FORMER owner of Coonamble’s historic Plaza Theatre was not far from the minds of cast, crew and many in the audience as the Coonamble Amateur Theatrical Society’s 2019 production drew to a close.
In her final remarks as Director of Robin the Hood, Katrina Lefebvre drew attention to the fact that, with Chris Gray gone, a question mark now hangs over the future of the theatre.
“Our biggest Thank you must go to the Gray family, who in this very sad time for them all, were absolutely positive that this year’s production must go on, and at the Plaza Theatre,” Mrs Lefebvre told the capacity audience on Saturday 3 August.
“For those that knew him, Chris Gray was a man larger than life. His generosity was enormous. He loved this Theatre, and was very proud of it. It was his home. And he really loved sharing this space with the CATS crew every two years.”
Chris Gray bought the Plaza Theatre in about 1997 from Sam Siafarakis and began spending enormous amounts of money – reportedly up to $500,000 – and time repairing and restoring the building which, like many single-screen cinemas in rural towns, had been ravaged by decades of neglect.
Vast amounts of money and engineering expertise was required to deal with structural issues in the rear of the building before the interior could be broached.
In time he reclaimed the foyer, reinstated the wings, replaced seating and constructed toilet amenities so that the building could again host public entertainment.
For a number of years the Plaza was one of the primary venues for the Moorambilla Festival and as well as the odd professional touring performance.
Plaza began to host the CATS productions just ten years ago, with Mystery on the Orient Express.
This was followed by Rome Sweet Rome, Hacendia del Toro, Grease and this year’s offering Robin the Hood.
“In this year’s production Chris was to reign over the peasants as Good King Richard, a role in which he felt was made for him,” said Mrs Lefebvre.
“When Chris suddenly passed away, we were unsure if we should continue, but felt Chris would have been disappointed if we didn’t.”
With his brother Phil convinced to step into Chris’ role, CATS remained in residence and used the theatre at least three times a week for rehearsals in the five months leading up to the August opening night.
Once the lights went down on the 2019 production, the conversation turned to the future.
Mrs Lefebvre used her thank you speech to bring the issue to public notice.
“So, we are now not sure what is to become of the Plaza Theatre, and for that matter the home of CATS,” she said.
“For every person in Coonamble, The Plaza Theatre holds many happy memories – whether it be a first date at the movies, kissing in the back row or dropping jaffas over the balcony.”
“People also have memories of The Plaza having dances, roller skating, exhibitions and concerts, like Moorambilla,” said Mrs Lefebvre.
“What a shame it would be for the Coonamble community to lose the ability to use this great and important building.”
Mrs Lefebvre called on Coonamble Shire Council to consider taking on responsibility for the building.
“How wonderful would it be for the Coonamble Shire Council to take on the Plaza Theatre, give it some love and continue to provide this amazing space for all of Coonamble and surrounds,” she said.
“It would be a shame for the Council not to consider this.”
The suggestion has not been formally broached with Coonamble Shire Council and initial indications are that at least some councillors are unconvinced that Council needs to add a large, ageing building to its assets list.
Phillip Gray and his wife Sandra say that the building is held in Trust and they understand they are able to sell the building but not bequeath it.
They are keen to see it used as much as possible by the community but at this point the ongoing costs of insurance and repairs make the upkeep unaffordable for their family.
“It is insured for the next six months,” Mr Gray said. “After that we don’t know what will happen.”
“Let’s think of some things to have there and showcase what it can be.”
“A lot of the other venues in town just don’t have the character of the theatre,” Mrs Gray said.
“The upstairs has been checked and is good to go – so the building could be used for wedding receptions, fundraisers, performances and community events.”
Other similar buildings in towns like Bingara, Leeton, and Tenterfield have been taken up by local councils, restored in partnership with community groups, and used as cinema, function centre, visitor information centre and tourist attractions in their own right.
“We’ll work with anyone to do something in there,” Mrs Gray said. “Let’s use it as much as we can, that’s what Chris would have wanted.”
As well as occupying a large space in the hearts of local residents, the Plaza is also a landmark in Castlereagh Street and must surely be part of the discussion for Council’s coming Masterplan as it considers tourism and the town centre.
