Send for Nellie

Merrigong Theatre Company presents Alana Valentine’s Send For Nellie at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre from 14 to 17 February.

1931, Sydney. West-Indian Australian singer Nellie Small puts on a sleek top hat and tails at a little Oxford Street venue, and a legend of Australian vaudeville and cabaret is born.

Send For Nellie recreates in story, song and in Nellie’s own words (drawn from the archives) one of the most impressive careers in Australian theatre.

Powerhouse performer Elenoa Rokobaro steps into the spotlight with a swinging band featuring Wollongong-born drummer, Jodie Michael, and saxophonist, Camilla Bellstedt. Together they recreate Nellie’s hits including ‘At Last’, ‘The Sunny Side of The Street’, ‘Darktown Strutters Ball’ and more from the golden era of Jazz.