Wednesday, 30 July 2025
Adjournment
BATS Theatre Company
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BATS Theatre Company
Pauline RICHARDS (Cranbourne) (19:18): (1229) My adjournment matter is to the Minister for Creative Industries, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me in visiting the fabulous BATS Theatre Company in my electorate of Cranbourne. BATS is 36 years old and has been supporting young performers since 1989. Funded and run by volunteers since its inception, BATS has alumni who have furthered their careers in performing arts. Their president, retired Broadway performer Bridie Clark, brings the world’s greatest performing arts experience to BATS with every production that they put on.
[NAMES AWAITING VERIFICATION]
Forget the Logies and do not worry about the Academy Awards, the Oliviers or the Tony Awards – I was at BATS Theatre Company’s night of nights. I would like to congratulate the winners of their productions. The Hunchback of Notre Dame was the best overall production. The best director was Bridie Clark, the best musical director was Kent Ross, the best choreographers were Georgia Neilson and Bridie Clark, the best dancers were Georgia Neilson and Sophia Kiseleva; the best new talent were Jake Christie, Maggie Ogden, Lilly Harvey and Matt Pines, the best actors were Ella Chapman and Chloe Harbour, the best costume design was Debbie Jenkins for Hunchback, the best youth show was Moana Jr, and the best kids show was Seussical Kids.
Pippin is their up-and-coming musical, and it is opening on 6 November and closing on 16 November. For the first time it will be held at a circus tent at Westfield in Narre Warren, so I am sure the member for Narre Warren North will be there. This is an industry first. They have a cast of all abilities, all walks of life and are represented by a great diversity throughout their cast. I will be putting the details about how to get your tickets on my Facebook page. I can absolutely commend the BATS Theatre Company. Check them out at www.batstheatre.org.au. I am very fortunate to have the best of the best in my community, and I am looking forward to showcasing them to the minister.