Variety show comeback for theatre

The raising of an old tradition will see the Hawera Memorial Theatre receive a much-needed facelift.

Variety Shows are something that were once a regular in the theatre but haven't been held in at least a decade, says theatre manager Russ Standing but he is hoping to get them going again to raise funds for a theatre redecoration project.

"Every cent raised will go towards the refurbishment of the theatre," he says.

"We are hoping to get everybody involved."

Mr Standing says he hopes to see schools and community groups putting acts together for upcoming auditions.

"I don't know what's going to show up at the auditions."

There is no need to book a time to audition, Mr Standing says groups or individuals should just turn up when they are ready to audition.

He would like this to be the first of many annual variety shows the theatre will host going into the future.

"We want to make a difference and encourage the whole community to be involved in the performing arts in some way," he says.

"We are hoping to do this every year, it will help us to put the theatre on the map."

A lot of changes are coming for the memorial theatre and it's more than just a lick of paint.

Now guarded by the Hawera Memorial Theatre Friends Trust, Mr Standing says they intend to champion excellence in the performing arts, provide facilities that are second to none and ensure that South Taranaki's theatrical talent and audiences are not disadvantaged or diminished by relative isolation.

To do this, they have ramped up the amount of lighting in the theatre and will be updating the decor to include huge portraits of performers that have graced it's stage such as Dame Malvina Major, Eddie Low and the cast of performances such as Les Miserables.

There will be a new stage lighting facility, the grand curtain – currently the theatre's original from opening around 50 years ago – will be replaced as well as the stage blacks and smother cloth. A new PA sound system is on the cards as is sponsored community use of the theatre.Auditions take place this Sunday, December 4, from 2pm to 8pm at the Memorial Theatre, Albion Street, Hawera. The variety show will run from April 14 to 21 next year.

- © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER-SOUTH TARANAKI STAR
Last updated 10:44 01/12/2011

Russ
Kelly Loney
Hawera Memorial Theatre manager Russ Standing.