I CAME down from Canberra, as I always do, if possible, to see the latest Bay Theatre Players' production, Ruby Anniversary, a concert celebration of musical productions by the Players.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bay Theatre Players were incubated in tiny shed, though who would have believed it, unless they knew.
Today people enter the foyer of the current well-equipped theatre with its amply-sized stage and take it all for granted, as one does.
What we sit in and perform in today was the result of a phenomenal amount of construction work by members and locals in the community, dogged perseverance, a marvellous spirit of cooperation and tireless fund-raising.
Whilst I enjoyed the singing at this recent concert, I was reminded of how very much more our musicals achieved. They were rippers, absolute roof–raisers, productions with all hands helping.
There could never be sufficient space to tell the whole glorious story which involved so many dedicated locals. So while it was impossible for the Ruby Anniversary concert to convey this rich and dynamic history, maybe it is the catalyst for those involved in the history of the Bay Theatre Players and the present theatre to get together and write it down.
Very few amateur groups are fortunate enough to own their own theatre, let alone one like Batemans Bay now does.
I have spoken to a few from those heady days and it is agreed we should indeed get around the table, let the memories surface, and write a history of how it all came to pass that Batemans Bay has this marvellous theatre.
If you were such a one, please join us now in this fun endeavour.
What a diverse treasure chest of stories there will be to work with.
Heather Powell
Canberra