Brisbane Arts Theatre: 1,000 Not Out

Brisbane Arts Theatre has been the home of many a cultural milestone in the River City’s history, but July brings a landmark more prominent than most: the company’s 1,000th production.

British bedroom farce 'Noises Off' fills the momentous slot on the theatre’s calendar, with a tale involving – somewhat fittingly – a touring theatre company’s efforts to bring a show to the stage.

 

Reaching 1,000 productions gives staff and fans of the much-loved Petrie Terrace theatre a chance to reflect on its history, recognise its prominent place in Brisbane’s arts scene, and recall some of the famous thespians who have passed through the ranks.

After being founded in 1936 as Brisbane Amateur Theatres by Jean Trundle and Vic Hardgraves, the burgeoning company staged its first production, 'Tell Me The Truth'. Plays were staged at Brisbane's Albert Hall, a 600-capacity auditorium which was soon demolished to make way for what is now the Suncorp building.

In 1951, the company changed its name to Brisbane Arts Theatre, and at the end of the decade the board of directors made an offer of £6,000 to purchase a second-hand junk shop on Petrie Terrace, converting it into a small theatre. With the help of £3,000 worth of renovations, the 144-seat auditorium opened on 1 September, 1961. The theatre company became the first in Brisbane to operate its own venue; one of many key firsts in Brisbane’s cultural heritage.

The theatre thrived until a fire gutted the building in 1964, but the hard work and dedication of volunteers and design skills of architect John Dalton combined to put it back together. When the theatre’s 50th anniversary was celebrated in 1986, artist Kevin Grealy was commissioned to create ceramic masks for a new facade concept; these remain a prominent feature of the theatre's exterior today.

The stage as rebuilt, with windows at rear, in 1965.

While thousands of actors of all ages and backgrounds have graced the Brisbane stage, it is testament to the company’s consistent eye for talent that so many thespians who have gone on to have professional careers have passed through its doors. Where to start with the list of well-known alumni?

Bernard King

An early visitor to the theatre was actor and celebrity chef Bernard King, who appeared in many productions before going on to host a cooking segment on 'Good Morning Australia' and have his own programme, 'King's Kitchen'.

Brisbane’s Carol Burns’ early appearances at the theatre gave her experience to use in tackling her role in 'Prisoner', for which she won a Logie. In a serendipitous move, Burns returned to the theatre in 2013 to direct 'Picnic At Hanging Rock'.

Steven Rooke

Steven Rooke is perhaps best known for his role as Terry in the 2006 film 'Footy Legends', while his television credits include 'All Saints', 'Home And Away', and 'Always Greener'. Michael Caton, Judith McGrath and former premier of Queensland Wayne Goss have also made notable appearances.

Barry Otto

The most well-known of the theatre’s former actors is of course Barry Otto; the 'Strictly Ballroom' and 'Australia' star began his performance career treading the Petrie Terrace boards before going on to do big things in film. He picked up an AFI Award for Best Supporting Actor in 'Strictly Ballroom' and has recently worked with Baz Luhrmann for the third time on 'The Great Gatsby'.

As an amateur and self-funded arts company, Brisbane Arts Theatre is – and always has been – a place to see the best of the up-and-coming talent Brisbane and South-East Queensland has to offer. The 1,000th production, 'Noises Off', will be no different. A classic tale of love triangles, overindulgence and belly laughs, it is set to mark the occasion in grand style.

Brisbane Arts Theatre today © Chez Watts

As Brisbane Arts Theatre (locally known as BAT) powers forward in the 21st Century as an iconic, thriving performing arts community, it still holds just as much of an essential place in the cultural fabric of Brisbane as it did when it opened in 1936. If you haven’t paid a visit in a while, maybe now is a good time to get reacquainted and join in the celebrations.

'Noises Off' plays Brisbane Arts Theatre, 4 July – 15 August.