A former Papakura Playcentre is getting a new lease of life — and play will still be very much on the agenda.
Papakura Theatre Company is transforming the old Playcentre building in Wellington Park into a much-needed home for its extensive collection of costumes, props, stage furniture, scripts and musical scores.
The project will also create a small rehearsal and meeting space, easing pressure on the company’s Off Broadway Theatre during busy production periods.
Papakura Theatre Company Life Member Barbara Hieatt says once it’s redeveloped, the space will really help the group.
“It will save thousands on commercial rent currently paid for costume storage, and make more room at our theatre, which has no more storage space.”
A grant of almost $30,000 from Trillian Trust is helping fund the redevelopment.
The application for funding was supported by Wiri Licensing Trust. Community and Marketing Manager Sophie Rider says it’s exciting to back projects that advance the arts and celebrate and showcase South Auckland’s talents and stories.
“Papakura Theatre Company has been bringing people together and creating opportunities to take part in theatre for more than 70 years. This project will give the company the space it needs to continue that work for a long time to come.”
It’s not the first time the Trust has helped Papakura Theatre Company. In 2023, it supported an application for $5,400 to help cover the cost of replacing the theatre’s digital sign.
“The sign stands prominently at the roadside on the boundary of the theatre property, and can be clearly seen by motorists and passers-by, particularly at night when it lights up,” Barbara says.
“It’s easily updated via computer and enables us to advertise forthcoming shows. It’s definitely one of our best promotional tools.”
Papakura Theatre Company Inc started out as the Papakura Drama Club in 1954. Originally, shows were performed in the assembly halls of Papakura High School and later Rosehill College.
When Hawkins Theatre opened in 1990, the company was given the honour of putting on the first production, Hello Dolly. All their musicals and plays were produced there until 1997, when the company moved into its current home, the Off Broadway Theatre in Elliot Street, Papakura.
Once an old warehouse, it’s been turned into a versatile space, offering tiered seating for 120 or accommodating 90 people with tables and chairs in a cabaret-style set-up.
It’s also the home of the Off Broadway Big Band, which formed 10 years ago for a company fundraiser. It is now a regular part of the theatre programme and is sought after for events across Auckland.
Barbara says Papakura Theatre Company has produced many successful musicals and plays over its history and has been recognised at the Northern Area Performance Theatre Awards and the awards run by the Auckland Community Theatre Trust.
But some of the company’s proudest achievements have come from its fundraising efforts, which have raised about $100,000 for charities including the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, Australian bushfire victims and Blood Cancer NZ.
“Our biggest priority, however, is to have a happy and safe atmosphere for our members to come together and enjoy being part of our theatre family. It is very satisfying to see how all ages get on and work so well together.”
Barbara and her husband Gary Hieatt have been involved with the theatre since 1980, and their daughter Susan Andisen is currently Props Designer/Manager for all the shows and frequently stage manages.
“I guess we are all a bit theatre mad. Gary used to do our lighting and looked after the building maintenance. I spent many years on the committee, five as President, and have been on stage often but now I’m too old and wobbly. But we are so proud to still be part of Papakura Theatre Company.
“Theatre is a wonderful place to make friends and gain self-confidence, especially for the young ones. We seem to be attracting a good number of the younger generation these days which is great.”
The company’s next production will be ‘Allo ‘Allo 2 – The Camembert Affair. Adapted from the popular TV series, it promises to be a lot of fun for both cast and audience. Find out more on the Papakura Theatre Company website.
