Sunday was a historic day in the Playhouse Theatre’s history, as all the theatre seats were removed, ready for the complete refurbishment of the auditorium.
Project Coordinator Richard Williams said it was a busy day.
“The theatre was a hive of activity as 70 members and volunteers took on the mammoth job of removing over 240 seats,” Richard said.
“First job was dismantling and removing the seating, which has been in its current place since 1975.
“A removal truck arrived around midday to take most of the seats back to the Embassy Theatre in Maryborough”.
The seats were at the Embassy Theatre for approximately 30 years, before coming to the Playhouse Theatre in 1966 when the Embassy closed.
They will be part of the Embassy Theatre’s restoration, which will be reopened as a performance, live music and exhibition venue.
“Another major job was the removal of the auditorium lights, ready for more major work in the auditorium”.
Bundaberg Players Incorporated President, Nigel Dick, said it was great to see the work underway, after the successful fundraising campaign.
“We were very grateful to the Australian Cultural Fund for accepting our fundraiser into their program, which ensured tax deductible status for all donations.
The ACF campaign raised $102,677, with another $30,000 in direct donations.
“We are so thankful to everyone who contributed to our BUTTS fundraising campaign. With Sunday’s work we are a step closer to having our new seating in place and other major work completed.
“All our donors directly contributed to the future of the Arts in our community.
Their support will allow us to continue offering top-quality performances in a comfortable and welcoming environment for years to come.
More importantly, donors are helping to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability or background, has the opportunity to enjoy the Arts in Bundaberg”.
The Playhouse Theatre’s next show, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, will be held in August in the back clubroom.
The first show in the upgraded auditorium will be ‘Allo ‘Allo 2 in October.
