Top playwright lauds art theatre

Playwright David Williamson checks out the newly refurbished Noosa Arts Theatre. Photo by Shutterbug Photography

AUSTRALIAN playwright David Williamson has sung the praises of Noosa Art Theatre, describing the venue as “one of the best and most comfortable theatres on the Sunshine Coast”.
Williamson, who has written over 50 plays plus the classic Anzac movie, Gallipoli, first visited the Noosa Arts Theatre in 1996 with his wife, Kristin, to see a performance of one of his plays.
“I went along with some trepidation as some of the community theatre productions I’d seen of my work left a lot to be desired,” Williamson said.
“It was mid-summer and the only cooling was by means of ancient fans that were so loud that the dialogue couldn’t be heard, even from the fifth row back and within five minutes my wife Kristin had gone to sleep.”
But now, almost 20 years later, Williamson said the theatre was a credit to the enthusiasm, hard work and dedication of all those involved in the venue’s transformation.
The latest upgrades including reupholstered seats, new lighting, paint, curtains and carpets, plus a hearing loop, will be revealed during the coming One-Act Play festival on 3 July.
It’s not too late to secure your ticket to the Noosa Arts Theatre One-Act Play festival that will feature three plays; The Invitation written by Michelle McCormick, Instructions for Two or More Players by Michiko Parnell and The Devil’s Dance by Noosa’s very own councillor, Frank Wilkie.
The festival will kick off with a cut-price preview on 3 July, at 7.30pm, with all tickets only $20.
The View Club (Smith Family) charity night is a great chance to see the impressive performances while helping a local charity improve the lives of disadvantaged children.
Noosaville View Club is a women’s friendship club who support disadvantaged children with their education through the Learning for Life program, an initiative of the Smith Family.
The club currently sponsors six students by supplying uniforms, stationery and other supplies to help the children participate in school excursions and sporting events.
The View charity performance will be 10 July at 7.30pm with all tickets $29 per person.
For more information on the One-Act Play festival, visit www.noosaartstheatre.org.au or phone 5449 9343.