Building more than sets at theatre company

EVERY Wednesday morning a group of DIY theatre lovers meet at the Bendigo Theatre Company’s headquarters in Golden Square.

Some members call themselves a ‘men’s shed’, but long-standing participant Keva Lloyd said there is more to it.

“We are basically theatre focused, whether that be building sets, building or repairing props, or maintaining our building,” he said.

“We are primarily focused on building sets for BTC and in relatively more recent times we’ve been able to help other theatre companies or schools who require things for their shows.”

The group is mostly comprised of retirees looking to utilise their skills and form social connections.

“Our number seems to be growing which is terrific,” Mr Lloyd said. “Two or three guys that come along have got metal work skills and they can weld, most of us are more wood oriented but we accept anybody who’s at a loose end.”

After a morning tinkering on props and sets in the shed the group goes to the deli in Carpenter Street for a coffee.

Mr Lloyd said he became aware of the group’s real impact on his wellbeing during the COVID lockdowns.

“I can speak for myself, I was just busting my gut to get back to the shed and I didn’t care whether we had anything to do or not, just to catch up with the blokes to have a chat and have a bit of fun,” he said.

“We very much support one another, if you want to call that men’s health, call it men’s health, it’s just a vital part of enjoying and making good use of our retirement years.”

The next project for the group will be to build the sets for BTC’s pantomime Treasure Island.

The group meets every Wednesday morning from 9am to 12pm and new members are welcome.