Albany Light Opera & Theatre Company

Albany Light Opera & Theatre Company Wilson and John rose to the challenge, won the bet, and the Albany Light Opera Company was born.

Through the Curtains - August
Catch Me If You Can - Oct/Nov

Tickets: https://paperbark.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales/sales

ALOTCo was established 1962 an amateur theatre with professional standards presenting 2-3 shows/yr A Brief History of the Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company

In 1961, Bruce Houston and Stan Johnston made a bet — a carton of beer — that Wilson Weight and John Garritt

y couldn’t start a successful theatre company in Albany. The Company’s first production, New Moon, premiered at the Albany Town Hall in 1962. A string of successful musicals followed, earning a reputation for high-quality performances and showcasing the remarkable talent found in Albany and the surrounding districts. Rehearsals and costume storage took place in various venues until 1965, when the Company secured a peppercorn lease on the property now known as Dylans. A few years later, around 1970, they purchased the old glass factory in David Street. Though functional, it proved less than ideal, and when the opportunity arose in 1991 to lease half of a disused transit shed from the Albany Port Authority, the Company eagerly embraced it. The empty shed was transformed into a functioning theatre, and in 1993 the first production in the new venue — Old Time Music Hall — opened to the public. Around this time, the group adopted a new name to reflect its broader vision: the Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company. It also became an incorporated body, formalising its long-standing commitment to local performing arts. Since then, the Company has continued to improve its facilities and expand its repertoire. Embracing changing audience tastes, productions have included ambitious modern musicals such as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera — each highlighting the extraordinary depth of local talent. Over the years, many performers have taken their first steps on the Albany stage, with some going on to professional careers. Others have remained loyal members for decades — some for nearly 50 years — contributing both on stage and behind the scenes. Together, they embody the creativity, community spirit, and passion for performance that continue to define the Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company today.

20/06/2026

🌟 ‘Through the Curtains' 🌟 Cast Spotlight

Meet Kevin McCreton –Mr Variety

Kevin has delighted Albany audiences in recent years:
• ‘School of Rock’ (2026) – Kevin will swap between two very different roles: Mr Mooneyham, Zack's disagreeable father, and Gabe Brown, a teacher suffering a crisis of confidence.
• ‘We Will Rock You’ (2024) – He played Buddy, an ageing hippie who guarded the "secret scroll" that might help the rebel Bohemians rediscover Rock ’n’ Roll. This performance earned him the Theatres Association s Finley Adjudicators' Certificate for Excellent Comic Timing.
• ‘Grease’ (2023) – As Teen Angel, Kevin took to the stage with wings, floating in on a cloud and sporting a classic 1950s hairdo, bringing plenty of sparkle and charm to the role.
• ‘Musical of Musicals’ (2021) – He tackled six costume changes and an assortment of personalities, transforming from cowboy to cross-dressing landlord, then to a flamboyant nightclub owner.

Prior to his exploits on the Albany Port Theatre stage, Kevin was a familiar face on Albany's live music scene, regularly entertaining crowds with his guitar in local pubs. His versatility as both a musician and performer continues to make him a favourite with local audiences.
Get ready to relive the memories - Get your tickets now!
🎭 Only 3 performances over 1 weekend
🗓️ Friday 31st July 7.00pm, Saturday 1st August 7.00pm, Sunday 2nd August 2.00pm
Tables (6) or some rear row seating. BYO drinks, nibbles and glasses.
🎟️ Tickets:
https://paperbark.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/160809
Instore: Paperbark Merchants - 240 York Street, Albany

Supported by The City of Albany with the Creative Arts Grant
Proud to be a part of ALBANY2026
www.albany2026.com.au/events/through-the-curtain

School of Rock image Ann & Tom

19/06/2026

🌟’Through the Curtains'🌟 Cast Spotlight

Welcome back Nyree Hughes (daughter of our super sewer Coral)

Award-Winning Performances: Nyree won the Best Musical Theatre Performer (Female) category at the 2005 Finley Awards for her role in Anything Goes with Darlington Theatre. She was nominated again in 2014 for her performance in Kiss Me, Kate. Nyree will be singing 2 favourite songs from ALOTCo’s Old Time Music Hall, one she sang the other she always wanted to, here’s her chance.

From Nyree’s heart - My “Light Op” journey began at a very early age in the 1980s. My cousins, Robbie Monck and Jamie Cruikshank, were in Mother Goose, and I was fascinated by the magic of theatre from the very beginning.
When I was 12, I auditioned for my first show, Humpty Dumpty, and was cast as Fairy Lumina. That was the start of my lifelong love affair with theatre.

Then came a wonderful string of productions:
• The Boyfriend as Dulcie
• The Sound of Music as Maria
• Hooray for Hollywood (an amazing show!)
• My Fair Lady
• The Three Musketeers
• Dazzle
• The Pirates of Penzance
• Viva Mexico
• Several Old Time Music Halls
• A number of pantomimes

After school, I was accepted into the Musical Theatre Certificate course at Western Australian Academy of Performing. I have been involved in many metropolitan community productions, both plays and musicals, performed at the Dolphin Theatre, Roleystone Theatre, Marloo Theatre and more. Now a busy mum this has limited my time on the stage but it’s still my passion.

My most recent performance with Light Op was the Anzac Tribute a couple of years ago, and that was incredibly special for so many reasons.

ALOTCo is a bright gem in a beautiful place. It taught me so much, both as a performer and as a person. I learned skills on stage, but I also learned invaluable life lessons off stage.

What makes ALOTCo truly special is the people. That sense of family, belonging and shared passion is what has kept this theatre shining for generations, and why it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Get ready to relive the memories - Get your tickets now!

🎭 Only 3 performances over 1 weekend
🗓️ Friday 31st July 7.00pm, Saturday 1st August 7.00pm, Sunday 2nd August 2.00pm
Tables (6) or some rear row seating. BYO drinks, nibbles and glasses.
🎟️ Tickets: https://paperbark.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/160809
Instore: Paperbark Merchants - 240 York Street, Albany

Supported by The City of Albany with the Creative Arts Grant
Proud to be a part of ALBANY2026
www.albany2026.com.au/events/through-the-curtain

🌟’Through the Curtains'🌟 Cast Spotlight Hiedi Rowe – will be performing two songs that celebrate the early days of our ...
18/06/2026

🌟’Through the Curtains'🌟 Cast Spotlight

Hiedi Rowe – will be performing two songs that celebrate the early days of our theatre, helping bring our rich history to life through music.

Hiedi's love of musical theatre led her to join Albany Light Opera & Theatre Company in 2021. With a passion for music, musicals, and dressing up, she quickly became a familiar face on our stage.

Since then, she has appeared in seven consecutive productions, with standout roles including Sour Kangaroo in 'Seussical the Musical'(2021), Rosie in 'Mamma Mia!' (2022), Mrs Gloop in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' (2024), and most recently the no-nonsense, long-suffering Ned Schneebly's girlfriend Patti Di Marco in 'School of Rock'.

We're delighted to have Heidi sharing her talent as part of this special celebration of our theatre's history.

Get ready to relive the memories - Get your tickets now!

🎭 Only 3 performances over 1 weekend
🗓️ Friday 31st July 7.00pm, Saturday 1st August 7.00pm, Sunday 2nd August 2.00pm
Tables (6) or some rear row seating. BYO drinks, nibbles and glasses.
🎟️ Tickets: https://paperbark.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/160809
Instore: Paperbark Merchants - 240 York Street, Albany

Supported by The City of Albany with the Creative Arts Grant
Proud to be a part of ALBANY2026
www.albany2026.com.au/events/through-the-curtain

'School of Rock' image Ann & Tom

🌟’Through the Curtains'🌟40% of tickets already soldWho will be telling the story of our theatre between performances but...
17/06/2026

🌟’Through the Curtains'🌟

40% of tickets already sold

Who will be telling the story of our theatre between performances but our very own Master of Ceremonies, Findlay MacNish🎤

Step into the story of the Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company, a journey through music, laughter, costumes, and memories.

Findlay is a highly respected, well-loved community figure and retired primary school teacher. He is best known for his remarkable 50-year career in education and his extensive, award-winning contributions to local music and community theatre.🎭

He is an ALOTCo Life Member, committee member, Musical Director and Set Designer but does so much more at the theatre

Not only will he be our MC but he will be singing a song with a past member who will be coming from Perth, John Taylor.

🎭 Only 3 performances over 1 weekend
🗓️ Friday 31st July 7.00pm, Saturday 1st August 7.00pm, Sunday 2nd August 2.00pm
Tables (6) or some rear row seating. BYO drinks, nibbles and glasses.
🎟️ Tickets: https://paperbark.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/160809
Instore: Paperbark Merchants - 240 York Street, Albany

Supported by The City of Albany with the Creative Arts Grant
Proud to be a part of ALBANY2026
www.albany2026.com.au/events/through-the-curtain

16/06/2026

'Through the Curtains'

Step into the story of the Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company, a journey through music, laughter, costumes, and memories.

To start the performances, we have a very Australian black n white mini film, ‘The Bet’ how ALOTCo all began, inspired by a bet over a carton of beer in 1961. Through extensive research, a few rehearsals and just a little artistic licence comes this wonderful portrayal of the moment that sparked more than 60 years of magical theatre in Albany. Filmed in the top bar at the Premier Hotel

CAST – previous post.

PRODUCTION
Director/Scriptwriter – Aaron Murray
Production Manager/Researcher/Props – Janet McArtney

CREW
Cameraman/Lighting/Sound – Finnley Dwyer-Adams
Assistant Cameraman – Kaie Dwyer-Adams
Makeup Design – Emma Ridgwell
Hair Stylist – Stacey Wishart
Costumes – Jodie James

POST-PRODUCTION
Film Editor- Aaron Murray
Film Editor/Graphic Design - Vibodha Clark

$20 for all tickets - only 3 performances over 1 weekend
Tables (6) or some rear row seating
Online - https://paperbark.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/160809
Friday 31st July 7.00pm, Saturday 1st August 7.00pm, Sunday 2nd August 2.00pm

Supported by The City of Albany with the Creative Arts Grant
Proud to be a part of ALBANY2026
www.albany2026.com.au/events/through-the-curtains

15/06/2026

'Through the Curtains'

Step into the story of the Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company, a journey through music, laughter, costumes, and memories.

To start the performances, we have a very Australian black n white mini film, ‘The Bet’ how ALOTCo all began, inspired by a bet over a carton of beer in 1961. Through extensive research, rehearsals and just a little artistic licence comes this wonderful portrayal of the moment that sparked more than 60 years of magical theatre in Albany. Filmed in the top bar at the Premier Hotel

CAST
Wilson Weight - Vibodha Clark
Bruce Houston – Geoff Hardey
Stan Johnson – Michael Nield
John Garrity – Jimmy Duncan
Alice Weight – Emma Ridgwell
Barmaid Narelle – Janet McArtney

Checkout who our amazing production team is in tomorrows post.

$20 for all tickets - only 3 performances over 1 weekend
Tables (6) or some rear row seating
Online - https://paperbark.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/160809
Friday 31st July 7.00pm, Saturday 1st August 7.00pm, Sunday 2nd August 2.00pm

Supported by The City of Albany with the Creative Arts Grant
Proud to be a part of ALBANY2026
www.albany2026.com.au/events/through-the-curtains

ALOTCo is so proud of member Emily O’Brien who is also co-choreographing Let's Shine dance workshops later in the year. ...
15/06/2026

ALOTCo is so proud of member Emily O’Brien who is also co-choreographing Let's Shine dance workshops later in the year. https://www.facebook.com/share/1DFy7C1eMB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A trio of Great Southern artists have shared in $65,800 worth of funding from the 2026 Regional Arts Fund Project Grants.

The three artists were amongst ten who have had their projects funded as a part of the funding scheme.

Albany-based Emily O’Brien will recieve $30,000 for her project ‘The Girl with the Colourful Mind’, a dance production exploring her lived experience with autism and mental health.

Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation has also received $30,00 for ‘Every Stitch Holds country – A First Nations Community Quilt for Carrolup’, a community driven project honouring truth telling of children from the Stolen Generation through a range of artistic mediums.

Musician and conductor Neville Talbot claimed the remaining $5,800 to deliver a pilot program for aspiring conductors in the region.

Address

256 Princess Royal Drive (Opposite Boatshed Markets)
Albany, WA
6330

Telephone

+61459589133

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Albany Light Opera & Theatre Company posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category