Byron Bay Theatre comes of age

BYRON Theatre is turning 21 this year and celebrating two decades of community and creativity.

As a preview to the festivities in late August, the theatre has announced an production of the award-winning production The Sunshine Club on August 23.

Reviewed as a “brilliant new landmark in Australian musicals”, the show is written and directed by Quandamooka man and acclaimed creative force Wesley Enoch.

The thought-provoking and joyful production has a variety of music styles, with 28 songs composed by John Rodgers played by a live band.

It tells the story of Frank Doyle, an Aboriginal serviceman who returns from World War II to find that while the wider world may have changed, attitudes back home are just the same.

With a defiant energy and ambition for a better life, Frank starts The Sunshine Club, a place where black and white can meet and, most importantly, dance.

The non-profit theatre is a social enterprise that supports programs at the Byron Community Centre, including the homeless hub Fletcher Street Cottage, which provides essential services as well as arts and social programs.

In the early 2000s, the Byron community recognised the need for a dedicated performance space and in 2003 the existing community centre was reimagined and realised as a 250-seat state-of-the-art theatre, largely built with community and local philanthropic support.

The debut production of A Carmen by local playwright and theatre luminary Rob Owens and the Byron Bay Theatre Company launched the program.

This bold step opened the door to presenting events of all descriptions, including theatre, dance, comedy, festivals, talks, music and cinema. It now hosts about 250 events a year.

Theatre manager Jon Howell said they were proud to support local productions, such as the sold-out run of the musical Hair by the Bangalow Theatre Company.

“We provide a space for local artists to express themselves and create,” he said.

“It’s also a place for the best performers in the Australia and the world to show us and share what they’ve got. The Sunshine Club is a fantastic example of one of the best Australian shows touring at right now.”

Ambitious plans for the next 20 years include expanding its facilities and broadening the programming to include more events and activities, especially for emerging artists.

More than just a performance space, as it comes of age, the Byron Theatre will remain a source of pride for the community and an attractive destination for visitors well into the future.

Bookings for The Sunshine Club can be made at byroncentre.com.au