By Peter Douglas
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company performances are primed to dazzle local audiences for many years to come.
The much-loved theatre company has secured a five-year lease for its present home at the Athenaeum Theatre in Castella Street, Lilydale, after Yarra Ranges Council passed the lease arrangement unanimously at its Tuesday 13 June meeting.
The not-for-profit, volunteer-based organisation has become a staple among local performing arts enthusiasts, with the company putting on four three-week shows annually, in addition to many other performance-based activities.
Cr Len Cox described the company as one of the “gems of the shire”.
“Lilydale wouldn’t be the same without the Athenaeum Theatre,” Cr Cox said.
“Not many people going there will realise it was a hall where they used to play basketball. The two gentlemen who started this company have turned it into what it is today.”
Cr Tim Heenan said the company brought much joy to many in the Yarra Ranges.
“They’ve been putting on some magnificent shows for decades. They are well-run, well-organised organisation and fairly passionate people,” Cr Heenan said.
The theatre company was founded in 1976 and has operated from the Athenaeum Theatre premises since that time.
The premises, which was built in 1888, was formerly known as the Mechanics’ Institute and has filled many community uses, including library, community hall, lecture hall, cinema, indoor sports stadium and even a roller skating rink.
Local icon Dame Nellie Melba famously hosted numerous performances at the site.
