ABOUT BEN
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Promise Adelaide was founded by Ben Francis in 2014. Ben felt that young people in Adelaide needed an outlet where they could combine their love for the arts with charitable initiatives in their local community.
At 19, Ben has performed extensively in both the United Kingdom and Australia for many years. With a background in musical theatre, his credits include: You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Snoopy), High School Musical (Ryan), The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric), Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), and Pirates of Penzance (Frederic). In 2015, Ben played the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar, earning him a nomination for ‘Best Young Performer’ in the Adelaide Theatre Guide 2015/16 ‘Curtain Call’ Awards. In May 2016, Ben performed as a supporting lead in the State Opera of South Australia’s award-winning world premiere production of Cloudstreet! at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Ben’s credits with the State Opera of South Australia also include Carmen (2011), and La Boheme (2012). Ben performs regularly with Independent Theatre, playing Peter Pan in John Logan's Peter and Alice in 2014, the title role in their staged play-reading of Peter Schaffer's Amadeus (2017), Lord Sebastien Flyte in their production of Brideshead Revisited (2017) and recently Stephen Hoffmann in Jon Moran’s Old Wicked Songs (2018), having been coached personally by the New York playwright. In May 2017, Ben produced and starred in Private Peaceful, which went on to win the Theatre Association of South Australia’s best Drama, with Ben also winning Best Youth Actor for his performance. Ben has won numerous Eisteddfods and vocal scholarships and has performed in venues such as Euro Disney, Hong Kong Disney, Sadlers Wells Theatre on London’s West End, and in The Royal Albert Hall. He has also featured in televised documentaries, including Totally Wild and Fifteen. Ben has musically directed and orchestrally conducted several local productions, including Bugsy Malone and 13! The Musical with Adelaide Youth Theatre, and Beauty and the Beast Jr with Shane Davidson Presents. He is the lead vocalist and musical arranger of The 60 Four, scaling the falsetto heights of Frankie Valli in venues across Australia. Ben is a graduate of Scotch College, where he was Captain of Performing Arts, and achieved Dux of Combined Studies. He currently works as an Arts Reviewer for Glam Adelaide, a Drama Tutor at Scotch College, and a Vocal Teacher at Theatre Bugs. Ben is currently studying a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing. |
“I couldn’t have done any of this on my own. I have a wonderfully supportive family and partner, assistance from professionals like Craig Williams of Mosaic Audio Visual and the many Adelaide artists who have guided me and acted as speakers in our shows. The casts and production teams put in a huge amount of time and energy, without any payment, to make these shows a success. It really is a team effort.”
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ROYALE DANCE BATTLE
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A children’s dance party where you can try out all the latest dance crazes under the guidance of characters from your favourite video games! Watch your favourite characters in high-quality dance performances, dance with them in our Royale Battle discos, show off your best moves and win prizes in our dance competitions, and get lots of great photos! Children must be accompanied by a parent. Maximum 3 children per adult. Most suited to 4-12 year olds. Limited availability; book early to avoid disappointment.
Sunday 17th February 2:30pm Sunday 24th February 6pm Morphettville Racecourse (75 mins) |
CHOREOGRAPHER: Zoe Karatzovalis
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ROYAL TEA PARTY
DIRECTOR: Annabel Lane
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All Princes, Princesses and their guests are cordially invited to a Royal Tea Party! Enjoy a delightful light meal with kid friendly options while being entertained by characters from your favourite 'Royal' films and stage shows. Sing along to your favourite numbers and have a photo with the Princess of your dreams! Children must be accompanied by a parent. Maximum 3 children per adult. Most suited to 4-12 year olds. Limited availability; book early to avoid disappointment.
Sunday 17th February 11:30am Sunday 24th February 2:30pm Morphettville Racecourse (90 mins) |
THE HONEY-BEES
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Promise Adelaide are delighted to bring you The Honey-Bees, Adelaide's newest female vocal group paying tribute to the music of the 60's. Featuring songs from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Little Eva, Dusty Springfield, the Exciters, and many, many more. This trio are all experienced Adelaide based performers in fields such as music theatre, acoustic sessions and jazz. Their first Fringe season in 2018 saw them sell out to critical acclaim. Since then they have performed at private functions, corporate events and they took part in the Out of the Square Country Arts program. They look the part in their sixties styled dresses and will amaze you with their stunning harmonies, and powerful solos. If you enjoy an evening of nostalgia and appreciate great vocals, this is the show for you!
Sunday 17th February 7:30pm Morphettville Racecourse (120 mins) |
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INFORMATION
ABOUT THE DIVA SERIES
When it comes to vocalists, everyone loves a Diva! In this series, Promise Adelaide celebrates some of the finest vocalists of all time. With three shows over the course of the Festival, each show will pay homage to a different era of Divas: the Golden Era 40s – 60s, featuring songs from Shirley Bassey, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross in a trip down memory lane; pop divas 70s-90s featuring songs from Tina Turner, Madonna and Whitney Houston in a toe tapping and emotional extravaganza; and modern-day divas of the 00's to now featuring songs from Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Amy Winehouse and all your current favourites. If you are successful in gaining a place in The Diva Series, there will be a small production fee of $30 to cover raised costs of rehearsal venue hire. As a cast member, it will also be expected that you sell at least 5 tickets. The show will be heavily promoted as a part of the Fringe, and it is expected that you will be available to take part in any publicity events that may be arranged. All tickets will be booked through FringeTix. Whilst there are no costumes involved with this production, performers will need to wear black/red/white modest formal wear. All attire needs to be checked by the production team during rehearsals.
CAST REQUIREMENTS
We are looking for approximately 42 performers to take part. All performers must be between the ages of 15 and 25. Each artist will have the opportunity to sing a solo song and a duet, as well as feature in group numbers. Performers will be split into 14 performers across three shows.
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
The production team for The Diva Series will consist of:
Trish Francis, Ben Francis, Annabel Lane, Serena Martino-Williams and Camryn Jordans
Eliza Payze will be the resident choreographer for the season.
PERFORMANCES
The 42 successful performers will be distributed the following shows:
Thursday 1st March @ 7:30pm (SHOW 1)
Wednesday 7th March @ 7:30pm (SHOW 2)
Friday 9th March @ 7:30pm (SHOW 3)
Please note that specific eras have not been assigned to each show yet. Each of the three shows will be two hours in duration, and will be performed at The Morphettville Racecourse.
REHEARSALS
The Diva Series will involve minimal rehearsals, and for this reason, full attendance is expected. We will schedule the rehearsals to ensure artists are called for the minimal time possible. It is essential that you are available on the days below:
Saturday 3rd February or Sunday 4th February*
Saturday 10th February or Sunday 11th February*
Tuesday 20th February (Time TBC) - WORKSHOP WITH HELPMANN AWARD WINNER MICHAEL GRIFFITHS
Sunday 25th February 1:30pm - 6pm (SHOW 1 ONLY)
Sunday 4th March 8:30am - 1pm (SHOW 2 ONLY)
Sunday 4th March 1:30pm - 6pm (SHOW 3 ONLY)
*On these days, you will be called for a one-hour session for your solo and duet, and a three-hour session for group numbers*
AUDITIONS
Please note: auditions are only necessary if you have not performed with Promise Adelaide in the past.
Auditions will be held on Friday 15th December and Saturday 16th December from 10am - 8pm. Each audition will be closed and individual. You will be expected to sing a song of your choice, and have your vocal range and harmonies tested. It is recommended that you perform one of the songs you suggest on the registration form below. It is expected that you sing appropriate material. You are asked to bring MP3 backing tracks for each of your suggested songs. Please note that the audition booking and the application below must be completed for you to be considered for The Diva Series.
Have you performed with Promise Adelaide previously? There is no need to audition! However, please note that this does not guarantee you a place in the cast.
When it comes to vocalists, everyone loves a Diva! In this series, Promise Adelaide celebrates some of the finest vocalists of all time. With three shows over the course of the Festival, each show will pay homage to a different era of Divas: the Golden Era 40s – 60s, featuring songs from Shirley Bassey, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross in a trip down memory lane; pop divas 70s-90s featuring songs from Tina Turner, Madonna and Whitney Houston in a toe tapping and emotional extravaganza; and modern-day divas of the 00's to now featuring songs from Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Amy Winehouse and all your current favourites. If you are successful in gaining a place in The Diva Series, there will be a small production fee of $30 to cover raised costs of rehearsal venue hire. As a cast member, it will also be expected that you sell at least 5 tickets. The show will be heavily promoted as a part of the Fringe, and it is expected that you will be available to take part in any publicity events that may be arranged. All tickets will be booked through FringeTix. Whilst there are no costumes involved with this production, performers will need to wear black/red/white modest formal wear. All attire needs to be checked by the production team during rehearsals.
CAST REQUIREMENTS
We are looking for approximately 42 performers to take part. All performers must be between the ages of 15 and 25. Each artist will have the opportunity to sing a solo song and a duet, as well as feature in group numbers. Performers will be split into 14 performers across three shows.
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
The production team for The Diva Series will consist of:
Trish Francis, Ben Francis, Annabel Lane, Serena Martino-Williams and Camryn Jordans
Eliza Payze will be the resident choreographer for the season.
PERFORMANCES
The 42 successful performers will be distributed the following shows:
Thursday 1st March @ 7:30pm (SHOW 1)
Wednesday 7th March @ 7:30pm (SHOW 2)
Friday 9th March @ 7:30pm (SHOW 3)
Please note that specific eras have not been assigned to each show yet. Each of the three shows will be two hours in duration, and will be performed at The Morphettville Racecourse.
REHEARSALS
The Diva Series will involve minimal rehearsals, and for this reason, full attendance is expected. We will schedule the rehearsals to ensure artists are called for the minimal time possible. It is essential that you are available on the days below:
Saturday 3rd February or Sunday 4th February*
Saturday 10th February or Sunday 11th February*
Tuesday 20th February (Time TBC) - WORKSHOP WITH HELPMANN AWARD WINNER MICHAEL GRIFFITHS
Sunday 25th February 1:30pm - 6pm (SHOW 1 ONLY)
Sunday 4th March 8:30am - 1pm (SHOW 2 ONLY)
Sunday 4th March 1:30pm - 6pm (SHOW 3 ONLY)
*On these days, you will be called for a one-hour session for your solo and duet, and a three-hour session for group numbers*
AUDITIONS
Please note: auditions are only necessary if you have not performed with Promise Adelaide in the past.
Auditions will be held on Friday 15th December and Saturday 16th December from 10am - 8pm. Each audition will be closed and individual. You will be expected to sing a song of your choice, and have your vocal range and harmonies tested. It is recommended that you perform one of the songs you suggest on the registration form below. It is expected that you sing appropriate material. You are asked to bring MP3 backing tracks for each of your suggested songs. Please note that the audition booking and the application below must be completed for you to be considered for The Diva Series.
Have you performed with Promise Adelaide previously? There is no need to audition! However, please note that this does not guarantee you a place in the cast.
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To assist you with your song selections in the below application form, please see the attached document with a finite list of Diva's throughout the eras required.
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application form
Please note that, once this form has been completed, you will be required to book an audition using the trybooking link below. On receipt of your registration, you will receive an email from trybooking with audition material.
PAST PRODUCTIONS
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RETURN SEASON ANNOUNCED!
Photos with kind permission Oliver Toth
Reviews
"This is why theatre lovers see as much as possible, because in amongst the mix of ho-hum, good and excellent there is a gem… and Private Peaceful is that gem." Stage Whispers Full Review " Ben Francis..., in his Peaceful, has emerged as one of Adelaide’s most talented male actors, of any age, let alone still as a teenager. His is a performance worth cancelling all prior engagements for. A stunning one man debut!" Kryztoff Raw Full Review "Francis’ performance is outstanding...The performance is well paced and sensitive...It is a story that deserves to be told and a performance you should not miss!" Glam Adelaide Full Review “Reade’s script deserves any production to treat it with respect. Director Rob Croser and actor Ben Francis do so much more with it. This is an absolutely marvelous, flawless production.” Adelaide Theatre Guide Full Review |
PRIVATE PEACEFUL Private Peaceful was our first foray into drama and was a wonderful success. Nominated for two awards in the Adelaide Theatre Guide Curtain Call Awards 2017:
Best Show - Drama Best Male Performance - Ben Francis Private Peaceful is a modern classic, written by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse). Adapted for the stage by Simon Reade, it tells the story of a soldier called Thomas "Tommo" Peaceful, who signs up at 15 years old and serves in the trenches of WWI in France. During the course of one night, Tommo reflects on his short, but joyful past, growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; his father’s accident in a forest; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line. 
Performances:
The Bakehouse Theatre 5th - 15th April Tickets available shortly. |
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ACCOUSTIC SESSIONS
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AUDITION NOTICE!
ALL IS CALM
THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914
BY PETER ROTHSTEIN
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ABOUT THE PRODUCTIONThe Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, peace.
A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. In the second production of our series commemorating WWI, we bring you the Australian premiere of All is Calm, by Peter Rothstein with musical arrangements by Ericke Lichte and Timothy C Takach. An entirely male cast tell the story of the 1914 Christmas Truce through words from letters and poems of the soldiers who were there and through the a Capella harmonies of the Christmas songs they sung. This production is a moving celebration of the human spirit and the power of music to connect us even in our darkest hour. |
ROLES AVAILABLEAll Is Calm is an ensemble piece featuring 9-15 male actors/singers with stage ages of 16-40 years old. These men all have equal parts. The score is entirely a Capella and a good standard of singing is essential. An ability to pick up accents and dialects will be well regarded.
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PERFORMANCESThursday 21st December @ 8pm
Friday 22nd December @ 8pm Saturday 23rd December @ 3pm & 8pm THE GOODWOOD INSTITUTE 166 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood SA 5034 |
rehearsalsRehearsals will take place at Scotch College Adelaide.
Sunday 15th October 11am - 4pm
Sunday 22nd October 11am - 4pm Sunday 29th October 11am - 4pm Sunday 5th November 11am - 4pm Sunday 12th November 11am - 4pm Sunday 19th November 11am - 4pm Sunday 26th November 11am - 4pm Sunday 3rd December 11am - 4pm Sunday 10th December 11am - 4pm Sunday 17th December 11am - 4pm (proposed intensive weekend Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of October.) |
AUDITIONAuditions will take place on Sunday 27th of August at Scotch College. Auditions are by appointment, using the trybooking link below. If you can not make the audition day, please apply and let us know, and we will try and make alternative arrangements.
At the audition you will be asked to:
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COLUMBINUS
columbinus is a play by Stephen Karam and PJ Paparelli, sparked by the April 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. It is a meeting of fact and fiction and highlights the realities of adolescent culture, as it follows the lives of eight students on a quotidian day in an exploration of the events surrounding the Columbine shootings.
Tickets available soon - please check back!
Performances:
October 24, 25, 26, and 27 - 10am and 7pm
Venue:
The Parks Community Theatre,
Theatre 1
46 Cowan St, Angle Park,
South Australia 5010
More Information:
Promise Adelaide on 0447677615 or promiseadelaide@yahoo.com.au
About the Play
columbinus is not a traditional play; it is a theatrical discussion. Just as this fictional high school could be anywhere in America, or any Western society, so could the potential for a school shooting. The creators talked with a generation of adolescents to see what they had to say about their world. At the same time, they delved deep into the heart of Columbine and heard from the people who experienced the shootings. The merger of these two worlds became the basis for the play and the subject for discussion. The audience sees interactions between fellow students, parents, teachers, as well as the thoughts constantly racing through their heads.
"An unnerving study in adolescent angst, columbinus relentlessly paints a bold picture that bears witnessing...it merges the facts of the Columbine massacre with a harrowing impression of what life is like in high schools today." Star-Ledger
Note from Promise: Promise obtained the rights to this production at the beginning of this year (2018). It was selected because it provides valuable opportunities for emerging actors and an educational component that contributes to the learning experience for the performer and audience alike. Following the Florida school shootings, we discussed at length whether to proceed, not wanting to be insensitive to the tragedy. After much consideration, we have decided to go ahead. In our opinion, the enduring difficulties faced by teenagers in high school are worthy of this spotlight and are relevant to Australian audiences.
Tickets available soon - please check back!
Performances:
October 24, 25, 26, and 27 - 10am and 7pm
Venue:
The Parks Community Theatre,
Theatre 1
46 Cowan St, Angle Park,
South Australia 5010
More Information:
Promise Adelaide on 0447677615 or promiseadelaide@yahoo.com.au
About the Play
columbinus is not a traditional play; it is a theatrical discussion. Just as this fictional high school could be anywhere in America, or any Western society, so could the potential for a school shooting. The creators talked with a generation of adolescents to see what they had to say about their world. At the same time, they delved deep into the heart of Columbine and heard from the people who experienced the shootings. The merger of these two worlds became the basis for the play and the subject for discussion. The audience sees interactions between fellow students, parents, teachers, as well as the thoughts constantly racing through their heads.
"An unnerving study in adolescent angst, columbinus relentlessly paints a bold picture that bears witnessing...it merges the facts of the Columbine massacre with a harrowing impression of what life is like in high schools today." Star-Ledger
Note from Promise: Promise obtained the rights to this production at the beginning of this year (2018). It was selected because it provides valuable opportunities for emerging actors and an educational component that contributes to the learning experience for the performer and audience alike. Following the Florida school shootings, we discussed at length whether to proceed, not wanting to be insensitive to the tragedy. After much consideration, we have decided to go ahead. In our opinion, the enduring difficulties faced by teenagers in high school are worthy of this spotlight and are relevant to Australian audiences.