This was the name of a group of Townsville business and community personalities who ‘treaded the boards’ of the Townsville Civic Theatre.
The concept of Sunrise began in January 1987 when the Townsville Welfare Council found it needed to venture into fundraising to supplement its funding. Instead of asking an already overburdened community for financial help, it was found that community leaders were more than willing to give their valuable time. Initially, the process of involvement was one of re-assuring the community personalities that their ‘latent’ theatrical talents could burst forth like the morning ‘sunrise’.
It began tentatively with two people – Owen Strange and Kevin Turner – and armed with only these two names, Sunrise came into being by the old adage “If he can do it, so can I”. Since that beginning the membership grew to over fifty.
’Winnie the Poo’ was the first production in June 1987, and this was followed by the pantomime ‘Cinderella’ in December 1988. ‘The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington’ followed the tradition set by the previous two productions in 1989 in providing children’s theatre in the Townsville region.
In the following year, 1990?, Sunrise looked at two productions – one in June ‘Oliver’ and one in December ’Robin Hood – the true story’? All proceeds from these productions went to The Townsville Welfare Council.
1987 ‘Winnie the Poo’
1988 ‘Cinderella’ (Click on name to go to more info) Images
Townsville Civic Theatre
Thurs Dec 15th 7.30pm
Fri Dec 16th 7.30pm
Sat Dec 17th 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Directed by Peter Shaw
1989 ‘The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington’ (Click on name to go to more info) Images
Townsville Civic Theatre
Thurs Dec 14th 7.30pm
Fri 15th Dec 7.30pm
Sat 16th Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Directed by Peter Shaw
1990 ‘Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs’ (Click on name to go to more info) Images
Townsville Civic Theatre
Thurs Dec 13th 8.00pm
Fri Dec 14th 8.00pm
Sat Dec 15th 2.00pm & 8.00pm
Directed by Peter Shaw
1991 ‘Robin Hood – the true story’ (Click on name to go to more info) Images
Townsville Civic Theatre
Dec 12th 8.00pm
Dec 13th 8.00pm
Dec 14th 2.00pm & 8.00pm
1993 ‘Cinderella Rocks Woodstock’ (Click on name to go to more info) Images
Townsville Entertainment Centre
Sat Mar 20th (One Night Only)
