Capri Theatre

The Promise | Green Frog Productions
2023-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 UTC
“The Promise” is a powerful documentary that follows the compelling journey of Craig Hamilton. The film aims to spark a conversation, an action and a solution for mental health and suicide prevention. As the documentary unfolds, viewers witness Craig’s personal struggles and triumphs, delving into the depths of his emotional turmoil and the impact it had on his life. “The Promise” aims to inspire empathy, understanding, and action, fostering a nation that prioritizes mental well-being and supports individuals on their path to recovery.
All profits generated from our Q&A tour will be generously donated to Lifeline, a vital organization dedicated to providing crucial support and assistance to those in need.

Morning Memories
2023-10-20 10:00 - 12:00
“Leave it to the Girls” brings in a heavyweight team of talented ladies to musically entertain your ears.
Heidi Rae vocalist,
Heather Purdie piano,
Samantha Gilberthorpe cello,
Claire Baker Organ,
Margie Hay Organ,
INCLUDES
10:00am Morning Tea
10:30am Show
12:00pm Finish

Morning Memories Capri Theatre 20 October 2023
Performers for Leave it to the Girls are drawn from the ranks of the Theatre Organ Society SA members and volunteers, all fine musicians in their own fields. Add to this a guest artist and we have a program of delightful popular music from several genres.
The morning commences with vocalist Heidi Rae, presenting several musical comedy favourites, including Oh What a Beautiful Morning from Oklahoma, Good Morning from Singing in the Rain and It’s a Lovely Day Today fom Call Me Madam. Heidi will be accompanied by the only male on the program, Capri favorite Barry Hall, playing the Mighty Wurlitzer.
Heather Purdie then joins the performers to play several pieces on the Capri Kawai Grand Piano. Amongst Heather’s pieces will be the theme from Beauty and the Beast, from the musical of the same name, A Spoonful of Sugar from Mary Poppins and the theme from Dr Zhivago, Somewhere my Love.
Guest artist Samantha Gilberthorpe, or as she prefers Sammy G, then brings her cello to the Capri stage. Sammi is a fairly recent arrival in Adelaide, leaving behind a respected career in cello music in Sydney. Since her arrival in Adelaide, Sammy has continued to be active in her special music field, teaching cello and performing on a regular basis. She recently performed at the FrenchFest music festival in the Clare Valley. Sammy will play a selection of popular music arranged for the Cello.
Sammy will then be joined by Capri regular organist Claire Baker to perform a duet on cello and organ of the The Swan. Composed by Camille Saint-Saens, The Swan is part of his The Carnival of the Animals suite. During this performance the audience will be treated to an on screen classical ballet dance from The Royal Ballet of The Dance of the Dyring Swan, originally created by Anna Pavlova.
Claire then remains at the organ console to play several of her favourites. Claire will be remembered for leading the fun at the regular Capri screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Wearing another hat, Claire is responsible for maintaining the electrical components of the Capri Wurlitzer.
Completing the program is Margie Hay, well know to Capri audiences for her regular pre-movie organ recitals. Again Margie will play several of her favourite pieces including the spectacular Granada. Granada was written by Mexican composer Agustin Lara in 1932. Often sung with Spanish lyrics by Lara in an operatic style, a popular version with English lyrics was written by Australian Dorothy Dodd. As a song Granada has become the signature tune of Jose Carreras, and is one of the feature songs recorded by The Three Tenors.

Adelaide Film Festival 2023
2023-10-18 18:00 - 2023-10-29 20:30
Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) is South Australia’s premier screen event and one of Australia’s leading film festivals. It’s a celebration of courageous cinema where filmmakers and audiences come together for two weeks of local and international film premieres, art, talks and parties in October.
AFF is renowned for its warmth and inclusivity, welcoming new audience members and industry guests alike to South Australia and its eclectic cinema theatres. The festival allows all of us to surrender to the screen and be swallowed up by the story.
Adelaide Film Festival is a registered non-profit and a subsidiary of the South Australian Department for Industry, Innovation and Science. The festival is also supported by Screen Australia and a proud member of the Festivals Adelaide group.
Check sessions times HERE: https://adelaidefilmfestival.org/

Adelaide Independent Film Festival
2023-10-14 14:00 - 18:00
Welcome in the warmth of Spring and join us at the inaugural Adelaide Independent Film Festival (AIFF) on 14 October 2023 for an afternoon of incredible short films presented at the uniquely designed and heritage-listed Capri Theatre!
The official programme comprises over a dozen short films from local, national and international filmmakers. Throughout the past few months, we have watched over 100 short films and have specifically selected the very best to present to you. The AIFF is proudly sponsored by The City of Unley.
We have secured the award-winning contemporary visual artist Nasim Nasr. A selection of Nasim’s phenomenal work will be presented in the foyer before the main screening.
To add extra flavour to the mix, you will experience the Capri’s Wurlitzer theatre organ. If you have not witnessed this compelling instrument live, you do not want to miss out!
At the end of the screening, join us to celebrate at The Goody on Goodwood Road and tell us your favourite short film. We would love to hear from you! The Goody is only a short 7-minute walk from the Capri Theatre.
Everyone is welcome. Head to the tickets page to secure your seats to be included in the Adelaide Independent Film Festival’s history books as one of the very first patrons!
The official programme will be announced in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on our Instagram page and website for all the details.
Thank you for supporting the newest film festival in South Australia!
***If you live within the City of Unley, study at a South Australian film school or supported the AIFF at our fundraiser in July, please email us directly to receive a code for discounted tickets. ***
Full Programme
The 7th Night: MaoMao
Directed by ahLoong
3 Minutes | Malaysia (English Subtitles)
According to Chinese custom, every soul will pay a last visit to their beloved family on the 7th night after they passed away. This is a story about a little boy waiting for the return of his lost beloved cat MaoMao.

The Better Angels
(Adelaide film)
Directed by Michael Cusack
13 Minutes | Australia
A young soldier trying to escape the horrors of war, finds an abandoned house and within its walls the stories of what might have been.

Suitcase
Directed by Saman Hosseinpuor, Ako Zandkarimi
14 minutes | Iran (No dialogue)
Far from his own homeland, a Kurdish refugee lives in his suitcase. In it he carries memories of his family. When someone steals the suitcase in the tumult of the foreign city centre, he loses his home a second time.

Café Marylin
Directed by András Reszeli-Soós
28 Minutes | Hungary (English Subtitles)
Australian Premiere
The well-known actor with one of the most famous voices in the country is invited to a meeting at Café Marylin, where over a cup of coffee, he is faced with the strange fact that his host’s voice is almost exactly the same as his own. And his vocal doppelganger knows a lot about him. Probably, much more than you can get from the tabloids.

Impulse
Directed by Nasim Nasr
3 Minutes | Australia
Impulse concerns the ongoing struggle and conflict between human ‘dark’ and ‘light’ emotions, through synchronous half-hidden and half-revealed dance moves by a male figure with a black and white chador (Iranian compulsory female hijab).

The Speed of Sound
Directed by Matthew J. Thompson
13 Minutes | Australia
SA Premiere
When a hopeful filmmaker’s mate exaggerates his skills to get him a job, he struggles with his anxiety while stuck in the director’s cross hairs.

Dies Irae
Directed by Maru Collective
8 Minutes | Australia
SA Premiere
Two playful angels, seven sinful pigs, and one poor righteous passerby.

High Waters On The Shoulders Of Giants
Directed by Gus Armstrong
1 minute | Australia
SA Premiere
A short biopic as First Nations custodian Peter Swain examines and overlooks the condition of the river as it recedes from flood waters.

The Individuals
(Adelaide film)
Directed by Alexandra Kessell
10 Minutes | Australia
Adverse habits and hidden traumas begin to unravel three young roommates, as they all try to navigate adulthood.

Flappy
Directed by Darcy Conlan
6 Minutes | Australia
SA Premiere
A thief is stalked by an inflatable car yard mascot after he steals one of its closely guarded vehicles.

Evacuation Afghanistan: The Story of Erfan
(Adelaide film)
Directed by Angus Rawson
5 Minutes | Australia
This documentary follows the story of Erfanullah, an interpreter for NATO Forces, who was evacuated to Australia after the fall of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Taliban.

Djaambi
(Adelaide film)
Directed by Joel Brown
8 Minutes | Australia
Djaambi centres on Reg, a young Indigenous man, transitioning between past decisions, and the new. Made raw in the wake of the death of his close cousin, Tjarrah, Reg’s experiences with racism at the hands of his work colleague challenge his sense of identity, making him anxious.

The Drivers
Directed by Fraser Cameron
14 Minutes | Australia
Australian Premiere
Jump in the back of a ride-share car, and learn something new about its driver – by asking something new. Something intimate, personal and real. Set in Melbourne, this short explores what’s shared when you replace small talk with big questions. Love, loss, childhood – life is a wild ride, for all of us.

Pyre
Directed by Paul Burns
4 Minutes | Australia
Exploring helplessness, Pyre is an experimental short film which personifies death as a ghoul in a dress, drawing closer and closer until striking.

Reincarnation Mall
Directed by Eric Giessmann, Piers Goffart
5 Minutes | Germany (No dialogue)
It’s just a pity that Mr. Grump didn’t collect too many karma points during his life on Earth. Because when he suddenly finds himself in a shopping mall after his death, in which you can buy a new life with exactly these points, he is forced to rethink his entire attitude towards life.

Australian Mongrel
Directed by Rocco Fazzari, Belinda Lopez
2 Minutes | Australia
SA Premiere
Passengers on the Sydney Rail Network are asked “How did you get here?”

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Midnight Screening
2023-10-13 23:59 - 2023-10-14 02:45
I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey. There’s a light on, over at the Capri. No, it’s not a hunting lodge for rich weirdos. It’s a place where you can be amongst friends…not sane persons. We know it’s not easy having a good time. Even smiling makes our face ache. So pop on your fishnets, pack your rice and toast, and get ready to do the Time Warp. I’ll tell you once. I won’t tell you twice.
A costume is essential if you want to be judged and awarded with Haigh’s Chocolates by our host Peter Goers. It’s also a requirement should you want to do the Time Warp on stage with the glamorous Claire Baker in control of the mighty WurliTzer organ.
11pm – BAR OPEN
Midnight – PETER GOERS HOSTS THE COSTUME PARADE WHILE CLAIRE BAKER ROCKS THE ORGAN, FOLLOWED BY THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW ON SCREEN

Livvy & Pete Show + Grease: Sing-a-long
2023-09-29 20:00 - 23:00
On what is basically Olivia Newton-John’s birthday, Helpmann award winner Michael Griffiths and acclaimed cabaret darling Amelia Ryan celebrate the songbooks of Aussie icons Olivia Newton-John and Peter Allen, before we screen Grease: sing-a-long.
From their humble small-town beginnings to world domination in sequins and jumpsuits, revisit all of their sing-a-long classics from Rio to Tenterfield, all the way to Xanadu and beyond.
As camp as maracas and tender as Pete’s gift to Livvy ‘I Honestly Love You’, there promises to be roller skates, T-Birds, Pink Ladies, 80s jazzercise and an Oscar winning song to boot!
The movie requires no introduction. You know it. You know the songs. You know the words. All you gotta do is come and sing. “You’re the one that I want!”

Scott Harrison and the Atlantic Street Band play Dixieland Jazz
2023-09-24 14:00 - 16:00
Featuring…
Victorian organist Scott Harrison, has a distinct leaning towards the jazz genre. He will be joined by Adelaide’s own Atlantic Street Band who blend the energetic sound of traditional Dixieland jazz with an eclectic mix of other styles, creating a unique and lively sound to keep the toes tapping. Favourites like DINAH, WHEN YOU’RE SMILING and DARKTOWN STRUTTERS BALL are some of the popular inclusions to their repertoire.

Tom Burlinson Sings Sinatra (Sold Out)
2023-09-16 19:30 - 21:30
THIS SHOW HAS NOW SOLD OUT. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL INFORMATION@CAPRI.ORG.AU.
Mr Tom Burlinson is back with a new show that celebrates the life of the chairman of the board, simply titled ‘Sinatra,’ performing Frank’s greatest hits live on stage with a 12 piece show band.
It’s been 25 years since old blue eyes left us so we’re lucky to have Tom’s impeccable renditions to help us keep the memory alive.
There will be a meet and greet with Tom in the foyer after the concert.
Tom’s concert with us last year was a complete sell out so get in quick this time!
Presented in association with Down Under Promotions.

Rock'n'Roll
2023-09-03 14:00 - 15:20
The only live rock’n’roll feature film ever made in the 1950s will be screening for one session only here at the Capri.
Miraculously retrieved from a certain journey to the local tip, Melbourne resident Mark Iaria discovered the film while visiting a yard sale clear out in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
The brainchild of American Lee Gordon, whose entertainment company blossomed in Australia during the 1950s and early 60s, Rock’n’Roll sat on the top of the NFSAs most wanted list for decades, after the only copy thought to have survived was accidentally taken to the local tip in the early 1970s by a removalist working for the director of the film, Lee Robinson.
Widely regarded as one of the most important cultural artefacts to be retrieved in the post-war period, ‘Rock’n’Roll’ catalogues a short lived but crucial phase in the genesis of the Rock’n’Roll genre prior to the ‘Merseybeat’ invasion headed by The Beatles in the early 1960s.
Showcasing the cream of Australian rock’n’roll performers of the era, the film features Johnny O’Keefe, Col Joye, Johnny Devlin, The Delltones, Johnny Rebb, Lonnie Lee, The Graduates, The Crescents and Warren Williams, in 80 minutes of raw, cultural defining moments, while performing at the iconic Sydney Stadium for one of Gordon’s 1959 ‘Big Shows’, in front of thousands of fans.
As Australian youths clamoured to join in the wave of American pop culture that began to pour into the country in the 1950s, via film, radio and television, Rock’n’Roll captures a critical flashpoint in outstanding audio & visual quality. Lee Robinson’s film company, Southern International Films, utilized 7 state of the art 35mm cinematograph cameras and a unique audio recording set up to film the event. The results were years ahead of their time.
Rock’n’Roll is a must see for anyone connected or appreciative of the early days of Rock’n’Roll and beyond.
This screening will be the remastered digital format.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAcwrtAShsw

Morning Memories
2023-09-01 10:00 - 12:00
Relive the time when we gathered around the radio to listen to our favorite radio programs. The Retire Active SA Radio Players present a series of radio plays accompanied on the WurliTzer theatre organ by John Slater.
Ticket Includes:
Morning tea in the foyer
A raffle ticket
Guest Organist BARRY HALL
10:00am – Morning Tea
10:30am – Show
12:00pm – Finish

Andre Rieu's 2023 Maastricht Concert: Love Is All Around
2023-08-26 15:00 - 18:00
The King of the Waltz invites you to his all-new cinema concert “Love is All Around”, from his beautiful hometown of Maastricht!
André Rieu will again stage his glorious annual summer event in the iconic Vrijthof Square this year. The concert will be a musical feast with heart-warming pieces lovingly chosen by André, covering classics, popular sing-alongs, and delightful waltzes that make you want to dance.
Along with his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra, André teams up with the charming Gospel Choir and special surprise guests, bringing you and your loved ones a refreshing, romantic, fun party at your local cinema – you will feel that love is all around!
Share a concert experience filled with music, dance, love and happiness – Only in cinemas!

Gutsy Girls Film Festival 2023
2023-08-12 19:00 - 22:00
The Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour serves up a curation of action-packed, inspiring all-female short adventure films like no other.
This unique blend of adventure, talent, inspiration, and stunning scenery comes together to unite not only women but all those with an adventurous spirit who will be moved to chase their dreams and push their own personal boundaries.
The 2023 tour features the epic story of Samantha Gash and Jessie Ling’s crossing of Nepal, endurance runner Erika Lori’s attempt to set a fastest known time on the 1000km Bibbulmun Track, epic mountain biking, awe-inspiring climbing and some fun filled near-naked skiing!
Offering something for all ages, genders and adventure lovers the Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour is packed full of adrenaline, inspiration and fuel to fire your passions
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Find out more at https://gutsygirlsadventurefilmtour.com.au/
The Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour is exempt from classification, but the films are suitable for all ages but please note there is some nudity. If near-naked skiing is not your cup of tea we recommend you give it a miss.

Seating is not allocated. Arrive early for the best seats. Sorry NO REFUNDS.

Top Dog Film Festival 2023
2023-08-12 14:00 - 16:45
Celebrate the canine connection through this carefully curated collection of heartwarming stories about dogs and their people at the 2023 Top Dog Film Festival.
Meet dogs from all walks of life on the big screen at the 2023 Top Dog Film Festival. Experience the stories of salty sea dogs, unbreakable bonds and canine companions that enrich the lives of all those they encounter. Experience heartfelt stories of people who dedicate their lives to improving the outcomes for man’s best friend and meet a very clever dog who will steal a piece of your heart.
The 2023 Top Dog Film Festival presents a 2-hour cinematic celebration honouring the bond between dogs and their people. Filled with delightfully doggy moments of joy and celebration of our beloved canine companions.
This carefully curated program of short canine-themed films is comprised of the most inspirational, heart-warming and entertaining stories about dogs and their human companions, from independent filmmakers around the globe.
Get your tickets before they all sell out – you’d be barking mad to miss it.

www.TopDogFilmFestival.com.au

Seating is not allocated. Arrive early for the best seats. Sorry NO REFUNDS.
This program is exempt from rating but would be considered a PG program.

John Slater & David Johnston: Play Music from Around the World - Theatre Organ Concert
2023-08-06 14:00 - 16:00
This will be a fun afternoon, featuring Adelaide’s John Slater and David Johnston from Victoria. They both have outstanding musical ability and play a range of instruments. There may even be a visit from ‘Jock’ with his bagpipes! Both artists are also accomplished silent movie accompanists.
The gents invite you to join them on their World Tour, consisting of this single show at the Capri.
Their luggage will include the magnificent Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, Brass & Bagpipes- even a Silent Movie. Join in the fun by wearing a National Costume. (you could even win a prize!)

A Man Of Vision: the life and work of Chris A. Smith
2023-08-02 19:00 - 20:30
With no formal architectural training, Port Adelaide-born architect Chris A. Smith rapidly established himself, before the age of thirty, as South Australia’s leading architect of theatres and civic buildings. Smith produced a vast body of work between 1914 and 1942, including more than forty picture theatres and town halls. Many are now listed in the South Australian Heritage Register, including the Capri Theatre. This talk by Chris Burns, drawing on new research, traces Smith’s career, examines his works and introduces some of his many collaborators.
6:00pm – Bar Open
7:00pm – Talk
8:00pm – Q&A

Streisand Sings, Purling Swings plus "The Way We Were"
2023-06-25 14:00 - 17:00
The renowned Kym Purling Trio interprets the music of Barbara Streisand, followed by the 50th anniversary screening of “The Way We Were.”
Considered one of the great romantic films of all time, The Way We Were celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. What better way to mark the occasion than to present one of South Australia’s biggest musical exports, world renowned and world class pianist Kym Purling, to interpret the music of the movie’s star, Barbara Streisand. Purling has returned to Australia following almost three decades based in New York and Paris. He has established himself internationally, performing in more than 140 countries around the world alongside many stars such as Engelbert Humperdinck and Natalie Cole. He has conducted several Broadway shows and has made significant contributions in the worlds of jazz and musical theatre. We are excited to invite you to this special performance to experience Purling’s renditions of our favourite Streisand songs before the screening of The Way We Were.
1:00pm BAR OPEN IN THE FOYER
2:00pm THE KYM PURLING TRIO
3:00pm THE WAY WE WERE

KYM PURLING’S BIOGRAPHY

EARLY LIFE
Kym Purling was born in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), two and a half years before the end of the Vietnam War. The exact date of his birth is unknown. Knowledge of the identity of Purling’s birthparents is also unknown. Purling was found abandoned as a baby at only a few days old and was then briefly hospitalized before being placed in an orphanage in Saigon, where the director of the orphanage gave him the name Vu Tien Quyen. (Note: In Vietnam, Vu is the family name and the given name Quyen, means bird. The middle name Tien, can mean sky, heaven, spirit or angel but can also mean to move forward, improve or develop in the way of power and human rights).

Soon after, Purling was placed in a second orphanage run by World Vision, called the New Life Babies Home. While receiving vaccinations, he received an alias name, David Hùng. (Note: This name was given to him by the nurses in order to confuse and cast away the evil spirits so that Purling would return to good health). Meanwhile, a South Australian couple, (soon to be Kym’s adoptive parents), had already spent two long years battling ‘red tape’ and lobbying governments and aid agencies to demonstrate their protest to the war in Vietnam and to adopt an orphaned Vietnamese baby. With the help of an Australian matron at the home, Purling was finally adopted at the age of nine months, becoming the first international adoption of any nationality in Australia. He was renamed Kym, an Asian and western name, to make it easier for his Australian family and friends to pronounce. His middle name, David, was chosen not only in reference to his new adoptive father’s name but also because of the alias name, David Hung’, which he was given while hospitalized in Vietnam.
Purling, along with three other babies and a fourteen year old Vietnamese girl, were secretly airlifted from Vietnam to Melbourne (Australia), where Mrs. Judith Purling and three other anxious mothers awaited the arrival of the orphans. The thirteen year old girl was the first to exit the plane to be reunited with her sister that she had not seen in two years. Her exit served as a diversion to the awaiting media while Purling and the other babies departed through the back door of the plane into the arms of their new mothers. (Note: Purling has since reunited with the matron in the home in Saigon, and with the fourteen year old Vietnamese girl and the three other babies. Interestingly, now in their adult lives, all four are involved in music either professionally or semi-professionally. (See the first of two 60 Minutes television specials on YouTube and national Australian newspaper article, “Orphans Of ‘Nam Reunite”).
MUSICAL BEGINNINGS
Kym Purling’s musical life began at the age of five. Purling’s eldest sister was studying classical piano and Purling would observe his sister practicing then mimic the songs she was practicing , instantly by ear. At the age of six, he began formal classical piano training. He continued classical studies throughout primary school and high school while teaching himself to play various other styles of music. Purling played trumpet and various percussion instruments through his schooling life and toured to Malaysia at the age of fourteen playing trumpet. Purling was raised in the church, (Purling’s father and sister are both Christian ministers of religion), which also provided him the opportunity at a young age to play from lead sheets and/or without music, a foundation towards playing jazz, a music which Purling would later fall in love with and eventually carve a career from.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Purling began working semi-professionally as a pianist during his teens and was also teaching, accompanying and playing for several national Australian dance companies such as the internationally acclaimed, Meryl Tankard’s Australian Dance Theatre. During these years, Kym also engaged in some acting and film work. He had a major role in a documentary film, “Moving Up” and also acted in a feature film titled, Sebastian and the Sparrow, by filmmaker Scott Hicks, director of Shine and Snow Falling On Cedars.
Purling later earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at the University of Adelaide (Australia), a step that that would put him on a new but certain direction. He began working extensively as a jazz pianist in

Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne with his own trio, which also served as a rhythm section for many leading Australian vocalists and instrumentalists. He engaged in studio session work for radio and television commercials, performed regularly at local and national establishments and appeared at many music, arts and jazz festivals.
During the early nineties, Purling also worked extensively in the corporate sector, making 200-250 performances each year. Purling has performed with many national and international artists such as The Mills Brothers, Kay Starr, Buddy Greco, The Pied Pipers, Clint Holmes, Carl Fontana, David Cassidy, Marlena Shaw, Joe Williams and Frank Sinatra Jr. Purling has also toured internationally and made national television performances in the U.S. with vocal legends, Natalie Cole and Engelbert Humperdinck. He has shared the stage with many other artists such as Julio Iglesias, Arturo Sandoval, There Might Be Giants, Sandra Bernhardt, Harry Connick, Jr., James Morrison and the Ray Brown Trio. He has also musical-directed for a vocalist with Wayne Newton and was also offered the position as pianist and musical director for stage and film legend, Mickey Rooney. Purling has recorded several compact disc albums under his own name and appeared as a sideman on countless albums in Australia, the U.S. and Asia. At the age of just 24, following his second nomination, Purling was presented the award for the Most Outstanding Keyboard Player of the Year at the South Australian Music Industry Awards. Soon after, he declined an offer to teach at the University of Adelaide after being offered a position as an Ambassador for the Performing Arts, between Australia and Vietnam. During the ambassadorship, (the first time Purling had returned to his homeland since being adopted), he performed and taught music with Vietnamese children, students, adults and professional musicians, while also making solo recordings for educational purposes. He performed sold out concerts in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and spent a large amount of his time writing arrangements, teaching and performing with The Saigon Jazz Band, a project that he created with the famous Vietnamese vocalist, Tuyet Loan, a woman who frequently performed in the G.I. camps during the Vietnam War and is a household name in Vietnam.
While in Ho Chi Minh City, Purling’s hotel room often became an unplanned teaching studio due to the young and enthusiastic Vietnamese who were interested in jazz and had discovered where Purling was residing. Many times they appeared unannounced at his hotel room door, introducing themselves and requesting instruction in jazz improvisation. During the ambassadorship, Purling also formed vital administrative, musical and personal connections between the two countries. He also appeared in many newspapers and on many radio stations during the residency. Purling’s performances were the first non- classical or traditional music concerts ever held at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, (Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh Nhac Vien). Purling was also offered a teaching position at the Conservatory of Music but declined the offer due to commitments awaiting him back in Australia.
Interestingly, five years later, a Vietnamese woman had discovered one of the many Vietnamese newspaper articles that featured Purling and claimed that he was her biological son. She was not Purling’s biological mother.
Purling then returned to Australia before touring to London, Amsterdam and Den Haag where he performed each day at The North Sea Jazz Festival, the world’s largest indoor jazz festival boasting an audience of 85,000 people. On completion of the tour, he moved to the United States and completed a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During this time, Purling taught on the university faculty while performing extensively in almost every Las Vegas showroom, concert venue and hotel and casino. He quickly a network for himself in Las Vegas and used his contacts in

Australia to personally organize and lead an international tour to Australia for the 19 member UNLV Big Band. (See second of two 60 Minutes TV Special on YouTube). The tour was very successful, impressing Australian jazz fans, critics and musicians with his American fellow musicians and the reunion performances he made with his former Australian trio. (Funding for the tour was provided in part by U.S. comedian Drew Carey).
Purling returned to Las Vegas to continue his teaching and performing before touring to Scotland to perform with a U.S. jazz quintet. The group performed nightly for two weeks at the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival, receiving notable reviews from various Scottish newspapers. By 2000, Purling had established his own following in Las Vegas. He created this audience through his varied performances at many of the new resorts that had opened since he had moved there. Purling was one of the first musicians to perform at The Bellagio, Paris Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, The Aladdin and the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, where he performed with his Las Vegas Trio on the eve of January 01, 2000 as fireworks sprinkled down past its windows and the clock ticked over into the new millennium.
Purling later returned and toured again to Australia to present some reunion performances with his former Australian trio. Soon after his return to the United States, he relocated to New York City after being offered the position of musical-director and conductor for the U.S. National Tour of Footloose the Musical, a traveling Broadway show from New York City. With Footloose, Purling traveled to 247 cities in just eleven months. Whilst on the road with Footloose, Purling was also commissioned to compose the score for a new musical that premiered in Chicago later that year. He composed and wrote the music on a small keyboard and laptop while touring on buses and planes around the U.S. At the conclusion of the Footloose tour in Springfield, Illinois, Purling drove to Chicago the next night and watched his musical score being performed on stage by singers, actors and dancers he had never met before. Purling then returned to his performances in Las Vegas and began working on his own original musical and other long-term projects.
Soon after, Purling was hired for the 2002-2004 U.S. & Canadian national tours of the acclaimed Broadway musical, Miss Saigon. Purling made the decision to travel with the show not only to discover more of North America and Canada, but because of the many parallels between the story of Miss Saigon and his own life. Due to Purling’s personal connection to the show and the work achieved in his own career, Purling received an incredible and overwhelming amount of media interest and attention from newspapers and radio and televisions stations all across the United States and Canada. (Many of these newspaper articles, radio interviews and television clips can be found in the Portfolio and Film & Television sections at www.kympurling.com and on YouTube).
The U.S. tour of Miss Saigon continued for a further two years, however, Purling left the show partway through after being appointed as musical director and conductor for the Japanese and North American tours of the acclaimed Broadway musical, 42nd Street. Purling particularly enjoyed Japan because after conducting his show each night, he would seek out the many small jazz clubs hidden around Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto and play with the local Japanese jazz musicians until the early hours of the morning.
Purling later returned to Australia to headline a concert with David Helfgott, the acclaimed classical pianist and subject of the motion picture, Shine. He also performed a series of jazz concerts and workshops throughout Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Purling later relocated to Florida and continued to perform locally, nationally and internationally. In Florida, he formed another trio, recording albums and performing concerts around the U.S. He has engaged in regular national television work, including a one-hour television special with Natalie Cole, the daughter of legendary singer, Nat ‘King’ Cole. Purling then continued to travel the world as musical director, conductor and pianist for vocal legend, Engelbert Humperdinck. During the two year period with Humperdinck, Purling performed in most of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and largest outdoor arenas around the world.

Following the appointment with Engelbert Humperdinck, Purling resided in Los Angeles for a short time, performing regularly in Beverley Hills and around Los Angeles with many of the city’s best jazz musicians. He also worked steadily at Henson Studios playing on television commercials for Hyundai and many other companies.
Purling then began to split his time between New York and Paris, realizing that he needed a European base when beginning another new chapter as a fly-on headline artist, performing his own shows with a seven piece band in the 500-1500 seat theaters on the world’s most luxurious cruise lines. Purling continues to partner his passion for international travel and performing by flying to the fleets of thirteen of the world’s best cruise lines. Purling has now traveled to 144 countries and continues to work from the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia.
Purling is an active humanitarian and has made numerous performances for charity, providing funds to aid his various humanitarian projects, primarily assisting orphans and children in Vietnam and Nepal. He has given concerts and sourced funding to feed 2000 children in Nepal and later another concert to provide funds following the catastrophic earthquakes in Nepal in 2015. In 2019, Purling gave another concert to aid The Sunrise Children’s Association, an organization based in Adelaide, South Australia which reunites Nepalese orphans and trafficked children with their families and assists them to create a living for themselves. Purling has and continues to donate his talents and services offering concerts to raise funds for several past and ongoing charities such as the Australian Cranial Facial Foundation, The Variety Club of South Australia, The Global Action Coalition (Florida-Nepal), Hands For Hope (Vietnam) and several other humanitarian charities.

Chris McPhee & Peter Goers: The best things in life are McPhee...
2023-06-04 14:00 - 16:00
The best things in life are McPhee…
Celebrated theatre organist Chris McPhee, featuring Peter Goers. Stories of the mighty Regent Theatre on its 95th anniversary and show biz hilarity and Adelaide nostalgia from a master storyteller and a superb theatre organist on the Capri’s mighty Wurlitzer heard at its inestimable best.
Introducing CHRIS McPHEE…
Chris McPhee A.A.G.M. is a celebrated theatre organist who lives and works in Adelaide. He has a distinctive musical style emanating fun and individuality while expressing his vibrant spirit and passion for nostalgia.
As a teenager, Chris was particularly inspired when he heard the legendary UK organist and entertainer, Douglas Reeve. Since then, Chris went on to build and establish an international reputation for himself. He has performed at leading venues across Australia, New Zealand, United States of America and the United Kingdom. In recognition of his outstanding talents, he was awarded an Associate Diploma in Organ, with Honors.
In his home city, Chris has starred as the featured artist on the J.W. Walker & Sons Adelaide Town Hall Organ and the Silver Jubilee Organ at the Festival Theatre. He was chosen to receive the great honor of being the final organist to perform at the historic Adelaide Regent Theatre before it closed in 2004.
Chris has thrilled audiences with his stylish organ playing at many venues and celebrates over 35 years of performing on the famous Wurlitzer at the Capri Theatre. He has released 7 commercial recordings and his music is broadcast extensively, not only on local radio, but all around the globe. He is a solo artist of great renown but he has also performed alongside some of the all-time greats of Australian entertainment.
Outside of Chris McPhee’s musical endeavours, he also holds qualifications in embalming and post mortem reconstructive surgery, with membership in both the Australian Institute of Embalming and British Institute of Embalmers.
…and Peter Goers
Peter Goers has worked in the theatre for 52 years as actor, director, designer, entertainer and occasional playwright. He has performed versions of his act more than one thousand times all over South Australia, in the Silver City of Broken Hill and in Victoria and Queensland. He has performed nine seasons of his popular one man Fringe shows and has won a Fringe Award. He has hosted the Evening Show on ABC Radio for 20 years and contributed a weekly column in the Sunday Mail for 32 years. He is the author of two memoirs published by Wakefield Press and loves hosting events at the Capri with wonderful Willsy. In 2013 Goers was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the arts, community and radio. He is honoured to work with Chris McPhee.

EOS - Toyko Stories
2023-05-28 16:00 - 17:30
Exhibition on Screen presents Tokyo Stories.
A thrilling encounter with one of the world’s great art capitals.
Based on a major exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford, Tokyo Stories spans 400 years of incredibly dynamic art – ranging from the delicate woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige to Pop Art posters, contemporary photography, Manga, film, and brand-new artworks that were created on the streets.
The exhibition was a smash-hit five-star success and brought a younger and more diverse audience to the museum. The film uses the exhibition as a launchpad to travel to Tokyo itself, and explore the art and artists of the city more fully.
A beautifully illustrated and richly detailed film, looking at a city which has undergone constant destruction and renewal over its 400-year history, resulting in one of the most vibrant and interesting cities on the planet…
A celebration of Tokyo: one of the world’s most creative, dynamic and fascinating cities.
This film tells the stories of the artists and people who have made Tokyo famous for its boundless drive for the new and innovative.

Young At Heart - Mother's Day
2023-05-14 15:00 - 17:15
Did your Ma have a big old crush on old blue eyes back in the day? Then trundle her down to the Capri (after you’ve taken her to lunch, obviously) for a cuppa and a biscuit and Frankie boy crooning on the big screen with the lovely Doris in Young At Heart.
Mother’s Day just happens to be on the anniversary of Frank’s passing, so we’ve also organised a little on-screen tribute to the Chairman of the Board.
2:00pm AFTERNOON TEA IN THE FOYER
2:45pm BARRY HALL ON THE MIGHTY WURLITZER THEATRE ORGAN
3:00pm REMEMBERING FRANK
3:15pm YOUNG AT HEART
The ticket includes afternoon tea.
SYNOPSIS: Gregory Tuttle (Robert Keith), a widowed musician, is the father of three extraordinarily gifted daughters, Laurie (Doris Day), Fran (Dorothy Malone) and Amy (Elisabeth Fraser), all of whom are facing different romantic troubles. The arrival of two handsome musicians, Alex Burke (Gig Young) and Barney Sloan (Frank Sinatra), who have been invited by Gregory to board at the house while working on a new musical, further complicates the daughters’ love lives.

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2023
2023-05-13 19:00 - 22:00
The 2023 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is a 3 hour celebration of the mountain and adventure sport world. Sharing over 2 1/2 hours of the most exhilarating short films from explorers, runners, mountain bikers, skiers, paddlers and climbers from around the globe.
The tour is hot on the heels of the largest and most prestigious mountain festival in the world, the Banff Mountain Festival, which takes place every November in the mountain town of Banff, in Canada.
More than 300 of the world’s best mountain sport, culture, environment, adventure, and exploration films are shown during the week-long event. A selection of award winners and audience favourites then tours the globe, visiting 390 communities and 35 countries as part of the festival’s official world tour.
This year, the Australian line-up features two-and-a-half hours of captivating short films shot in some of the most wild and remote corners of the world. The program is packed full of mesmerising cinematography, thought-provoking storylines and adrenaline-inducing action sequences.
The original and the best mountain film festival is presented by World Expeditions. ONE SCREENING ONLY IN ADELAIDE.
For more details visit www.banffaustralia.com.au
SEATING IS NOT ALLOCATED: Come early for the best seats. SORRY NO REFUNDS

Header photo credit: Ashlee Hendy and Elizabeth Chong, Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Australia © Simon Carter
