In the Twenties, a team who called themselves
"The Passers-By," led and produced by Doris
Moody, played "Ambrose Apple-John's Adventure,"
"Mr. Pym Passes By," "Bah Bah Black Sheep," and
"Murder on the second floor". At that time
Frankston only had a Pipe Band and Choral
Society.
No organized Dramatic Society existed from then
till 1942, when Frankston Theatre Group began to
grow in the shape of the "Frankston Players."
During the war years regular Community singing
was held in the Plaza Theatre on Sunday nights.
This led to a sort of "Talent Quest," and
eventually to a revue. A small committee was
formed to organize this revue, and Rupert Scott
came forward as producer. He co-opted local
artists and the "Locker Fund" Ballet. The Revue,
staged successfully and timed to the minute,
exhibited a masterly assembly of varied acts.
Rupert Scott's genius as a comedian was noted
publicly for the first time in Frankston, and
the stage was set for meatier fare.
In 1943, Rupert Scott, with a handful of
friends, rehearsing in private homes, staged
"Ten Minute Alibi" for the Red Cross. The cast
included Robert Amor, Alex McRae, "Gobbie" Amor,
Rupert Scott, "Beau" Guest, Cecil Armstrong, and
John Gafney. Scenery was designed by W.L.
Bowles.
"Rookery Nook" was next performed, with a cast
that included W. Hope Gibson and Ethal Chadwick.
Alex McRae and Rupert Scott made an excellent
comedy team with Steve Flitton. With "Thark"
concluded, the "Frankston Players" now included
Maree Tomasetti, Myra Hart, Charles Parnham, and
Marjory Pearse.
By this time a numerous following of enthusiasts
wished the good work to continue. So, after a
couple of preliminary meetings at private
houses, the "frankston theatre group" was formed
at a meeting held in the Mechanics Hall on
December 9th, 1945. An ambitious constitution
was adopted, and Rupert Scott became President,
Hugh Cameron secretary, and Jerry Morris
treasurer.
The first play was directed by Steve Flitton,
who was appointed Director of the Group. Before
the play was in production, Ethal Chadwick and
Ron Potton put on a Revue, which was the initial
venture of the Theatre Group. The programmes
were multi-graphed sheets.
As the Group had made its home the Mechanics
Hall, it lost no time in striking up friendly
acquaintance with the Mechanics' Hall Committee
of Management. Before long the stage was
extended, new lighting installed, and a new set
of tabs and a draw curtain put up. The Group
backed by W. Hope Gibson ("Gibby"), put up the
funds for the first improvements, which
subsequently became the property of the Hall.
Working Bees, led by Ethal Chadwick, made and
stitched all the draping. Steve Flitton designed
and executed the footlights and batterns. New
tip-up seats were installed in the Hall by the
Committee of Management, and a combustion heater
later made a welcomed appearance.
After a year's work, the Group held a birthday
party in fancy costume ---- a frolic that is
still lovingly remembered today by a small few.
HISTORY OF PLAYS
Records are scant and the information for the period
1942-1945 may be incomplete.
Please select from the following play listings:-
Alphabetical Listing
Chronological Listing
Plays by Director
