Page 20 - OT_70th Anniversary

2014 As we approached the end of the year,
We had applied for a grant for funds to how appropriate then that we called that
replace the roof of the theatre and house, show 'Here We Are Again' directed by Bill
and we were lucky enough to once again Finn and Carol Freebairn (Yes, instead of
receive a grant from Pub Charities for alternating, they decided to own up to the
$20,000 which enabled us to replace the fact that they always interfered in each
roof of the theatre as this was in worse other’s shows so they might as well be
repair than that of the house. jointly responsible) Not much change there
then!
We had been approached by Ray Palmer
who is part of a Bell Ringing group here in 2015
Whangarei. They were hoping to find a This year was auspicious for one of our
small theatre, with great venue for a members, Meg Legg our Front of House
performance or two for the public. The person for many years. On January 24th
Octagon Theatre seemed to be an ideal 2015 Meg celebrated her 100th birthday.
size and, like many things, the idea grew to We feel this has to go on record as we
incorporate the bell ringers, the Whangarei might not get (m)any more members
Recorder group and some of the Octagon reaching that age!!
members. This became 'Bells, Whistles
and Rhymes' and comprised contributions May heralded 'Death by Golf' by Gregg
from both guest groups interspersed by Kreutz, directed by Wendy Berridge.
poems, monologues and limericks from
some of the Octagon members. This was
a 4-performance season and was enjoyed
by all.

Our May production was a comedy, 'Play
On' by Rick Abbott and directed by Tracey
Lawson. An interesting play within a play
as it showed rehearsals where the author
of the play kept interfering in everything,
causing chaos as she went.

July gave us 'Side Effects' by Eric Chappell
and directed by Richard Harris. Another 'Death by Golf'
comedy which proved to be another
success enjoyed by all.
In August we staged 'Dead Guilty' by
Richard Harris, directed by Jane Barr.

In November 'This is Your Life Octagon
Theatre' was directed by Wendy Berridge.
This highlighted some of the people and
performances through the years, with some
dedications, one of which was to our
Centenarian Meg.

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