CONSERVE
The Show Must Go On BY JAMES BOSANQUET, ARCHIVES & LIBRARY MANAGER
What does a pot of rouge, a Noel Coward programme and the designs for Hoyts in George St have in common? They’re all part of a special collection of images, props, listings, plans and correspondence that the National Trust is slowly and carefully digitising to preserve and celebrate our state’s theatrical history. Here we explore items and stories from one of Australia’s most prestigious heritage theatres – the Minerva. Tough but glamorous beginning The Minerva had a shaky start when it opened its doors in Potts Point in 1939. It was born during the sly grog era when razor gangs ran Kings Cross. Competition between venues was intense, and audiences were low. But the Minerva persisted, putting on live theatre – particularly comedies and dramas – through the War Years. Noel Coward was a popular choice. In 1940, the witty and sophisticated British actor and writer attended the opening of his play Design For Living at the Minerva. Coward’s popularity was such that the Sydney Morning Herald likened the scene to “an episode from a Royal tour”.
it the Metro Theatre. In 1969 Harry M Miller brought Hair to the Metro at a time when obscenity laws censored rock stars and performers, such as Joe Cocker. Hair was contentious for onstage nudity and casual use of obscenities. But Miller encouraged the controversy: “No sane person could possibly find offence in Hair,” he told the Herald. The production ran for two years. In 1976 the National Trust recognised the Metro Minerva as the epitome of the ‘Moderne’ expressionist-inspired designs of the late 1930s and added it to its heritage register. But not everyone was happy, and our archival
The Minerva featured many other famous plays of the 1940s – Gaslight, Of Mice and Men, Reunion in Vienna and Good Morning, Bill. It also put on productions by JC Williamson, the dominant theatrical agency in Australia at the time. The National Trust collection includes many original show programmes from the Minerva’s early live theatre years. JC Williamson’s programmes, in particular, are great fun – glossy and gossipy, they brought a touch of glamour to audiences. The collection also includes photos of matinee stars as well as advertisements of the day, such as for Mercolized Wax, Elizabeth Arden ‘permanent’ wave cream and music lessons for your ‘gifted’ child. Hairy times at the Metro The Minerva continued to show live theatre until 1950, when MGM bought it and renamed 8
National Trust (NSW)
