Back
2244 days ago

Theatre Society celebrates 70 years

Annette Lambly-Robinson Reporter from Whangārei Leader

Next month the Whangarei Repertory Society will celebrate its seventieth anniversary.

In April 1948, a small band of theatre enthusiasts got together at a private residence to form the society. Little would they have ever dreamed their successors would continue to attract sell-out houses some three score years and ten later.

After a series of different make-shift venues in the first 30 years, the society set up permanent residence at 13 Aubrey St in 1978 and, with the addition of a new octagonal auditorium (hence "The Octagon"), new life was breathed into the old villa.

Each year around 2,200 patrons enjoy the shows thanks to an ever-growing band of individuals passionate about the performing arts. They give freely of their time to source, research, direct and produce popular plays.

Topped off with affordable menus and a tipple or two served by dining and bar volunteers, it is a recipe for success that has stood the test of time.

The Society embraces the challenges to keep pace with millennium demands and, continually, rejuvenates itself with new faces, new ideas and new technology in order to future-proof its longevity.

As a non-profit charitable organisation managed by volunteers it relies heavily on donations, grants, membership fees and even bequests. The theatre and land are now freehold but insurance premiums and rates bite hard. And while a heroic treasurer constantly juggles the finances, it's the dedicated band of volunteers and loyal patrons that ensures the shows continue to go on.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
3 hours ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

Image
Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 85.5% Yes
    85.5% Complete
  • 11.3% No
    11.3% Complete
  • 3.1% Other - I'll share below
    3.1% Complete
159 votes
14 hours ago

Today's Riddle: Guaranteed Brain Stretch!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What bird is the strongest of them all?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
5 hours ago

Sweet Dreams Start with the Perfect Bedtime Drink! ?✨

Jay from Beds4U Whangarei

Bedtime rituals are better with the perfect drink! ?✨ Do you prefer warm hot chocolate, soothing herbal tea, or refreshing water? Tell us your favourite bedtime beverage and let’s get inspired for those peaceful nights! ? #Beds4U #sleep

Image