Toowoomba local theatre ramps up for a promising year of shows

A local theatre company is ready for a bumper year of productions following a quiet year of COVID cancellations.

One of Toowoomba’s most iconic cultural entities, the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Society has recently revealed its bold plans for 2021.

And with an exciting four-show program lined up, there’s something for every thespian to enjoy.

Following on from a disappointing 2020 and the theatre’s 90th year, the rep are hoping to reintroduce the love to the stage to Toowoomba patrons with director Mike Taylor determined to see all one-hundred seats in their 106-year-old theatre filled each and every show.

“This year we’re hoping to get audiences comfortable with coming back and enjoying live theatre again, COVID restrictions will certainly keep us on our toes, but right now we’d be able to have full capacity in the theatre,” he said.

“Whether or not restrictions change down the track will be something we just have to address if the problem arises but right now we’re just excited to put on our first show after 12 months of keeping our doors shut.”

Mr Taylor said he had been involved with the rep since 1986, but was far from the theatre’s longest serving member with devoted sound and lighting technician, Bob Horstman proudly clocking up over 50 years with the rep, after joining in 1968.

“Live local theatre excited me,” Mr Horstman said.

“I’ve made a lot of good friends over the years and it’s very rewarding to see the cast and audience enjoying themselves. I’m so glad we’re getting back on the stage this year.”

President Mark Phythian said membership numbers were also down on previous years and was hoping the return of live shows would encourage patrons to support the Rep by becoming members.

“We welcome anyone with a love of the arts to get involved,” he said.

“The rep is always looking for assistance on and off the stage, just head to our website for more information on how you can get involved.”

Mark Pythian and Mike Taylor from the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre are excited to announce their program for 2021. PHOTO: Bev Lacey

The rep’s first production for the year, Switzerland by Joanna Murray-Smith is a gripping psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience on the edge of its seat.

The two-person play will see Toowoomba theatre veteran, Bev Irwin-Taylor take to the stage as reclusive crime writer Patricia Highsmith and Stewart Limpus as the genial young man from her New York publisher.

While performances will be a little different to past years, Mr Phythian said he wanted to assure patrons they will still be in for a wonderful evening of live, local theatre.

“We’re unable to host our wonderful suppers with the current restrictions in place, but we’re still able to fill the theatre up to 100 per cent capacity so we’re hoping to have sell out shows every night,” he said.

There will only be four performances, running from March 3-6 with tickets going on sale February 1 via the rep’s website.

As for the rest of the Rep’s 2021 program, Mr Taylor and Mr Phythian said the first two productions were set in stone, but the later two shows may be subject to change depending on COVID restrictions.

Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Society 2021 Program:
March 3-6 – Switzerland by Joanna Murray-Smith

May dates TBA – Pair of one-act plays: The Donoghue Sisters by Geraldine Aron & Avatar by Mark Lucas – (Auditions to be held late February)

August dates TBA – The Love List by Norm Foster (subject to COVID restriction updates)

November dates TBA – One Slight Hitch by Lewis Black (subject to COVID restriction updates)