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Tikki & John Newman OAM
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Tikki & John Newman are internationally respected for their contribution to the Australian entertainment industry. They are widely regarded as the founders of modern live cabaret in Australia. Between them, they have chalked up over one hundred years in the performing arts. They toured the world in 1954 with their comedy dance act performing in dozens of venues including the Palladium in London. In the halcyon days of J.C.Williamsons productions, Tikki & John were amongst the elite of Australian musical comedy performers and featured in shows such as "Annie Get Your Gun" "Oklahoma" "South Pacific" "Hello Dolly" "Can Can” & “Pyjama Game", just to name a few. John's credits include television producer, manager of The Great Moscow Circus and Entrepreneur.
While Tikki became a household name through her inspiring leading performances on the stage as well as in many popular television shows including Bobby Lims sound of music, I.M.T. and the Saturday Show on the ABC. Tikki & John's music hall theatre restaurant which opened in 1962, soon became a Melbourne institution and was to pave the way for over four decades of successful cabaret venues. Dracula's group of entertainments is the combined creation of both Tikki & John and their three siblings. Paul, Marc & Haydie.
Today they continue to inspire and support up and coming performers, A vocation which has earned them a number of honours including the Order of Australia, Today Tikki & John share their time between the Gold Coast & Melbourne where they assist with the production and share their invaluable experience with the Dracula's Cast’s. |
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Paul Newman
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Paul is the mastermind behind the technical designs that have earned Dracula's the reputation for being at the cutting edge of theatrical FX. Many of Paul's inventive creations have set the bench mark for Australia's themed entertainment industry.
Articulated stage sets, fully animated computer controlled creatures, and intricate lighting and sound design are just some of his passions.
A number of Paul's technical installations have been Australian first's. The creation of Dracula's 'Haunted House' has pushed the boundaries of entertainment technology. The 'Haunted House' incorporates sophisticated show control systems developed for the Disney theme parks. Even Paul's design and construction of Dracula's famous Ghost Trains, has to be the most bizarre way of pulling up a chair in the Newman's popular cabaret venues. The recent introduction of the giant 'Viu Pix' LED video wall in Dracula's Gold Coast is an example of the Newman's determination to push the technical boundaries. Supported by a talented technical team, Paul has been able to create a multitude of unique special effects admired by industry professionals around the world. Yet this is only one facet of Paul's talents. His first love of performing on stage spawned a successful theatrical
career on radio and television. He also provides the voices to many of the animated characters throughout the venues. |
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Marc Newman
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Marc has been an integral part of the creation of Dracula's since the idea was first concieved back in 1980, with a background in theatre and art design, Marc's finger print has been stamped on everything from interior decor through to the off tap production on stage. His interests in fine arts goes back to his early childhood where any small scrap of paper would soon carry one of Marc's avant garde horror sketches. Marc is a self taught sculptor and theatrical prop maker, his first attempts of casting in latex and fibre glass were for his parents music hall theatre, Tikki &John's, when he was in his early teens.
Marc appeared on stage as a stand up comedian and variety performer for over a decade, Prior to focusing his attention towards the promotion and production side of the business. Marc writes and arranges much of the Dracula's auditorium. In an industry that is ever changing. The image and product of Dracula's entertainment and services is constantly being reinvented. "It's a constant challenge", says Marc, "Our goal as directors is to give the audience what they want, as well as what they expect". His latest project is the concept and developement of the hugely successful 'Dracula's Haunted House'. |
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Haydie Newman
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Haydie is responsible for the maintenance of Dracula's theatrical productions, as well as co-directing and producing, Her on stage experience combined with years of formal training have given Haydie invaluable skills in producing and polishing a professional cast. Haydie along with brothers Paul and Marc, grew up in an eccentric and theatrical enviroment, Her first major stage role was in the 1976 production of "Annie", were she performed as the orphan Kate. She has also made a number of corporate training films.
Haydie gained much of her early theatre skills treading the boards with Val Jellay, Ernie Bourne and of course her parents, Tikki & John. Her contribution to Dracula's shows over the past decade has been phenomenal. Haydie created the dizzy little drug sponge "Sara Pax" back in 1985. Sar Pax has become synonymous with Dracula's off-tap comedy style, and earned Haydie the reputation as one of Australia's best contemporary stand up comedians. With a troup of over thirty performers and musicians currently under her wing, Haydie constantly travels between Melbourne and the Gold Coast auditioning, and directing the productions. |
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