Taking matters into her own hands

Soapie stalwart Judy Nunn’s latest career venture is directing a new play all about the merits and taboos of masturbation.

But as she talks about Flying Solo, which has been co-written by Nunn’s husband Bruce Venables and comedian Richard Fidler, she poses a question which she admits she has no answer for but which she is clearly fascinated by.

So far, when I have talked about this play, the gay brigade love the idea, but the dreaded M word really scares the straights, and I wonder why that is, she says.

Gays embrace it, maybe because they are a little more open about their sexuality, but straight people just look embarrassed when you tell them you are working on a play about masturbation. I don’t know what the problem is -“ everyone does it.

Flying Solo makes its world premiere at the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta, and stars small screen divas Noelene Brown and Paula Duncan alongside Barry Quin, Enda Markey and Jacinta John.

The play uses monologues, comedy sketches and musical numbers to explore society’s views about masturbation, a topic Nunn says few want to talk about except, it seems to her, the gays and her husband.

Bruce has had a lot of personal practice with writing this, as he is an old wanker from way back, Nunn quips. He also used the internet a lot late at night, and I think he made some very nice new friends in a number of chat rooms as he did his research.

But I do have a strong belief in this material, as this is provocative and controversial and it does make people talk about things they don’t feel they normally can.

This is a hoot, but it is extraordinarily poignant. There are moments in it which everyone will find touching -“ so to speak.

One of the monologues is by a character called Lonely John, as delivered by Enda Markey, which tells of a young gay man on the hunt for love who finally gives in to his own pleasures. It is so lovely and one of the most poignant of all of them. I am very fond of John, she says.

But then it gets very high camp with Noelene Brown, as I don’t think there is anyone camper than Noelene and she seems to put her own special stamp on it.

While Nunn is best remembered by younger generations as the lovable Ailsa for 13 years on Home And Away, she scorched screens back in the 1970s as the bisexual Vicki Stafford on the soapie, The Box.

I initiated the first lesbian kiss on Australian TV, she states proudly. She was outrageous and confronting and I adored her -“ still the favourite part I have ever played on TV.

She was so sexually rampant, I once said that a German shepherd would not have been safe in her presence. I kissed two women during that show, one of whom never acted again, which I often wondered about after.

Flying Solo plays 6-10 March at the Riverside Theatres at Parramatta. Bookings on 8839 3399 or at www.riversideparramatta.com.au.