‘The old girl is alive and well’: Tributes flow for Clink Theatre
CLINK TURNS 25
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- Amazing Clink Theatre celebrates 25 years
“The ‘old girl’ is alive and well. Long live the ‘old girl’ and may she survive for another 25 years.”
With this introduction by current president Michael Kerr, the curtain was raised in celebration of the Clink Theatre’s 25th anniversary at a special event on Saturday night which included many of the volunteers who have been part of this momentous journey.
As is well known, and thanks to hard work and dreams, the Clink Theatre is a wonderful building which is full of history and life. What once was the old Mossman Court House and police lock-up was moved to its current location on Mowbray Street and became a majestic little theatre.
The Clink Theatre was officially opened on November 7 1992 by the then Parliamentary Member for Cook, Steve Bredhauer MLA.
“This ‘old girl’ is truly a gem. But there are many people who have ensured it became a special place here in Port Douglas and I thank all the volunteers for their exceptional commitment and hard work over many years.
“The arts are important, especially in rural areas, and the Clink Theatre fills that role and I am confident that we can look forward to another 25 years of musicals, opera, cabaret and other spectacular performances,” said Kerr.
Among the guests on Saturday included the current president Kerr and four of his predecessors from the earlier days: Claire Tierney, Freda Wilson, Faye Hudson and Lynn Cropp.
It was a nostalgic moment for architect Roger Mainwood and removalist David Giles who regaled the guests with many light-hearted and tense moments in setting up what is now the Clink Theatre.
For past president Lynn Cropp said it was a synchronistic moment when the place was born.
“I was fortunate to have an architect, a councillor and a highly competent personal assistant on my committee and everything just seemed to happen,” she said.
It was also revealed – perhaps for the first time publicly – like all theatres, there is a ghost.
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