LAWRENCE’S SECULAR SERMON @ THE SCHOOL OF LIFE

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Since 2008 The School of Life in Melbourne has presented wildly-popular secular Sunday Sermons exploring modern day values, virtues and issues. Previous speakers have been John Safran and scientist Dr Karl. On Sunday morning (10:45am) January 17, 2015, Lawrence will present his sermon entitled “On (Not) Knowing”.

From tackling the Rubik’s Cube to investigating the claims of so-called psychics and ghosthunters in his documentary series Unbelievable (ABC1), Lawrence has always been driven by curiosity. But the conclusion and answers aren’t the best part of tackling the unknown – it’s in the figuring out.

In this Secular Sermon, Lawrence Leung argues that the “not knowing” of something is the catalyst that drives human endeavour, science and some less desired outcomes. He will guide us on a journey of critical thinking and ‘a-ha’ moments as he presents fascinating and funny hoaxes, conundrums, mindgames, illusions – and downright lies. He will take us on a journey of figuring out, revealing why we seek answers, why we fall into traps, and how we might better understand the very human drive to “know”. He will be joined on stage by special musical guest Dan Kelly.

WHEN: SUNDAY MORNING, Jan 17th, 10:45am

VENUE: Deakin Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne

TICKETS:  CLICK HERE

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SUCKER In Cinemas This December

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We are proud to finally announce that our movie we made will be in cinemas in December. Screening times and tickets, scroll down to bottom.

NEWS FLASH:

WINNER: Best Narrative Feature Award at the St Lawrence Film Festival.

NOMINATION: Best Screen Adaptation at the Australian Writers Guild Awards.

See it first: Lawrence Leung and John Luc will be on tour with the film across five cities (Dec 1-9) for exclusive Q&A screenings.

SPECIAL Q&A SCREENINGS

VIC

HOYTS EASTLAND – Tues 1st Dec, 6:30pm – BUY TICKETS

HOYTS MELB CENTRAL – Wed 2nd Dec, 6:30pm – BUY TICKETS

NSW

HOYTS BROADWAY – Thurs 3rd Dec, 6:30pm – BUY TICKETS

HOYTS BLACKTOWN – Fri 4th Dec, 6:30pm – BUY TICKETS

WA

HOYTS CAROUSEL – Mon 7th Dec, 6:30pm – BUY TICKETS

SA

HOYTS TEA TREE PLAZA – Wed 9th Dec, 6:30pm – BUY TICKETS

Congrats to director Ben Chessell and whole Sucker team!

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Man of Letters

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Lawrence will appear at MEN OF LETTERS event in Melbourne.

 

 

Hosted by Women of Letters and taking place at the Regal Ballroom, this is the sixth instalment of their beloved Men of Letters reading event. According to their website: “These chaps will go where no man has gone before – into the celebration of the lost art of letter writing.” Each gentleman has been asked to pen and read a letter to ‘The Woman Who Changed My Life’.

 

Award-winning comedian, writer and director

LAWRENCE LEUNG

 

Australia’s most prolific film auteur

PAUL COX

 

Beloved broadcaster, television presenter and award-winning author

TONY WILSON

 

Comedian, writer and living national treasure

ROD QUANTOCK

 

Beloved comedian and writer GREG FLEET

 

Acclaimed actor and co-founder of queer theatre group Sisters Grimm

ASH FLANDERS

 

Saturday Paper chief correspondent

MARTIN McKENZIE-MURRAY

 

Political and sports commentator, author and former Independent politician

PHIL CLEARY

 

Beloved illustrator, cartoonist, occasional writer and sometimes broadcaster

OSLO DAVIS

 

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and author

STEPHEN CUMMINGS

 

 

There’ll be a DJ set by the gorgeous Angie Hart, wine, and copious amounts of letter writing. Stamps and envelopes will be provided, and in the spirit of participation attendees are encouraged to pen short notes.

 

October 25, 2015, 2:30pm

The Regal Ballroom
216 High St
Northcote, VIC  3070 Map

 

Men of Letters kicks off at 3:00 and bookings are essential via: http://www.moshtix.com.au For $25 plus booking fee that’s a fairly formidable afternoon’s entertainment. All funds raised go – as ever – to our friends at Edgar’s Mission.  http://www.edgarsmission.org.au

 

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SUCKER movie to premiere at MIFF

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We are thrilled to announce that the feature film adaptation of Lawrence’s one-man show SUCKER can finally be seen.

SUCKER will have its world premiere at the 2015 Melbourne International Film Festival on Saturday August 15.

The coming-of-age con movie is directed by Ben Chessell and co-written by Ben and Lawrence with incredible performances by veteran British actor Timothy Spall (Best Actor, Cannes 2104), John Luc (playing a young Lawrence), Lily Sullivan (Galore), with cameos by Kat Stewart (Offspring) and Shaun Micallef. Come join us for the celebration and be among the first people to see the film.

UPDATE: According to the booking site, the screening session is “SELLING FAST”, so reserve your seats before it sells out. HERE.

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THE ESCAPIST – New Stand-Up Show for 2015

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What are the things you wish you could escape from?
A new live comedy show about the trappings of everyday life, awkwardness,

family expectations, love… and doona covers.

SYDNEY TICKETS NOW ON SALE – CLICK HERE

The award-winning bearded comic will present his brand new stand up comedy tour in various cities around Australia in 2015. Lawrence’s cavalcade of nerdcore wonders and mirth-heavy delights kicks off in March/April at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival at Trades Hall.

 

UPDATE: Seasons now concluded in Melbourne/Perth. Thanks to all who came!!

MELBOURNE SEASON ENDED

Then he’ll be at the Perth Comedy Festival

Friday, 1st May at the Octagon Theatre.

PERTH SEASON ENDED

Then Sydney’s Comedy Festival

at the Factory Theatre for three shows

on the 14th, 15th and 16th of May.

SYDNEY TICKETS – CLICK HERE

Perth’s UWA Octogon Theatre

Reviews from Melbourne & Perth comedy festivals, April/May 2015:

“FOUR STARS” The Age

“4.5 STARS” – The West Australian

“4.5 STARS  An utter joy to watch.” – Beat Magazine

“4 STARS. An all-round outstanding performer,

and his tales and one-liners are hilarious.

A fun and fast hour of comedy.” TheMusic

“One of the most effortlessly enjoyable shows of the festival.

There’s no escaping that fact.” – CHORTLE (UK)

“The Escapist is as much in the storytelling genre as it is stand-up. The laughs come just as often and the humour is just as sharp but Lawrence Leung’s one-night only performance felt like a playful odyssey rather than a series of punchlines strung together with paper-thin segues.”

– West Australian

“He is a superb and ingenuous raconteur.”

– Australian Stage

“The Escapist is a perfectly curated performance…

Leung’s self-awareness and modesty makes for a stand up performance

that is authentic and easily relatable, at the same time as retaining some edginess.

Leung uses the dying art of story telling to divulge his own life experiences

in a way that is both heartwarming and scintillating.”

– APHRAMAG.COM

We’re looking at other cities at the moment and hope to have some more dates to announce shortly.

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MAXIMUM CHOPPAGE Airs February 24 on ABC2

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ABC2 officially announces the air date for Australia’s first kung fu comedy series. Tuesday February 24, 9pm.

Maximum Choppage is a painfully funny, six-part, genre-busting action/comedy series written by Lawrence Leung, Josh Maplestone and Duncan Sarkis (Flight of the Conchords). Here’s the trailer:

Lawrence plays the unqualified hero Simon Chan, who is reluctantly trying to save his town with his best pals, Petal (Stephanie Son) and Egg (Dave Eastgate). The hilarious cast includes Kathryn Yuen as Simon’s mum, Darren Gilshenan, Georgina Haig, Jason Chong, Andy Trieu, Anthony Brandon Wong,  Fellino Delloso, Jackson Reine and Lap Phan.

Oh and let’s not forget about the awesome stunts by the Dong Tam crew.

Directed by Craig Melville and produced by Sophie Miller & Julie Eckersley at MatchboxPictures (NBC Universal),  MaximumChoppage is unlike anything seen on Aussie TV at the moment and we’re all pretty excited about it.

Cabramatta needs a hero. Instead they got Simon, Egg and Petal.

Tuesdays from FEBRUARY 24. 9pm. ABC2

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Lawrence Hosts JAMES RANDI Tour

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Lawrence is thrilled to be hosting events with one of his childhood heroes – the brilliant magician, sceptic, author, paranormal investigator James Randi – for the Syd/Melb/Bris leg of his national tour.

James Randi (known as ‘The Amazing Randi’) enjoyed an international reputation as a magician and escape artist, but he is perhaps best known in the last three decades as the world’s most tireless investigator and de-mystifier of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims.

 

Some of you may remember Randi from the Psychics episode of the TV series LAWRENCE LEUNG’S UNBELIEVABLE (ABC1) when Lawrence tried to fool the professional sceptic with his magical crystal ball (with ipad hidden inside) to win Randi’s $1million psychic challenge. He “busted” Lawrence straight away.

 

Randi is touring in December with his doco “AN HONEST LIAR” and Lawrence is hosting the Q&A in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney about the fascinating career and tales from this (de)mystifying 86 year old. Richard Saunders from SkepticZone will be opening the evenings and there’s a chance to meet the Amazing Randi too.

Tickets/info: Think Inc. http://thinkinc.org.au/jamesrandi/

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Part-Time Detective Agency heads to the Perth Comedy Festival

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LAWRENCE LEUNG’S PART-TIME DETECTIVE AGENCY

Lawrence wants to be like Sherlock.

All he needs is a case to solve, a loyal assistant and a nemesis.

Apply within.

Taking cues from the world’s greatest sleuth, Lawrence battles wits, exposes lies and uncovers hidden truths.

Can anyone become a great detective or is he just deceiving himself?

PERTH INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

4 shows only from May 14 -17

Book Tickets:  CLICK HERE

“****” The Times (UK)

“A master storyteller with spot-on comic timing.” – The West Australian

Thatchers Cider House @ Mt Lawley Bowling Club

You can read a review of the show at arts-hub here.

Tickets and details via perthcomedyfest.com.au

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SUCKER the Movie – in production

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WE’RE MAKING A MOVIE!

April 2014: Shooting has commenced in Melbourne and regional Victoria on SUCKER, a coming-of-age comedy about a 17 year old Chinese-Australian named Lawrence who befriends a charming con artist and his daughter.

The film is the adaptation of Lawrence Leung’s award-winning one-man stage show he wrote and performed… also called Sucker . He has toured the production in over 100 performances around Australia, Edinburgh, Dublin, NZ, including a critically-acclaimed season at the Sydney Opera House in 2002.

Photo: Ben Chessell directs. Lawrence distracts.

The screenplay is co-written by Lawrence and Ben Chessell, who also directs. This marks Chessell’s feature film debut having directed episodes of Offspring, Rush, Dance Academy and the one hour 2005 telemovie, The Heartbreak Tour.

“Sucker started off as a story I told on a stage with a slide projector and a deck of cards,” says Leung, “A decade later, the show has transformed into a feature film! As someone who knows a thing or two about cons, naturally this sounds too good to be true! I am so thrilled and can’t wait to rope some suckers… er… audiences into the world we have created.”

 

The film stars YouTube sensation John Luc as “Lawrence”, veteran British actor Timothy Spall (whose work includes the Harry Potter films and Mike Leigh’s upcoming Mr Turner*) and Lily Sullivan (Mental, Galore). Kat Stewart, Jacek Koman round out the excellent cast. There’s also a cameo from Shaun Micaleff.

* UPDATE May 2014 – Congrats to Timothy Spall who has won the Best Actor award at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival for Mr Turner.  We are thrilled he has chosen ‘The Professor’ in Sucker as his next role.

 

“Lawrence’s world is one you’ve never seen before – it’s fresh, exciting and warm,” promises director Ben Chessell, “We travel into this new world and realise the people in it are just like us, we discover ourselves in his world. The shape of a good con is like the shape of a good movie: it sets up a world, it charms you, sucks you in, then it does something completely unexpected and surprising. It delights – trust me!”

More about the original Sucker stage show. Click here

Who is playing 17 year old “Lawrence” in the film? Click here

Whereabouts in Victoria is it being filmed? Click here

 

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MAXIMUM CHOPPAGE begins shooting

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We are proud to announce that Lawrence has begun shooting a 6-part genre-busting action/comedy series named MAXIMUM CHOPPAGE, a co-production between ABC2 and Matchbox Pictures/NBCUniversal.

Lawrence is set to play the reluctant hero Simon Chan alongside Dave Eastgate, Stephanie Son, Darren Gilshenan, Anthony Brandon Wong, Jason Chong, Andy Trieu, Georgina Haig, Lap Phan and Felino Dolloso. Talented newcomer Kathryn Yuen will play his character’s mum.

 

The production is currently filming in Cabramatta and locations across Sydney with fight choreography by Trung Ly and his Dong Tam stunt team. Lawrence is expected to do his stunts!

 

He is also one of the writers (penning three eps) alongside Duncan Sarkis (Flight of the Conchords) and Josh Maplestone. The series is directed by Craig Melville who was also a director for Lawrence’s previous two ABC1 shows Choose Your Own Adventure and Unbelievable.

 

The series is expected to go to air on ABC2 in early 2015.

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