TAWA COMMUNITY THEATRE

50th  JUBILEE 

QUEENS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND 2004

Past members got together with current members for an evening of reminiscing, catching up with old friends, making new friends, not to mention eating, drinking, and being entertained by a variety of members and past members, some of them coming from far-afield.

After some time looking at photos and other memorabilia from past shows, the celebrations were formally openened by past member Ray Henwood.  He gave us the official toast and cut the cake, and later had everyone spellbound with an extract from his show 'Burton', with which he is about to tour Australia.  We were fortunate that he could spend some time with us as his tour opens in Melbourne on Queen's Birthday weekend - fortunately the Australian Queen has her birthday a week later than New Zealand's. 

We were entertained by singers, dancers, actors, and even technicians, and fed until we could eat no more.  In the end everyone went home satisfied.  The next day we continued with the reminiscing, including visits to the old drama hut, which is now just used as a storage facility.  In its day it housed the productions, but at its present site it was necessary to stop and wait every time a train went past. Then, as always happens in theatre, it is time to clear up.  To take down the set, de-rig the lights, and pack everything away.  

There was no doubt in anyone's mind that it was all worth the effort, and we are all now looking forward to the 75th anniversary.