By the time the production of 'Running Up a Dress' finally comes to the stage at Goonellabah’s Rochdale Theatre, it will possibly be the most polished performance the Lismore Theatre Company has ever put on.

Company president and show director Sharon Brodie said the lights at the theatre which were due to light the stage on February 18, will sadly remain dimmed - for now.

Originally scheduled for last September, the production has been postponed for a second time due to the current Covid wave.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision to postpone it as we don’t want to put any of our patrons at risk,” Sharon said. “We hope it will be re-staged in about six weeks' time."

Changes

But never fear, our local thespians never rest. Sharon said because of postponements, the extra five months had made the cast more rehearsed that ever.

“Everyone from the set and costume designer to performers are more committed than ever to bring this show to the community," she said.

“We’ve had people sick and three left the cast and we had to replace them.

“But each setback was an opportunity for us to improve the show.

“I got to work with different actors and see different things in their abilities - and also the script.

The birth

“This is a story of women, labour, daughters and birth – and the process we’ve been through to get here is just like a birthing story.

“We get these moments in birth where we think ‘I cant do this’. We are now at that stage - and that means we are getting to the end.

“Now we can finally show the baby off to the world.”

Support local theatre

Sharon hopes the community will come and see the show and support local community theatre. The Covid pandemic has majorly impacted on the company’s income.

“Prior to Covid, we did five shows a year and they were all sold out.

“We only managed two in the last two years and for a voluntary organization, the drop in funds is a major blow.

“We are lucky Council waived our rent in the lockdowns, but we need community to come and see us and keep us alive in future.”

Show details

To see the latest news on new show dates, patrons are asked to check the Lismore Theatre Company Facebook page. When bookings re-open, tickets will be available at www.lismoretheatrecompany.org.au ($25/$20) or contact Jenny on 0402651394 for a special price for 10 tickets or more.

Contact has been made with those who have already purchased tickets and when new dates are announced, those people will have first choice on the new dates when they are announced.