ONE performance sold out within an hour.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So, it appears 2019, which marks the 50th anniversary of the Upper Hunter 'Moonan Mummers', will be another successful year for the talented group of actors.
The Mummers are set to tread the boards again next month with the hilarious two-act comedy, Unnecessary Farce- by Paul Slade Smith produced by special arrangement with ORiGiN(tm) Theatrical, on behalf of Playscripts Inc.
The play centres around two cops, three crooks and eight doors.
In a cheap motel room, an embezzling mayor is supposed to meet with his female accountant, while in the room next door, two undercover cops wait to catch the meeting on videotape.
But, there's some confusion as to who's in which room, what's being videotaped, who's taken the money, who's hired a hit-man and why the accountant keeps taking her clothes off.
So, you have to watch what unfolds on the stage.
In the same year that The Beatles performed their last "live" concert, and Prime Minister John Gorton ordered the withdrawal of Australian Troops from Vietnam, big things were brewing in Moonan Flat.
Local woman Myra Mitchell and the Moonan Flat School principal Barry Lord incorporated the Upper Hunter Mummers Inc - fondly known as the Moonan Mummers.
The group aimed to provide entertainment for the Upper Hunter locals, encourage theatrical talent in the area and, most importantly, to raise funds for charities, the schools and the Moonan Flat Hall.
For 50 years, the Moonan Mummers have done this, and more.
For five decades, through droughts, depression, prosperity, floods, market crashes, bumper seasons and bush fires, the Upper Hunter organisation has been a source of entertainment and social therapy.
There are two current members who've been with the Mummers from the very start: Warwick Mitchell and Tim McLoughlin.
Both will be involved in the 2019 production, Mitchell as the producer and McLoughlin on stage.
"In the past 10 years alone, the Upper Hunter Mummers Inc. has donated more than $85,000 to local charities," secretary Kath McLoughlin said.
"This includes contributions to the Scone and District Cancer Support Group, Upper Hunter Education Fund, Scott Memorial Hospital, Muswellbrook Oncology Unit, just to name a few.
"There is also ongoing support to maintain and upgrade facilities at the Soldiers Memorial Hall at Moonan Flat, the centre of community life in the area."
The Soldiers Memorial Hall is again the venue for the cast of seven, which is made up with four Mummers regulars, one returning member and two in their very first production.
They are ably directed by Mr Mitchell and Serena White.
Performance dates include May 24, 25 (sold out) and 31, as well as June 1.
Ticket sales are open now, so get in quick.
Phone Pauline on 6546 1176.
Tickets are $45 each, for a two-course dinner and show.
Buses are also available from Scone for $20 (the first three nights only).