Live theatre’s making a full comeback in Coffs as restrictions ease

The theatre community were left devastated when COVID-19 hit - but a year later, things are getting back into swing. With restrictions now eased Coffs is set to have its first show, with a full run, at 100 per cent capacity.

Rehearsals are well underway for Into the Woods, set to hit the stage at the Jetty Theatre in May. It will be the first show to have a full run at full capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The cast of Into the Woods had worked tirelessly on the production when COVID-19 hit – leaving the members of the Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company devastated.

But a year later, with 100 per cent capacity now allowed back in theatres, the excitement and anticipation is back in full swing.

Directed by English ex-pat and new Coffs Coast resident Tim Gibbs, Into the Woods is set to hit the Jetty Theatre in May. It will be the first show to have a complete run at full capacity since COVID-19 hit.

Coming from London’s West End, Mr Gibbs admitted his extensive theatre experience could not prepare him for directing a production during the unprecedented pandemic.

“It’s been a long time coming. It was cancelled last year, but the choice was made to keep it going and keep it alive,” he said.

“We’ve had to observe COVID-19 restrictions and various guidelines as best as possible while also maintaining the theatrical integrity of the show – so it’s been a bit of a challenge.

“But we have a stellar cast, and they have been very diligent.”

Rehearsals have been well underway for Into the Woods, set to hit the stage at the Jetty Theatre in May.

Mr Gibbs previously directed a separate Into the Woods production four years ago while living in Port Macquarie, and has had starring roles in productions including Jean Valjean in Taree Arts Council’s Les Misérables.

He was a vocal coach at the Encore Drama School for 12 years before moving up north to Coffs, where he is now recording his debut album and is a theatre and acting coach at Woolgoolga Performing Arts School.

It wasn’t long after he had moved to Coffs that he was asked to take over the reins of the production, after the previous director had to step down for personal reasons.

“It was baptism by fire. Two days after I was asked, we started rehearsals,” he said.

Rehearsals are well underway for Into the Woods, set to hit the stage at the Jetty Theatre in May. It will be the first show to have a full run at full capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Mr Gibbs said there had been some changes from the original casting since last year, but said audiences can expect to see both experienced local talent as well as new talent coming to the stage.

This includes husband and wife duo Thomas Madden as The Baker and Billie Jo-Dukes as the Baker’s Wife, as well as local writer Ali Hiddlestone as Little Red Riding Hood.

“Sondheim’s Into the Woods is an incredibly complex musical with lots of storylines and character arcs that audiences can relate to and will find some connection to,” Mr Gibbs said.

He also thanked his “remarkable” stage manager Sherydan Simson and musical director Sharyn Messner for their hard work in preparation for the show, which will run from May 7 to May 30.

“It’s been an interesting journey and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the team.”