FIVE years of security work, including a stint as a bodyguard for MADONNA, has paid off for actor and screenwriter SHAUN PERRETT, whose first original work debuts next week.
SPECIAL OPERATIVES is the first attempt at an original screenplay from Perrett, (pictured third from left) a third year University of Newcastle drama student.
Perrett has taken his experiences in security, army training and as a bodyguard to construct a 'psychological drama' which progresses from reality 'as a jumping off point', through a series of 'what if scenarios'.
It opens at the Drama Theatre, the University of Newcastle, on Monday, August 14 and plays daily until Saturday, August 19.
Performances are at 1pm weekdays and at 7pm for the final show on Saturday.
The plot revolves around a group of bodyguards assigned to protect the Prime Minister, and the ways in which they cope with boredom during long shifts.
The drama reveals the personalities and differing backgrounds of each member of the 'special operatives' team.
Gun battles and fantasy scenes are a feature of the theatrical piece, which Perrett says draws on 'correct military jargon' similar to TOM CLANCY. Other members of SPECIAL OPERATIVES include (pictured from left) BETH AUBREY, BEN TURNER, OWEN ELLIOTT, GUY KABLE and NIGEL PERRETT. Cast members not pictured are GREG GAMMAGE as the Prime Minister and SIOBHAN CURRAN as the PM's secretary.
Perrett said the play could be adapted for stage or screen.
On screen Perrett has worked on the RACHEL WARD-directed short film THE BIG HOUSE, shot on location at Maitland Jail.
He has also been an extra in the DEIN PERRY feature film BOOTMEN and had a speaking part in THE GODDESS OF '67, starring NICHOLAS HOPE of BAD BOY BUBBY fame.
In the security industry Perrett has worked around Newcastle nightclubs and was a bodyguard during the MADONNA tour, for cast members of CATS, and for DENI HINES and JON STEVENS during JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. TE
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