We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Pittwater.

Roy Baker (producer & cast member)

Jealous rage: Jess McGowan, Roy Baker & Bruce Belsham
(photo courtesy Oneill Photographics)

It wasn’t always easy. We’ve had medical emergencies, broken limbs and histrionics (although that was just me). Roof racks shed plywood and we even had a small fire (don’t tell SIRA). In fact, at one point it looked like we were going to be refused permission by the rightsholders. But solutions were found, and finally the Scotland Island Players are on the home straight with their production of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off.

We open in the community hall on 19 June, with additional performances on 20, 26, 27 June. There will be a bar run by the Men’s Shed, and a ferry after the Friday performances to return audience members to Church Point and the western foreshore. Tickets are selling fast, particularly for the last night. For full details and to buy tickets, click here.

Attacked by sardines: Nettie Lodge & Sophie Lepowic
(photo courtesy Oneill Photographics)

Inevitably, these events become all-of-island productions. Although I designed the set, John Travers made it a viable reality. We built it with the assistance of other Men’s Shed volunteers, plus we used their tools. We are grateful. I also thank Nettie Lodge for her spectacular artistry on the set doors.

Equally unavoidable is the fact that plays involve a certain monopolisation of community buildings, particularly towards opening night. Thanks – and apologies – to other hall and Rec Centre users who have accommodated our needs.

Many others across the offshore community have helped. For a start, we have the long-suffering friends and families of overwrought cast members. My personal thanks go to Annabelle Kristovic and Ian Yerbury for tirelessly helping me learn my lines.

Facing off: Alix Ah-Pet & Biba Farnea
(photo courtesy Oneill Photographics)

Special thanks also to those who regularly attended rehearsals to fill in for missing cast members. I am thinking in particular of Ian White, who would have been in the cast but for an argument with a motor bike. Then there’s Lizzie Brand, whose shop Interlace in Dee Why is providing costumes. We’ve also benefited from the steadying presence of Gilly Unwin, who fuelled us with coffee and cakes.

In terms of technical support, we are particularly indebted to Boyd. Not only is he looking after lighting and sound, he built the stage, took photos and has helped out in many other ways. I also single out our other producer, Jess McGowan, who calmed choppy emotions and whose dedication and hard work, not to mention enthusiasm for Frayn’s work, has brought it to the stage.

Actors aren’t generally the easiest of people, and our director, Paul Kininmonth, has displayed commendable composure throughout our many, many hours of rehearsal. Directing can be a thankless task, particularly with actors who think they know best. Paul has come up with good and interesting ideas, and he has encouraged and cajoled. Thanks, Paul, for your efforts.

Peace offering: Reuben Stacey & Jess McGowan
(photo courtesy Oneill Photographics)

And finally to the cast, who hardly need thanking, since we have most of the fun. In this production we have, in order of appearance, Nettie Lodge, Jess McGowan, myself, Alix Ah-Pet, Biba Farnea, Bruce Belsham, Sophie Lepowic, Reuben Stacey and John Cross. 

By wrapping one play within another, Noises Off celebrates and lampoons English farce, but also satirises theatre more generally, what with its vanities and pretensions, not to mention fragile egos and sets. Countless times during rehearsal we’ve caught ourselves sharing the frailties of our characters, to the extent that it wasn’t always clear when the acting stopped and real life began. But that’s Frayn’s point. As one of his characters wryly observes during one of the play’s disastrous performances, ‘This is getting farcical’. We only hope you will agree.

John Travers with the completed set (but before painting)

For tickets, click here

For tickets, click here

All brigade members are encouraged to attend this year's AGM, which will celebrate the brigade's achievements over the course of the last year and elect field and administrative officers for the year to come.

Further details, as well as an opportunity to register, will be made available closer to the time.

Annual subscription:
The 2025-26 membership fee of $20 (life members exempt) was due by August 2025.

If you are overdue with payment please pay it as soon as possible. The brigade bank details are as follows:

Account name: Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade
BSB: 082 294
Account: 509351401

Ordinary members of the brigade voting in the election of field or administrative officers must have paid their 2025-26 subscription fee (unless a life member). If 2025-26 membership fees remain unpaid at the time of the AGM then membership of the brigade may lapse. 

NB the above reflects a change to the originally published date and time.

Volunteer Editor: Roy Baker

Supported by: Scotland Island Residents Association