New Sydney Home for Music Theatre and Cabaret

Independent Music Theatre and Cabaret has a new home in Sydney, taking over the current Darlinghurst Theatre in 2014. 

It has now been announced that theatre will be renamed the Hayes Theatre, in honour of Australian musical theatre legend Nancye Hayes OAM.

Nancye Hayes is one of Australian musical theatre’s true triple threats, being a superb dancer, fine singer, actor, and also a choreographer, director and teacher. She has performed and starred in numerous musicals in Australia such as Promises, Promises, Cabaret, Pippin, Irene, Nine, Sweeney Todd, Chicago, Annie, 42nd Street, Guys and Dolls, Follies in Concert and Showboat to only name a few.

“When Independent Music Theatre approached me about renaming their new venue the Hayes Theatre I was somewhat taken aback,” said Nancye Hayes.  “However when I was told of their plans to dedicate it to the presentation and nurturing of Music Theatre and Cabaret my enthusiasm, long association and love of this art form made me feel both honoured and excited to accept.  If the Hayes Theatre can become the home of new work, reimagined, established and neglected musicals and introduce our audiences to the talents of our writers, performers, creatives and producers as is intended it would give all of us whose careers have spanned many years in the business the greatest of pleasure and purpose.”

Ms Hayes has received many accolades for her contribution to the Australian theatre scene which include two Helpmann awards, Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Variety Club, the Green Room Awards Association and the Sydney Theatre Awards. In 2011 Nancye was honoured to be a recipient of the JC Williamson Award that recognises outstanding contribution to the Australian Live Performance Industry and in 1981 her services to the performing arts were recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia.

“It is an absolute honour to name the theatre after Nancye Hayes.  She is one of the true pioneers of Australian Musical Theatre, and I have had the pleasure of witnessing her extraordinary performances, as well as her astute direction in a large number of productions.  My generation of musical theatre practitioners owe a huge debt of gratitude to Nancye Hayes and her contemporaries, and we are thrilled that we can acknowledge her achievements and legacy in this way.” said Neil Gooding, IMT Company Director.

Our earlier coverage.

Potts Point will be the home for music theatre and cabaret in Sydney whenIndependent Music Theatre (IMT) take over the stage of the Reginald Murphy Hall, currently known as the Darlinghurst Theatre, when Darlinghurst Theatre Company move to their new home in East Sydney, The Eternity Playhouse.

Independent Music Theatre,a not-for-profit company made up of an artistic group of cabaret and music theatre specialists, has been awarded the tender from City of Sydney Council to take over the venue.

Independent Music Theatre is a collaborative partnership between organisations that currently present or facilitate music theatre, cabaret and small-scale musicals in Sydney and across Australia. The artistic group includes Luckiest Productions: David Campbell, Lisa Campbell and Richard Carroll; Neglected Musicals: Michelle Guthrie; Squabbalogic: Jay James-Moody and Jessica Burns; Neil Gooding Productions: Neil Gooding; and independent producers Michael Huxley and Simone Parrott.

“We are creating a home for music theatre and cabaret. This will allow writers, directors, musical directors, choreographers, performers and designers to develop not only new work but also specifically tailored small scale musical theatre from Australia, Broadway and The West End,” said Neil Gooding, IMT Company Director.

The collaborative partnership will seek to provide a cultural hub where artists can share resources and knowledge, nurturing their skills though exploration, creation, presentation and audience development of theatrical works.

“We will present a range of performances including new musicals, re-imagined classics, small scale new work from Australia and overseas, cabaret, children’s productions and connect with an already established audience,” said David Campbell.  “This intimate venue gives audiences the opportunity to enjoy an up close and personal style of music theatre.”

In the coming weeks Independent Music Theatre will announce a renaming of the venue and plans for the future.

www.independentmusictheatre.com

More Information about the collaborative partnerships that make up IMT

Luckiest Productions, managed by David Campbell, Lisa Campbell and Richard Carroll, has produced national concert tours for David Campbell, and sell-out cabarets and live music shows including An Evening With Meagan Mullally, Britney Spears: The Cabaret in addition to being at the helm of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival from 2009 - 2011.'

Neglected Musicals, managed by Michelle Guthrie, which is a theatre initiative dedicated to presenting musical theatre that has never or rarely been seen in Australia. Past directors include Stuart Maunder and Nicholas Hammond with presented musicals including See Saw, My Favourite Year andShe Loves Me.

Squabbalogic, managed by Jay James-Moody and Jessica Burns, have produced several musicals including Thrill Me, A New Brain and Ordinary Days, with artist including Rachael Beck and Michael Falzon.

Michael Huxley is an arts administrator and independent theatre producer, with musical direction credits including: Debbie Does Dallas andOnly Heaven Knows.

Simone Parrottis a freelance Theatre and Special Event Producer with credits including Priscilla Queen of the Desert - The Musical and Breast Wishes

Neil Gooding Productionsplaces a strong emphasis on the development of new Australian work, including The Hat Pin andLovebites.