Still Going Strong -- Mike Saunders

Electric Light Theatre began in 1984; in preparation for the first on stage production in 1985. The people who started it all had an interest in stagecraft. A few of us had our beginning with the Scout Gang Show, while others had a background in dance. All our experiences showed us that young people have a lot of talent when it comes to entertainment. Beside the Gang Show, which was restricted to Scouting and Guiding folk, the only other group to cater for youngsters was Mildura Little Theatre. This group was concerned with acting roles under the direction of the late Norm York, who incidentally was one our best supporters.

We felt we wanted to create a new bright modern variety show which could be available to young people in the whole community. I recall that the 'Electric Light' bit was all about being bright. As time progressed this concept lead us heavily into lighting effects.

Our first show went on stage with only 43 cast. There were no problems with getting in then! Our budget for the whole show was $500! Last year we spent $2000 on scenery alone! Our total budget exceeded $27,000.

Over the years a few of our past cast have ventured forth into careers in entertainment. We have now a completely new cast on stage as Richard Tankard was the last of the original cast left. Vaughan Stirrat is now the only person left in the Commitee from the original show, and has been involved until the current time. What did happen over these years was that some extremely talented and creative people both in Cast and Production, joined in our ranks. Their great leadership and example were an inspiration to the all youngsters starting off.

There was a time when we considered that only the girls could dance. The boys spectacular routine in West Side Story will probably never be equalled. As the show goes now, all the cast learn to dance.

There were moments of fun too. Like when Scott's head appeared in the Juke Box where the records should have been. A certain picture from 'Playboy' inside the sink. And the time when the stage crew were caught on stage playing cards (The only light was on them). Also, Richard Tankard's amazing "Everything is fresh".

Probably the funniest was the disappearing cat on the string in the "Inspector Gadget" sketch, which a happened as an accident and we kept it in.

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