Everyone has a passion of some sort, whether it’s writing, playing sport, films or acting. While for some people, their passion has driven them to dizzying heights within their chosen field, there are also others who are content to fulfill their desires at a more subdued level. Many actors dream of having their names in lights and are always looking for their lucky break, but there are also those who simply enjoy performing in a local theatre production. That’s how the Adelphi Players Theatre Company has established itself within the Glen Eira community over the last 39 years. When Bayside Little Theatre disbanded in 1962, a number of its surviving members decided that their passion would not die easily, and decided to start a small Ormond based Theatre company the following year. So began the Adelphi Players Theatre Company.
After recently completing a successful season of Noddy and the Noah’s Ark, principal director and founder of the Adelphi Players, Michael Mace, knows exactly how lucky its members and the Glen Eira community are to have such a company. “We’re the only theatre company in the Caulfield area, the Glen Eira area, that is still going,” he enthuses.
Currently in preparations for its 117th production, St James Infirmary by Australian playwright, Nick Enright, Mace breathes a sigh of relief when he considers the relaxed pace the company is progressing at currently.
“It’s from July through until December when we are in full swing, competing in all the drama festivals,” Mace acknowledges. “That’s when we work every weekend.”
Last year, the Adelphi Players was presented with a total of 32 awards for its performances at numerous drama festivals. Throughout the drama season, the members of the Adelphi Players travel to venues throughout Melbourne and surrounding country areas, such as Kyneton, Arrarat, Mornington, Emerald and the widely attended Ballarat Eisteddfod.
Although the Adelphi Players perform plays by well-known and highly regarded playwrights, such David Williamson, George Bernard Shaw and Shakespeare, the Company is a constant supporter of undiscovered local talent. In 1995, the Players performed Death by Audition by Wayne Dudgeon, and what began as an unsolicited script was later published.
However, unlike the majority of other community theatre groups, the Adelphi Players does not have its own theatre. This allows it to be a successful touring theatre company, which takes its plays to schools, retirement homes and other venues throughout the state.
However the majority of performances take place at the National Trust ‘Labassa’ in Caulfield. The Company has been a strong supporter of the Labassa over the years, and has made substantial donations with proceeds from their performances. To date, the Adelphi Players have donated approximately $20,000, and to acknowledge their hard work, Mace received an award from the National Trust this year.
But he’s not the only one involved. The last production saw 30 people involved, ranging in age from eight through to 60, with the core of actors company stalwarts. However, Mace is always interested in recruiting new talent, and if the spotlight isn’t for you, a strong pair of hands for backstage work and set design is always welcome. Those interested, or anyone wishing to receive information about the productions listed below, should contact Barbara on 9690 1593.
The new season for the Adelphi Players Theatre Company is just about to get underway with a busy year of plays, pantomimes and festivals:
March – St James Infirmary by Nick Enright (the author of ‘The Vietnam Twins and Daylight Saving’)
July – September – Double Yolk – A double bill of two short mystery plays (‘By Accident’ and ‘With Intent’ by Hugh and Margaret Williams)
December – Dick Whittington (Pantomime)
The year 2003, however, will be the big year for the Adelphi Players Theatre Company, which will move into its 40th year of operation. But Mace is taking one step at a time. “It will be a big year, but we’ve made no plans so far.”