Speaking at BTP’s recent annual meeting, Kath pointed to 2015’s final production, the Youth Theatre Club Night. “These young people, many of whom had never performed to an audience before, delighted their families and friends with a fairy tale with a comic twist plus a modified version of Willy Wonka,” she said. “They enjoyed it so much that they are now working on a major Youth Musical as the final production for 2016”.

Kath recalled that BTP’s first production for 2016 was a new concept. “We presented a full length dramatic play performed entirely by students under 18 years of age. It was a challenge for the cast and production team, but the results were very rewarding,” she said.

“The second production for the year, Forget Me Not, was also a theatrical challenge. This new, and relatively unknown, Australian play, had a deep impact on the patrons. Described as a ‘story that had to be told’, this play showed that, even with a tragic story line, we can engage with our audiences.”

Kath said the year had been full of a sense of achievement for the casts, production crews and directors, and “there has been fun!”

BTP’s new president is Trevor Kohlhagen, with secretary, Kath Joyce and treasurer, Jenny Kohlhagen. The new committee members are Asta Buchanan, Jack Helmore, Sam Lloyd, Ann Smith, Tay Mugridge, Belinda Quick, Lyn Sterling, Jeff Jones, Janet Beesley, Michele Whittle, Viviane Wheatley, Cameron Liddle and Mark O’Callaghan.

The August special play reading of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child drew an enthusiastic attendance. Both kids and adults had a great time dressing up and getting into the fun. Play reading coordinator, Tay Mugridge says, “keep an eye out for more fun readings over the coming months”.

Tay asks that all interested members come along to a reading of Calendar Girls on September 21 at the Playhouse.