Little Theatre celebrates 50 years

Woy Woy Little Theatre celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, May 12, at the Everglades Country Club, Woy Woy.

Theatre members both old and new celebrated the evening with a range of excerpts from plays performed by the group over the past 50 years.

Guests included Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O' Neil, Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein, former Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews, Gosford councillor Vicki Scott, former councillor Lynne Bockholt and patron Mr Desmond Milligan.

Woy Woy Little Theatre president Ms Barbara Hickey said: "Fifty years of community theatre is quite an achievement nowadays."

"From little things, big things grow certainly applies to us.

"Our beginnings were humble: no money for building sets, paying royalties, purchasing scripts, or lighting and sound equipment.

"We had to hire halls and very uncomfortable chairs for a few intrepid people (apart from friends and relatives) who came to see what we were all about."

Ms Hickey said the group's dreams came true in 2002 when the Peninsula Theatre was opened in Woy Woy.

Through YIPA Scholarships, Woy Woy Little Theatre has furthered the careers of aspiring actors and musicians, who have used the scholarship towards the expenses they incurred for tuition.

"My husband John and I have been members for 49 years.

"It has been an honour to serve Woy Woy Little Theatre as president for the past 10 years.

"We look forward to the next fabulous 50 years," Mrs Hickey said.

The Little Theatre that Roared, a book by Stephen Cummings, was also launched at the celebration describing the story of Woy Woy Little Theatre's journey.

It is available for purchase through the theatre.

In the meantime, Woy Woy Little Theatre continues with its productions, with Joseph Kesselring's Arsenic and Old Lace showing in July.

Media Release, 20 Jun 2012

Jessica Alex, WWLT