Formed in 1959 by a group of enthusiasts with a love of Theatre, the group takes its name from Saint Genesius who was a leader of a Group of Actors who played in Rome between 280 AD and the early 4th century.
The group made its first public presentation with “The Vigil”, on the 19 – 22 March 1959, at the Theatre Royal. The cast included Mary Summerfield, Anne Keane, Babs Govan, Jack Grant, Mervyn Smith, May O’Shea, Pat Maher, Colin Hoolihan, Eileen Minehane, to name just a few.
Then something different was tried at the close of the season – “Toad of Toad Hall” on the 29 – 31 October 1959 at the Theatre Royal, a stage adaption of Kenneth Graham’s “The Wind in the Willows” produced by Mary Summerfield.
The group produced three or four productions each year either at the Theatre Royal or at their own Theatrette at St Mary’s Hall, West End, in Townsville.
In 1969 The Townsville Genesians amalgamated with The St James Players, and The Townsville Theatrical Society and agreed to call themselves Townsville Little Theatre.
