By NARELLE COULTER
BALLOONS and streamers rained down on the Drum Theatre on Thursday night as the arts hub rolled out the red carpet for a spectacular 10th birthday party.
Opened on 11 February 2006 by then Premier Steve Bracks, the Drum has hosted more than 1650 performances in the ensuing 10 years.
Among the invited guests were founding members John and Joan Mallard.
The couple attended the inaugural opening concert and are still passionate advocates for the Drum.
“We love the people, the atmosphere and most of all the staff,” said John.
“The staff are friends of ours.”
“They are friends with everyone,” added Joan.
New member Liz Philippe was there with her friend Luisa Elder, both of Keysborough.
The friends are particularly looking forward to Opera Australia’s staging of The Marriage of Figaro later this year.
“I like the theatre and I belong to a theatre group,” said Liz.
“My father used to take me to the theatre when I was little and I haven’t been able to afford to do that with my grandchildren until now.
“I am retiring this year so there are lots of shows at the Drum I’m going to take them to. You have to take them young or they won’t like it.
“The Drum caters for everybody. It’s accessible and diverse,” added Luisa.
Lynette and John Mitchell met at a Back to Dandenong dance at the Dandenong Town Hall 31 years ago.
John’s father once owned a bicycle shop in the old Vanity Arcade.
They are musical fans and have been Drum members for almost 10 years.
Former City of Dandenong CEO Colin Dickie said when he was in charge of the city the Drum was just a “twinkling in the eye”.
He and wife Susan were delighted to see how the venue had thrived over the past decade.
“It has put Dandenong on the cultural map, bringing wonderful shows here and it has preserved the town hall facade incorporating a modern performing arts centre,” Colin said.
The night held special significance for Helen and Maddi Streefkerk, wife and daughter of the inaugural Drum director Paul Streefkerk who died suddenly in 2009.
Helen said Paul would have been proud that his vision continued to thrive a decade on.
“I’m sure he would have been very proud. When you look back on those early days he had a real vision.
“He was a real advocate for the multi-cultural side of Dandenong. He wanted to bring in all different groups to perform here,” Helen said.
Illusionist Cosentino, who is performing in China, sent a video message saying the Drum had been vital to launching his early career and urged people to support local theatre venues.
Drum director Greg Hordacre said the Drum had been vital in “stepping up and telling the Dandenong story”.
“Theatres belong in the heart of communities and this remains one of the best theatres in the country.
“We continue to welcome the best performers in Australia to perform on our stage.
“It plays a part in promoting Dandenong as a unique, accessible destination and a fantastic place to live, work and play.”
