Star Theatres loses $40,000 worth of equipment before Fringe
A popular Adelaide theatre says its peak period is in peril after a set of an apparently targeted break-ins robbed it of critical technical equipment.
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Thieves have stripped an Adelaide theatre of technical equipment in two apparent targeted attacks, with management fearing the break-ins could cause “substantial issues” for upcoming shows ahead of Fringe season.
Star Theatres manager Malcolm Harslett took to social media on Saturday morning to share the huge list of items stolen from the theatre, including transmitters, speakers and lights.
“We have been burgled at Star Theatres and the thieves stole the below list of equipment,” Mr Harslett wrote.
“As it’s so close to the Fringe, we are suspicious the gear may turn up during this period. “
Speaking to The Advertiser on Saturday afternoon, Mr Harslett said the theatre had been the victim of two separate break-ins over the past two weeks.
“The first was about a fortnight ago,” he said.
“We think it’s possible that someone stayed in the building after everyone left and got things out that way. It’s just so confusing.”
“We’re honestly so bewildered as to how they got in this time. It definitely feels like they’ve targeted us, and it couldn’t have been a one man job. They stole a sound desk from our smaller theatre which is very hard to access.”
Mr Harslett said along with about $40,000 worth of audio/visual equipment, the thieves also stole some snacks for their journey.
“They probably took about $50-60 worth of chocolate from behind the bar too, and they’ve dropped some on the way out,” he said.
“We came in for rehearsals on Thursday afternoon and then ended up taking stock of everything that had been taken.
“It’s so concerning because we’ve got preview sessions for the Fringe next week, and now we don’t have the necessary equipment.”
He said local audio stores have reached out and offered to lend the theatre what they need to get through the Fringe season.
“I got a nice call from Heather Croall too, offering support, so that was nice. It’s just disappointing to think maybe these people could be using the equipment to try and run their own production on the cheap.”
“If you see any of it please contact us and or the Police as this will cause a substantial issue for the many shows in our venues.”
The Adelaide Fringe is due to start on February 16, with around 100 shows to be held in Star Theatres over the duration.
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