“The new Theatre at The Twyford in Merimbula is at last set to open its doors and is inviting the community to come and see!”, said Frankie J Holden, Chair of The Twyford Hall Complex Ltd.
The project was the dream of late theatre director John Stewart, later championed over 30 years by local identity Bill Deveril and various Twyford Hall committees, especially Roslyn Thompson and the late Bernard Shea.
After years of lobbying, a grant was announced in 2018 for a new professional arts and theatre space by the then NSW Government Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and former Member for Bega Andrew Constance MP.
Work began in March 2020, just after the Black Summer bushfires, and then COVID hit. Whilst building was allowed to continue under pandemic restrictions, delays resulted, due to supply and trade shortages, rearrangement of the building’s main power supply source and updated fire requirements that meant retrofitting additional fire safety measures, including sprinkling the entire building and the existing Hall.
As builder delay costs strained the budget, the project was paused to source extra funding, which in 2023 was provided by the NSW Government. NSW Public Works became the project manager and local building contractor Hodgson Constructions finished Stage 2.
In the meantime, Manager Lis Shelley and Technical Manager Gerry Corcoran have transitioned the venue’s operations to a new professionally managed model. With a team of casuals and volunteers, they have increased use of the heritage-listed Hall and developed new audiences, staging a variety of events to cement the venue’s reputation for touring and local artists. The Hall will still be used for exhibitions and other events now the new Theatre is open.
The community is invited to tour the new Theatre at a relaxed Open Day on Saturday 12 April from 11.00am until 3.00pm. The new Foyer Cafe will be open with music by Anna Martin-Scrace & Dean Gray.
Events are already planned for the Theatre, with some small shows to warm up the Theatre in April.
TV Comedian Troy Kinne will be on stage with his rescheduled show for ages 18+ entitled “Made Wrong” on Friday 11 April at 7.30pm. Having had his plane from Melbourne cancelled once, Troy’s determined to make it back to his childhood holiday destination for his loyal fans.
On Sunday 13 April at 2.00pm, the Sapphire Coast Concert Band will stage their fundraising concert entitled “Timeless Tales” with music and stories for young and old narrated by Jamie Forbes, including Peter & The Wolf, Aesop’s Fables, Mary Poppins and How To Train Your Dragon.
Spectrum Theatre will be presenting their production of Oliver! The Musical from 9 to 18 May in the new Theatre, featuring Ricky Bloomfield as Fagin.
Information on all upcoming events is at https://thetwyford.com.au