Curtain to go up on renovated theatre
THE stage is almost set for the grand reopening of one of Townsville’s major cultural precincts.
The Townsville Civic Theatre will be welcomed back after its $ 10 million refurbishment with a gala program of concerts.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the theatre would draw the same quality acts as those in capital cities.
“Townsville will arguably have the best theatre in regional Australia,” Cr Hill said.
“We will be able to host the best productions across the country and offer our local arts and music fans the same quality acts as they can get in Brisbane or Melbourne.”
Cr Hill said the upgrade would bring the theatre into the modern era.
“The new seats will provide theatregoers a new level of comfort and the entire theatre has a fresh new look,” she said.
“Access for people with a disability has been improved for both patrons and performers, with new seating configurations and a lift system in the dressing room area. Another standout feature is the new automated fly system back of house, which replaced the manual system that was always very labour intensive.”
Community and Cultural Development Committee chair Cr Colleen Doyle said the work would ensure the theatre remained a cultural hotspot for decades to come.
“The Civic Theatre has been a crucial part of Townsville’s arts and cultural scene for 40 years,” Cr Doyle said.
“Council has invested in upgrading the facilities at the theatre so patrons can enjoy performances there for another four decades to come.
“Almost everyone in the local arts community has a connection to the Civic Theatre and that’s why it’s so important to celebrate its reopening.”
The first concert, Townsville Civic Theatre’s Act II, will include some of the best local theatre and dance acts including the Townsville Choral Society, North Queensland Opera Music Theatre and singers Alex Thomas and Sandra Neal.
The show will be held on July 14, with tickets $ 35 for adults and $ 15 for children.
A second concert will be a special edition of Morning Melodies and includes musical duo Melissa Western and Tnee Dyer playing a tailormade program for Townsville audiences. The show is on July 17 and tickets are $ 14.