Island’s new theatre group

Phillip Island has a new community theatre group.

Lighten Up Theatre is the brainchild of Cowes resident Trish Oostendarp, who last week held auditions for a performance planned for next April, Mystery on the Orient Express.

Trish said they would not compete with the island’s long-established Offshore Theatre group, and instead would be targeting a different audience and style.

“Offshore Theatre produces brilliant theatre but it is also very different to what my vision is for Lighten Up Theatre,” she said, of the registered non-profit group.

“Our plays will be in a “theatre restaurant” style – fun, laugh out loud, feel good shows that leave the audience with a smile.”

Trish said she has worked in community theatre – both acting and directing – for about seven years in Western Australia and Queensland, where she lived previously before moving to the island about six years ago.

“I pretty much lived and breathed all things theatre.

“Since having children I have missed it. For the past few years I’ve wondered if I could start my own group here.

“So a few weeks back I thought what have I got to lose and so far the response has been overwhelming with positive comments and people wanting to jump on board.”

Nine people joined the first rehearsal and Trish needs 12 cast members for Mystery on the Orient Express – (“although some people can play multiple roles”) – as well as production crew, adding more men were needed.

Further rehearsals will start in the new year, with the production in April at the Senior Citizens Club in Cowes, although open to the whole community.

She said the show will be a cabaret style, with round tables where audience members can bring their own nibbles or platters and there will be a bar for drinks.

Details: www.facebook.com/people/Lighten-Up-Theatre/61553950733531/