Melbourne Grammar School’s Quad Play holds special memories for father and son Tony Rickards (OM 1974) and Ed Rickards (OM 2015), both of whom have since forged careers in different aspects of the entertainment industry.
Groundbreaking theatre
Playing the role of Benvolio in the very first Quad Play, Romeo and Juliet, in 1974, Tony has a unique perspective on the introduction of Nigel Creese’s “brilliant” new approach to theatre.
“His decision to stage the production in the Senior School bluestone quadrangle felt groundbreaking,” he says. “Being outdoors, and with its natural areas for staging, the Quad was the perfect place to stage a Shakesperean play. It also made us understand that theatre can be anywhere. That was very educational.”
Tony returned to the stage the following year as Sir Toby Belch in the Twelfth Night, complete with a large stomach prop made by his mother Dorothy.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Ed also acted in a Quad Play playing Dercetas in the 2014 production of Antony and Cleopatra. “Despite my leaning towards comedic theatre, I really enjoyed studying Shakespeare so in Year 9, my first year at the School, I went along and watched the play and really enjoyed it,” he says. “I felt encouraged to join the cast the following year and I have very fond memories of performing in the production. It was also a great way to make new friends.”
Beyond the Quad Play
Tony is a well-known comedian and actor. He has performed nationally in radio, film and television since the late 1970s. From playing Con Marasco in the trailblazing radio program Punter to Punter to roles in Kath & Kim, Blue Heelers, A Country Practice, Wentworth and The Newsreader to name just a few, Tony continues to act and present even now. “I’ve had a pretty rewarding time of it, as an actor,” he says.
Having been awarded Drama, English and Legal Studies Prizes, as well as Academic and House Colours for his various achievements in Year 12, Ed decided to pursue a career in law while still maintaining his passion for performing.
Ed performed in and directed Law Revues while at university. He continues to take to the stage in various comedic roles, most notably in Melbourne Comedy Festival shows.
In 2022, Ed completed his Bachelor of Laws (Hons) with First Class Honours at Monash University as well as a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Theatre & Performance. He now works as a lawyer, specialising in entertainment law.
“What I enjoy most is learning about the entertainment industry – understanding how an idea goes from development to the screen to selling internationally; I love learning how that all works,” says Ed. “It’s also always great talking to Dad about the industry and how it has changed over the past 50 years. I want to stay in the industry for the rest of my career.”
We believe Tony and Ed to be the only father and son who have both performed in the Quad Play. We would like to hear from you on [email protected] if you are aware of any others.
