Sweet taste of success

(Dennis Manktelow)

A Bacchus Marsh woman had her 10 minutes of fame last week at a national theatre festival.

Leanne Sampson-Bowden made her directorial debut at the Short and Sweet little theatre festival in Sydney which started last Thursday.

The 10-minute play, Psych Nick, is about a man who walks into a psychologist’s office on Christmas Eve claiming to be Jesus suffering depression.

Sampson-Bowden said she was excited that

Psych Nick had been selected as a wildcard entry into the festival – which showcases short theatre, dance, cabaret and comedy works.

“This is my first play direction but I have just completed writing, producing and directing three short films in the last 18 months,” she said.

“I originally came from a theatre background, doing many amateur performances back in the ’80s. Since then I have been working on my writing and acting.”

Sampson-Bowden said she hoped to put a spotlight on an issue close to her heart.

“I suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and depression, so on top of all that and being quite senior now, I feel it is a real feat I am achieving and still pursuing my creative goals,” she said.

“Psych Nick has a very international feel and it’s about breaking down barriers … I hope it will work well and be entertaining.”