Dear Friends - doesn't that sound endearing.
We are now joined together as friends leaving behind the Supporters of old.
We have just celebrated our 50th anniversary in grand style. Boasting to be the oldest, longest surviving and best theatre in New Zealand.
The Alumni night was an evening for tears of joy, shrieks of recognition and hugs for old friends. Practitioners from fifty years ago to the present day were bought together for an evening of "Yarns and Lies". 'The Associates' past and present along with Chief Executives and Artistic Directors were all honoured for their contribution to The Court over time.
The beautiful book that records The Court's history was launched by the authors' Felicity Price and Derek Hargreaves. The spectacular photos throughout bring memories flooding back of the many many shows that have been produced by The Court Theatre. Elric Hooper, possibly the most celebrated of all the practitioners had generously sourced many of these from his private collection. This is a gorgeous coffee table book and I can recommend it most highly.
Saturday night bought the glamour of our Gala Dinner. The stunning fit-out of the foyer with props and costumes and a very theatrical entrance through paparazzi snapping jesters began the evening with a bang. After a stylish four-course dinner and a fundraising auction (raising $18,000) the guests danced till midnight.
The Supporters/Friends event The Great Debate filled the auditorium on Sunday afternoon. Ross Gumbley and Kathleen Burns vigorously contested the moot "The world is a better place because of the Court Theatre." against opponents Lara Macgregor and Jeff Clark. Sir Roger Hall with his very dry humour made the perfect adjudicator and we laughed continuously for the whole hour.
The final part of the afternoon saw the launch of the name Friends of The Court Theatre. The committee came onto the stage and on the fanfare stripped off their golden sashes to reveal the letters of the word "FRIENDS". This was the official launch of our new brand.
Tina Duncan's exquisite celebratory cake was wheeled onto the stage and cut by our two ushers who have served us for the whole 50 years. Doris Barnard and Gay Peek.
ow the party is over the cleanup done and it's on to the serious business of Ladies Night.
