Continuing with our celebration of Committee Members celebrating 20 years of service, this month we talk to Stephen Morris.

Steve is a man of action and many talents. He can often be found riding his bike, participating in Parkrun, helping behind the scenes at the Theatre with maintenance, set building, working backstage as a crew member or stage manager or appearing on stage. Every December, Steve can be found in a red suit and white beard spreading Christmas joy!

Since his first role with ACE Theatre in 1995, Stephen has been involved in over 55 productions. Beaumaris Theatre is very grateful for all the contributions Stephen makes and has made over more than 20 years.

*Steve in The Day of The Triffids, 2008*

Interviewer: Stephen Morris, tell us about your more than 20-year relationship with Beaumaris Theatre Inc. How did it come about and what are your memories and thoughts about your long-term involvement?

Steve: We used to attend Beaumaris theatre shows as a couple. I was a person who had sport as his thing; squash, sailing etc., Whereas my wife Robyn was involved in theatre. She was a member of ACE Theatre, and they often struggled with having enough male actors for shows. I had previously teased Robyn and said I would fill in and then she came home one night, called my bluff, and told me I was auditioning the next night. I was given the role. I had never acted before, but I really enjoyed it and became involved with other shows.

Robyn and I were asked to be part of the Beaumaris Theatre Committee in 2002. The Committee needed new blood, serving members had left, and new life was needed, so we accepted, and it all began for us.

In 2003 I was cast in my first role at Beaumaris Theatre. The play was called Blackrock, and it was directed by Tim Long. I was also cast in the 2003 Panto Revue and am once again in the same revue this year, 20 years later.

Looking back over those years there were some folks who inspired me and mentored me along the way. Of course, there was Robyn, but also Debbie Keyt and Trevor Osburn, who I admire; Debbie for her passion and drive, Trevor for his wisdom. There are a few performers for whom I have great respect, such as Georgy Charles-Sipcic, Trudi Sheppard, Liam McWhinney, Harrison Ewart-Dart, and from the past, Derek Curd. All talented people and I would love to have a 10th of their talent!

There are many differences to see now in our Committee Members and how we function as a body. We are now inclusive of all age groups, which is wonderful. Initially, every member was an older age group. I was 46 when I did my first show.

Additionally, we are much more diverse in our show choices, and we stage musicals and have variety in show choices with a robust selection process. When Robyn and I started, Beaumaris Theatre mainly staged English farces, but as our diversity has grown, so has our appeal to actors and audiences. I think the assortment of Committee members’ ages has changed the dynamic of the shows. In the past, we did five shows per year which were too many and seriously hard work for the Committee. Nowadays sets are better, we have more time to build and there is an influence from the younger people especially since DK Productions became part of our culture.

In past times the final show of the year was always a revue, which helped financially. I think one of the major things that has evolved is the reputation of Beaumaris Theatre. Over the last 10 years, we have grown and improved the quality of our productions, through commitment and effort. Little things like better sets, costumes, lights etc. and a desire to create as professional a production as is possible within financial constraints and available resources.

In my time at Beaumaris Theatre, I have been a member of the General Committee for more than 20 years, Vice President for 8 years, Membership Officer for 8 years, and Public Officer 8 years. I also serve on the Occupational Health and Safety sub-committee and have done so for quite a few years.

I think for me the most memorable achievement as a Committee is the installation of raked seating which just changed the whole theatrical experience for the audiences and performers at Beaumaris Theatre.

I was greatly honoured also when I received a Life Membership.

My dream for the Theatre would be to have a larger foyer or just even a bit of a refurbishment. I also think the current association with the Men’s Shed is beneficial and a good example of community cooperation.

If I were to offer some words of wisdom from reflecting on my time as a Committee Member, I would say to folks the rewards and friendships gained as a member of Beaumaris Theatre, give you far more than you put into it. I look back very happily on my involvement; it has never been a burden.