‘Blind Tasting’: the unique part performance, part wine tasting show takes to the Sydney stage

Media Release  7 May 2013

‘Blind Tasting’: the unique part performance, part wine tasting show takes to the Sydney stage

Combining the sensory pleasures of theatrical performance and wine, ‘Blind Tasting’ is a unique and quirky one-woman contemporary show, best described as ‘part performance/part wine-tasting’ – two of life’s greatest artistic indulgences entwined.

‘Blind Tasting’ will be in town for one night only on Tuesday 25^th June at The Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli. This one-of-a-kind show is thoughtfully written and directed by Paul Gilchrist and features accomplished Australian actress Sylvia Keays who stars as ‘Sophie’. Sylvia is currently touring the ‘Blind Tasting’ show throughout various wineries, restaurants and theatres across Australia.

With already a sold-out season at the 2012 Adelaide Fringe and the 2012 Melbourne Fringe festivals, as well as performances in Los Angeles, ‘Blind Tasting’ conveys wit, whimsy and heartbreak – all centered around wine. Sylvia, in an acclaimed portrayal, introduces us to her character Sophie – who talks wine, sells wine and she has every reason to drink it. Join her hilarious razor-sharp discovery of the unexpected truth hidden in each glass.

Having been performed around Australia and internationally, ‘Blind Tasting’ has gained critical acclaim from thespians and theatre goers alike. TimeOut Melbourne raved that "Sylvia Keays slips snugly into her character. So snug that I initially thought this might have been her own story. The show has a very smooth tone, sitting happily between wistfully melancholic narrative and a stand-up routine."

Suitably accompanying this performance is the equally acclaimed wines from Shaw Vineyard Estate, available for you to try before the show, with wine tasting and nibblies commencing from 6.30pm, followed by a 7.30pm performance. Shaw Vineyard Estate is a family owned and operated wine producer who has been producing Canberra’s finest wines for over a decade. As a keen supporter of young Australian talent, Shaw saw this collaboration as a rich opportunity to showcase their performance in wine to a discerning audience.

Also supporting the ‘Blind Tasting’ show is online drinks site Sip Your Style. Katrina Holden, editor and founder of the site says audiences should prepare for moments of true humour, drama and introspection with Sylvia’s raw delivery.

“From the moment Sylvia begins the act wearing a red blindfold, the audience is captivated. There’s an honesty and purity in her portrayal of Sophie – and her tale of workplace woes, trying to find love and more importantly, trying to find herself – themes we can all relate to. Through the metaphor of wine (and better yet, the tasting of it), we’re taken on an emotional journey involving humour, wit, frailty and self-awareness. Sylvia is a poised, vibrant, approachable yet intriguing performer who connects with her audience and whom herself mirrors many of the attributes of a good wine. In Blind Tasting it’s just her, us and the wine, with no trickery – the show’s very simplicity makes for a very authentic and pleasurable experience,” said Katrina.

Book your tickets today to ensure that you don’t miss out on this unique tasting and hilarious performance. Tickets are available for purchase now, Adult ($35*) and Concession ($30*) ticket price includes tasting and the show.

*Booking fee applies

Tickets sales, please contact: The Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli

www.ensemble.com.au  or call (02) 9929 0644

For media enquiries, please contact:

Eileen Thomas, White Ink

eileenthomas@whiteink.com.au  or phone (02) 9439 1633

About Sylvia Keays

Sylvia Keays is an Australian actress theatrically trained at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Hollywood. Since graduation, she has performed professionally in TV, independent film, presenting, and her main love theatre, both in the USA and Australia. She has performed in plays produced by NIDA, Steam Productions, Billie Blonde, Shakespeare by the Sea, Complex Theatre LA, AADA (Hollywood). In television, she has featured in ‘Deadly Women’ in the US; and in Stupid Stupid Man, supporting Deborah Mailman in Australia. Her body of commercial work includes productions for TAB, ANZ, New Idea and McDonald’s.

Critical Acclaim for ‘Blind Tasting’

"Part performance, part wine tasting, this witty, insightful performance was well crafted by Paul Gilchrist and delivered with confidence and a delightful balance of light and shade by Sylvia Keays. This performance was a delight; intimate, funny, sad, and thoughtful” - Stage Whispers Melbourne

This is "a classy sensory experience...a passionate and considered performance" - Adelaide Theatre Guide

The story moves with playful audience interaction, two mid show wine tastings, and "has a very smooth tone, sitting happily between wistfully melancholic narrative and a stand-up routine." - ArtsHub Melbourne

"A punchy, whimsical tale of lovelorn Sophie - executed exceptionally by actor Sylvia Keays" - Theatre Junkies Melbourne

“Sylvia Keays is a brilliant performer ….a moving, consistent and quality performance that is a joy to watch…. The script is playful, witty and poetic …..a captivating personal account of a woman’s experience of love, loss and finding pleasure in unexpected places. Keays was thoroughly entertaining” -  FringeReview UK