Our History

Leongatha Lyric Theatre was founded by Mrs Lyn Carr who was a music teacher and singer at the time. Having experience in both amateur and professional productions Lyn set about recruiting a small group of dedicated thespians. The first production, the operetta ‘Trial By Jury’, was performed in the newly opened Mesley Hall, Leongatha in July 1965. The production was a success and played to an estimated audience of 1200 over a three-night season. An initial bank balance of $25 had grown to $280 by the year’s end.

The charitable ethos of Lyric Theatre was founded in these early years when it was decided to donate $100 to the Leongatha Rotary Club in aid of the Elderly Citizens Project. Productions in a variety of venues have continued in every year since our founding. Lyric Youth Theatre was very active over the period of 1974 to 2004. The role of a facilitator/director remains open in the hope we can re-establish the group.

From very modest beginnings, our productions have grown in complexity and cost. Our ability to present the quality that audiences now expect has its roots in the enthusiasm, dedication and good management of the many volunteers over the years. Assets have gradually been built up so that set construction, stage properties and electrical equipment are now based in the Lyric Playhouse in Watsons Rd, Leongatha. An extensive wardrobe and costume manufacture are based in the Lyric Studio also in Watsons Rd. The Eagger Studio provides rehearsal space. We regularly review and upgrade production facilities as finances allow. Recent works have included refurbishment of our lounge/meeting area and toilet facilities. Concreting of the driveway to Eagger Studio will be shortly completed.

Our search for a performance venue has been a constant feature of our history. Whilst Mesley Hall has served the company well over the years, the age of the venue and its inadequacies are now apparent. Proposals are currently before South Gippsland Shire Council in regard to the redevelopment of Leongatha Memorial Hall stagehouse. We remain optimistic!

A detailed history of Leongatha Lyric Theatre has been documented in 'The Roar of the Greasepaint' written by David Tattersall. Copies of the book are on shelves at local branches of the West Gippsland Regional Library. The volume was updated in 2015 to ‘Fifty Years of Theatre’.