10/08/2025
Panorama sadly acknowledges the passing of Craig Reid, a long time Pano man. Condolences to his family and friends.
Craig really had no choice but to become heavily involved in local theatre groups, Mornington CEF Players and Panorama Theatre and, of course, later, Nomad Players, which his mother Ginny and Alan Nixon ran. Craig’s mother, Ginny was a popular, talented and regular member of CEF casts, and countless cast parties would often involve Craig on the piano in their Racecourse Road loungeroom playing show tunes to the delight of members, singing enthusiastically.
Craig was the pianist for a number of CEF productions, (including productions such as” Rough Crossing”) and often offered his services as rehearsal pianist, in shows such as “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Babes In Arms”. He was appreciated always because of his patient teaching, generous dedication of time and kind prompts. One of his other mantles was as regular backstage crew member. Craig was valued. Nothing ever flustered him. Calm, efficient, and with a dry sense of humour, no issue ever became a drama, [pardon the pun]. I don’t think I ever heard a cross word, though there were occasions in which this could have been forgiven.
Of course, Bump in and Bump Outs, were his field of expertise. His “apprenticeship” with Brud Reid Removals saw him organise the packing and unpacking of trucks with skill, speed and decisiveness … and after all, there was a show to put on or a party to enjoy. He certainly trained us to make fill every usable space and pack efficiently.
Ward, his brother appeared in CEF productions and also joined Panorama Youth Theatre [as it was known then] … as did Craig! Ginny, the boys’ mother, and Craig became much appreciated fixtures in the Panorama family. The cast parties reached a whole new level of energy with Craig often at the keyboard until dawn. I do remember one cast party in particular, which was held at Racecourse Road, with Ginny and I supervising the partying cast and crew of “Calamity Jane”. I don’t know where Brud was, but he certainly was in hiding! The show finished on a Saturday evening with the party starting around 11pm, as was usually the case; parents were still arriving at 7 am the next day to collect their children … and Craig was still tickling the ivories!
Play on, Craig!
