Come and hear old theatre stories, catch up with the theatre-goers you have known over the years and enjoy reminiscing about your favourite shows with others. 

Tickets are available now from Viv Wheatley on 0416 083 545.

The event is part of a year of celebrations for the group, which had its beginnings in 1975 and first permanent home at the then Observation Point Community Hall, Batehaven.

Among the many memories to be shared around the tables will be this one from long-standing member, Heather Powell, who recalls sitting in that first venue. 

“I remember the tiny stage, sitting in chairs in that hall and marvelling at the productions mounted in that space - and, hearing the wind howling outside on the headland while being transported to “Brigadoon” or “Fiddler on the Roof” or “South Pacific,” Heather said.

Others remember such shows as ‘Daylight Savings’ and ‘Female Transport’.

“It was amazing, what was achieved,” Heather said.

Performers used umbrellas to get from the theatre to the little shed, where the ladies changed, or to the council-donated caravan, which was full of spiders and so was used by the men.

“Sometimes the cast changed in a large tent, heated with 44-gallon drums filled with firewood!”

BTP began its life in 1974 as a “cultural group” and took current name the following year.

Observation Point Hall did not belong solely to the theatre; it was shared with the scouts and Masons.

One member remembers the Masons’ cupboards were always locked.

It was the move from Observation Point to the current Playhouse Theatre in Gregory Street which brought the players into the modern world and gave them a permanent home.

Past president and life member, Di Minihan, recounts how, in about 2000, the group was advised that the land used at Observation Point would be reclaimed.

She said there ensued a frantic search for a new home.

Eurobodalla Shire Council provided a block of land on which to build a new theatre, however the project would have been unaffordable with the funding available at the time. 

The breakthrough came when then secretary, Barbara Mills, heard of the impending sale of an old St Vincent de Paul warehouse in Gregory Street.

She took the idea to the players’ committee and then president, Barbara Gellatly, who agreed the project was feasible, with the help of a council grant. 

Di Minihan remembers it took 12 months to buy and convert the building and turn it into the current playhouse. 

Bob Rolfe drew up designs to submit to the council and transform the building into what it is today. 

Di became the ‘forewoman’ and treasurer.

Builders included Bill Mitchell, Ian Boardman and Alan Edmunds.

All three worked tirelessly with many volunteers to build and fit out the theatre.  

The Bay went without any shows for 12 months while the work was completed.

A major task was ensuring the building met fire regulations. 

Seating was installed in what is now the auditorium.

Di remembers a neighbour of member, Barbara Knight’s, asked if any seats were required, as he was demolishing a cinema owned by Mel Gibson.

The players bought the seats for $5 dollars each and a member drove to Sydney and collected them.

After 12 months, the first show was performed at the new venue – ‘How the Other Half Loves’, directed by another stalwart and past president, the late Don Mitchelmore. 

Di Minihan recalls the opening night – a hot summer’s evening with no air conditioning and both cast and audience almost melting under the un-insulated tin roof.

There and then, BTP decided air conditioning was a must.

Forty years on, the Bay Theatre Players continue to be self-reliant.

They have used profits from shows and its costume hire shop to run the theatre and redevelop both the building and equipment. 

Just three years ago, an extension was built onto the back of the theatre as a rehearsal room and an overflow for actors and crew in big shows. 

Recently, the foyer and attendant facilities were renovated and the lighting and sound box are being recarpeted and refurnished. 

Another ongoing project is the provision of new lights, sound and computing equipment.

The Costume Hire Shop began with the purchase of costumes from Pivot Point Community Shop and became a very important income stream for the group.

The original costume hire premises were located above Connell’s Bakery, then later above the Batehaven Pharmacy.

The shop was expanded to include formal hire wear.

Heather Powell remembers many members hiring their children’s formal school wear and Barbara Gellatly remembers that much of the demand in those days was for men’s dinner suits.

Over the years, scenery and props have been made from timber offcuts and, in the early days, from cardboard.

Lights were made from beetroot tins - a far cry from today’s LEDs.

Money-saving efforts even included straightening the used, bent nails extracted from old scenery, a job everyone hated, recalls one member.

Now, of course, modern tek screws are applied with power tools.

Costumes were created from old, donated dresses which were unpicked and redesigned to suit a new show. 

People lent furniture and fittings and shops donated paint and other materials.

Over the years, many community groups have benefitted by buying seats for designated performances and then selling to their members to help their own fundraising.

Stalwarts have included the Lantern Club, Ovarian Cancer Australia and Special Olympics Australia.

The Youth Theatre, begun by Dr Vic Meek, with stagecraft workshops for children, is one of the players’ best-known achievments.

In 1994 Heather Powell wrote a show especially for children and so began the tradition of workshops and shows where local young people could learn stage craft.

Former youth members will remember the hard work and effort put in by Val and Don Mitchelmore, and Candy Burgess and Janet Terry. 

Many young people have gained life skills and friendships there and adult members have been rewarded by watching them gain confidence and enjoyment from the theatre. 

Candy said young members gained social skills and confidence. 

“They also learn how to speak clearly and move easily in any environment,” Candy said.

“These are skills they will be able to use in any walk of life, whether or not they intend to pursue an entertainment-oriented career. 

“Youth members are our future, both for BTP and the wider community.”

A number of youth theatre members have won places at NIDA and other performing arts schools, including Brandon McClelland, Kirby and Ash Burgess, Tom Walsh, Brodie Melrose, Sivannah Brooks, Anthony and Brett Franzi, Paige Davies, Aimee McQueen, Jimmy Roe, Bek Stewart and Hannah Connell. 

The players continue to support youth members in their entertainment studies with monetary awards. In 2006, the players allowed Kirby Burgess to put on her cabaret,  ‘A Broad’s Way’, so she could try out her material before heading to New York to study and perform as part of her ASCAP Scholarship. 

Come and support one of the area’s best-loved community groups as it marks its 40th anniversary on September 19.

Tickets are in limited supply from Viv Wheatley on 0416 083 545.