PLAY LOVERS

One of the Worst Venues, Some of the Best Shows
by Kimberley Shaw

Playlovers, in Floreat, inner suburban Perth, has been in operation for over 50 years. Not long after its formation, Playlovers was integral in the construction of Hackett Hall, a multi-purpose venue that the club has used as its rehearsal and primary performance venue ever since.
Colloquially referred to as “Hackett Hell,” this venue, with its flat plastic seating, less than salubrious décor and lack of heating, is not exactly welcoming, but Playlovers’ productions regularly sell out and the club’s competition success in recent years is second to none.
But Hackett Hell could be about to lose its negative image. “We have just signed an agreement with Nedlands Council,” said Playlovers President David Young, excitedly revealing details about their fifteen year lease on a peppercorn rent. “It means that we can finally put in comfortable raked seating, air-conditioning and make improvements to the stage.”
The company is constantly making improvements. Don Allen who frequently designs lighting for their shows explains, “Playlovers accepted all of my requests for equipment purchases, recognising the long term benefits to the club and the benefit to the patrons as the quality of productions improves.”
David says that the club is also keen to renovate the front of house and curtain the auditorium. There are hopes that the success of the upcoming production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will allow large-scale improvements to be made very soon.
David Young describes Beauty and the Beast as “exciting, but frightening.” Performing at The Regal Theatre in nearby Subiaco, it is “The biggest and most expensive show that Playlovers has ever done.”
“We have hired exceptional costumes and props, but it’s the talent of the actors who are going to be wearing the costumes and using the props that will make this production really special. There are many in this cast who are exceptional performers. It really is an enchanting show and it is going to look magic when we put it on.”
Playlovers has performed outside Hackett Hall in the past, with shows such as Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease and the return season of Seussical, “because (it was) felt that the show deserved a bigger venue and because performing on a larger scale is exciting. They were a big success for us.”
David joined Playlovers in 1978. “I’ve been there a long time. I love the camaraderie you get at Playlovers and the people you meet. I found a home.”
When asked what makes Playlovers special, David said, “We are known for doing things that are new or different, so we always attract audiences. We are very blessed with our directors, so give them freedom in what they choose to do. They then tend to do things that have not been done before.” It is interesting to note that a club that is well recognised for its proficiency with musicals, in fifty years they are yet to produce a Rogers and Hammerstein show.
Playlovers perform between four and six productions each year and usually two of these are musicals. This year has included Small Poppies and Minefields and Miniskirts and the year will end with the WA premiere of the rock opera Bare.
Bare director Kristen Twynam-Perkins says “I was drawn to Bare by the music and the fact that it has such a strong young cast. It is a great opportunity to showcase much of the up and coming talent in Perth.” Kristen continues “the theme of being ‘true to yourself’ is an important message for the young people of today.”
Kristen was keen to direct for Playlovers because it is such a strong club in WA, she likes the people and she knew that because it is geographically central, lots of people want to work there and it would draw a good cast. Kristen says she is “thrilled” with the cast she has selected.
Many of Kristen’s young cast hope to follow in the footsteps of previous Playlovers performers.
Jenni Cohen, Playlovers’ Life Member and professional casting agent, has been a member since 1982. “I’ve found it to be a club of the highest standards and benefits to its members. Although, due to work commitments, I’m not able to participate regularly in club activities, I do attend productions and have formed some of my life-long friendships with current and former members.
“The standard of musical theatre production at Playlovers is arguably regarded as the highest in Perth Community Theatre, and it’s been a great joy to follow the careers of many who have trodden the boards at Hackett Hall, in both theatre and music theatre – Nick and Amelia Christo, Martin Crewes, Ann Adlem, Luke Hewitt and so many others. Playlovers has been a wonderful training ground for many actors who have gained places at the finest drama schools in Australia and are working professionally in the industry both throughout Australia and internationally.
“I have always found the club to be warm and welcoming, with the committee and members striving to present both accessible and challenging productions, sometimes to the financial detriment of the club but with some very rewarding artistic accomplishments.”