Drama lovers usher in 50 years
For half a century, they have ushered opening nights into being, basked in their love of theatre and even provided tissues after particularly moving plays.
Doris Barnard and Gay Peek, both in their 70s, have been ushers at the Court Theatre since its opening 50 years ago this week.
Peek said yesterday she remembered ushering that very first opening night, which was a production of The Prime of Miss
Jean Brodie at the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings in 1971.
‘‘It was a little bit chaotic,’’ she said. ‘‘The room was so small you had to make sure people went to the front first, and you had to be a shepherd really.
‘‘And then it was very difficult at the end getting people out. There were no toilets, so that was really hard too.’’
The Court Theatre moved to three venues before settling at the Arts Centre in 1976.
After the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes damaged their Arts Centre home, the Court Theatre built a new space in a former grain silo in Addington and reopened in December 2011.
Peek said the job combined her love of theatre with her love of meeting people. She had no plans to retire. After performances of a recent play, Things I Know to be True, Peek helped tearful audience members.
‘‘That play generated quite a few emotions. We provided free packets of tissues..’’
Barnard said ushers had a responsibility to keep their audience safe. ‘‘You are aware that as well as seating people you are responsible for people and if there is an emergency you have to look after them,’’ she said.
Ushers also had to handle errant cellphones during performances.
‘‘There’s always the cellphones that you have to deal with ... If you are close enough, you glare, but often you are not.’’