Melburnians are long known to love all things to do with the arts. The quirkier, the better and the more you feel part of the artwork itself, the more we seem to love it. I have an insider sneak view of a (somewhat) secret theatre, that I absolutely would love to share with you.
Fab Nobs Theatre Company is a small (technically non-professional - but perhaps think outside the box) theatre company and upon arrival at their theatre you might wonder what on earth you have walked into, as it is set in an industrial area in Bayswater and from the outside does not look very different to any other of factories in this location.
A small set turned into an amazing experience - the set and cast of Chicago! *Image © Lesley Mitchell
If they need additional toilets, there will be a portaloo outside and a very non-celebratory entrance, where people queue up on the grass surrounded by the cars in the carpark - however, don't let this informal exterior deceive you. As you enter through the small hole in the wall door, you will see posters adorning the walls, celebrating the 50 different Productions Fab Nobs have already staged in this small theatre.
The hole in the wall entrance that alludes to all the amazing events that have previously taken place here. *Image © Lesley Mitchell
There is a tiny kiosk with great food and snacks at really reasonable prices and you enter into the theatre from this kiosk area.
Wine, Champagne, Snack Platters, Hot Popcorn, Choc Tops, and much more - at fantastic prices. The small and intimate stage and audience seating *Image © Lesley Mitchell
We had the pleasure of being invited to see Fab Nobs production of
Chicago.
Chicago tells the story of two murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, set against the lively backdrop of jazzy, boozy, corrupt, fame-obsessed 1920's America. 2017 marks Fab Nobs' 15th-anniversary producing quality theatre in Bayswater, and
Chicago was their 50th production.
For this particular production, the theatre had been set-up with small table seating, which had the added bonus of making you feel like you had stepped into some secret Parisian theatre from the early 1900's. On the table, they had placed business cards for the (character) lawyer who was working with the ladies in the actual play which really made you feel like you were part of an experience rather than just visiting the theatre.
Of course, having available platters of cheese and crackers along with popcorn, champagne and soft drinks just added to the great fun of a visit to the theatre with Fab Nobs.
For a small theatre company, the show was incredibly impressive. You would not know that they were not paid professionals with the quality of the show held - in a word "wonderful". We absolutely loved it and if you are the sort of person who loves things to be a little bit out of the box and unique, I am sure you are going to love it just as much as we did.
Some of the Chigago cast performing. *Image © Lesley Mitchell
Fab nobs theatre productions puts on some quality productions throughout various times of the year. The next production they will be holding is a children's production of
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, followed closely by the musical drama of
Violet. If you wish to become part of the exclusive inner circle you can even
become a VIP member.
If you love supporting the local arts and would like to have an experience rather than just witness one, I would thoroughly recommend Fab Nobs Theatre to you, perhaps you might even like to
audition or to assist out with the cast behind the scenes - for all details please visit their website and Facebook pages.
Fab Nobs Theatre Inc. is located at:
33 Industry Place, Bayswater 3153
Click
HERE for website or
www.fabnobstheatre.com.au
Click
HERE for Fab Nobs facebook page.
We would love to hear about your experiences of Fab Nobs theatre and what you thought about it - please use the comments box at the bottom of this article to share with us.
