Spend A Penny And Get To Show On Time, Pleads Blanchett
Sun Herald
Sunday June 1, 2008
CATE BLANCHETT is used to delivering lines, but there is one she is not entirely comfortable with.
The actor and her husband, Andrew Upton, are urging theatregoers to donate funds for an upgrade of the ladies' loos at Sydney's Wharf theatres.It seems the facilities are so inadequate, long queues are forming during intervals causing patrons to miss the start of the second half of the show.Sydney Theatre Company subscribers have received a letter, signed by the couple, asking for donations of up to $5000 to upgrade public facilities including improving the women's bathroom at the Walsh Bay theatres.The letter outlines plans for more female toilet cubicles, water-saving devices for men's urinals, improved access for disabled patrons and new baby change facilities.Blanchett herself has three young children, including baby son Ignatius."Many of you, probably a female majority, will be aware that for some time The Wharf bathrooms have been inadequately coping with the needs of our patrons, particularly at peak times such as interval. We're keen to address this through a comprehensive renovation of the bathrooms," said Blanchett and Upton, in the letter which was posted last week.They urged patrons to make a "small donation" such as $100 towards the upgrade of public facilities, but there is an attached form which allows donations ranging up to $5000.The couple, who took over as artistic directors of the Sydney Theatre Company earlier this year, wrote: "We want to take your mind off the stairs and the interval queue for the bathrooms so that you can concentrate on the theatre," wrote Blanchett, before signing off on the letter.Blanchett and Upton also revealed they are exploring major environmental works for The Wharf complex.The toilet improvements will be first priority with the works to begin next year. A lift is likely to be installed by 2010.
© 2008 Sun Herald