Multi-award-winning Australian entertainer Catherine Alcorn has not been idle during the COVID-19 isolation period, who, together with three-time Gold Logie nominee, Rodger Corser will host Australia’s newest virtual venue The Reservoir Room.
Born from the necessity to resurrect Sydney’s live entertainment scene, a dedicated group of industry professionals have collaborated to unveil The Reservoir Room – a hidden gem located within the iconic Paddington Town Hall.
Joining forces with Sydney TV/Film producer Brian Cobb, The Reservoir Room will live-stream the Nation’s most loved entertainers and fresh faces from theatre, live music, cabaret and drag directly to homes via a digital platform every Friday and Saturday night.
“At The Reservoir Room we are championing talent,” said Catherine Alcorn. “We are leading with acts that have lost their work due to Covid-19. This means the artists have no income. We live by the mandate that no one is working for free, and audiences will view for a fee.”
“This is our industry’s new normal and we need to ensure our industry can survive these times with light at the end of the tunnel that isn’t an oncoming train. The Reservoir Room platform gives us the opportunity create, play, entertain and eat too.”
On Friday 5 June Catherine Alcorn and Rodger Corser will host a brand-new weekly variety show, Friday Night Live. On Saturday 6 June is a curated Saturday Night Cabaret and Live Music Program showcasing different acts. Using a four-camera set up The Reservoir Room ensures the highest production values delivered to homes via its own social network platform.
“We’ve all been missing live performances; getting out to gigs; going to see theatre, cabaret and comedy. As we still can’t get to shows, we’ve devised a plan where we bring the show to you,” said Rodger Corser. “The Reservoir Room is a throw back to live and dangerous TV, crossed with the personal and intimate feel you get from being in the audience of a great live show.”
“You’ll get to see great gigs but also be taken backstage where we have a drink, a chat and a laugh with the stars in the Green Room. All streamed into your home, Friday and Saturday nights, It’s a great way to kick start the weekend and to be honest with Cath and myself at the helm… anything could happen!”
Artists confirmed to appear include Tim Draxl, iOTA, Ursula Yovich, Ben Mingay, Wharf Revue stars Phil Scott and Jonathan Biggins, Erika Heynatz, Ilan Kidron (The Potbelleez), Mark Trevorrow, Blake Bowden, Marney McQueen, Matt Copely, Verushka Darling, The Divine Miss Bette, Ben Gerrard, The James Sarno Quintet with many more to be announced. Daniel Edmonds (9 to 5, CHICAGO, Dream Lover) will Musically Direct Friday Night Live.
Formerly Metro Screen then Cobbstar Studios, this 95 square metre green screen TV studio has been transformed into The Reservoir Room that will thrive as a live performance venue once the lockdown restrictions ease.
“After the initial shock of the pandemic and the decimation and depression it thrust upon the world, my industry and myself, I longed for an active answer,” said Executive Producer Brian Cobb. “With my studios as a base thanks to the City of Sydney, Cath and myself connected with a shared vision. Cath’s focus would be talent, as I wrangled my tv/film and tech contacts.
“Together we are now launching a formidable virtual venue, that will evolve to a live performance space known as The Reservoir Room. It’s sexy, it’s hot and will thrive well into the future.”
The Reservoir Room kicks off on Friday 5 June 2020. Tickets available from 1 June on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis starting at $5.00 A percentage of proceeds will be made to Actors Benevolent Fund and SUPPORT ACT. For more information, visit: www.reservoirroom.com for details.
Image: Rodger Corser and Catherine Alcorn will host The Reservoir Room – photo by Phil Erbacher