News

“A very BIG congratulations to the entire cast & crew of Snapshots @ Arcadians Theatre Group on a superb opening night… The standing ovation says it all – bravo…. Do yourselves a favour and get a ticket – this is a night of theatre you don’t want to miss!!! You’ll laugh, cry and hum along…..Glad I wore my waterproof mascara though!”

” Wow! Just wow! What a wonderful night of entertainment. Well done everyone. A brilliant, professional cast and crew. Who could ask for more!! Kerrie- you brought this together, overcame all obstacles and created an unforgettable piece of theatre. Vik you always make me proud. What an amazing Australian premiere. I reckon Mr Schwartz would be extremely happy knowing his work has been so beautifully staged. Chookas for a fabulous season everyone. I’ll be with you in spirit. Lots of love to you all. “

“Thoroughly enjoyed Snapshots last night. Bravo to all of you. Such wonderful performances. The whole show looks and sounds great. Congratulations to the Production team for another wonderful show.”

Our Lamplighters Choir, in conjunction with the City of Wollongong Wind Band are presenting two hours of fun music for all ages on Sunday 11 June at 2 pm.

Tickets can be purchased via the event page or at the door (top of escalator to the performance theatre) at the large Collegians City Club.

Alternatively, Dave Bryars is happy to organise tickets for any Arcadian. Contact him directly on drbryars14@gmail.com or 0448 590 535.

For more details see the event page here.

It was our privilege to provide the Miner’s Lamp Theatre for the funeral service of our beloved Life Member Diana Brown recently. Diana passed away surrounded by her loving family after a long illness.

The outpouring of sympathy for Andrew, Susie, Melissa, Antonia, and their families over the past few weeks demonstrates the high regard in which Diana was held by many people in the community. She participated on stage and off with many local theatre companies, Choral Societies, and Church Choirs and they have expressed their gratitude to the family for Diana’s contribution. I will reflect only on her membership of the Arcadians and most probably will not do justice to her impact over the years.

Arcadians have had the benefit of her dedication, love, energy, and enthusiasm for theatre over many, many years. She was not only involved on stage but behind the scenes in so many roles; some of which I will try to capture here.

Some of Diana’s early roles included Mrs Botting (Half a Sixpence, 1981), Mathilda (in the world premiere of Minerva Bird, 1984), Aunt Ella (Oklahoma, 1989), Mrs O’Malley (opposite daughter Susie in the lead role in Funny Girl, 1991) as well as chorus roles in numerous productions. Diana also performed in the touring club show Hitz of the Blitz in its many incarnations over the years. She is probably best known for her betrayal of the cynical Madame Thénardier in our 1993 and 1994 seasons of Les Misérables.

Diana was also heavily involved in the administrative aspects of Arcadians for many years. Roles on the Committee including Liaison Officer where she excelled in welcoming new members and addressing cast needs during rehearsals. As a parent supporting her children in the Arcadians Children’s Theatre company, she assisted in the organisation of Saturday rehearsals and canteen duties on many occasions.

Diana also co-ordinated our School’s Award program which gave feedback to students and teachers on their live school productions. Her ability to organise the Review Committee to attend school performances in conjunction with teachers led to Arcadians being recognised in the School Community as providing valuable insights into production values. The feedback given to students and teachers on their production gave encouragement to develop this art form.

Other duties included Buyer for the Refreshment Bar (canteen as it was formerly known), booking agent and singer with the Arcadian Minstrels (our touring singing group offering entertainment to those less likely to be able to travel to the theatre), and Chairperson and member of the Ladies Auxiliary (which raised funds for vital purchases for the benefit of members).

However, most members will remember her for the slices she baked for the cast at rehearsals and the Monday Maintenance Men working days. Ask anyone and they will say her “Mars Bar Slices” were the best – ever!

So it was only fitting that we were able to make Diana’s farewell special by being held at the Miner’s Lamp Theatre on the set of our Les Misérables production of 2022. I’m sure I speak for everyone who knew Diana at Arcadians that she is missed considerably. We wish Andrew, Susie, Melissa, Antonia and their families our deepest sympathies. She was a pillar of strength to us all.

Vale Diana.