"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart" - Elizabeth Andrew.

An impassioned call to action saved the Royal Wanganui Opera House several years ago, and today that action is still mirrored by a group of dedicated volunteers who breathe life into the city’s once ailing arts scene.

History

The Royal Wanganui Opera House was opened in February 1900, however by 1988 it was tired, neglected and no longer served the needs of a modern audience. Like the elderly Queen Victoria whose reign the Opera House was built to commemorate, the building itself grew tired, so tired that its guardians, the Wanganui City Council, decided it too should end its reign.

The Council at the time was unwilling to spend more money on it and an engineer’s report indicated that it was nearly at the end of its economic life. Basically, it was under threat of being demolished if something wasn’t done.

Formation of the Friends of the Opera House

A public meeting was called and it was clear that there was a group of people who valued the building for its historic significance. Early in 1989 a group of 10 people with theatrical and community interests at heart formed a “Friends of The Opera House” steering committee, the aim being to “preserve the historic building as a full working theatre for the use and enjoyment of the community”. Their first event, a gala variety concert on 4 June 1989 was organised and a newspaper editorial encouraged the public to support the Sunday concert, acknowledging that in a city that had recently lost 2 theatres and many other old buildings, “the preservation of the only Victorian-style theatre in the country was essential” and warning that “initial enthusiasm was one thing, sustained commitment was another”.

Positive impact on the community

Public interest was maintained and a formal committee was formed in 1990. What they did not foresee was the impact their determination and generosity would have on our community over the years to come.

With support from the community, businesses and the Historic Places Trust, the Friends of the Opera House flourished and the voluntary labour can be measured in thousands of hours. A huge volume of restoration work and other projects have been achieved which has ensured that audiences have had the opportunity to enjoy various performers and entertainers who would otherwise not have come to Wanganui.

The Workload

As well as general maintenance work undertaken by the volunteers, the Friends provide all the front-of-house staff (doormen, sweet stall and bar staff, ice cream sellers) as well as the core back stage crew. A working bee is held at least once a week, with extra working bees organised as required. For around two hours each Tuesday evening the building rings with the sound of hammers, the slap of paint brushes and the chatter of men and women ensuring that the house is in order and that the show can go on. The work done at these sessions can range from set design to a full scale pre-rig/stage set for an event.

Passion for preservation of history

Our passionate group of volunteers are the backbone that ensures the costs of operating and maintaining our beautiful Royal Wanganui Opera House are considerably reduced, with the priority of The Friends being the preservation of this historical treasure and its retention as a full working theatre for generations to come.

Volunteers are always needed!

At the Royal Wanganui Opera House we are always in need of more volunteers for a variety of roles - ushers, sweetstall, bar, doormen, icecream sellers and back stage crew. Also a warm welcome would be extended to any fit and active volunteers who would be keen to assist at our working bees held back stage from 7:30pm every Tuesday evening. Come along and learn about what goes on behind the scenes of a live theatre.

If you are keen to put your name forward to volunteer at this beautiful historic theatre, please contact Friends President Margaret Johnson on 06 344 8984 in the evenings, or by email bejae9@gmail.com - or alternatively call into the Box Office and have a chat to Treasurer Shirna Matthews.