By CASEY NEILL
DRUM Theatre is helping to foster Dandenong’s heart and soul.
The 521-seat performing arts theatre opened in February 2006, within the 1890-built former Dandenong Town Hall.
It hosts more than 150 performances for more than 60,000 patrons each year.
“We’ve got one of the best theatres in the country here in Dandenong,” director Greg Hordacre said.
“We want to ensure the best of Australian-produced touring work is available in Dandenong.”
He said many audience members came to the Drum for easier parking and less travel than going to the Melbourne CBD.
“They’re just thrilled to be able to have a facility equal to any of the venues available in the city available in their backyard,” he said.
Mr Hordacre said many theatre-goers made a night of attending a performance.
“We get feedback from restaurants, because restaurants are very keen to hear when we’ve got shows on so they can be prepared,” he said.
“We’re really able to contribute to the real buzz of Dandenong, what makes Dandenong unique.
“By having such great shows here we’re able to reach beyond those who live in the local community.”
Opera Australia launched its new production of The Magic Flute at the Drum earlier this year.
“A few audience members had not been to Dandenong before, and a few had been to Dandenong but many years ago,” Mr Hordacre said.
“They were completely blown away by the experience of being here.
“It’s a good way of bringing people into Dandenong.”
He said the theatre was helping Dandenong to build “a real sense of a community and cultural hub”.
“It is really important that heart and soul is found in the central business district of any community,” he said.
“By City of Greater Dandenong supporting theatre, they’re supporting the development of that heart and that soul.”
The theatre is available for hire to schools, dance groups, community groups and performance companies. It also has a foyer space and function rooms.
Upcoming events include the Berwick Lodge Film Festival on Monday 15 September, a WotOpera performance on Tuesday 16 September, and Marina Prior’s Songbird on Saturday 20 September.
Drumming ensemble TaikOz will present new work Crimson Sky, featuring thunderous energy and ethereal sounds, on Thursday 11 September.
For the kids, there’s Annie Jr on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 September, Goldilocks and The Three Bears with a funny twist on Tuesday 30 September, and improvised stage show The Fairytale Cookbook on Tuesday 23 September.
Peppa Pig Live! Treasure Hunt will hit the stage on Saturday 1 November.
Normie Rowe will perform his hits on Thursday 2 October, Michael Veitch will present the stories of former airmen on Saturday 25 October, and Silvie Paladino brings The Spirit of Christmas on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 November.
Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au for more information.
