FOR more than seven decades, local theatre enthusiasts have been entertaining audiences and fostering creativity in the Nambucca Valley, and that proud tradition is continuing as the Valley Players prepare to present their latest home-grown production, ‘A Pirate’s Fortune’.
The group traces its origins back to the 1950s when it was established as the Macksville Music and Dramatic Society.
It later became known as the Valley Performers before members recently voted to return to the name many locals fondly remember, the Valley Players.
Adding to the sense of history, the group still boasts one of the original members of the Macksville Music and Dramatic Society, Mr Elwin Butler.
The Valley Players currently have around 25 members and continue to attract new faces keen to be involved in community theatre.
This year’s production, A Pirate’s Fortune, is another home-grown effort written and directed by Valley Players member Ruth Stuart.
Set in the 1800s, the comedy follows the exploits of Pirate Mad Dog Silver as he attempts to evade pursuing Spanish officers while hiding out in Manila with his vast treasure.
The two-act production transports audiences from the Salty Parrot Tavern in act one to a tropical island setting in act two.
Bringing the production to life has presented some unique challenges, particularly for the costume department, which has had to create outfits for pirates, mermaids and Spanish officers.
The play features a cast of 15 performers supported by a behind-the-scenes crew of seven.
Ms Stuart said producing original works allowed the group to cater for its members while helping keep live theatre thriving in the Valley.
The production has also benefited from a recent Special Effects Makeup Course provided free of charge by TAFE NSW, with members undertaking the training and putting their new skills to use on the upcoming show.
Beyond the entertainment, the Valley Players continue to support the wider community.
Each year the United Hospital Auxiliary conducts a raffle during performances, with recent efforts raising more than $1800 for Macksville District Hospital.
Ms Stuart said the group was always keen to welcome new members.
“I love that the Valley Players provides a great space to be creative while, at the same time, enables all of us to have so much fun,” she told News Of The Area.
The Valley Players have long demonstrated that community theatre is about much more than putting on a show.
It is about friendships, creativity, laughter and preserving a tradition that has entertained generations of Nambucca Valley residents.
Their latest production, ‘A Pirate’s Fortune’, will be staged at the Macksville Ex Services Club on July 10, 11,12,17 and 18.
Tickets are available through the Macksville Ex Services Club, offering audiences another opportunity to enjoy local talent and support one of the Valley’s longest-standing community groups.
By Mick BIRTLES
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