Monday, 15 May 2017
6.30pm — 8.30pm
The Horse, Surry Hills (formerly White Horse Hotel)
[More info]
Guest Speaker: Tony Bonner AM
Despite receiving star billing in countless productions for many years prior – not to mention a host of guest appearances – it is for the role of flight ranger Jerry King on the legendary 1960s series "Skippy" that Tony is best remembered.
Although his parents were both talented performers (his father played baritone leads in many musicals and his mother was a fine soprano concert singer), neither encouraged him to pursue a career in the arts.
"I was always aware of my father's background with the theatrical company J.C. Williamson", he says. But, in the end, the choice to immerse himself in the acting world was a decision he made for himself. "I worked as a dresser for a J.C. Williamson musical, took singing and dance classes. Then, when I thought I was ready, I started to audition, made my first show The Sentimental Bloke and away I went."
In recent years Tony has used the skills gained during his career to train and motivate young actors and models through private workshops in Australia, New Zealand, and Los Angeles.
Some of his students are now enjoying worldwide success in television, film, and stage.
Tony's work can be seen in "Anzacs", The Man from Snowy River, The Lighthorsemen, "Power Without Glory", "Skippy", "Skyways", "Home and Away", and "Neighbours".
Tony's stage work includes the productions of Love Letters, Only When I Laugh, The Sentimental Bloke, The Cellophane Ceiling, Are You Being Served? and The Three Musketeers, while the last play he directed was a stage adaptation of the screen classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
In February 2016 Tony was awarded the Warner Bros. Movie World Lifetime Achievement Award.
A diverse and influencial career was recognised by the Commonwealth when Tony was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for "significant service to the performing arts as an actor, to surf lifesaving, and to the community through charitable organisations".
