Behind the Curtain
Toowoomba is full of hidden gems, and nestled amougst the tree lined end of Margaret Street, The Toowoomba Repertory Theatre is one of them. Nicole Yap talks theatre, history and community with some of its aspiring actors and directors.
Published 01 April 2024
Written: Nicole Yap
Photography: Daniel Somervaille
I remember the first time I experienced the theatre. It was a performance of the classic Gilbert and Sullivan, “The Pirates of Penzance”, a two-hour spectacular of grandiose sets, maidens in distress, a bumbling British constabulary and songs that would stick in my head for days. It felt like it lasted mere moments. I was transfixed.
While for many, there are few things as terrifying as the idea of taking to the stage (perhaps this is why so collectively as a society we have such admiration for those who can do so), for others, it's the very thing that brings them to life.
'The stars of the screen and the stage'.
Those who, with composure, grace and skill, have that ability to draw us in, suspending our surroundings, forgetting for a moment that we are merely observers to someone else’s story; guests in someone else's world.
Such is the power of story to arrest the human spirit, to inspire, to uplift and to transform; such is the power of theatre.
When William Shakespeare first penned the words “all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” he expressed, from years of observation as a playwright, just how interwoven story, theatre and the human condition are in the tapestry of life.
Theatre, for many, is not merely a metaphor for life but an integral part of it, and the beating heart of many creative communities; a truth as real today as when those words first echoed the stages of the Globe Theatre in 1599.
The Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Society, the “Rep”, is one such community (and one of the city's most underrated gems in our humble opinion). Nestled amongst the tree lined end of Margaret Street with its art-deco interior, the intimate 100-seat theatre has entertained locals for more than 90 years. Year after year producing a variety of plays, from romantic classics such as Pride and Prejudice to black comedies like The Ladykillers, or last year's Mother and Son.
And yet, a look behind the curtain of this iconic hub for community theatre, reveals not just a fascinating history of repertory tradition, but the invaluable role it plays (no pun intended) in building broader community.
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With its first production in 1930, the Toowoomba Rep is Queensland's second oldest non-profit and community based (repertory) theatre. Through the years providing an avenue for both the development and showcase of (literally) thousands of local actors, directors, stagehands and performers, and welcoming tens-of-thousands of patrons through its doors.
"There is a real sense of family, everyone is so incredibly supportive and encouraging, in the team and in the audience" echoed the actors and crew we talked to after a recent performance of The Ladykillers.
As committee member and actor Bev Irwin-Taylor explains, the Rep has long been an integral part of the Toowoomba community and its artistic growth, “many aspiring performers have made their stage debut here and gone on to perform in professional theatre.” The Rep’s “green room” nights offer aspiring directors with little to no experience the chance to direct a one-act play, for one night, for family and friends. It's an opportunity that those in the industry understand is both unique and invaluable.
This is how Elyse Armstrong, who trained as an actor in Sydney before moving to Toowoomba, became involved. Starting out as a lighting operator and then a stage manager, Elyse is now a director at the theatre and will direct the upcoming comedy-thriller The 39 Steps.
“Theatre is very collaborative,” Elyse said, “and the Repertory Theatre all work well together. Working with the actors has been such a blessing and even though it is hard work, I trust the team and actors and know the production is going to be hilarious and exciting.”
Today, the Rep not only provides high-quality entertainment to local audiences, but also contributes significantly to the community and to community-building.
The Rep primarily operates on a fundraising model, where charity and social groups can rent out the theatre for a reduced set price and make a profit on tickets sold to their patrons. Organisations such as The Royal Flying Doctor Service, scout and guide groups, Rotary groups, church-based charities, and other theatrical societies such as the Toowoomba Choral Society and Philharmonic Society all regularly hosts nights as their own means of fundraising.
“Our links with the community are strengthened by the group nights … for some of the groups, the Rep nights are their main source of outside income,” Bev said.
“The fact that the theatre is entirely run by volunteers and is financially self-sufficient is something we are proud of – we do not rely on government grants or assistance to prosper, and the future of the society is looking sound.”
In addition to funding, the future of the Rep is dependent upon Toowoomba’s continued appreciation and support of local theatre. Elyse emphasised the importance of community theatre in bringing people together and telling stories that highlight the human experience.
“It enriches the lives of both the people involved and those that prefer to stay in the audience, bringing in a range of diverse people – ranging from age, culture, and social background – with one thing in common: they want to put on an amazing show,” Elyse said.
Similarly, local playwright and actor David Searston – whose plays have been performed at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba and all the way in New York City – said that theatre cultivates creativity and allows him to enjoy the beauty of life, art, and storytelling.
“If Toowoomba didn’t have community theatre or theatre in general, it simply wouldn't have the same level of culture,” David said. “Theatre reflects the values, beliefs and stories of societies, providing a mirror through which audiences can explore and understand themselves and their communities.”
With many opportunities on offer in Toowoomba, particularly at the Rep, Elyse and David encourage those interested in theatre to take the first step and get involved.
“Community theatre needs more than just actors – they always need more volunteers, whether it is for lighting, sound, prompting, stage managing, or front of house. It is such a fun way to meet new people and to immerse yourself into the art scene,” Elyse said.
“As theatre practitioner Konstantin Stanislavski said, ‘Anyone can act’ … the beauty about community theatre is it’s open to anyone,” David added.
To learn more about the Rep or how to get involved, visit toowoombarep.com.au or the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Society on Facebook.
THE HISTORY
The repertory movement was born in London in 1891 with the formation of the Independent Theatre Society, a subscription-based organisation aimed at presenting literary plays instead of commercial productions.
“Repertory” refers to a theatrical model in which a resident company performs a repertoire of works, typically in rotation and at short intervals. Distinct from commercial theatre, repertories are decentralised, non-profit and community-based, it provides an avenue for both the development and showcase of local talent.
The first repertory theatre in Queensland, the Brisbane Repertory Theatre Society (now known as La Boite Theatre), was co-founded in 1925 by British speech and drama teacher Barbara Sisley and English professor Jeremiah Joseph Stable. One of Australia’s oldest theatre companies, it was key in introducing the rep tradition to Toowoomba audiences.
Visiting Toowoomba in the August of 1930, Professor Stable addressed Town Hall to discuss forming a theatre society in town. A positive public meeting followed where the decision was made to establish a repertory society and by November that year the theatre had presented its first play: A.A. Milne's The Dover Road.
Thirty years later, in 1964, the society purchased a private residence, its current address of 94 Margaret Street, converting it into a small theatre.
2024 SEASON
Apr 30-May 11: The 39 Steps (Comedy thriller)
Jul 9-20: Maggie’s Getting Married (Romantic comedy)
Sept 24 - Oct 5: Rumours (Farcical comedy)
Nov 26 - Dec 7: The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (Comedy drama)
Make sure you check it out for everything that’s happening in town! Holding an exhibition or art event? Let us know here.
