afternoon, Laetitia brings a stranger—Bob—into the home of her employer, the repressed and lonely Miss Todd. Bob, a charming vagabond, says he’s just passing through. Laetitia, clearly attracted to him, convinces Miss Todd to let him stay.
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Soon, local gossip Miss Pinkerton visits and shares alarming news: an escaped criminal is loose in the area, and he fits Bob’s description. Despite her suspicions, Miss Todd is already enamoured with Bob and decides to overlook the warning.
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As time passes, Bob continues to lounge around, enjoying Miss Todd's hospitality. To keep him content, Miss Todd and Laetitia begin stealing from neighbours and even from the town liquor store—ironically becoming the true "thieves" themselves.
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Eventually, Miss Todd confronts Bob about his identity, but he admits nothing. Frustrated and panicked, she tells him to leave. In a final twist, Laetitia runs away with Bob, leaving Miss Todd alone to face the consequences of their crimes.
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​The Old Maid and the Thief was originally written for radio—one of the first operas to be composed specifically for the medium.
THE OLD MAID AND THE THIEF - CREATIVE TEAM AND CAST
Special thanks
​​ActNow Theatre - https://www.actnowtheatre.org.au/​​​​
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Alex Craddock - Production Photography
Allon Reeves and Claire Howie
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Christian Evans - Rehearsal Photography
Fiona McArdle
The Friends of State Opera South Australia - join The Friends here https://stateopera.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Friends-Membership-Application.pdf
The Gilbert and Sullivan Society - https://www.gandssa.com.au/
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Graham Cochran
Peter and Margaret Cannon​
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State Opera South Australia - book to see The Magic Flute here https://stateopera.com.au/productions/themagicflute/
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Tracey Richardson
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