Photo - Jeff BusbyReg Livermore, one of Australia’s foremost performing artists has donated costumes and accessories to the Victorian Arts Centre’s Performing Arts Collection. Representing over 20 characters and production numbers mainly from his one-man shows (performed from 1975 to 2001), these include costumes worn by Livermore as the iconic Betty Blokk Buster, Leonard, Wonder Woman and Vaseline Amalnitrate.
Reg Livermore is renowned for his performing, writing and directing abilities. His career has encompassed drama, musical theatre, operetta and television. His prominent theatre roles include Australia’s first Dr Frank’n’Furter in The Rocky Horror Show (1974), the title role in Barnum (1981-82) and Max Bialystock in The Producers (2004-05). He has also written four Australian-themed musicals including Ned Kelly (1977) and Big Sister (1990).
Reg Livermore’s most unique and significant work was his series of ‘one-man’ shows which he wrote and performed between 1975 and 2001. These include: Betty Blokk Buster Follies, Wonder Woman, Son of Betty, Sacred Cow, Sacred Cow 2 and Firing Squad, and a series of smaller shows based around his character of Leonard, beginning with Wish You Were Here.
“We are delighted to receive this generous donation from Reg Livermore for the Arts Centre’s Performing Arts Collection. Reg is one of Australia’s pre-eminent performers and it is important that his unique contribution to theatre is documented. The costumes have been selected to reflect his artistry and the variety of characters he has created during his long standing career” Manager Collection and Research, Janine Barrand said.
Reg Livermore’s solo shows particularly demonstrated his originality as both a writer and performer and gained him a cult following. They were innovative, energetic and entertaining, often politically charged, outrageous and controversial. While drawing on theatrical traditions, his shows broke new ground in terms of language and the subjects tackled onstage. Through the use of satire Reg Livermore challenged prevailing attitudes, forcing his audiences to confront social prejudices and stereotyping.
“As the nation’s largest specialist resource of Australian circus, dance, music, opera and theatre history, the Performing Arts Collection is now formally recognised as a State collection. It features over 3000,000 items including costumes and accessories, stage designs, set models, props, puppets, photographs, posters, programs and archives.”
