Weld out of action but the show must go on

The Busselton Repertory Club has announced their annual pantomime The Babes in the Wood will be performed in the High Street Hall.

The Weld Theatre, which is the traditional venue for the popular community pantomime, is being renovated.

Integration works connecting the Weld Theatre with the new Saltwater venue highlighted the need for urgent renovations.

The Saltwater project team have worked hard to complete the works to the Weld, that includes new wiring and state of the art LED lighting.

This work will not be completed in time for the annual panto.

Once complete the Weld Theatre will meet building specifications and ensure its long-term future as a public facility.

The High Street Hall will be the venue for the pantomime.

Busselton Repertory Club vice-president Judy Walsh said it would take “lots of work” to transform the community sports hall into a theatre with a stage and lights.

The cost of equipping the High Street Hall with a stage, lights, and audio for the Pantomime is expected to be close to $25,000

Busselton Cultural Precinct venue manager Sharon Custers, said the City of Busselton was providing “significant financial support” to the repertory club.

“The City of Busselton is really happy that they were able to find a solution so that the show really can go on.,” she said

Once work is complete the High Street Hall will be able to seat around 100 people.

Busselton Repertory club president John McCallum said despite the challenges, the production will still have all the flair of a the group’s usual productions and “promises to be a fabulous experience for young and old.”

The pantomime will run from the 1st to the 14th of January 2024

Tickets at Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CNPWQ or via the Busselton Repertory Club website.