The return of the cult Aussie hit comedy

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The Vegemite Tales back for a three month season

Riverside Studios is being taken over for three months this summer by the antipodean's answer to "Friends". The Vegemite Tales follows up its sell out success in London last year with what promises to be an even bigger and better show than before - featuring a new cast, more 'twists in the tales' and even more funny bits! Opening at Riverside Studios from 2 June 2005 - 27 August 2005.

The Vegemite Tales delves into the lives of a group of young antipodeans colonising a West London flat, capturing what it¹s like to 'up sticks' and move to the other side of the world - Sam's thinking about going home, Maddie's thinking about Dan, Dan's thinking with the wrong head, Eddie's not really thinking at all, Gemma's facing the biggest decision of her stay in London and Jane just wants the toilet bowl to be clean.

Written by MELANIE TAIT, Directed by BILL BUCKHURST. Cast includes ­ BEN STEEL who played Jude Lawson in Home and Away and recently appeared in the musical Debbie Does Dallas in Australia, ANDREW ROBB the veteran of the show having played the role of 'Sam' for over 230 shows, TOM SANGSTER from the original cast, ANDY LEONARD another original cast member from the very first production in 2001, JESSICA GERGER who makes her debut in the show, SARAH McGLADE and SARAH HADLAND the only English cast member who is actually playing an Australian.

This offbeat comedy began life in 2001 at Barons Court Theatre when there was not an empty seat in the house. Soon discovered by the antipodean community in London The Vegemite Tales became the cult show to see. It extended for another sell-out season, and then another and another and has subsequently enjoyed an unprecedented 33 sold out weeks on the London Fringe, where ticket touts were seen for the first time outside a fringe venue.

The play's popularity was boosted by its appeal to people who wouldn¹t normally go to live theatre - over sixty percent of the audiences were first time theatregoers. The Vegemite Tales was the best-kept secret around ­ now is the time for the rest of London to experience this unique slice of life.

Australian playwright Melanie Tait wrote the play based on her own experiences whilst living in London. "Although the play revolves around an antipodean household, the scenarios will be familiar to anyone who has ever shared a flat," she says. "There's nothing better than seeing the audience reaction, knowing they've been in very similar situations and know people who behave just like those in the show."

English director Bill Buckhurst who returns for the 2005 season has brought further polish, plus a little British restraint to some of the more outrageous antipodean style humour. Whether you¹re an Aussie, you know one, or you spend your life to trying to avoid them, The Vegemite Tales is sure to be the must see show this summer.

May 23, 2005