Event and Ticketing Details
Dates & Times
Wednesday 19 October
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Kidnappings, burglaries, conspiracy theorists and Richard Roxburgh — these could be the ingredients of a cracking episode of Rake but they’re actually the elements of a madcap children’s book. That book is called Artie and the Grime Wave and Roxburgh is its author and illustrator.
As an actor, Roxburgh has charmed Australian audiences, not just for his starring role in Rake, but also for his work in theatre and film. As a writer and illustrator, however, he’s squirrelled away for years quietly and privately, until now. Artie and the Grime Wave — about two kids, a missing tortoise, a mad scientist and a suspicious cave — is his debut book for children, and it’s as hilarious as you’d expect.
Roxburgh will drop by the Wheeler Centre for a chat with broadcaster and comedian Meshel Laurie and to meet fans and readers. The pair will talk reading, writing, sketching and general silliness. Who knows, Roxburgh might even explain the inspiration behind his fictional invention: the Fartex 120Y.
This event is perfect for children aged 7–12, but open to all ages.
Featuring
Richard Roxburgh
Richard Roxburgh is one of Australia’s best-loved and most versatile actors. He has become a household name for his work in films like Moulin Rouge! and his lead role in TV’s Rake, as well as his many highly acclaimed performances with the Sydney Theatre Company. Artie and the Grime Wave is his first book.
Meshel Laurie
Meshel Laurie is a stand-up comedian of some 20 years’ experience, a radio and television broadcaster and writer.
She is currently co-host of Matt & Meshel in the Morning on KIIS 101.1FM, and a regular panelist on TEN’s The Project.
In 2013, Meshel released her first book — a memoir titled The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny — and she continues to blog at MeshelLaurie.com. The site is also dedicated to connecting charitable people with charitable organisations, and fighting racism. She is also a regular contributor to Sunday Life magazine.
Meshel is proudly an official ambassador for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Australia, and for Reconciliation Australia.
Other television credits include Spicks and Specks, Can of Worms, Rove, The Circle, ADBC, Adam Hills: In Gordon Street Tonight and This Week Live, to name but a few. Meshel returned to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2015 after a break of from performing live, with a series of interview shows (Meshel Talks Funny) in which she spoke with the most inspiring and influential members of the Australian comedy scene.