STC and The Wharf are synonymous. Four decades of history are encapsulated within the walls of our waterside home. Our supporters feel a sense of pride and, working here, so do we.
In April, we hosted a unique event for our SoulMates, those who have pledged a gift to STC in their will, featuring actors John Gaden, Peter Carroll, and Bruce Spence. The three veteran performers took a break from rehearsals for Do Not Go Gentle, a lyrical and moving story of resilience written by playwright Patricia Cornelius, to reminisce about the beginnings of the Company and the early years at The Wharf.
2023 marks the 40th year we've been making theatre here, and Peter Carroll and John Gaden have been with STC since the beginning. Coincidentally, Peter and John have both performed in 60 productions with us.
In celebration of this special occasion, STC's SoulMates and Major Gifts Coordinator Mitchell Bourke took a deep dive into our archives.
Peter featured in the first ever production staged by the Sydney Theatre Company: Patrick White’s A Cheery Soul in 1979. The show was memorable for many reasons, but for Peter one reason in particular stood out: "I do remember my daughter, Tamsin, was born on the last night of the season, so that dates it very firmly in my mind."
Annie Byron, Jan Hamilton, Peter Carroll (back), Robyn Nevin and Pat Bishop in A Cheery Soul, 1979. Photo: Branco Gaica
John Gaden was the company’s first ever associate director, co-directing The Sunny South with Artistic Director Richard Wherett in 1980. This production also featured Peter Carroll.
The Sunny South, 1980. Photo: Peter Holderness
John recalled that the early days of the Company were full of enthusiasm, promise, and hard work: "It was a very exciting time because we were starting a new company. Richard had a wonderful manifesto: we’re going to try to knock the socks off Sydney. And, in many ways, it did that."
John particularly remembered rehearsals for our epic, two-part production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby in 1983, which took place in the pre-renovated Wharf: "We had 34 actors, 650 costumes, 11 and a-half weeks of rehearsals. It was a massive undertaking."
John Gaden leads the rehearsals for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, 1983. Photo: Brett Hilder
John Gaden leads the rehearsals for The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, 1983. Photo: Brett Hilder
The Wharf in 1983, prior to the 1984 renovations.
The layout of The Wharf has become so familiar to regular attendees, but it was almost very different.
"The original [design] that was done by the government architect, which was very good, was all the wrong way round," said John.
"Workshop and wardrobe were up at what we call "the deep end," the end with the harbour view. And the theatre was right down [the Hickson Road] end because they thought people would be able to get off their buses and walk into the theatre, which was a nice idea.
"I remember we had a meeting and Richard said "no, this is all wrong. It’s got to be the other way around – we’ve got to put the theatre and the social parts of the place at the far end."
Thanks to Richard’s foresight and new architect Vivian Fraser’s designs, The Wharf opened with the iconic layout that we still enjoy today.
The Wharf in 1983, prior to the 1984 renovations.
The Wharf in 2019, prior to the recent renovations
The Costume Department in 2023
The event concluded with Peter Carroll beautifully musing on the importance of legacy, and his dedication to STC audiences:
"It is extraordinary to think we’ve both done 60 productions at the company, and we‘ve gone on that journey through our lives with you. So many of you have been with the company since, well from The Old Tote days, into this extraordinary place. But it’s so many years and for me it is so utterly important that I know my audience and I know and love this Sydney audience which has been a part of my life for all that time.
"You keep coming back for more and we’ll keep dishing it out."
Peter Carroll and John Gaden in The Lost Echo, 2006. Photo: Tania Kelley
The STC Archives were generously supported by STC donors, allowing us to preserve and share our history with you. STC archivist Judith Seeff has been instrumental in cataloguing and maintaining the Archives for over 25 years.
To discuss including STC in your Will with complete confidentiality and without obligation, or to request a copy of the brochure in the post, please contact Mitchell Bourke, SoulMates Coordinator on (02) 9250 1944 or [email protected]