Moonambel Arts & History Group

Cinderella Gets Her Man

14/11/2014

The cast members filling the stage. Photo: John Argall

Once again the Moonambel Community Theatre Company managed to entertain the audience with its fun and antics on stage.
This hilarious production has really proven that Steve Lane and Gwynn van den Bergen have talent in taking a bunch of local amateurs, adding young children to the mix and managing to get it all together in a successful performance. Never perform with animals (mice and a cat) and children? Well, MCTC can!

Cinderelle not so happy with the Fairy Godmother kissing the Prince! Photo: John Argall

Justin Loyal (Butler)...
Joel Driscoll
Mehitabel (Kookie's cat)...
Rachael Shapiro
Socialite Debutantes...
Priscilla Pettibon
Lilly-Jaye Morrison
Daisy Henceforth
Bethany Payne
Georgina Graceworthy
Dana-Joe Vandevelde
Victoria Willingly
Allison Thomas
Elizabeth Prettywell
Bella Henderson

Mehitabel, the cat, with her friendly mice. Photo: John Argall

The cast:
Cinderella...
Sanne Malkaer
Prince Charming Yapantzov...
Jan Curtis
Fairy Godmother...
Salli Argall
Kookie Monstah the Cook...
Mick Matthews
Buttons...
Bernard Abadie
Valet Diction (Prince's attendant)...
Chris Sirre
Naucia (Step-sister)...
Ruth Searle
Asphixia (Step-sister)...
Robyn Akers
Lady Morticia Grunge (Step-mother)...
Kaye Hutton
Lord Aquers (Prince's friend)...
Graeme Akers

Naucia, Lady Morticia and Asphixia at their best! Photo: John Argall

Kitchen Mice...
Squeek
Hannah Farrell
Whiskers
Adam Payne
Twitch
Jessica-May Vandevelde
Nosey
Maya Henderson
Brie
Saieh Summerfield
Tuffy
Jak Goss

MCTC Stages 'Cinderella' Pantomime

21/10/2014

Steve Lane and Gwynn van den Bergen are delighted to present their second pantomime "Cinderella'.

The Moonambel Community Theatre Company has a larger cast than usual with the addition of the Moonambel school children being mice, debutantes and a butler. Steve and Gwynn like to extend the local amateurs into things they themselves thought they could never do. Let's see if they can do it!

Details are:
'Cinderella, the Pantomime'
Moonambell Hall
November 1, 8.00pm
November 2, 4.30pm
$12 entry. (Children under 12 $2 entry)

Places, Faces & Incongruities

12/10/2014

Photographer Graeme Akers

When I was asked by the Moonambel Arts and History Group if I would like to put on an exhibition of photos, I wasn't sure if I had enough pictures to fill the space. But when I sat down to look at my collection, I quickly realised that the problem may be the opposite. Deciding to present the exhibition on the Australia Day weekend made it simple; just use images taken in Australia. Just the same, it has taken several months of accepting, rejecting, re-selecting and lots of ruthless whittling to arrive at the collection presented in this exhibition.

One of Graeme's photos included in the exhibition.

Photographic exhibition by
Graeme Akers

Australia Day Weekend, 2015
Moonambel Recreation Reserve

Graeme is busily collating his exhibition and has
kindly provided this autobiography:

One of Graeme's photos included in the exhibition

I take photos for my own enjoyment and not necessarily for sharing, hence the eclectic weirdness of some of these images. You might think as you go around the display, "Why on earth has he taken a picture of that?" The answer may have something to do with the way the light hits an object, or the patterns created when some things are seen together... or just something caught elusively out of the corner of my eye that I then have to try to catch with the camera. This is often easier said than done. the camera's sensor is not as clever as the human eye and the object that caught the attention may not be so obvious when viewed directly.

I hope you enjoy my choice of photographs as much as I have enjoyed taking them and choosing which to share.

Thank you to all the people who have generously allowed me to use their images. Thanks also to MAHG for giving me the opportunity to share them and an especially big thank you to Noreen and Campbell McAdam for first displaying some of my photos at Counterpoint Winery and giving me the confidence to share with you the way I see things.

MAHG AGM 2014

30/9/2014

Secretary Jan (left) & President Garry (right) thank Councillor Ron Eason for helping present prizes at 'The Good, the Bad & the Ugly' photo competition at Easter.

MAHG held its third AGM with all office bearers continuing in their positions. The President's Report outlines our succeful year.

President's Report.
This is our third Annual General Meeting but also the eleventh year since the first Arts Event with the inaugural Easter exhibition. We have won a National Volunteering Award in the past and prove to still be a strong volunteer group committed to bringing art to the area for the community to enjoy. The history component of our agenda is also being brought to the mix this reporting year.

Since our last Annual Meeting we have been involved in the following activities:

The 'Core of my Art' exhibition in October where ten talented local artists shared their individual journey to create a unique work of art – sculpture, printing, painting and ceramics from conception to finish.

The permanent ceramic Analemmetic Sundial installation at the Moonambel Common where local artists and members of the community came together to produce this unique community artwork.

The Easter weekend annual Photographic Exhibition 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' Photographers saw many interpretations of the theme which added to the atmosphere. We appreciate the help from the Stawell Camera Club which provided us with judges for the event.

MCTC production 'Peter Dawson, King of Song' at the Moonambel Hall Easter Saturday. Adrian, Steve and Gwynn sang accompanied by Micheal on the piano. A few emotional tears were shed by our older community members as the memories were stirred.

The Moonambel Community Theatre Company's melodrama 'Not Yours Mine' in February. The audience 'boos and hisses' did not upstage our local thespians but enthused them for their next performance in November. This melodrama, along with the 'Sleeping Beauty' pantomime and the 'Old Time Music Hall', completed the trilogy of Victorian theatrical performances.

The website mahg.org.au and a page on the Ballarat ArtsAtlas website continued to keep our activities documented. This year we also joined the 'Unravelling' website to advertise our exhibitions and performances Australia wide.

Market stalls, barbecue and devonshire teas, when we have events staged at the Moonambel Recreation Reserve.

Projects on the go...

Hosting the Photographic Exhibition by Graeme Akers

The Moonambel Lockup Walk at the Common.

Restoring Moonambel's Anzac Avenue to its former glory.

Moonambel Ceramic Centre to be installed at the Primary School.

MCTC production of the pantomime 'Cinderella'.

Art workshops in varied media.

'Secrets of the Bush' mixed media exhibition

I would like to repeat my words of last year as they still apply today...
Thank you to all our members for the hard work and dedication put towards all of these and future projects. All this comes from the marvellous talents and fantastic community spirit which each member has and brings with enthusiasm to the group. Importantly, creative inspirations by various members have driven the projects to the outstanding success we enjoy as we work in a harmonious team.

Garry Hutton.
President

Another Successful Easter Exhibition!

25/4/2014

Curators Sanne & Helen with the task of getting these entries into an interesting exhibition. Photo: Jan Curtis

We had another successful Easter Weekend with the weather being very kind to us.

The curators, Sanne and Helen, had a mammoth task setting up 108 exhibits for the judges to find an ultimate winner. Not an easy task as the standard was very high this year.

Ray, Garry & John serving delicious barbecue fare at the Saturday market. Photo: Jan Curtis

Jan making her delicious scones for the Devonshire teas. You can't get any fresher! Photo: Graeme Akers

The Saturday Market saw many people enjoying the whole event with our team pitching in with a barbecue stall and Devonshire teas served from the kitchen.

On Saturday evening we were treated to the MCTC Peter Dawson performance at the local Hall. Adrian van den Bergen performed the songs while Micheal Matthews accompanied him on piano. Steve Lane and Gwynnyth van den Bergen read us Peter's biography giving us an insight into the singer including his wonderful Aussie larrikinism. Steve & Gwynnyth also accompanied Adrian in two duets. A very entertaining evening indeed.
What will we see next?
The pantomime 'Cinderella' in November.

' Seal of Approval' Judges' Prize. Photo: Janelle Matthews.

'Butt Ugly' People's Choice - Humorous. Photo: Johann Westin.

'GOOD Glasses for BAD Sun' Children's Section 2nd Prize. Photo: Chloe Hutton

Sunday afternoon saw the 'Meet and Mingle' where food and wine continued to emerge from the kitchen giving us a wonderful ambience in which to have the winners announced. Entries were from as far away as Melbourne but local photographers also enjoyed entering their work.

'Miss Greedy' People's Choice - Most Popular. Photo: Linda Phillips.

Judges Prize: 'Seal of Approval'. Photographer - Janelle Matthews, Digger's Rest.
People's Choice Most Popular: 'Miss Greedy'. Photographer - Linda Phillips, Moonambel
People's Choice Most Humorous: 'Butt Ugly'. Photographer - Johann Westin, Avoca.
Children's 1st Prize: 'My Sister is a Good Dancer'. Photographer - Dylan Hutton, Maryborough.
Children's 2nd Prize: 'GOOD Glasses for BAD Sun'. Photographer - Chloe Hutton, Maryborough.

'My Sister is a Good Dancer' Children's Section 1st Prize. Photo: Dylan Hutton

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly update

9/4/2014

It's nearly here!

Seriously, is this GOOD (they like each other??) BAD (say no more!!) or just plain UGLY!?! Your choice. Photo: Kaye Hutton

Our Photo Competition is fast approaching.
If you are entering photos, you are able to deliver them to the local Moonambel Store. There is a tub which is checked daily for entries. Just remember to include your entry forms and have them there by April 16th. If any problems arise, just ring/email Kaye or Jan.

Remember that you may depict just one aspect of the theme or incorporate all three. Your choice. At just $5 per entry it is easy to submit more than one photo.

For more details, see our previous blog. See you at Easter!

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Photo Competition

9/3/2014

The Easter photographic competition is on once again. The theme for this year is 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly'. This opens up to basically whatever you like...images can be drawn from the arts, architecture, nature, families or local or world events.

Check out the poster on right. If you intend to enter a photograph, entry forms are available in the Moonambel shop as well as being able to download them if you prefer.
Email contacts for forms:
janandray@activ8.net.au
or
kaye.hutton@gmail.com

This competition is not limited to photographers in the Pyrenees Shire. Anyone can enter. So thinking caps on. Let's see how creative you are!

The entries will sure to surprise all as the photographers let their imaginations fly. Come along to see the display Easter Saturday and Sunday at the Moonambel Pavilion.

All entries will be judged by a team of professional photographers with a $300 prize for the photo judged best in the show. They will also award the children's section with a voucher from the Avoca Newsagency.

Then there is the People's Choice for most popular and most humorous. Make sure your vote counts.

On Saturday we again welcome the local Moonambel market. Wonderful stalls offer a fine selection of products. MAHG's delicious barbecue is available. Take a seat and listen to the music, catch up with friends with our scrumptious Devonshire tea.

The competition/exhibition closes with the legendary ‘Meet and Mingle’. You are invited to enjoy finger foods and local wines while the winning entries are announced and the raffle is drawn.

Come and join us in Moonambel at Easter.

Peter Dawson, King of Song.

7/3/2014

Moonambel Community Theatre Company
presents
'Peter Dawson, King of Song'

Easter Saturday, April 19, 8.00pm
Moonambel Community Hall
Entry:
Adults $10 Children 12 & under $2
Proceeds to the Avoca Medical Centre
Bookings:
Adrian van den Bergen: 0409 944 757 or
adrianvandenbergen@yahoo.com

Old Father Thames
The Floral Dance
On the Road to Mandalay
Irish Medley
Let me still hold your Hand - Mozart Duet
Glorious Devon
Stockriders Song
When the Sergeant Major's on Parade
The Kerry Dance
The Toreador - Carmen
Waiati Poi
The End of a Perfect Day - duet
The Holy City
The Trumpeter
and many more...

Starring...
Baritone - Adrian van den Bergen
Soprano - Gwynnyth van den Bergen
Tenor - Steve Lane
with piano accompaniment by Micheal Matthews.

A Tribute to the Life of Australia's Ambassador of Song

Melodrama a great success!

19/2/2014

From the sound of the cheers and jeers coming from the audience, both the performances were a resounding success.
Steve Lane and Gwynn van den Bergen once again managed to pull the local amateurs into a very entertaining show which was overacted superbly in the Victorian melodramatic style.

Villain Bart bullies his off sider Nero. Photo: Ben Ormsby

Lilly's companions Laura, Natalie and Fiona. Photo: John Argall

Sadie, the theatre cleaning lady, stole the show every time she appeared. Between sweeping under everyone's feet and changing the set she was "not one to complain" but we all got her message loud and clear!

Molly hears the plot against her husband Archie Bishop. Photo: Ben Ormsby

Hugh introducing 'The Bosom Buddies'! Photo: Ben Ormsby

Heroine Lilly with her hero, Stanton. Photo: Ben Ormsby

The Cast:
Heroine Lilly White..............Gwynn van den Bergen
Hero Stanton Upright......................................Chris Sirre
Villain Bart Blackhart.....................Micheal Matthews
His offsider Nero Nevagood............Bernard Abadie
Lilly's father Snowy White...........................Noel Walsh
Lilly's friend Laura Norder...................Sanne Malkaer
Lilly's friend Fiona Frend.............................Ruth Searle
Lilly's friend Natalie Drest..........................Kaye Hutton
Singer/villain Carmen Geddit......................Salli Argall
Widow Molly Bishop...................................Robyn Akers
Barman Hugh Vadenuff....Adrian van den Bergen
Cleaning Lady Sadie............................................Jan Curtis

Sadie at work!!! Photo Ben Ormsby

A dramatic occasion when Nero attacks our hero Stanton. Photo: Merri Hogan

It IS gold!!! Carmen and Natalie with Father Snowy White. Photo: Merri Hogan

The Cast. Photo: John Argall

See more photos in the photo gallery.

Not Yours Mine is happening this month

6/2/2014

Contact:
Steve Lane
E: Steve.lane@activ8.net.au
T: 0419 548 214
Tickets available at the door

Excitement is in the air. This humorous production will be staged very soon delivering the usual brilliance of the local thespians. Make sure you don't miss this event.

The word is that another pantomime may be happening in November. What will they do next?

Contact Steve Lane for tickets or roll up to the performance and hope it is not a full house.

Nero Nevagood (Bernard Abadie), the villain's offsider, threatens the hero, Stanton Upright (Chris Sirre). Photo: Kaye Hutton

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Our website was created December 2012. The History page lists activities from 2003 to 2012.

Coming Events

2019

Easter Art Show "Exhibition Without a Title.'
Ceramic centre events
Workshops
History at the Common
Historic signage
MCTC Production

We will keep you informed as these projects develop and of any new projects which arise...

It's nearly here!

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