Wyong Drama Group takes us back to the ’50s

Wyong Drama Group is set to take audiences back to the 1950s with its next production.

Laura Wade’s Home, I’m Darling will play at the Red Tree Theatre, Tuggerah, from April 19-27.

The play follows Johnny and Judy, who have created the dream marriage, living as they did in the 1950s – a simpler more wholesome time when everyone knew their place.

He earns the money and she stays at home tending to home and hearth but behind the scenes the fantasies are unravelling.

Were the 1950s as effortless and fabulous as Judy believes?

Audiences will have to see the play to find out.

At the age of 81, group stalwart Bruce Gibbs has set about making props and set pieces true to the era.

A member of the group for many years, he is often seen front of house sporting red braces and has made wonderful props for Clue and many other productions over the years.

An accredited interpreter, he has worked in China and speaks Mandarin.

He is also active in various community groups and has been named NSW Volunteer of the Year.

In a past life he was an award-winning upholsterer and restored Rudolph Valentino’s Isotta  Fraschini, a luxury Italian car.

These days he works as a registered School Crossing Supervisor when he isn’t making props for Wyong Drama Group.

Director Liz Munro said Gibbs had transformed pieces she bought cheaply into authentic-looking 1950s furniture.

“We are having a lot of fun with this set,” she said.

“Bruce has surpassed my expectations.

“I am absolutely gobsmacked and will probably be able to re-sell these pieces for more than I paid for them.”

A newcomer to the drama group, Munro moved to the Central Coast a little over a year ago.

“I have done quite a bit of work in Sydney, particularly with the Genesian theatre and NIDA,” she said.

“Being involved with theatre is part of my life blood.

“I started reaching out to the drama group even before I made the move.

‘This is a very interesting play – there is a lot more to it than I realised on my first reading.

“It can get pretty intense and I have had to set intimacy guidelines for rehearsals to make sure everyone felt comfortable.

“The play is billed as a comedy but I have decided to ramp-up the drama.

“But there are some comic moments which sit nicely amongst the drama.

“It’s basically about the disintegration of a marriage in very unusual circumstances.”

Munro will use interesting transitional elements on the set to heighten the drama.”

She said she had been amazed by the talent of cast members Kelsey Hunter as Judy, Kyle Walbank as Johnny, Madi Leidich as Fran, Steve Burchill as Marcus, Ruth Clayton-Crawley as Sylvia and Yvonne Adamski as Alex.

Home, I’m Darling plays at the Red Tree Theatre from April 19-27.

Bookings can be made at wyongdramagroup.com.au or by calling 0404 317 606.