Rosebud Theatre group
Southern Peninsula Players and Rosebud Astral Theatre Society
Life Members
Southern Peninsula Players
John Purves Founding Member 1952 ( Deceased )
Geoff Brown (Deceased)
Jean Brown ( Deceased)
Clem Gregory (Deceased)
Roberta Hedger (Deceased)
Evan Knoble
Terry Lowe (Deceased)
Alma Moore (Deceased)
Shirley Riley
Tony Staunton
Jim Tart
Frances Westwater
Alan Tonkin (Deceased)
Nancy Tonkin
Sally Montgomery
Colette Staunton ( Deceased)
Pam Foreman
Max Revens ( Deceased)
Doreen Smith (Deceased)
Elsie Bryant (Deceased)
Stan Bryant (Deceased)
Murielle Campbell (Deceased)
Fred Gregory (Deceased)
Iris Hall (Deceased)
John Lowe (Deceased)
Enid MacDonald (Deceased)
Doris Morant (McDonald) (Deceased)
Lily Peers (Deceased)
Becc Tarasuik
Lorraine Williams
Gabe Noonan
Rosebud Astral Theatre ( this list needs to be updated. Once our new website is upgraded.)
Eric Mcphann
Jim Tart
Alma Moore
Bob Moore
Pam Foreman
Evan Knoble
Gabriel Noonan
Rosebud Theatre Group.
2022
Brendan Croft
If we have inadvertently missed any members, please be sure to drop us a line and let us know.
VALE
ERICmcphan
July 2024
Let’s celebrate Eric’s journey with the Rosebud Theatre Group. Founder, actor and friend.
Eric’s theatrical odyssey
In the hallowed halls of our beloved Rosebud theatre groups, Astral and SPP, Eric stood as a lanky bundle of creativity, dedication, and camaraderie. His journey unfolded like a captivating play, each act revealing a new facet of his talent, passion and humour.
Act I: Enter stage right
Its 1983, and story has it, that Eric attending an SPP meeting and suggested they start another theatre group dedicated solely to musical theatre. He slammed 15 cents down on the table initiating the first deposit to the treasurer. The rest is history. The first production was the “Wizard of Oz” where Eric played the Tin Man. Clad in silver, he danced across the stage as his metallic heart thumped with longing, and the audience held its breath. Eric’s vulnerability resonated, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
Intermission: Backstage bonds
Between rehearsals and costume changes, Eric wove a tapestry of friendships. He shared anecdotes and lent a listening ear. Shows, like Dad’s Army, Calamity Jane, Joesph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Vicar Of Dibley, The Music Man, and Annie Get Your Gun just to name a few, were where the backstage banter echoed with his infectious laughter; reminding us that theatre was more than lines and blocking—it was family.
Act II: Enter stage left
It’s 2013. Thirty years later, once again the Wizard Of Oz is being produced. This time Eric attended as a special guest and was given a life membership. Along with his trophy and certificate, Brendan Croft (the president at the time) re-imbursed him his 15 cents. As always, with a joke and good spirits Eric donated it back to the group.
Last call
Enter, Jim Trott, the bumbling yet endearing character from “The Vicar of Dibley.” Eric slipped into Jim’s shoes, eccentric sweaters, and stutter effortlessly. His timing was impeccable, drawing laughter like honey from a jar. Whether stammering through town council meetings or making lured comments to Letitia (Lorraine Willams), Eric infused Jim with warmth and wit.
Curtain Call: A standing ovation
Eric’s final bow was a bittersweet crescendo. We the audience rise, hands clapping in unison. Tears glistened in our eyes knowing it’s not just the end of the end of a show; it is the closing act of an era, a legend. Eric had etched his legacy into our theatre’s walls, our hearts and our souls. Eric contentedly retired from theatre, spending his last several years with his wife Julie, and their dogs.
And so, under the dim glow of stage lights, we bid farewell to Eric—a muse, a friend, and a star. His laughter echoed in the rafters, a reminder that the magic of theatre transcends scripts and footlights. As the curtain fell, we whispered, Break a leg, dear Eric. Until our next encore.
Gabe Noonan,
RTG President
Vale
Alma Mary Moore
Vale. Mary Alma Moore. 08/10/1932 – 18/10/2019.
Our very dear friend, a very special lady, known as Alma to everyone, passed away on
Friday morning, 18/10/2019.
Alma, a leading light in the local Mornington Peninsula amateur theatre community, unofficial matriarch of both Rosebud theatre companies, was much loved and respected. She knew everyone, and everyone knew her. She was kind, considerate, supportive, fun loving, and the best director a show could wish for. Everyone has their own favourite memory of Alma, holding court at many a cast party, hanging on her every word, as she sipped her bubbles, stories that are embedded in our lives.
Written by Lorraine williams
A golden heart stopped beating
Two hands were laid to rest
God broke our hearts to prove
he only takes the best.
If our tears could build a stairway
And memories build a lane
We would run right up to heaven
And bring you back again.
Though none of this can happen
And he decided for you to part
All the beautiful memories we’ll keep
Everlasting treasures in our heart.
So climb the golden stairs Alma
To the golden gates so far away
Live an angel’s life, and fly through clouds
We will all be with you someday.
Author Unknown
Our Love and condolences go to Alma’s family and many friends. When you think of Alma, wear a smile and carry on. Treat people with respect and kindness always, even if needs to be of the firmer kind. Alma lives on in all of our hearts and lives in a very special way.
VALE
2018 Two Very Special People.
Southern Peninsula Players and Rosebud Astral Theatre.
In the last four months, friends and members of the Rosebud Theatre Groups mourn the loss of dear friends Jean Brown and Carol Bice. We celebrate the good memories of both ladies who respectively held positions on their management committees and contributed with a passion to community theatre down here on the peninsula and in particular Rosebud.
Both, Jean and Carol, will be greatly missed. We send our love and condolences to their families.
Jean served as both secretary and treasurer of Southern Peninsula Players for many years. Her husband Geoff was also heavily involved with the group, and ran the box office for many years, even after they officially left management, selling tickets from their shop – Rosebud Carpets. Both Jean and Geoff in their retirement never missed a show at the hall and for many years until Geoff’s death Jean served on our front of house team. She ran a friendly and tight ship, often having to clip Geoff across the elbow when he was chatting to make sure patrons got to their seats safely and in plenty of time to get immersed in the show atmosphere. Jean was a fiercely loyal friend and faced all problems and ill health with a patience that was strengthened by her faith. Very often a flash of acerbic wit would take her listeners aback. She was strong-minded and true.
Carol performed with both theatre groups. However, her passion was music. She was a very accomplished singer and her voice, in harmony with people like Lyn Lith was amazing. Carol Bice was a member of Astral’s committee of management for many years. She was the costume mistress for most of that time, making, adapting, cataloging and looking after the many costumes Astral accumulated. Her designs and skills were extraordinary. Her work on the Mikado costumes had everybody awed and inspired. Carol was able to mix and match a variety of colours and patterns for the kimonos the little maids were to wear, (we had a lot more than three). She was able to create designs that looked good on any shape or size. Carol was a gentle lady, but with a quick wit and an unforgettable giggle.