Hidden Sydney: Cathode Ray Tube’s top five secret spots

Earlier this year, we loved Cathode Ray Tube's The Great Lie of the Western World, which took us into a inner-city Sydney home with a tenuously satisfied couple and their couchsurfing, pot-stirring mate. The independent theatre collective have written and produced three such original works since 2009, becoming known for a distinctive style that makes naturalism seem exciting.

So when we heard they were coming back with a new production, we were keen to find out more of their story. Writing a whole new play in three months is nigh impossible, so this time they're mixing it up by going outside the group for the script, A Steady Rain by US writer Keith Huff; the director, Owen Trevor (BBC's Top Gear); and the co-star Sam O'Sullivan (Punk Rock).

"I wanted to act, do something real badass," says Cathode Ray Tube's Michael Booth, "I was keen to do some Pinter. But this play is better." The critically acclaimed original production starred Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig in the roles of two cop buddies affected by a horrible crime (it's the show where they berated a guy in the audience to answer his ringing phone), so Booth and O'Sullivan have big, tough guyish shoes to fill.

It will also be fun for the group to take a theatrical travel away from Sydney, where all their work is made and set. "Sydney is everything to the content of our work," says Booth. "We love this city. We write about the streets we know, the restaurants, the history, the people. Maybe not directly, but the culture is unconsciously imbedded in the dialogue.

"Also, living in Sydney keeps us poor. It seems impossible to get funding, so we write when we can, because we have to.

We asked Booth to share his five favourite spots in Sydney that are a little off the beaten path. Look out for possible veiled references to them in future Cathode Ray Tube shows.

1. A bench on Darling Point Road

Corner Loftus Road. It's the best view of the city. Has a lovely foreground with the yachts of Rushcutters Bay. They should make a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle of this view. It's good to sit and contemplate the city and all its beauty and wickedness.

2. Petty Cash Cafe, Marrickville

Incredible poached eggs. Ditto coffee. Very pram-friendly. There's a nice park to look at, too.

68 Victoria Rd, Marrickville, NSW 2204; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Petty-Cash-Cafe/163033108963

3. Rozelle

Particularly the outlook that faces back to the city. Oh, the topography! I visited Owen [Trevor, director of A Steady Rain] and his gorgeous wife when their little man was a bub. I think I could live there when I have a family.

4. Not Just Coffee, Paddington

Are we mentioning too many cafes? (Never. -ed) Sam [O'Sullivan, Booth's co-star in A Steady Rain] said this one is good.

264 Oxford St Paddington, NSW 2021; http://www.notjustcoffee.com.au/

5. Bungan Beach

Drive there by the Roseville Bridge. Did I mention topography? Oh, my! Bungan on a stormy day makes me feel like Jim Hawkins.

A Steady Rain plays at the TAP Gallery from November 20 to December 8. Tickets are $30 on Thu/Fri/Sat and $22 on Tue/Wed, while the previews on November 20 and 21 are just $17. Book here.