The new 200 seat raked theatre will envelop the existing Twyford Hall sitting alongside and above the historic meeting place. Photo: Supplied.
A new cultural icon will soon rise from the sapphire shores of Merimbula Lake, with work set to start soon on Theatre Twyford in the heart of the holiday hot spot.
The new 200 seat raked theatre will envelop the existing Twyford Hall sitting alongside and above the historic meeting place, adjacent to the shops of Market Street.
Bill Deveril, President of Twyford Hall Incorporated says he is delighted to announce that the funding of $7.4 million has now been released by the NSW Government following the commitment from Deputy Premier, John Barilaro and Member for Bega, Andrew Constance in May last year.
“The remainder of the project is being funded through Twyford Hall’s own resources, private donations and
corporate sponsorships, which will go towards completing the internal fit out of the new theatre,” Mr Deveril says
Twyford Hall Inc, which manages the Twyford Hall properties on behalf of Bega Valley Shire Council, has been lobbying various governments for 20 years to have the new theatre built.
Mayor Kristy McBain says news that the money is in the bank is welcome news.
“I know how hard the Twyford volunteers have worked to make Theatre Twyford happen. When built it will enhance the existing cultural, festival and conference infrastructure in the Shire, providing a valuable boost to our local economy.”
Mr Deveril, who commands great respect in Bega Valley community theatre says, “This project will extend the range and breadth of live performances possible in Merimbula.”
“Its modern facilities will not only raise the bar for local performers, it will also attract more touring shows, which rarely come further south than Nowra.
“Historic Twyford Hall, which has been serving the Merimbula community since the 1930s, will remain and continue to operate in a limited capacity during the construction phase, but undergo some internal changes to accommodate the new theatre’s construction,” he says.
Funding of $7.4 million has now been released by the NSW Government. Photo: Supplied
Plans for the new theatre were developed by local architect Michael Marshman & Associates, successful tenders for the construction and project management of the theatre are expected to be announced by June 2019.
When complete Theatre Twyford will be the only venue in South East NSW offering raked seating.
Construction of the theatre building shell is hoped to be completed in early 2020. Work will then concentrate on internal fit out in time for the new facility to open in the second half of 2020.
With their home base out of action during construction, Merimbula’s Spectrum Theatre group have moved their next production to the Bega Civic Centre.
‘Ladies in Black‘ is a coming of age story about a young, intelligent, bookworm embarking on a summer job between completing her Leaving Certificate and hopefully starting a literature degree at Sydney University
Written by Carolyn Burns, adapted from a book by Madeleine St John, with music and lyrics by Tim Finn, the local production is in the hands of Director Frankie J Holden, Musical Directors David Willis and Candy McVeity, and Assistant Director/Choreographer Amber Little.
The season runs, June 22 to July 6. Tickets are available via TryBooking.
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