Tributes are rolling in for Noosa Arts Theatre president Susan Dearnley, who passed away on Sunday 5 January after a short battle with cancer.
Susan was the president for 2024 but has been associated with the theatre for more than 26 years.
The much-loved local resident spent years organising props, co-ordinating and running their annual One Act Play competition, stage managing and steering the ship when it came to set building, as well as captaining the wonderful team of volunteer men called The Secret Men’s Business, affectionately known as ‘her boys’.
“Susan’s efficiency, creativity, and meticulous organisation made her an indispensable member of every production staged at Noosa Arts over the past 26 years and she will be sorely missed, although I’m sure her spirit will never leave the building,” Noosa Arts Theatre publicity officer Maria Karambelas said.
Susan was on stage last year for their fun radio play The 39 Steps, where she did all the sound effects on stage and was in her element.
Born in England, Susan’s love for performance and the arts began at an early age.
Starting with elocution lessons at just five years old, she quickly expanded her repertoire to include acting classes, competing in numerous theatrical and speech competitions throughout her childhood.
By the age of 10, Susan added tap, ballet, and jazz dancing to her skill set, and at twelve, she made her stage debut in a traditional pantomime, igniting a lifelong passion for the stage.
Susan completed LAMDA exams in speech and drama and has competed in many eisteddfods across England including acting, solo, duo, group, storytelling and mime. She performed at Drury Lane
Theatre, London and performed in pantomimes for three years, before touring the UK and Europe as a professional dancer.
Her talent and dedication soon led her to a remarkable six-year journey as a performer with a London based dance troupe, touring extensively across Ireland and Europe.
During this time, Susan also honed her choreographic skills, even stepping into the unique world of circus arts as a choreographer.
Susan was well known and highly respected for her legendary pantomimes and had directed a total of ten and many local kids got their start in theatre via this avenue. She also had her granddaughter Banksia perform in Snow White as a flower fairy in 2014.
Susan has been a member of the management committee for many years and vice-president since 2011. She was elected president last year. She was at the theatre at 8.30 every Tuesday and Thursday morning managing the set building and always provided birthday cakes on the appropriate days.
Noosa Arts Theatre is holding a memorial for Susan on what would have been her 79th birthday on Thursday 23 January in the afternoon (4-6pm) at the theatre, 163 Weyba Road, Noosaville to which everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be provided and the bar will be open.
For more information on Susan’s memorial visit noosaartstheatre.org.au
