Michael Futcher Michael Futcher i(A911 works by) (a.k.a. Michael Andrew Geary Futcher)
Born: Established: 1964 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire,
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England,
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United Kingdom (UK),
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Western Europe, Europe,
;
Gender: Male
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Works By

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1 1 The Mystery of the Valkyrie Michael Futcher , 2023 single work drama

'Starring Hugh Parker as Sherlock Holmes, a new mystery unravels with the world premiere of The Mystery of the Valkyrie coming to QPAC in March 2023.

'Witness one of the most legendary characters of literature and screen come to life on stage with this new highly-anticipated Australian work.

'Journey back to 221B Baker Street with Holmes, Watson, Adler and Moriarty, as this fast-paced dramatic thriller explodes onto the Playhouse stage with spectacular staging and projections.

'Written and directed by the extraordinary Michael Futcher, this epic play will have you on the edge of your seat, until The Mystery of the Valkyrie is solved.

'1890’s London – renowned detective Sherlock Holmes, assisted by his trusted friend, Dr Watson, are thrown into a world that is not as it seems as they investigate the grisly murder of a scientist at Birlstone Manor. 

'What begins as a routine case for the famous sleuth, transforms into a dark web of intrigue, ultimately leading Holmes’ to an encounter with his greatest nemesis, - the infamous Professor Moriarty – a battle he must win. The game is afoot!' (Production summary) 

1 The Blood Votes Michael Futcher , 2018 single work drama war literature

'The Australian home front debate over conscription at the height of WWI was complex, emotive and deeply challenging for a young nation. A new play, The Blood Votes by acclaimed playwright Michael Futcher, dramatises the events of 1916-17 as they unfolded in Brisbane and captures the passions and dilemmas of the time. Based on historical research, using authentic historical speeches and documents, The Blood Votes is a unique theatrical interpretation of this compelling moment in Queensland's history.'   (Publication summary)

1 Treasure Island Helen Howard , Michael Futcher , 2012 single work drama children's 'Pirates, buried treasure, sword fights, treasure maps, muskets! Join twelve year old Jim Hawkins on his hunt for buried treasure. But watch out . . . . there are double-crossing pirates all around, led by the notorious Long John Silver. Will Jim make it from his home in a small seaside village to the mysterious Treasure Island?' Source: http://www.queenslandtheatre.com.au (Sighted 26/06/2012).
1 1 y separately published work icon The Wishing Well Helen Howard , Michael Futcher , 2008 Strawberry Hills : Currency Press , 2009 Z1528812 2008 single work drama 'Londoner Edith Middleton arrives in Sydney in the grip of the Depression and watches her last penny roll down the drain of that great wishing well, Australia. As her life pitches into abject poverty, she bears an illegitimate child on a sweatshop floor, a gifted boy who drags his reluctant mother through the hole in his heart to discover love that is at once fragile and cruel. Building a shell to shut out love and drinking to dull the pain of her loneliness, Edith flees to Melbourne and becomes the toast of a city in the midst of cultural upheaval as the radiant queen of her own "Wishing Well", one of the first truly European-style restaurants in Australia.' Source: www.laboite.com.au (Sighted 19/09/2008).
1 5 y separately published work icon The Drowning Bride Helen Howard , Michael Futcher , Strawberry Hills : Currency Press , 2005 Z1195739 2005 single work drama
1 From : A Beautiful Life Michael Futcher , Helen Howard , 2002 extract drama (A Beautiful Life)
— Appears in: Hot Iron Corrugated Sky : 100 Years of Queensland Writing 2002; (p. 214-218)
1 y separately published work icon Citizen Jane Michael Futcher , Helen Howard , Fortitude Valley : Playlab , 2002 Z1132707 2002 single work drama young adult

'What does the Queensland Premier have in common with a carefree schoolgirl? Not much. Until a bizarre, inexplicable and totally weird accident sees them SWAP BRAINS! How will Jane find her way through the corridors of power, and learn to keep Queensland on course? And how will Ted persuade anyone to let him into Parliament House, and out of cheerleading practice?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

1 A Beautiful Life : Authors' Introduction Michael Futcher , Helen Howard , 2000 single work criticism biography
— Appears in: A Beautiful Life 2000; (p. xv-xviii)
1 5 y separately published work icon A Beautiful Life Michael Futcher , Helen Howard , 1998 Strawberry Hills : Currency Press , 2000 Z561559 1998 single work drama

'An Iranian family living in Australia attempts to escape memories of torture endured back home. Their role in the 1992 raid on the Iranian Embassy in Canberra leads to persecution by the Australian government. Based on a true story.'

Source: Australian Plays (https://australianplays.org/script/CP-109/) (Sighted 22/02/2018).

1 y separately published work icon The King and the Corpse! Michael Futcher , Helen Howard , 1995 Fortitude Valley : Playlab , 2013 11972737 1995 single work drama

'Proud and ambitious King Vikram is visited by the mysterious sorcerer, Shantil, who offers him the secret to world domination if Vikram will do him a favour. Vikram must retrieve a mischievous spirit, Vetal, who is hiding inside a corpse in the Burning Ground and bring him to Shantil. Oblivious to the challenges which await him, Vikram pulls down the corpse from a tree, hoists it onto his back, and begins the treacherous journey back to Shantil, fending off, all the while, the vengeful spirits of the numerous people he has executed. On the way, to distract the king from his task, the anarchic Vetal, assisted by his eager cohort of spirit-actors, begins to tell Vikram stories, which magically come to life around him. Vikram comes to realise that the terrors of the outlandish tales, each of which contains an apt and painful lesson for him, are nothing compared to the barren world of his own soul … and that in Vetal he has met his match.

'Based on the delightful ancient Indian stories of Vetal and Vikram, The King and the Corpse! is a dynamic performance text which celebrates the art of storytelling and ensemble playing. It is an actor-driven theatrical tour-de-force which incorporates physical imagery, masks, music and dance, and is a must for students studying physical theatre, storytelling techniques in performance, or adapting ancient tales for the stage.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

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