Renowned Australian actors reunited for entertaining comedy drama

Published on 11 July 2017

Gold Logie Award-winning Australian actor and writer John Wood stars in the Tasmanian Theatre Company‘s production, Bakersfield Mist, at Mildura Arts Centre this month.

Wood, best known for his role as Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon in the police drama Blue Heelers, will be accompanied on stage by Australian actress Julie Nihill, who has starred in well-known Australian television dramas The Young Doctors, Prisoner, Sons and Daughters, and Blue Heelers.

Bakersfield Mist tells the story of Maude (played by Nihill), an unemployed bartender who has bought a painting from an op shop that she believes is a Jackson Pollock piece worth millions of dollars.  

However when world-class art expert Lionel Percy (played by Wood) flies over from New York to her trailer park home in Bakersfield to authenticate the painting, he has no idea what he is about to discover.

Set in the present day, the comedy is based on a true story.

Mildura Rural City Councillor for Arts and Culture Jason Modica said the play has been well received by critics, who have described it as “thoroughly entertaining”.

“The story hits deeper themes as Maude seeks validation in herself as well as the painting, and unsympathetic, cynical art historian Lionel questions its validity. Audiences are forced to question who is right.” Cr Modica said.

Bakersfield Mist

7.30pm, Saturday 29 July

Tickets are on sale now at milduraartscentre.com.au or (03) 5018 8330.

Full $38. Concession $32. Youth 18-25 $25. Under 18 $20, Group 5+ $32pp.

For more information please contact Helen Piscioneri at Mildura Arts Centre at helen.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au or on (03) 5018 8330.