Theatre offers intimate setting

It is almost two years since the Peninsula Theatre on McMasters Rd, Woy Woy, opened. Here Peninsula News reporter Con Orfanos reviews the use that has been made of it since its opening.

Work began on the Peninsula Theatre in 2001 and it was opened by mayor Cr Robert Bell in February last year.

Lisa Kelly from Laycock St Theatre said that the Peninsula Theatre's popularity is increasing rapidly as a venue for performing arts, community meetings and presentations, and as an alternative to the heavily booked Laycock St Theatre at North Gosford.

"The theatre offers an intimate setting," she said.

"While it was originally known as the home of Woy Woy Little Theatre, a group that had been actively involved in the theatre since 1962, the theatre has been used by touring theatre companies, dance companies, the Central Coast Shakespeare Company, and various community groups.

"The first show at the theatre was Neil Simon's 'I Ought to be in Pictures', directed by Fran Kendall.

"Ms Kendall is still very active in the theatre and will direct a season of Nunsense Jamboree this December at the Peninsula Theatre," Ms Kelly said.

The president of Woy Woy Little Theatre, Barbara Hickey, said that the Peninsula Theatre provided an very intimate atmosphere.

"The theatre seats 124. You feel close to the actors and the action.

"It's more intimate than Sydney's Ensemble Theatre which seats about 190.

"Also acoustically the theatre is very good," she said.

Barbara said that the theatre was comfortable and had good facilities.

"There's sufficient spacing between the four rows. This means that people aren't tripping over feet and don't have to raise their knees to their chins to let people through.

"It has a lovely big foyer where people can mingle on arrival and during the interval.

"The technical equipment more than meets the needs of our sound and lighting technicians."

The theatre has become more widely used as it has become better known.

Professional Sydney-based performers have performed there, such as Collette Mann.

"Michelle Cuneo (of Cuneo Dance Company) has had a very successful season there," Barbara said.

"Angela Denman's School of Dance has I think done a couple of shows there - definitely one, the children's production, Cinderella," she said.

The Peninsula-based Troubadour Folk Club will hold its fourth event at the theatre on December 12, a traditional English Christmas mummers play.

The Wheeze and Suck Band will be supported by a large number of other bands and performers at the event.

"We're a community based theatre company and try to put something back into the Peninsula Theatre," said Barbara.

"We try to provide something every year that the theatre needs.

"A present concern is that the theatre's air conditioning doesn't extend into the bio-box, the technicians' box looking down onto the stage.

"It's been heaven on a stick for Woy Woy Little Theatre.

"Prior to having it, we rehearsed and performed in local school halls and progress association halls," she said.

Barbara said that the Peninsula Theatre has given Peninsula residents the opportunity to experience professional artistic companies, as well as community based ones, locally.

"It has been very well supported by people from all over the Central Coast as well as the Peninsula.

"It's very civilised and nice surroundings add to the enjoyment of the evening."

Con Orfanos, information sheet, November 12