A unique group of local identities were honoured when the Esperance Theatre Guild held a special event to recognize its founding members.
Esperance Theatre Guild President Victoria Brown said the current committee wanted to pay tribute to the Guild’s founding members whose foresight and dedication formed the Esperance Theatre Guild and purchased the Bijou Theatre more than 40 years ago.

Those honoured were Dale Johnson, Raleigh Sellars, Nils Blumann, Penny Blumann, Barrie Stearne, Margot Siemer, Dick Teasdale, Doug Slater, Marie Slater, Heather Timms and Jane Ratten.
The Esperance Theatre Guild was formed in 1968 and initially members performed in the RSL Hall. In the early 1970s the guild negotiated to lease the RAOB Hall and staged their first production (Blithe Spirit) there in 1971.

In the years that followed negotiations got underway for the guild to purchase the Bijou Theatre. This was eventually finalized in 1977, giving the theatre guild a permanent home in the historic theatre.

“The Bijou Theatre and the Esperance Theatre Guild are a vibrant part of the Esperance community. Honouring this dedicated group of founding members acknowledges the important role they played in preserving the history of our town and ensuring the Bijou continues to be used today for its original purpose – a working theatre providing art, culture and entertainment for our community.”
Victoria Brown, Guild President, November 2014