Onward Productions - Exciting new theatre venture from Sally Burton

Sally Burton – wife of the late Richard Burton has announced the launch of a new theatre company for Perth during an elegant champagne reception at the Western Australian Club in the city on Wednesday of last week. ‘I am passionate about theatre and very excited that at this point in my life I am able to pursue a new venture.’

During her witty address to the hoi polloi of Perth’s theatre community, a relaxed Ms Burton explained how Richard Burton’s savvy agent had ensured that some of his film deals included a percentage of future sales – so-called residuals. She now receives a substantial income from this source and has decided to spend it for the cultural good of Perth and Australia.

Onward Productions will produce 2 plays per year, the first will be presented Downstairs at the Maj later this year. Singular Women written by Stewart Permutt will feature mother and daughter team, Jenny and Rebecca Davis. Following this will be Seven Deadly Sins, Four Deadly Sinners by Norman Hudis & Marc Sinden, which will be presented in association with Black Swan State Theatre Company with artistic director Kate Cherry at the helm.

Playwriting Award

To complement the Sally Burton Award for Third Year Acting that has been available to students at WAAPA since 2007, Sally will be funding an annual award for playwriting. $20,000 will go the the best new play and $10,000 for the runner up. This award is open to playwrights throughout Australia and not just in WA; Black Swan will be involved in the assessment and selection of eligible scripts.