Birthday Presents from Chapel

Melbourne’s iconic Chapel off Chapel turns 20 this week, and Coral Drouyn discovered that the presents are being given to us.

In the late 1970’s The City of Prahran took over the old Prahran Independent church. Built in 1858, just 33 years after settlement of Melbourne, it was a small but perfect church with a stunning stained glass window. The building was restored and became the Princess Gardens Recreation Centre in 1989. But Prahran was moving up-market. Chapel Street became a Mecca for cool bistros and designer shops, amongst the Housing Commission blocks, and downmarket cottages.

What this eclectic suburb didn’t have was an outlet for all the creativity in the neighbourhood. And so the Recreation Centre was reassigned as an Arts Centre and a new, ultra modern building was built to create a foyer – much to the consternation of some residents who thought it was an eyesore next to the beautiful Bluestone Church.

Chapel off Chapel opened as a theatre on March 19^th 1995. Nancy Cato was in charge, and the theatre was still being fitted out when the first production opened. That production was The Art of Successby Nick Dear, directed by John Preston, presented by Swinburne University. It was the Melbourne premiere (VCA subsequently presented it a year or two later at the Grant St Theatre). Soon there were dance companies, blues bands and even Jazz Festivals and Opera Companies, as well as interstate productions, clamouring to use The Chapel.

The space was quickly voted a success and within a very short time the old church hall was integrated as another performing space called The Loft, and an upstairs Art Gallery was added which can double as a third performance space. There’s a lovely comfortable chill-out meeting space in the foyer and a fully equipped bar which also serves excellent coffee - as long as you don’t let “Ibby” make it. “Ibby” is Ibrahim Mustafa – the Marketing and Producer Liaison Manager – a man who goes out of his way to make everyone who comes, Production Companies and audiences alike, feel like they belong there. That is part of the attraction.

“We have three great spaces and we think companies and producers want to come here because they know we are fiercely proud of our reputation and we want them to succeed. They really don’t have to go it alone. We have a small, great team who we are really proud of, and we like to treat everyone that comes in here as family. We always welcome interest from producers and new companies. Anyone interested is required to go through the venue hire booking process, which involves a coffee with me!” (Don’t say you weren’t warned.)

In an age where some independent theatres cannot sustain production and fall by the wayside, Chapel off Chapel goes from strength to strength and usually has two shows and an exhibition all year round in any given week.

And so, to celebrate this milestone – the complex is giving the birthday presents to US, the audience. All the shows will be one-off specials that you won’t see anywhere else. All will be by artists who are regular contributors to the complex. So help share the birthday celebrations with this amazing little complex – it’s my favourite venue in Melbourne. Why not make it yours.

Images: Inside the Chapel (top); Ibrahim Mustafa (above right) & Chapel Off Chapel 20th Anniversary (L to R) Ibrahim Mustafa, Andy Cook, Nick Hedger, Dolly Diamond, Ben Nicholson and Mama Alto (left).

Schedule of events:

16 March- We Got This Covered- A Night Of Musical Mash Ups - starring Andy Cook and Loren Hunter (Strictly Ballroom, King Kong)
Expect the unexpected in this evening of beautiful music from two of the most stunning vocalists Australian theatre has to offer featuring music from Gershwin to Beyonce.

17 March- PARRALAX- A Brief Love Encounter (Vertical Shadows Dance Company)

PARALLAX: A Brief Love Encounter indulges in the unforeseen shot of adrenaline driven by the infatuating nature of an uncontrollable short-term relationship.

18 March- The Mama Alto Revue (in collaboration with Miss Chief)

Including highlights in song and story from tributes to great divas, interpretations of timeless standards, performances channeling Billie Holiday and much more.

19 March- An Evening With Dolly Diamond (accompanied by Cameron Thomas)

‘Appearing as part of Chapels 20th birthday celebrations is an honor and it’s going to be so much fun, and a night full of surprises… for me too I expect.’- Dolly
 

20 March- Worth The Breath (Hedger and Nicholson)

Join young Australian musical theatre writing duo (and Home Grown co-founders) Nick Hedger and Ben Nicholson and special guests,  “They are young, super talented and on the brink of leading a revolution.”– Stage Whispers 

21 March- Show Off  At Chapel (open mic)

Hosted By Leigh BarkerYour moment in the spotlight. Join our foyer showcase of new and loved acts performed for you by some serious talents – emerging, established or simply game enough to get up and Show-off their skills. We would love you to join us - Please email uswith your details your two favorite songs you would like to perform to:  showoffatchapel@gmail.com

17-March – 2 April

RETROSPECT - EXHIBITION
To celebrate Chapel Off Chapel’s 20th Anniversary we have invited some of our favourite past exhibitors to present a collection of their works from the past twenty years.Come and enjoy this eclectic mix of artworks including illustration, photography, jewellery and ceramics