Artworks

There is a dynasty of Australian showfolk all called Jim Sharman. The first established 'Jimmy Sharman's Boxing Troupe' in 1911: the travelling tent show that was part of the agricultural show circuit around the country for years. The second Jimmy Sharman took over running the boxing troupe and the third Jim Sharman directed the first Australian productions not only of 'Hair', but also 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. Then a show originally called 'They Came From Denton High' which became known as 'The Rocky Horror Show'. Jim directed the original stage versions of that as it travelled round the world - as well as the film.

Then came more than thirty years creating and directing a whole range of stuff -the 1982 Adelaide Festival, plays by Patrick White as well as the opera of his novel 'Voss'. Jim Sharman is now sixty-three years old, is still enthusiastically directing shows - and is now also the author of his memoir, 'Blood and Tinsel'.

Publications

Title: 'Blood and Tinsel - A Memoir'
Author: Jim Sharman
Publisher: Miegunyah Press (2008) ISNB: 978-0-522-85377-3

Presenter

Amanda Smith

Radio National often provides links to external websites to complement program information. While producers have taken care with all selections, we can neither endorse nor take final responsibility for the content of those sites.