Actor helps home invasion victim, Sydney

Late yesterday afternoon, a home invasion and robbery took place in the Sydney suburb of Newtown, and it was the theatre community who came to the rescue.

A female victim was robbed and tied up inside a house in Bray Lane, Newtown, just below the King Street Theatre ahead of a Sunday matinee performance of Short+Sweet Week 6.

Screaming for help: ‘I’ve been tied up for two hours and robbed’, the young girl emerged to see writer-director Con Nats, theatre manager Markus Weber and Underbelly star Salvatore Coco, who were preparing for a performance of The Pond at this week’s festival.

Coco and Weber reportedly leapt into action and comforted the girl while Nats called 000. It is understood noone left the scene until the police arrived and statements were taken.

Immediately afterwards, Salvatore Coco appeared onstage with co-star Ro Dempsey and despite all the (external) drama they delivered “another magic performance”, according to their director, Con Nats.

Following the performance, the victim’s parents and housemate thanked the trio who assisted in the incident.

Thankfully, the day finished on a high note, with festival organisers announcing the winning short play for week 6 was, The Pond. Salvatore and his colleagues are expecting their new young fan to enjoy her free front row seats to the Gala Final on March 30 at the Seymour Centre.

www.shortandsweet.org